Best Monitors under $10,000

**nile49** · July 30, 2015, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Used pair of Focal Diablo. It runs around $8-9k. Great Utopia sound under $10k. Give them high current class A amplification and you'll be rewarded. Plus it has the looks.

What is the bass rolloff like on those? Do they conceal their limitations well?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**RDSChicago** · July 30, 2015, 10:42 PM

Did you buy the pair of Pioneer's on AG? If so how much if you don't mind saying? They didn't come with the OEM stands so I was hesitant.

**kzhtoo** · July 31, 2015, 02:18 AM

Originally Posted by nile49

What is the bass rolloff like on those? Do they conceal their limitations well?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Never owned them myself but heard them on multiple occasions. Didn't feel they were short on the low end as far as the monitors go. Very deep soundstage. Clear sounding and images very well like a real hi-end monitor should.

**GaryProtein** · July 31, 2015, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by Steve

I forgot to mention why I love the Brodmann Vienna Festival Series monitors.

Price - Exceptional value.
Build - Exceptional finish. Crafted by piano makers.
Sound - These cabinets have integrated sounding boards. They are an all rounder but do exceptionally well playing classical and jazz. You will probably never hear a better piano score after listening to Brodmann.
Setup - Easy to drive, easy to position. Minimal footprint.

I always keep coming back to these. They are one of those special monitors that leave you with a magical impression.

I would love a pair for another system and will probably end up owning them.

Attachment 12318

I have heard the Brodmann's at shows. They are excellent.

As for their producing a great piano sound, that's probably because Brodmann also makes pianos.

**RDSChicago** · July 31, 2015, 02:58 PM

The Brodmann's look like the Vienna Acoustics Kiss: The Kiss

**Everest Audio** · July 31, 2015, 03:31 PM

I'll have to throw the Roksan Darius S1 into the mix as a definite contender, but I'm quite biased, so feel free to take this with a grain of salt if you like. I'd say they're still relatively unknown since I don't think very many people have heard them. Others can describe better than I can though:

hi-fi+ – Apr 2014 - “I can’t help listening to the Darius without drawing the Raidho C1.1 into the fight. The C1.1 is an expensive, but outstanding, loudspeaker that demands the best and gives the best. The Darius observes the same rules, but with two pivotal additions: it’s nowhere near as expensive as the C1.1 and it doesn’t make the same uncompromising demands on room and install. In a straight fight, there would be no clear winner, but as the Darius is so much cheaper, it’s not a fair fight.”

Hifi Pig – May 2014 - “These are simply one of the best standmounts I’ve heard."

**Dpod4** · August 1, 2015, 02:33 AM

Originally Posted by RDSChicago

Did you buy the pair of Pioneer's on AG? If so how much if you don't mind saying? They didn't come with the OEM stands so I was hesitant.

Yes from same dealer I had bought an arc ref 40 preamp from - Hanson Audio - very reputable and good outfit. I have stands. Just bought the matching sub for $900.

**wisnon** · August 1, 2015, 08:14 AM

These!

http://precide.ch/test/Heil/e_AV%20M...los_w_note.pdf

and in French "Petite bombe de musicalite" - http://precide.ch/test/Heil/f_aulos%...image%2055.htm

They have subwoofer stands as options as well. Any color you want, as long as its black.

The EA MM Micro 1s are great too.

**wisnon** · August 1, 2015, 08:21 AM

I have the original Aulos that I run parallel with the floorstanding Syrinx. Aulos at the bottom, Syrinx above.

Heil speakers have a very OPEN sound. Very fast mid/HF….perfect for piano. The Air velocity transformers out put air 4.3 times faster than input.

Heil AMT Aulos English

**CPP** · August 1, 2015, 09:12 AM

I still own a pair of Kef 201/2 and wish I still had my J.M. Reynaud Offrande Supreme V2 which to my ears were the most musical bookshelf I've ever heard under $10k... I still would like to hear the Vapor Arcus just to see.

So many speakers, so little time and money.

**dartohelem** · August 1, 2015, 02:41 PM

Focal Diablo Utopia iii, best monitor I've ever heard. Especially amazing paired with Devialet using its SAM. Very life-like presentation. I've owned them for a while and my jaw still drops from time to time with silly grin on my face when I listen to them. Makes music so real with palpable physical presence on incredible soundstage.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

**the professor** · August 1, 2015, 05:02 PM

Welcome dartohelem

**dartohelem** · August 1, 2015, 06:03 PM

Thanks Prof!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

**nile49** · August 3, 2015, 05:19 PM

Has anyone had any experience with the Eclipse TD712z mkII's? I've always had an interest in them and while they are of a quite different design ethos than most of the 2 way boxes mentioned here they are supposedly fantastic in their own special ways.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**wisnon** · August 3, 2015, 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by nile49

Has anyone had any experience with the Eclipse TD712z mkII's? I've always had an interest in them and while they are of a quite different design ethos than most of the 2 way boxes mentioned here they are supposedly fantastic in their own special ways.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They look like the Devialet Phantom somewhat.

ParttimeAudiophile did a write up on these a while back...

**Bobolaclune** · August 3, 2015, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by nile49

Has anyone had any experience with the Eclipse TD712z mkII's? I've always had an interest in them and while they are of a quite different design ethos than most of the 2 way boxes mentioned here they are supposedly fantastic in their own special ways.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi - I have a pair & they are superb speakers . There was a recent update on Stereophile and I echo all of the comments .

Fujitsu Ten Eclipse TD712z loudspeaker July 2015 | Stereophile.com

Images pop from thin air in a fully fleshed out fashion but with tremendous image depth and palpability. Set up is a bit weird, mine sit 5 feet away from me , 7 feet apart , toed in directly to the listening position. Somewhat restricted in the bass and with a very narrow sweet spot. Within those constraints , simply put - nothing I've ever heard sounds like them . The benefits of a crossover-less , single driver presentation are very persuasive to my ears . Please remember , these guys have development budgets that all of the high-end companies can only dream of. Eclipse is joint-venture between Toyota & Fujitsu.

**Steve** · August 3, 2015, 11:09 PM

The Eclipse TD712z mkII's look

very cute, like you want to pat them on the head.

**mep** · August 4, 2015, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by Steve

The Eclipse TD712z mkII's look

very cute, like you want to pat them on the head.

They look like eyeballs staring at you. I think they would creep me out.

**nile49** · August 4, 2015, 04:33 PM

[QUOTE=Bobolaclune Somewhat restricted in the bass and with a very narrow sweet spot. [/QUOTE]

So is this to say they are generally poor off axis? Or just that they lose some of their magic there? As I am looking for speakers for a living room space, not a dedicated room, this may be an issue.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Bobolaclune** · August 4, 2015, 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by nile49

So is this to say they are generally poor off axis? Or just that they lose some of their magic there? As I am looking for speakers for a living room space, not a dedicated room, this may be an issue.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Magic is the right word . Within that (admittedly) narrow window, they image like mad & it's startling just how direct and present the performance appears to be . Outside of that , I guess it'll be somewhat pleasant background / elevator music . I wouldn't recommend them for a generalized space from that point of view . Simply weaving your head in and out of the sweet spot is surprisingly different.

**dartohelem** · August 4, 2015, 09:33 PM

One of most memorable monitors is Krell LAT 2 (I think it's the 2, definitely not 1). Very lively, immediate presentation. Not polite or soft but music did sound live through them.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

**asindc** · August 4, 2015, 09:52 PM

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

Lot's of great speaker suggestions; the Joseph Audio Pulsar sounded great at different shows driven by Rowland or VAC amplifiers. Play a lot bigger than their size.

Yes they do. My favorite monitors.

**Face** · August 5, 2015, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by asindc

Yes they do. My favorite monitors.

I agree, they do sound very nice.

**nile49** · August 9, 2015, 12:19 PM

RDS - What made you move on from the Focal 1008's?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**RDSChicago** · August 9, 2015, 12:32 PM

I compared the 1008's against my Usher BE-718's and to my ears the Usher's won out by a considerable margin. You can pick up a used pair with the original stands, which are awesome and heavy, for under $1500. I would highly recommend auditioning or just purchase a pair if you have the opportunity. I found mine at an audio store in Portland, Oregon. I found a private guy to transport them for I believe $200 or so. Perhaps the best audio investment I have made, maybe with the exception of the Muse Two Hundred amplifier I bought on AG, which outperforms my Pass Aleph 0 monoblocks in every way. It drives my 100db HE speakers down to my 82db sensitive Platinum Audio Solo monitors with grip and authority with the sweetest mids and highs of any amp I have had the pleasure to own.

**nile49** · August 9, 2015, 09:33 PM

Yea, I've only heard good things about the Ushers. The newer Mini-X Diamonds look even nicer. Unfortunately their low 83db sensitivity has kept them off my short list. Maybe I need to be amplifier shopping...

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**mep** · August 10, 2015, 04:28 PM

I would ask why so many monitor speakers look like SF speakers, but I guess the answer would be obvious.

**Myles B. Astor** · August 10, 2015, 06:55 PM

I might add a lot of Italian speakers.

We just don't necessarily see them over here.

**Dpod4** · August 10, 2015, 11:27 PM

I hooked up the pioneer s2ex speakers. I put them on proper stands (custom made gig harbor $1500 stands made 100% of delrin). 33" tweeter height which is where my ears are on my couch). Previously had the KEF LS50 speakers and then Proac floor standers. My wife arrives tonight and I was waiting to see if she approves (she kicked the proacs to the curb). Let me fast forward - She will have no vote on these. They are staying. They are on par with my Magico S5 speakers. Unbelievable. Previous speakers sounded bright in my big living room - these are sweet sweet sweet. At first i was wondering where the top end was then as i sat and listened the ease and transparency hit me. Like best audio gear it is musical and not splashy. I had to turn the subwoofer way down and even off as these fill the room with low end. Listening to Diana krall and other songs I am very familiar with. First time my vacation home sounds on par with my reference system. Anyone want to buy a mint pair of KEF ls50 with matching stands?
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439263426.922703.jpg
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439263461.160870.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439263577.990499.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439263613.212625.jpg ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439263671.354164.jpg

**RDSChicago** · August 10, 2015, 11:33 PM

Wow! Congratulations on finding a pair of these underrated speakers. Glad you love them, as I suspected you would. At 62 pounds each I figured you wouldn't need a sub. Those babies must crank. Hope to have the opportunity to find a pair one of these days. Should you ever tire of them please let me know. Enjoy them in good health.

**RDSChicago** · August 10, 2015, 11:35 PM

BTW, I have a wanted to buy ad for these Pioneer speakers up on AG right now. Should anyone have a pair they wish to part with please do advise!

**Dpod4** · August 10, 2015, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by RDSChicago

Wow! Congratulations on finding a pair of these underrated speakers. Glad you love them, as I suspected you would. At 62 pounds each I figured you wouldn't need a sub. Those babies must crank. Hope to have the opportunity to find a pair one of these days. Should you ever tire of them please let me know. Enjoy them in good health.

Thanks. Listening to Eva Cassidy and am brought to tears. This is how music is supposed to move you. I feel like I am listening to Maggies.

**RDSChicago** · August 11, 2015, 12:03 AM

What amp are you driving them with? Do they like or need lots of power? Are tubes suitable or are they driven better with solid state?

**Dpod4** · August 11, 2015, 11:52 AM

I have marantz MA9S1 monos heavily modified by JENA Labs (in stock form they sounded better driving my Magicos than the previous Constellation Centaur), modified they are better than stock unmodified MA9S2 amps. I will be selling these as I bought a second pair of MA9S2 for this second system. I think the reason I am getting such sweet transparent authoritative full range sound is partly due to the monos teasing out all potential of speakers. I estimate less power or less refined amplification could collapse and make things brittle on top.

**Dpod4** · August 11, 2015, 10:24 PM

Wow - I am now listening to dsd files through chord Hugo (previous listening was via squeezebox touch)...these S2ex are definitely on par with my S5 speakers. My wife had gag reflex on size and stands and I put my foot down - they are staying.ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439346285.441424.jpg

**RDSChicago** · August 11, 2015, 11:16 PM

What are S5 speakers?

**MikeCh** · August 12, 2015, 12:02 AM

Originally Posted by Dpod4

Wow - I am now listening to dsd files through chord Hugo (previous listening was via squeezebox touch)...these S2ex are definitely on par with my S5 speakers. My wife had gag reflex on size and stands and I put my foot down - they are staying.ImageUploadedByTapatalk1439346285.441424.jpg

Sweet, they look like a budget minded TAD CR-1

**RDSChicago** · August 13, 2015, 12:31 AM

Well, since I missed out on those Pioneer S-2EX's, I purchased a pair of Lawrence Audio Violin's. After spending a few hours putting the integrated stands together, I just plugged them in. Listening to some Charlie Haden Pat Metheney Missouri Sky and Eva Cassidy "Songbird". I have to say, I am quite impressed with both the build quality and sound. They are incredibly well built, solid and HEAVY! Attached to the stands, they look like floor-standers. They are very large monitors and get down pretty low on the bass lines. Very impressed so far. I will have to A/B them against my reference monitor, the Usher BE-718's and see how they compare.

**wisnon** · August 14, 2015, 08:34 AM

Did anyone visit the Ear/Yoshino room in Munich 2015? Feedback seems excellent.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KshcZWqoOI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1wx_Uzm-WQ
Ear Yoshino

Ok, these were a bit of a pig to photograph given their lovely finish but
they do look great in the flesh and the sound in this room was one of the best
of the show for me.

Graham Audio
premiered their new (BBC) LS5/8 re-engineered to an exacting
specification by Derek Hughes. The system was powered by EAR Yoshino and Tim
de Paravacini did attend the show.

**Steve** · August 14, 2015, 10:22 AM

Why do they have Chicken Pox?

**wisnon** · August 14, 2015, 10:30 AM

LoL

Dunno, maybe better SQ when poxy?

**bzr** · August 14, 2015, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by RDSChicago

What are S5 speakers?

Magico S5 http://audioshark.org/magico-61/magi...l#.Vc5kRPm6LfI

Originally Posted by MikeCh

Sweet, they look like a budget minded TAD CR-1

I was going to ask Darrin if he knows if Andrew Jones designed these or were they before his time.

**Dpod4** · August 14, 2015, 10:53 PM

Originally Posted by bzr

Magico S5 http://audioshark.org/magico-61/magi...l#.Vc5kRPm6LfI

I was going to ask Darrin if he knows if Andrew Jones designed these or were they before his time.

From what I have read the pioneer with tad drivers and trickle down technology occurred after the tads and Andrew and his team were involved with the pioneers from beginning to end.

**Paul** · August 15, 2015, 12:15 AM

I might be little crazy to say this ...but in a small room the Rogers LS3/5a is best monitor I ever heard. They are one of must have/heard speakers imho

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**AudioKnight** · September 3, 2015, 05:04 AM

ProAc Response 1 SC;
Rogers LS3 5A;
Spendor SP1/2R

**BENi** · July 24, 2016, 08:49 PM

Has anyone put anytime in listening to the Lawrence Audio Violin? It scares me when a speaker looks so cool. I wonder what Im really paying for..

**joeinid** · July 24, 2016, 08:55 PM

Welcome to the forum BENi, thank you for joining.

**Narayan** · July 27, 2016, 05:10 PM

I´d have to say Boenicke Audio W5, amazing sound.

Music starts around the 2:20 mark

https://youtu.be/7TSMNu5eHwk

**Bachtoven** · August 1, 2016, 03:59 PM

I'd like to nominate my DALI Epicon 2s. Very detailed yet not fatiguing. I do use them with a sub to enhance the bottom octaves. They are also physically beautiful, easy to drive, and have a high WAF!

**volks** · August 2, 2016, 04:39 PM

They do look beautiful!

Thread: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000

Re: Best Monitors under $10,000