powerful. non fatiguing, good imaging, and serve all types of music well

need a lively amp...currently i use a Musical Fidelity A5 integrated, previously a
Classe Cap 151 integrated.

I bought a pair of THIEL CS1.5s ($2100) to replace my Signet 280s ($700). After a few months, I got tired of the Thiels. They were veiled and way too bright. I'll
take the Signets over the Thiels anyday. I traded the Thiels and bought the
Montana SP IIs and have happily lived with them for the last 10 years. I recently
went shopping for speakers and auditioned quite a few... Sonus Faber Cremonas,
Vienna Mahlers, Audio Physic Scorpios, Martin Logans, Krell. I liked the Audio
Physics and the MLs, but didn't want to spend that much, so i bought a pair
of Monitor Audio GS 60s ($4000). Well, after 6 months i was ready to sell the
Monitors 'cause i preferred the Montanas. Actually, i haven't found a speaker yet that beat the SP IIs, so i traded the GS60s for the Montana EPS2s. I figured i
might as well go with what works. Haven't heard the EPS2s or received them
yet (they're on order), but i have confidence in the designer. You never experience listening fatigue with the Montanas. They are powerful, yet smooth,
and have a wonderful midrange and top end. We'll see how the EPS2s stack up.
I'm hoping they don't overpower my 25' by 19' room. My only reservation on the EPS2s are the weight (150Lbs) and size (53" X 15 X 15). I've never had
such a large speaker nor paid so much ($8500).

I auditioned these against other Stereophile Class "B" speakers.The B&W CDM1-SE and Cabasse Farella 400.
I am still with the Montana's.
Very smooth and relaxing sound so as not to overwhelm you.
Enough detail and rhythm to keep you interested.
I dont know if they are worth the retail price
but on the used market they are worth a serious audition.
I believe these speakers will work well with a wide variety of musical
styles, not the best for each type, but involving and easygoing with each.
Well rounded. 4.5 stars out of 5.

After the Streophile review in 1-97 and 6-97, I decided to try a pair of the Montana SP speakers. This is a 2-way design using two 6.5 mid/bass speakers with a center tweeter. Very impressive out of the box, but after about 100 hour break in they are absolutely incredible.
The SP is an involving speaker with a rich, fully extended sound and superb midrange. 'Phile was modest making these a 'B' recomended component. This is the kind of speaker I was looking for. The one that lets you enjoy the music in every way.

Like many audio nuts, after about six months, I changed speakers and sold my SP's. After many trials and errors, I ended up getting another pair of Montana's and realizing this was the sound I was searching for. You will not be disapointed with this product.