The Minimonitor thread
Can you tell why they were discontinued? and how they compare to the relatively new Reference 1?
Of course! The basic design of the AE1mkIII is well over 10 years old now and the SE spec was always intended as a limited run (we never did decide on a set figure) so it was always meant to be replaced by the new Reference series. We let it come to a natural end as new parts ran down rather than a strict cut-off. Many dealers will still have new stock because this was a decision we only took recently when it came time decide on ordering more machined baffles etc.
The Reference 1's have a slightly different character but are based on similar design principals - inert cabinet (through sandwich damping rather than additional mass as SE's had), short-signal path crossovers and aluminium drivers for minimal distortion. They share versions of the same tweeter though the Ref 1's have a "DXT" lens for dispersion adjustment and output smoothing (the lens is modelled specifically for that tweeter).
In terms of sound, the Ref 1's are able to take power far better and punch harder, the sandwich cabinet coupled with that DXT lens gives them quite a clean, dry character, there is very little overhang or cabinet noise which is very noticeable next to more conventionally constucted speakers. The SE's had a slightly airier top end (something the DTX lens diminishes) and a softer quality to the bass which may or may not be preferable depending on taste, both go down to around 40Hz before strong roll-off occurs. Overall the SE is probably the more suble and delicate sounding of the two while the Ref 1 is a bit more solid and powerful sounding to put it simply.
Unfortunately it is hard to recommend a distance because rooms are different. The wall behind the speaker could be stud partition, plasterboard with a gap then brick/breeze block, solid brick, brick cavity, double brick, stone, breeze block etc etc. All these will have a different effect on a speaker/subwoofer's in room performance. The type of flooring can also affect things.
You could be talking inches or feet, regardless of where the port is situated.
What puzzles me B&W rec. a min of 500mm,but it's classed as a bookshelf speaker.
Other speaker manufactures seem guilty of the same description. 
Spendor SA1 - Quite an unassuming sound, pretty neutral, nicely detailed, not greatly extended bass due to its small sealed cabinet, but quite a natural, even bass, if a little light compared to the rest of the group.
B&W PM1 - Beautifully open treble and amazingly detailed. Quite a lot of bass for such a small standmount with a small bass driver, but like all mini monitors, you're not going to get gig levels with bass heavy material. Lovely build and finish. They like a bit of space to work well in, despite being front ported.
PMC DB1 - One of the lighter (weight) models here, so it may not feel in the same quality as the likes f the LS50 or PM1. One of the livelier performers of the group that still sounds exciting at lower volumes. Can sound a little boxy in comparison to others in the group.
Kef LS50 - More akin to listening to headphones with their ability to stop/start. Great detail and projection. Bass isn't the deepest here, but what they do have is pretty solid. Like the PM1's, they do like a little bit of space to stretch their legs.
Acoustic Energy AE1 MKIII - I have heard the MkIII's but it was quite a while ago, so it would be unfair of me to comment. I did hear the Classic version more recently.
ATC SCM11 - Sounds a little restrained in the top end compared to some of the other models here, but they posses the largest bass driver of the group and would probably win out on SPL. Again, pretty neutral, with a nice even bass due to a sealed cabinet.
All of these models need capable amplification to get the best from them, the level of which varies depending on the model. The PM1's, LS50's, and DB1's have greater presence than the other speakers, which tend to lack a little in comparison at lower volumes.
Which of these give the warmer tonal presentation. ?
Spendor SA1 - Quite an unassuming sound, pretty neutral, nicely detailed, not greatly extended bass due to its small sealed cabinet, but quite a natural, even bass, if a little light compared to the rest of the group.
B&W PM1 - Beautifully open treble and amazingly detailed. Quite a lot of bass for such a small standmount with a small bass driver, but like all mini monitors, you're not going to get gig levels with bass heavy material. Lovely build and finish. They like a bit of space to work well in, despite being front ported.
PMC DB1 - One of the lighter (weight) models here, so it may not feel in the same quality as the likes f the LS50 or PM1. One of the livelier performers of the group that still sounds exciting at lower volumes. Can sound a little boxy in comparison to others in the group.
Kef LS50 - More akin to listening to headphones with their ability to stop/start. Great detail and projection. Bass isn't the deepest here, but what they do have is pretty solid. Like the PM1's, they do like a little bit of space to stretch their legs.
Acoustic Energy AE1 MKIII - I have heard the MkIII's but it was quite a while ago, so it would be unfair of me to comment. I did hear the Classic version more recently.
ATC SCM11 - Sounds a little restrained in the top end compared to some of the other models here, but they posses the largest bass driver of the group and would probably win out on SPL. Again, pretty neutral, with a nice even bass due to a sealed cabinet.
All of these models need capable amplification to get the best from them, the level of which varies depending on the model. The PM1's, LS50's, and DB1's have greater presence than the other speakers, which tend to lack a little in comparison at lower volumes.
Presently owning my KEF LS 50's,[just].
Compairing the bass of the atc 11's, previously owned [still very good]
.
I would say the bass is definetly more prominent on the LS50's.
With a more weighty presentation.
Apologies - hard to keep track of threads with no thread subscription like other forums...
It's always hard to predict an outcome, but I remember a place I worked where one large room was split by a single breeze block wall to make two demo rooms. This created a bit of a boomy sound, so much so that when I started working there we turned the room around so that the speakers were up against the solid outside wall rather than the breeze block wall because it was just production too much boom, which kills detail. Your situation might be different though.
Not being near the corners is a good thing. I'm guessing the LS50's will need the help of their outer bung in order to calm the bass down a little. The DB1i's might fare a little better as they produce less bass, and a transmission line opening doesn't act like a traditional port. As I say, hard to predict, so get a home loan if possible.
Other speaker manufactures seem guilty of the same description.
All standmount speakers are generally classed as bookshelf type.
Define 'warmer' 
Some will feel that warmer is just a nice full low end (more bass), others a fuller midrange. Others might feel that warmer means that the treble isn't too prominent which brings the bass and lower mid more to the fore, or even just a dull sounding speaker. Can a speaker sound warm and have a strong upper mid/lower HF presence?
I'd say it'd be between the DB1i, PM1, with the LS50 just a little behind. The PM1's have a strong bass despite their small driver, so will sound warm to some, while the DB1i has a warm midrange (to me), so despite its brighter treble it is an easy listen, but can lack attack because of this. The LS50's can sound warm depending on positioning and if no bungs are used.
I've never found the SA1 to be warm, more neutral with a lean bass, and the SCM11 can come across as warm with 'the right material' due to its rolled off treble.
Define 'warmer'
Some will feel that warmer is just a nice full low end (more bass), others a fuller midrange. Others might feel that warmer means that the treble isn't too prominent which brings the bass and lower mid more to the fore, or even just a dull sounding speaker. Can a speaker sound warm and have a strong upper mid/lower HF presence?
I'd say it'd be between the DB1i, PM1, with the LS50 just a little behind. The PM1's have a strong bass despite their small driver, so will sound warm to some, while the DB1i has a warm midrange (to me), so despite its brighter treble it is an easy listen, but can lack attack because of this. The LS50's can sound warm depending on positioning and if no bungs are used.
I've never found the SA1 to be warm, more neutral with a lean bass, and the SCM11 can come across as warm with 'the right material' due to its rolled off treble.
Not sure of your inerpretation David ? '' warmer is just a nice full low end ''
Really ! :)
I've personally never connected warmth with weight
I mean a warmer bass - more rounded - maybe a little less precise and controlled.
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I do! I'm not sure this counts though. :\
Actually I think the new WHF Ed has a pair (non-SE spec) unless he's moved on. Technically speaking they are now discontinued, though there may still be a few around at dealers as this was only recent.
Can you tell why they were discontinued? and how they compare to the relatively new Reference 1?
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