8030C + svs SB1000 + MiniDSP vs KH 120 II + KH 750DSP with MA-1

[ISLQ]

Hello folks ! I'm seriously torn between Genelec and Neumann—both are excellent speakers.
Besides price, I'm considering two options:

1. Genelec 8030C + SVS SB1000(woofer, slightly cheaper than the genelec 7040B) with MiniDSP package for room correction.

2. Neumann KH 120 II + KH 750 DSP(woofer) with MA-1 for room correction.

For casual listening, which do you prefer? In particular, how is the sound quality? Is there anything I should consider?

 

[johny_2000]

Both options are great for casual listening IMO.

If you know how to work with the MiniDSP console, UMIK-2 measurement microphone and Room EQ Wizard software, then I would choose the Genelec + SVS pair. Wide range of parameters and flexibility in applying a variety of measurement and compensation methods. A paradise for tech geeks .

Neumann has DSP built into the monitors / subwoofers, and they use a proprietary equalization system and microphone for them. If used correctly, I think the result will be good too.

P.S. I heard that the SVS SB-1000 model has been discontinued and only the SB-1000 Pro is currently available.

 

[Miguelón]

Hello folks ! I'm seriously torn between Genelec and Neumann—both are excellent speakers.
Besides price, I'm considering two options:

1. Genelec 8030C + SVS SB1000(woofer, slightly cheaper than the genelec 7040B) with MiniDSP package for room correction.

2. Neumann KH 120 II + KH 750 DSP(woofer) with MA-1 for room correction.

For casual listening, which do you prefer? In particular, how is the sound quality? Is there anything I should consider?

My vote goes to Genelec 8030C, had both Neumann kh 120 ii and 8030C at home and subjective impression was similar to many comments at Thomann’s store: KH 120 ii is very unforgiving to sub pair mixes, very appreciated by DJs and editors to dig into errors whereas general consensus that in 8030C barely all sounds good.

This is not a typical comment for ASR, but you ask for opinions.

Neumann kh 120 ii for professional analysis, Genelec 8030C for casual listening: is a very “round” speaker with a lot of enjoyable listening experience, kh 120 ii is somehow “dry”. Maybe the DSP algorithm that correct phase, I don’t know but sounds a bit “unnatural”

Anyway this is very subjective, my advice is that you can buy both if you find a dealer with good return policy (Thomann is the best, 30 days trial period, money back program without any questions about the motives of return). Try them at home.

Looking at your 2 options you are in the same preference range than me, so want a flat and smooth active speaker: both are the best in 5 inch studio monitors valid to home listening.

Both have good FQ response, both are good for near and mid field (if you listen at moderate SPL), both have good directivity (except on the crossover region, as all 2 way monitors because vertical interference woofer-tweeter)…

Don’t believe so much you can go to the claim of high SPL of kh 120 ii: recommended distance is the same as 8030C.

MA-1 is not a game changer IMHO, I prefer using my own DSP and go analogue after, but for many people can be the main reason to choose kh 120 ii. In this case you can consider Genelec 8330A which is the equivalent of KH 120 ii but is older and is not as good as 8030C in its pure speaker measurements.

POST EDITED: I forgot to mention that if you use money back program from Thomann, be aware of posing KH 120 ii on the floor or any hard surfaces, use a towel or another tissue. The finishing get scratches so easy, mines had a reduction on refund because that, were completely scratched at the bottom after changing speakers back and forth.

 

[vsch]

I can only comment on Option 1, as I have a pair of Genelec 8030c, an Arendal 1961 1s, and a minidsp Flex as my desktop system (80cm away in a 12m2 untreated room). It sounds sublime. Manual room correction via the minidsp is super flexible, and you have to option to buy the Dirac license. Moreover, Genelecs are rock solid and have a reputation to last for a long time. I also like the isopods which allow you to adjust the tilt of the speakers on the stands. In sum, I think it's a great system for music enjoyment -- particularly nearfield.

I haven't heard the Neumanns (except once in a museum as part of an art installation), but they probably sound great too. Moreover, the proprietary room correction is likely easier to use but locks you into their "ecosystem".

Overall, I think you can't go wrong with either option, and the decision might boil down to soft factors such as flexibility vs ease of use, aesthetics, reputation for longevity, etc.

Good luck and lots of fun!

 

[Behrelec 37]

Genelecs also have the advantage that you can chain together DSP sam speakers from different eras in the glm software as much as you want, so you can listen to large and small genelecs in several different multi-channel combinations, or even in stereo.

You can also build a giant, monstrous, murderous multi-channel system so that everyone's head explodes with movie experiences and drool runs down their chests, or just build a smaller, moderate and harmonious whole. Every single purchase decision depends on how far into the future you can and want to chain genelecs. And yes, it is already possible to a large extent. The glm software is completely free and there are two different glm boxes, but the operating idea is basically almost the same.