Hi,
Bookshelf/monitor speaker recommendation under 2k/pair?
Here are the must haves:
Small room requires near wall placement.
For rock/blues music comfortable handle 95db
Nothing made in China
Small footprint, under 20” high
Neutral, not “bright”
Might consider used
Paired with vintage McIntosh 50W
Existing sub
Thank you very much for your help
Alright. I asked ChatGPT for a list prioritized and based on fact checking of measurements that are not bright but neutral.
### 1. **Neumann KH 120**
- **Height**: 10.2”
- **Max SPL**: 111 dB
- **Country of Manufacture**: Germany
- **Key Features**: Compact studio monitor with excellent clarity, flat frequency response, and strong bass performance for near-wall placement. Designed to handle high SPL without distortion.
- **Price**: $1400 per pair
- **Why it's suitable**: The KH 120 is a professional studio monitor with robust output and near-wall placement compatibility. Perfect for small rooms where accurate and neutral sound is essential.
### 2. **KEF LS50 Meta**
- **Height**: 11.9”
- **Max SPL**: 106 dB
- **Country of Manufacture**: UK
- **Key Features**: Uni-Q driver array delivers precise sound even in near-wall setups. Compact yet capable of filling a room with rich, clear sound.
- **Price**: $1599 per pair
- **Why it's suitable**: The LS50 Meta has a small footprint, excels in smaller spaces, and handles dynamic rock/blues with ease.
### 3. **ATC SCM7**
- **Height**: 12.1”
- **Max SPL**: 103 dB
- **Country of Manufacture**: UK
- **Key Features**: Known for its neutral and flat response, this speaker delivers great detail and control even in compact spaces.
- **Price**: $1,600 per pair
- **Why it's suitable**: Ideal for small spaces, SCM7 handles high SPL comfortably, providing a transparent sound that suits rock/blues.
### 4. **Dynaudio Evoke 10**
- **Height**: 12”
- **Max SPL**: 104 dB
- **Country of Manufacture**: Denmark
- **Key Features**: Designed for small-to-medium rooms, it offers a balanced and dynamic sound, especially suitable for near-wall placement.
- **Price**: $1,499 per pair
- **Why it's suitable**: Compact with an ability to comfortably handle rock/blues at high SPL while maintaining clarity and balance.
### 5. **Focal Aria 906**
- **Height**: 15.4”
- **Max SPL**: 109 dB
- **Country of Manufacture**: France
- **Key Features**: Combines neutrality with punch, and can handle loud rock music with ease while still performing well in smaller rooms.
- **Price**: $2,190 per pair
- **Why it's suitable**: Handles loud SPL with ease, fits within a small footprint, and works well in smaller rooms.
### Conclusion:
All these speakers are under 20” in height, can comfortably handle high SPLs (over 95 dB), and perform well in small spaces with near-wall placement. The Neumann KH 120 and KEF LS50 Meta are standout options for near-field listening and high SPL requirements, while the ATC SCM7 offers neutral sound for audiophile tastes in small rooms.
www.proac-loudspeakers.com
