Nearfields for audiophile listening?

Discussion in 'Speakers' started by sashafuckinggrey, Feb 27, 2016.

  1. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Ok fair enough. One obstacle is shipping, import fees and taxes. That will put these slightly over budget.

    Also warranty is an issue so i prefer something local. The pre and dac from the main system can be used for these since they are located below the tv but there is no more room for a separate amp. So something active from the studio world seems most sensible and something i have had good experiences with in the past.
     
  2. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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  3. yunie_

    yunie_ Acquaintance

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    I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum. These are easily available where I am, and I've always found them hideous on photo. When I saw it physically at a shop, it is as hideous as I thought it is. But I remember it being kind of solid. So if that's your thing, at least from what I remember, feels quality for the money.

    Something about black and dark wood don't sit well with me. Just like those sonus. It looks dated, yet not dated enough to have the vintage vibe like a Falcon ls3/5a.
     
  4. Woland

    Woland Friend

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    I picked them up cheap a year ago, and have been amazed at what they can do. I'm curious about your subsequent upgrade experience.
     
  5. Metro

    Metro Friend

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    https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08RK13PCH/

    For XLR input in this price range, you are pretty much limited to pro audio studio monitors.
     
  6. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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  7. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Anyone tried out the SVS micro 3000 with their desk setups? I am not looking for deep extension and it looks like SVS made good on the old Sunfire promise. I was considering a couple for my vanatoo t0 setup but would love actual in-use opinions.

    I'm currently using a DIY sealed 12 in the office with too much DSP but it works surprisingly well. I know swapping for a little thing like the micro is a sidegrade at best but it might make the office a little cleaner.
     
  8. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    No direct experience with the 3000, but the new-ish SVS app makes fiddling with settings an absolute breeze. My only complaint with my SB-1000 would be that the amp could use another 6dB of gain to play more nicely with higher efficiency speakers. NB, I'm using speaker-level inputs.
     
  9. Thad E Ginathom

    Thad E Ginathom Friend

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    I used to use a pair of M-Audio speakers, of the amp-in-one-of-the-speakers sort of thing. Connection balanced, but delivered over TRS rather than XLR. Just needs the right cable.

    I've not used them for a long time, as they developed a fault, but they were fine (at that price) while they lasted. Now I use passives, because I prefer to use an integrated amplifier for everything
     
  10. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

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    Before the Swans I had a 2.1 system from NHT (M-00 monitors + S-00 8" sub). I got this system in 2006 and it served me well for a decade. I discovered these sealed/acoustic suspension mini-monitors did very well on my desktop. However, that system's neutral voicing did no favors for the edgy sound I was getting out delta-sigma DACs I had in those years; also, I yearned for mid/woofers larger than the NHT's 4.5" ones, which just didn't give much kick in the mid- and upper-bass.

    Next up was my last & final attempt at better powered monitor sound: a pair of Yamaha HS7s modded by ZenPro Audo. They didn't work well for me at all, so I resolved to get good passive speakers or studio monitors + a big class D amp.

    My first foray into passives was a total success. Picked up a gently used pair of ATC SCM12 Pro studio monitors (12 liter sealed/acoustic suspension design using a very robust 6" mid/woofer); and a Wyred4Sound ST-500 class D amp (250 WPC). Instantly I was in the big leagues--those ATCs sound amazing, neutral, very dynamic/forceful, but not bright.

    I then became curious about a very well reviewed sealed 2-way, the Aerial Acoustics 5B (with 6.5" mid/woofer). found a mint pair with beautiful rosewood veneers and purchased them. They also worked well IMS, sounding different but not ultimately better than the ATCs. I eventually sold the 5Bs to an audio pal.

    Finally, I got interested in a vintage sealed/acoustic suspension 2-way, the KEF 103.2s w/8" mid/woofer. I found a great condition 35+ yr old pair that'd been recapped, then drove ~450 miles roundtrip to buy it. Best move I ever made: these KEFs sound extremely good in my nearfield application, despite the fact I've never heard of anyone using them this way. They's so good that the ATCs are now stored elsewhere in the house.
     
  11. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    My home pc speakers are actually a super old set of Cambridge Soundworks. As far as 2.1 systems go, honestly I'm quite happy with them. The sub sits beneath my desk and the way it's sits in the hollow area between the desk backing and wall I actually get ridiculously good extension. It's not well defined, but it's not one note or farty either. The satellites are little sealed 2-ways which are small enough (about the size of a fat mayonnaise jar) that I have the left side nestled into a bookshelf and the right side sitting on a stack of old cd spindles to bring it up to ear level. For convenience and form factor, I think they still punch above their weight class.
     
  12. ExoPolitiks

    ExoPolitiks New

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    Trying to update my desktop setup (nearfield or midfield I guess) I have a new house and have some space to get speakers off my desk. I was thinking of just going with Adam t5V to sit about 3ft away from me on my desk but with the option to put some speakers on stand further away I can get a deal on some Acoustic Energy AE1 Actives. Other then thoughts on both as I cant go demo the AE1 speakers and I liked the Adam t7V i tried.
    Also with my PC as a source I was planning on getting a Schiit Jotunheim 2 as a DAC/HP amp to work with my HD 660s when I occasionally use it, but the 6-8 week wait has me indecisive. I thought about and RME ADI 2 DAC as I like that it will mute the XLR output when HP are plugged in. Any other suggestions for a DAC/AMP combo?
     
  13. uncola

    uncola Friend

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  14. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

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    DAC2541, given your HP use sounds like it's occasional. The DAC2541 HP out is OK but not impressive. The DAC, however, is impressive.
     
  15. Thad E Ginathom

    Thad E Ginathom Friend

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    Has anybody heard (of) Sonodyne activemonitor speakers?

    Last I heard, they were said to sound ok, but had had a mysterious fuse-blowing fault. That's long enough ago that I think their entire range(s) have changed since then.
     
  16. Jokko

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    I am in the market for a new pair of nearfields and I listened to a few last week in case anyone finds my initial findings interesting. Take with a grain of salt as these are store auditions. The more I read online though, I think I should just blind purchase a pair of Quested's (V2108 or S8R). To be continued...

    ===

    JBL 305 mkII (I have owned these in the past, would be my go to recommendation for anyone just starting out)

    Yamaha HS8 (These sounded thin, bright and anaemic, would def not use for pleasure listening)

    Eve 207 (I am rather impressed by EVE’s, very short store audition end of the day, need more time to say more)

    Neumann KH120 (I prefer these to the larger KH310 but unfortunately a bit on the dry side. They sound impressive at first listen for their size but give it some time and their weaknesses start to show. At this price range I strongly suggest stretching for a 6,5 – 8inch monitor)

    Neumann KH310 (I’ve heard these in multiple rooms and I am left unimpressed every time. Sterile and don’t expect any decent low end from the sealed cabs)

    Dynaudio BM5 MKIII (I thought they were okay/had potential, was too many variables in the store to say anything further. Makes me very curious about the non dsp BMA6a variant)

    Genelec 8331 three way (Very bad setup at place of audition. Unsure if they are worth the hefty increase over the 2-ways. Reg low end extension I can def say go for the larger model, same case as 8030 vs 8040)

    Genelec 8040 (For many I think these makes sense over the 8050 depending on your room. I would pick these over the KH120 personally)

    Genelec 8050 (I owned these for two years. I am treble sensitive but somehow the metallic tweeter does not bother me at -4db but YMMV. They are V-Shaped and can have slightly boomy bass, especially if your room is not treated)

    Dynaudio Core 59 (I thought these were going to kick ass but did not sound any larger your normal BM5. Store audition so I can speak for how they were setup. I exaggerate here but I got some slight deja’vu from years back when I had high expectations on the Trio6 Be and got very disappointed. Actually I exaggerate a lot, those Focals need to die lol)

    PSI A21M (These are an analytical listen but not unpleasant like the KH310. Would love to hear these in a controlled environment along with dual A225 subs)
     
  17. yunie_

    yunie_ Acquaintance

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    Thanks for sharing.
    Seems like you didn't find anything that you truly like?

    I agree with your assessment of neumanns. They are way too sterile. Genelec's treble didn't work for me unfortunately.

    Did you get your quested? I tried the s6r at home and find them forgettable.
     
  18. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    Your music is probably just poorly produced.
    Questeds would make it all sound like shit if you thought the HS8 was bad. The HS8 are fine, slightly scooped, and rather neutral with warm dry bass. If they’re thin, it’s your room or recording.

    the jbl 305 are unusable for mixing music due to cabinet resonances. So many recordings that are fine sound awful on them. They’re far thinner and lie about a lot more than the HS8.

    Why do you think whatever you tested would fair much better monitor to monitor? Most of those are perfectly usable except for the scooped Genelecs, low headroom Neumanns, and resonant JBL 305.

    I would recommend Focal Shape 65 to you or the similar Arias. Warm, detailed, and pretty inoffensive. No boosted top end like Dyn or Proac. The alu/mag tweeter is damped. Not brutally revealing and harsh like the Solos. Less resonant cabinet than the Solos too. And it’s widely available.

    Or go Eve/Hedd. Soft but revealing top end. Eve’s are warmer.

    These are not what I’d recommend for tracking and mixing unless you gel 100% with Hedd tweeter or the cheaper Focal warmth.
     
  19. yunie_

    yunie_ Acquaintance

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    @Psalmanazar how does the hedd sounds like in comparison to eve? I've used eve 205 for years previously and found them to be very smooth. Perhaps warm or boring, but I really can't remember now. Bass is weak on the sc205.
     
  20. goodvibes

    goodvibes Facebook Friend

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    Just get some audio engine HD3 or A2+ for powered speakers. The more expensive stuff will play louder and/or go lower but almost always are not (as good/accurate) better overall. If you're willing to buy a separate amp, Quad S1 speakers punch way above their $1k price point.
     

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