Hi, I'm new here...
I have been looking for awhile for a nice set of powered "consumer" speakers, 2.1 configuration, for desktop, near-field use to use with PC music and gaming. The most important factor for me is to have no audible hiss at close range, which I define as 12" (30cm) or more (ideally no hiss past 8" or 20cm). The second factor to me is that the (preferably built-in) DAC solution supports at least 24-bit/96kHz, but ideally 24-bit/192kHz. DSD is nice but optional, and MQA is not a factor at all.
From my research on these forums, there are some threads that address this and rank studio monitors such as the Yamaha HS series (HS5, HS7, HS8). Post #23 from stevenswall was very helpful. However, most studio monitors require a separate subwoofer (depending on the size; in the case of Yamaha HS5/HS7, another $499 for the HS8S) and DAC with XLR (~$100 to $300). Monitors are also designed to be very flat and uncolored which is best for audio production, but a little bit of signature would be just fine.
In the consumer space of speakers ranging from $49 (Creative Pebble) - $1399 (KEF LSX II; over $2000 when a sub is added), nobody really talks about idle hiss but there are a lot of bad speakers out there. Since they are just PC speakers, and only PC speakers, paying extra for connectivity features like media streaming is totally unnecessary (KEF LSX II). Let the PC do all the audio management.
I have already tried Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 ($149), Klipsh ProMedia Heritage 2.1 ($349), and Audioengine A2+ ($229), all of which have unacceptable levels of idle hiss. I am currently demoing Razer Nommo Pro speakers ($599; $500 street), which have an acceptable level of idle hiss (not audible past about 8") but has an underperforming internal USB DAC for the price point: the USB Audio Class 1.0 interface is fixed at 16-bit 48kHz.
Recommendations?
Thank you all!
I have been looking for awhile for a nice set of powered "consumer" speakers, 2.1 configuration, for desktop, near-field use to use with PC music and gaming. The most important factor for me is to have no audible hiss at close range, which I define as 12" (30cm) or more (ideally no hiss past 8" or 20cm). The second factor to me is that the (preferably built-in) DAC solution supports at least 24-bit/96kHz, but ideally 24-bit/192kHz. DSD is nice but optional, and MQA is not a factor at all.
From my research on these forums, there are some threads that address this and rank studio monitors such as the Yamaha HS series (HS5, HS7, HS8). Post #23 from stevenswall was very helpful. However, most studio monitors require a separate subwoofer (depending on the size; in the case of Yamaha HS5/HS7, another $499 for the HS8S) and DAC with XLR (~$100 to $300). Monitors are also designed to be very flat and uncolored which is best for audio production, but a little bit of signature would be just fine.
In the consumer space of speakers ranging from $49 (Creative Pebble) - $1399 (KEF LSX II; over $2000 when a sub is added), nobody really talks about idle hiss but there are a lot of bad speakers out there. Since they are just PC speakers, and only PC speakers, paying extra for connectivity features like media streaming is totally unnecessary (KEF LSX II). Let the PC do all the audio management.
I have already tried Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 ($149), Klipsh ProMedia Heritage 2.1 ($349), and Audioengine A2+ ($229), all of which have unacceptable levels of idle hiss. I am currently demoing Razer Nommo Pro speakers ($599; $500 street), which have an acceptable level of idle hiss (not audible past about 8") but has an underperforming internal USB DAC for the price point: the USB Audio Class 1.0 interface is fixed at 16-bit 48kHz.
Recommendations?
Thank you all!