High quality mini-monitor needed

[john dozier]

I am currently using a pair of Orb2s in a desktop computer based system. I am about to upgrade both my computer and my electronics. I would like the coherence of the Orbs but would like speakers with more detail. I would like to keep the cost to below $2500 for both drivers and enclosures. I have looked at the Lowther DX65 but am concerned about the need for equalization to obtain reasonably flat response above 100hz. I will add a sub at some point so bass response is not needed. I feel that eq defeats many of the advantages of a full range driver(I may be wrong about this, so please instruct me). I listen to orchestral and operatic music primarily, so clarity and imaging are paramount. Any suggestions as to drivers and cabinets would be appreciated. Thanks

[chrisb]

Originally Posted by john dozier

I am currently using a pair of Orb2s in a desktop computer based system. I am about to upgrade both my computer and my electronics. I would like the coherence of the Orbs but would like speakers with more detail. I would like to keep the cost to below $2500 for both drivers and enclosures. I have looked at the Lowther DX65 but am concerned about the need for equalization to obtain reasonably flat response above 100hz. I will add a sub at some point so bass response is not needed. I feel that eq defeats many of the advantages of a full range driver(I may be wrong about this, so please instruct me). I listen to orchestral and operatic music primarily, so clarity and imaging are paramount. Any suggestions as to drivers and cabinets would be appreciated. Thanks

still intended for a small desktop computer system?


I don't think you can't get much closer near field than that without resorting to head-speakers (of which I'm not a fan, but that's another thread )

I'd imagine that budget considerations aside, almost any Lowther would not be the best choice.

To what physical dimensions can you go?

If still available, the first 2 that would come to mind would be Fostex FE127 or FF85K, but they might still require a certain degree of EQ for "reasonably flat" FR - far less than any Lowther that I've heard would need for near field use.

I wouldn't discount full range drivers for this application - of the current offerings, some have very smooth (if not "flat") FR and excellent imaging and detail - the ones that come to mind would be Mark Audio CHR70, Alpair 7 or CSS EL70. I've heard all of these work well in boxes in the range of approx 5 to 12 liters, plus of course much larger floorstanding designs that I suspect would not suit the application defined.

[Adam Bernau]

You may as well like these Zaph|Audio - ZD5 - Scan Speak 15W8530K00 and Vifa XT25

[john dozier]

Size can be 18h 10w 20d.My favorite minimonitors were my AE-1s but their prices have gone out of sight. I also like the concept of doing away with crossovers. As I stated, I like the coherence of the Orbs, but would like a little more finesse. I may end up with a two way due to the nearfield nature of the usage, but would prefer a single very high quality driver. Thanks for the suggestions John Dozier

[planet10]

Alpair 10.2 or 12 can easily be fit into that constraint... you'd have enuff change to get a really good amp.

dave

[chrisb]

not so "mini" after all

what would the average listening distance be?

[borispm]

I think you can try Fountek FR88EX as a wide range driver and then crossover to SEAS L16RN-SL (H1480) at around 300 Hz via a simple 2nd order passive crossover. It's something I wanted to do for a long time but way over my budget. =]