Hey folks,
I'll be evaluating KEF R3 to replace Elac DBR62 for near-field desk setup, paired with two Infinity R12 subs in stereo with MiniDSP SHD.
Until it arrives though, I set up the A/B comparison with Infinity R152 which I have already to see how comparisons go.
Here's how the setup looks:
View attachment 178133
Listening position is approximately a 3ft equilateral triangle with tweeters at ear level. Switching between speakers with an A/B switch for speaker cables (from Amazon:
link), feeding unprocessed digital going through RME ADI-2 Pro, MiniDSP SHD and March Audio P452 to the switch. Subwoofers are off and not part of this comparison.
First subjective impressions of DBR62 vs R152 (as untrained listener learning to listen to properly evaluate/rationalize his expensive purchases):
- DBR62 sounds warmer, while R152 is very bright at top and also lacking body.
- DBR62 has much lower bass extension, while R152's bass is lean and starts breaking up at lower volume.
- DBR62 plays cleaner at higher volume, while R152 becomes harsh in the mids at some point and woofers hit bottom earlier.
- DBR62 has very good imaging with precise phantom center and the speakers disappear, while with R152 the center and all "images" are fuzzy and imprecise in comparison.
- DBR-62's soundstage seems deep and narrow while R152 feels shallow and wide. The width difference could be related to the imperfect setup btw as R152 are wider apart by about 2 inches.
My typical listening is with 2xR12 subwoofers crossed at 80Hz and calibrated with Dirac Live. I'm planning next to integrate the subs and calibrate with Dirac in two separate MiniDSP profiles and then switch speakers and profiles at the same time when comparing. Essentially I will be comparing how my preferred Dirac target curve and subs sound on different speakers
My only issue with the setup is that the AB AB configuration creates two rotated soundstages which are off-center in the room and combined with the additional speaker on both sides sounds "odd" to me. I definitely prefer the sound of DBR62 vs R152, but when I switch to the two closest to the monitor - R152 and DBR62 I almost prefer it to both DBR62 because it sounds more "right". I'm used to that layout and that's probably why, but I feel this makes my experiment less "valid".
Various designs for spinning platforms and sliding rails to enable comparison of speakers at the same position go through my head, but I feel this crosses the line of sanity. Your ideas and encouragement are needed to normalize it for me
I'd appreciate any ideas and tips on how to best compare two pairs of speakers for desk setup!