Nearfields for audiophile listening?

Nice work! It looks like it might pass for girlfriend as a piece of furniture, like a nice dresser for a flower vase.
Which SBacoustic driver did you use? What's for amp?

 

If that vase can play 50-20Khz, then sure. Otherwise it's a no go!

I used this driver. It has a very nice Mms/Bl ratio, a low Fs and doesn't brake the bank like comparable European drivers. As I was saying - initially I did sims with the 15" SB driver, but I'd have to pay around 150EUR extra per box and it would have come out wider than I'd like.

As for amplification - I chose Monacor STA-800D. In my humble opinion there is no better way to amplify bass than Class D. Power is cheap and Zout is very low, so control usually is better than Class AB/H/G. As another option I looked at Behringer iNuke amps, which deliver an unprecedented Watt/EUR ratio, at least impulse wise. However they have very little passive cooling, so fans usually have to work overtime to cool the chassis. They also have marginally higher THD at low power than Hypex UCD module based Monacor.

 

That Monacor looks good! I can also suggest you have a look at the Crown XLS series if you need more power. The iNuke fans will have to be replaced as those are LOUD.

 

You're covered:

 

This vase?

 

The company's website forum has a thread that began in 2015 and follows its long development. It went through many iterations before the final product:
http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?6102-New-for-2016-Introducing-the-Luna-Mini-Monitor!

The specs and measurements are very good (forum registration required to view images):
http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?6444-Luna-specifications-and-measurements

 

I'm starting to think about setting up a nearfield desktop system, with speakers about 3' from listening position.

Do any of you have experience with the Genelec SAM (Smart Active Monitoring) system? It performs room calibration and sets parameters in the integrated DSP in SAM monitors and subwoofers. One thought I had is that I could save and instantly switch DSP settings between nearfield listening and projecting into the room. The monitor I'd consider is the 8320A, along with 7350A subwoofer. There is also the 3-way coaxial 8331, which for nearfield should benefit as a point source speaker, but it's expensive (MSRP $2500 each) and more than I've considered. I'm an engineer geek and I have to admit that the SAM system appeals to me as much from fascination for its technology as for real benefits.

But at this point I'm very open. At completely the opposite end, I also understand the argument for a single driver, crossover-less speaker like the Audience One. Between these two extremes there is a limitless number of options. Interested to hear your thoughts and preferences about these and other approaches.

 

I haven't heard the 8331, but the larger 8351 is fantastic.

Worth asking though if is you actually need the SAM system. As cool as it is, if you're not playing too loud and have lots of space around you, it may not be necessary.

 

I'm sure I don't need SAM – there are many ways to put together a good system. But as a matter of fact, I will not have lots of space around me. The system will be on a table at the narrow end of a 10x15 ft room, with speakers 12 to 18 inches in front of the window (shades normally drawn closed).

On another topic, for nearfield (3 ft away in my case), is it worth seeking out speakers that are a point source? Intuitively, multiple drivers that emit sound from different locations would adversely affect imaging and coherence. The effect is mitigated when listening to a speaker from across the room, but it should make a difference for nearfield. Is this a valid consideration, or do other factors far outweigh it? A point source speaker means it is either coaxial or single driver, which vastly cuts down the number of choices.

 

@Metro I would say 3 feet is about the closest I'd be comfortable with a non point-source speaker. My ATC's are a little too big for my listening position (not quite 4' away). I can sit in the vertical sweet spot, but if I slouch I can hear the difference.

 

An update on my case.

1. Both KH310 and V3110 classifieds were scammy. The price did look too good to be true and well, it was. My spidey senses didn't fail me so all I lost was time (and spirit, *sob*).
2. It looks like the active monitor industry is going DSP happy. It greatly simplifies the design process and will always be cheaper than proper analog filter driven design. The performance outcome will be good, but, as Marv has mentioned, will be limited by the electronics used. Digital inputs for these DSP monitors are sadly scarce as most just give analog.
3. I did actually manage to sell my hulking beast Equator Q12's, which is good. The bad? I still have a hard time finding a good replacement candidate which is active and can comfortably do 50Hz.
4. So far a good candidate seems Genelec 8050 BPM, and I might get that. I am a bit afraid if integration between a 8" and 1" will yield good midrange sound. Time will tell and I'll report in the Genelec files thread.

 

Aww that sucks dude.. Maybe the Quested S8R is worth a consideration? I'm just biased against that metal dome tweeter on the Genelec though.

 

@Hrodulf What about the Genelec 83## family? I'm pretty sure they have AES inputs. Neumann has a digital input version of the KH120 as well, but the price is nearly double

 

Yeah, but that's the higher end of the spectrum. I'd recon the problem is lack of low end interfaces which can do AES volume control.

 

They have the KH 80 DSP too, 4 inch driver instead of 5 inch, but cheaper than KH 120, here in EU it can be had for 479€ each monitor, VAT and shipping included, don't know about USA price.

 

Really enjoying listening in nearfield, it has the intimacy of headphones with all the benefits of speakers. But having a better room sure helps allot too, my living room was just too fucked even with treatment. It could probably be fixed with more treatment but then it'd look as if i was living inside a pillow.
Judging by ear using a sinewave i'm getting a pretty flat respone in the seating position, but there is room for improvement, luckily i can do whatever i want to this room.

Next up a measurement mic. That Sonarworks one seems like a good deal, most calibrated ones are more expensive.

 

Out of curiosity, what's your budget on the whole setup? I had a big nearfield issue and solved it to a point where I'm blown away by two passive bookshelf two-ways (kinda) and a passive amp. Both products are VERY small.

 

Has anyone tried the Vanatoo Transparent One?

 

I reckon i'm about €7k into it just counting the audio equipment and treatment, i diyed most of the treatment(about €300,- worth). Setup being Lynx>Yggdrasil>Phoenix>S7R's/diy10"sub.

Since i posted the pic in the other thread i changed the positioning though, right now the whole room is setup in a rule of thirds way, the room is small enough for that to still work in a nearfield setup. This gives the Quested's a reasonably flat response from 65hz up with just a bit of a bump at 148hz. Also i'm working to integrate a 10" sub but that needs quite a bit of work still, need to get the mic sorted.

What's your setup and what were your problems?

 

The obvious stuff was the issue, namely room interaction. I used KEF LS50 for nearly two years and then I bought Boenicke Audio W5. There's no comparison between these models, LS50 is stomped. W5 are not active but passive, yet the sound is unbelievably good. I use these at home for some time now and I couldn't be happier.

W5 is very small and since each speaker's woofer is mounted on the side, I can have it firing inside or out which significantly changes the outcome (stiffer and agile sound vs more polite and bassier). At first I had to beat my inner macho syndrome, but one of my friends opened my eyes. He showed me his setup based on W5 and I was utterly impressed. He uses two 24' monitors side by side and has his W5 on their left and right, and all that in about 3x3 sq. meters room.

There are speakers that'll go lower or will sound thicker. But a bag full of gold to the one who will find more spacious and in general more rewarding monitors for this price. And amp? This is a no-brainer decision: JOB 225. The synergy between the two is unbelievable. 225 is a beast in very ordinary enclosure, made in Switzerland in the same factory where Goldmund does their products. I use 225 with my Lumin T1.

I have access to products oftentimes much pricier than W5 and JOB and I'm not easily impressed. But this is a killer setup for people who don't have a lot of space and don't want to spend fortune. 225 and W5 cost is ~$2K and $4K respectively. OK, that's a hefty sum, but rest assured that once this setup is bought, the urge to change anything is not there anymore. I don't have this issue, neither my mate who showed me what's what with W5. He swapped every piece of setup there was to swap, yet his W5 are with him for 3+ years. He simply told me that in nearfield he hasn't heard anything better yet.

Hopefully this tale is of any help. I sincerely encourage you to read about both amp and speakers.