Monitor discussion

[the7comeback7kid]

Hey all,
I am realizing I will need some reference monitors to pair up with my Onix SP3. Unfortunately the x-statics need to stay with the home theater and the onix is not going to be used for that. I have been looking kind of between the rocket monitors or maybe a Swan M1. Any thoughts or recommendations? Nice finish is a must.

[droht]

Warning: Beware of totally self-serving post.

Onix Ref1s are supposed to be exceptional when paired with the SP3. I've never run them with tubes of any kind, but read plenty of anecdotal stuff over the years.

I just so happen to be selling my pair in the Classfieds right here! Piano black, which may not suit your aesthetic needs, but finish is certainly nice if you want to go black.

[dvenardos]

What are you looking for in a monitor and what kind of music do you listen to?

[keenween]

i've read great things about the ACI sapphire XL, they would be on my short list.

https://www.audioc.com/speakers1/sapphirexl/sapphirexl.htm

used they go less than $1000

[the7comeback7kid]

What are you looking for in a monitor and what kind of music do you listen to?

I would love to spend ~around~ 500 but can work with anything under a grand. I listen to a rather broad range of music so I will need something that can perform all of the above so to speak. If I had to chose something to perform the best I would go with something like Norah Jones. The imaging will need to be superb. Sensitivity would be a plus to really pull all the detail I can from the SP3. The ref 1's are kind of an interesting option, but I was kind of hoping for a wood finish. Thanks for the advice.

[dvenardos]

I would love to spend ~around~ 500 but can work with anything under a grand. I listen to a rather broad range of music so I will need something that can perform all of the above so to speak. If I had to chose something to perform the best I would go with something like Norah Jones. The imaging will need to be superb. Sensitivity would be a plus to really pull all the detail I can from the SP3. The ref 1's are kind of an interesting option, but I was kind of hoping for a wood finish. Thanks for the advice.

I have Rosewood Ref 1s that are being replaced with my GR av-1rs, the ref 1s are too big for my room.

Have you looked at GR research Neo 2x. They would fit in your budget, they use a planar magnetic tweeter like the Mini. I have not heard them, but people around here that I respect have and say they are excellent speakers. Sensitivity is a bit low, but no too bad.

http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=148

[the7comeback7kid]

I have Rosewood Ref 1s that are being replaced with my GR av-1rs, the ref 1s are too big for my room.

Have you looked at GR research Neo 2x. They would fit in your budget, they use a planar magnetic tweeter like the Mini. I have not heard them, but people around here that I respect have and say they are excellent speakers. Sensitivity is a bit low, but no too bad.
http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=148

That would be an optimal configuration I think. I wanted planar or ribbon tweet if I can find something in my budget. Unfotunately I fear I am not competent enough to put it all together, or in a manner that would justify spending a lot of cash. Not to mention finding a cabinet. Out of curiosity...any idea if the rosewood matches the gizmo and the elt525's on the ref1's?

[dvenardos]

That would be an optimal configuration I think. I wanted planar or ribbon tweet if I can find something in my budget. Unfotunately I fear I am not competent enough to put it all together, or in a manner that would justify spending a lot of cash.

I used to think that too. It is not listed on that speaker, but you can have Danny configure the network for you (I did) and for a cabinet you can use the parts express cabinets, have elemental designs build it for you (like I did) or there are lots of other cabinet makers I could find you links to. So, it would be a matter of attaching the wire to the drivers and attaching the network and drivers to the enclosure.

Out of curiosity...any idea if the rosewood matches the gizmo and the elt525's on the ref1's?

I believe it is the rocket rosewood, it matches the rosewood on my minis, but my minis are piano rosewood. I am sure someone here will pipe up.

[the7comeback7kid]

I used to think that too. It is not listed on that speaker, but you can have Danny configure the network for you (I did) and for a cabinet you can use the parts express cabinets, have elemental designs build it for you (like I did) or there are lots of other cabinet makers I could find you links to. So, it would be a matter of attaching the wire to the drivers and attaching the network and drivers to the enclosure.


I believe it is the rocket rosewood, it matches the rosewood on my minis, but my minis are piano rosewood. I am sure someone here will pipe up.

It looks like on parts express you have to cut your own holes in the front for the drivers. All I have is a razor blade :fryingpan:
How pricey is elemental designs? I figure if all I have to do it attach drivers and a few wires I could do it heh.

[dvenardos]

It looks like on parts express you have to cut your own holes in the front for the drivers. All I have is a razor blade :fryingpan:
How pricey is elemental designs? I figure if all I have to do it attach drivers and a few wires I could do it heh.

This is a whole thread on speaker cabinet options. cburbs got estimates for the Neo 2x from ed in this post, but he also has some from other speaker builders.

http://www.av123forum.com/showpost.php?p=720000&postcount=49

[the7comeback7kid]

This is a whole thread on speaker cabinet options. cburbs got estimates for the Neo 2x from ed in this post, but he also has some from other speaker builders.
http://www.av123forum.com/showpost.p...0&postcount=49

Ugh I hate you....I am going to research parts and DIY this.:nervous:


pssst....thanks for the advice and links

[the7comeback7kid]

hmmm now that I am adding things up this will be around 700 bones...I wonder if it will sound better than a pair of similarly prices swans or the rockets...

[dvenardos]

hmmm now that I am adding things up this will be around 700 bones...I wonder if it will sound better than a pair of similarly prices swans or the rockets...

Than the rockets, definitely for music. People have preferred these over ninja modded ref 1s, you are getting the best parts right off the bat. I cannot speak for the swans, salk have a great reputation, but out of your price range.
These are also supposed to be good.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html

edit: why don't you post in Danny's forum?

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?board=16.0

edit 2: the refs would be better than the rockets for music, especially with the sb3

edit 3: where the hell is everyone else, how come I am the only one with comments?

edit 4: damnit I hate talking to myself. there is an audition list for the Neo monitor, go sign up for it.

[the7comeback7kid]

Sent Danny an email about auditioning.


P.S......stop talking to yourself :dizzy:

[TJEli]

For the price they can be bought for, the ELT525Ms are a very impressive little speaker. When I first got mine I ran some music through them in my home system to break them in and I was impressed. I don't imagine they will stand up to the Rockets though.

-Eli