Any opinions on Genelec 8341a vs March Audio Sointuva?

[Mutsu]

I've been having a few issues with my March Audio setup - currently miniDSP Flex HTx -> March Audio P482 -> March Audio Sointuva.

I'm using the miniDSP so I have HDMI arc volume control from my TV.

My issues with the March Audio components have made me look into alternatives and I've been thinking about going for powered studio monitors like the Genelec 8341a.

I like the sound of my current system, I've just encountered issues that's making consider switching to a more established brand - and taking one separate component out of the chain (power amp) will be a welcomed save of space.

From what I've read, the Genelecs could be a good choice.

Anyone happened to have experience listening to both, or opinions?

EDIT: I'm waiting for a reply about a demo at a Genelec Experience center near me, but the earliest opening was the end of June and there don't seem to be many stockists in my country.

 

[AudioJester]

What issues have you been having?
March audio amp to speakers should be very simple.
If your happy with the sound I would try to sort it out. Or you may end up swapping one set of issues for another

 

[Mutsu]

Unfortunately I've had some problems with speakers cracking and amps having failures.

I'm waiting to hear back about a replacement pair of speakers (now using painted mdf as humidity swings in my building may be the cause of the wood splitting both times before.

I had issues with my first amp where Alan sent a replacement part and guided me through the process. I upgraded that and it died after a couple of weeks.

I seems like I've been extremely unlucky. But the experienced has made me rethink and potentionally ask for a refund on the amp at least.

 

[Noske]

Unfortunately I've had some problems with speakers cracking and amps having failures.

I'm waiting to hear back about a replacement pair of speakers (now using painted mdf as humidity swings in my building may be the cause of the wood splitting both times before.

I had issues with my first amp where Alan sent a replacement part and guided me through the process. I upgraded that and it died after a couple of weeks.

I seems like I've been extremely unlucky. But the experienced has made me rethink and potentionally ask for a refund on the amp at least.

Are the goods still under warranty? I understand that March Audio offers at least a five-year warranty.

If so, I am inclined to think that it would be more appropriate to communicate with Mr March for a satisfactory resolution to the issue rather than to convey these grievances on a public forum.

That your speakers were replaced (how many times - twice? - and not because the speakers were actually faulty but due to external issues that would possibly affect any speaker constructed with wood) demonstrates good faith on the part of March Audio.

I understand your dismay; however that is a quite separate issue than that of the query as to the merits of a Genelec setup versus a Purifi amplifier and speaker setup.

 

[amirm]

Unfortunately I've had some problems with speakers cracking and amps having failures.

Many of us wondered about those factors when they were introduced.

Anyway, the Genelecs are some of the most accurate and perfect speakers you can buy. The only limitation they may have is how loud they get as you are stuck with the built-in amplifier and related to that, how low they go. Until you get to 8361A, those limits exist. So if you can at all, listen to them, crank the up and make sure they get loud enough. And that there is enough bass.

 

[Mutsu]

,

Are the goods still under warranty? I understand that March Audio offers at least a five-year warranty.

If so, I am inclined to think that it would be more appropriate to communicate with Mr March for a satisfactory resolution to the issue rather than to convey these grievances on a public forum.

That your speakers were replaced (how many times - twice? - and not because the speakers were actually faulty but due to external issues that would possibly affect any speaker constructed with wood) demonstrates good faith on the part of March Audio.

I understand your dismay; however that is a quite separate issue than that of the query as to the merits of a Genelec setup versus a Purifi amplifier and speaker setup.

My intention was to get opinions of the Genelec versus my current setup, in hindsight I could have left out the further details. Alan has been great to be honest, I think I've just been extremely unlucky.

At the end of the day I just want a working Audio system again, and having a backup incase I decide to return the amp means I have less down time, hence asking for opinions in advance.

 

[Mutsu]

Many of us wondered about those factors when they were introduced.

Anyway, the Genelecs are some of the most accurate and perfect speakers you can buy. The only limitation they may have is how loud they get as you are stuck with the built-in amplifier and related to that, how low they go. Until you get to 8361A, those limits exist. So if you can at all, listen to them, crank the up and make sure they get loud enough. And that there is enough bass.

Thanks for the reply.

I tend to play quite low volume so I should be ok regarding that.

I'm hoping I can listen to them in a couple of weeks.

 

[Mort]

The Genelec should be a little narrower in directivity. Probably not enough to matter.

 

[AudioJester]

The other option is to look at the Ascilabs actives. I think the A6B is just about to be released, and the very cool cardioid C6C is not far away.

I use 8361a - you cant go wrong with Genelec.

 

[Torin Krell]

Although the horizontal directivity of the Genelec 8341A may not be quite as wide as the March Audio Sointuva the vertical directivity is actually significantly broader and smoother because of their coaxial and somewhat coincident layout. This provides smoother floor and ceiling reflections and also significantly reduces the change in sound heard between when a listener is sitting or standing. I own a pair of Genelec 8341As and since I use them with a pair of subs I have no issues with volume limitations and highly recommend them!

 

[Mutsu]

I ended up auditioning the 8341 and purchasing for my desktop setup based on it.

With the GLM correction, they are amazing. Going to a Genelec experience center next week to listen to them with a sub.

My measurements go as low as 35hz though so will have to see if it's worth it. I also only have space for one sub.

One stand out thing vs other speakers I've used is how natural the vocals sound. Which was a bad thing when listening to some of my own vocal recordings! Not sure what about how they measure is ticking that box for me though.

 

[napfkuchen]

My 8331As extend to 45 Hz before "falling off a cliff". However, the FR-graph tells only part of the story. For me adding a subwoofer (7350a) was huge upgrade, works flawless due to GLM calibration. Also there is at least some punch and authority in the bass now. If you can afford it add a 7360a.

 

[Mutsu]

Yea mine is also off a cliff at 35hz.

I can afford the 7360a but im more concerned about the size. 7350 already is a bit of a stretch, it will be by my feet in a cramped space.

What frequency do you crossover?

 

[napfkuchen]

I can afford the 7360a but im more concerned about the size. 7350 already is a bit of a stretch, it will be by my feet in a cramped space.

The 7350a is nearly on par with the 8331As. As the 8341As have significantly more amp power there might be some limitation regarding overall system volume. Was not able to have it under my desk as well. What about placing it on the side?

What frequency do you crossover?

At 85 Hz, because of a dip the speakers have just below that. Most likely your room and speaker placement will present different "challenges".

 

[Mutsu]

Thanks. Looks great btw!

Was putting the sub by the side of your desk due to space or performance? Unfortunately Im space limited and only have a small space for it under my desk at the moment.

I listen relatively quietly, so Im not too concerned about spl levels. Im also in an apartment. The walls are pretty thick but I wouldn't want to disturb my neighbour's.

Do you run with a flat curve calibrated from GLM?

I have a couple of small peaks in the upper frequency range and settled on a high tilt of -2db

 

[napfkuchen]

Was putting the sub by the side of your desk due to space or performance? Unfortunately Im space limited and only have a small space for it under my desk at the moment.

At the back of the desk I mounted some shelves where all the stuff you don't want to see can be placed, so there is not enough room for the subwoofer.

There is only an -8 dB dip between 40 and 45 Hz, otherwise +/- 2 dB from 25 to 100 Hz. But with the desk moved away from the wall the measurements were not perfect either, so I didn't bother.

I listen relatively quietly, so Im not too concerned about spl levels. Im also in an apartment. The walls are pretty thick but I wouldn't want to disturb my neighbour's.

Then maybe get one 7350a and try it? Should already be enough to put a smile on your face. And once there is proably more space available get another subwoofer.

Do you run with a flat curve calibrated from GLM?


I have a couple of small peaks in the upper frequency range and settled on a high tilt of -2db

Also -2 db high shelf.

 

[Mutsu]

I have my PC to the right of me under the desk and wiring is handled at a unit that runs along the top of the desk at the back.

I'll probably pull the trigger on the sub. I've only ever listened to a smaller system once comparing sub and no sub (ls50ii) and the difference was night and day even though I felt that extension on the ls50ii on its own to start with was fairly good.

Out of curiosity, what's the box you have at the front that requires an additional cooling fan?

 

[napfkuchen]

Never listened to the active LS50s. I think Kef has a similar approach to Genelec but it's dedicated to consumers with a more pleasing design (just my opinion). It's just a 5" coax after all, what they can achieve with it is quite impressive.

Out of curiosity, what's the box you have at the front that requires an additional cooling fan?

That's a mini pc. The metal enclosure is supposed to passively cool all components. However, CPU temperature was hovering between 60 and 80°C, and the case got VERY hot. A leftover case fan lowered the temperature by about 25°C, and the computer is still silent from 30 cm distance.

 

[Mutsu]

The genelecs were in another league compared to the kefs, which isnt surprising as there is a big difference in price too.

Ah, I wondered if that's what it could be.

 

[Torin Krell]

I ended up auditioning the 8341 and purchasing for my desktop setup based on it.

With the GLM correction, they are amazing. Going to a Genelec experience center next week to listen to them with a sub.

My measurements go as low as 35hz though so will have to see if it's worth it. I also only have space for one sub.

One stand out thing vs other speakers I've used is how natural the vocals sound. Which was a bad thing when listening to some of my own vocal recordings! Not sure what about how they measure is ticking that box for me though.

I agree that vocals sound especially good in comparison to several other monitors which I believe is at least partially due to the 3 way design, and possibly also due to the well executed coaxial (actually acoustically nearly a triaxial) design. A significant number of 2 way monitor speakers and consumer speakers seem to have frequency, resonance and/or dispersion issues at the the crossover frequency which is usually in the upper midrange - where the ear is unusually sensitive.