Overachieving Bookshelf Monitors
The year 2007 yielded an amazing crop of high-end bookshelf speakers at all price points, and judging by new models seen at CES we can expect a bumper crop in 2008, too. From a technical standpoint, two related developments seem to be driving progress in bookshelf speaker designs. First, drive-unit enhancements are yielding simultaneous improvements in transparency and power handling. The result is the small speakers that sound clearer than before and that can safely be driven hard with high(er) power amplifiers. Second, many modern tweeters can safely be crossed over at much lower frequencies than in the past, which helps designers achieve unexpectedly spacious imaging from two-way designs. Let me illustrate these points with three models seen at CES.

 

First, let’s consider Focal’s new Dôme 2.1-channel system. The heart of the system is a pair of compact but ever-so-capable two-way Dôme mini-monitors, whose enclosures are shaped–you guessed it–like domes. The monitors sell for $750, are extremely articulate and can handle gobs of power without complaint (in fact, the importer described them as being “nearly indestructibleâ€?). Add the Dôme subwoofer ($745), and you’ve got an amazingly competent near-full-range system–for under $1500. I played some bass-torture-test discs and came away wowed by the seamless integration between the Dôme monitors and sub.

 

Next, consider a wonderful piece of technology trickle-down in the form of the new Signature S1 mini-monitors from Paradigm ($1499). What makes the S1s so special is that they offer basically the same 1-inch beryllium tweeters and 6-inch cobalt-infused aluminum mid/bass drivers featured in the firm’s flagship Signature S8 v.2 floorstanders, but in a compact mini-monitor format. The S1 enclosures are based on beefy, die-cast metal frames for extraordinary rigidity and structural integrity. If you want full-range bass (and you would, wouldn’t you?), you can tack on Paradigm’s excellent Seismic 10 subwoofer ($1499) and enjoy the equivalent of a poor-man’s Signature S8 for a tick under $3000.

 

Finally, one of my favorite discoveries of this year was LSA Group’s LSA1 Statement monitor ($2500). The attractive speaker features a folded ribbon tweeter, a 6.25-inch mid/bass driver, and premium-grade crossover parts. The LSA1 Statement is one of the two best sub-$3000 monitors I’ve ever heard (the other is the award-winning Usher Audio Be-718). These speakers sound highly detailed, yet are unfailingly smooth and offer very good bass extension for their size. They also produce enormous 3-D soundstages and easily reveal subtle differences between good/better/best amplifiers.

Next: Affordable Floorstanders to Rock Your World

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