Anything with better distortion than Neumann KH150?

[Ron Texas]

Distortion isn't the only important parameter of performance.

 

[teashea]

I'm in the market for a pair of KH150s because of how good they are, but before I replace my Kali LP-6s with them, is there anything even better? I can't actually find anything with better distortion measurements, even options costing multiple times as much.

Neumann KH 150 Monitor Review

This is a review, listening tests and measurements of the Neumann KH150 DSP 2-way studio monitor (active speaker). It is on loan from the company and costs US $1,750 (each). The design language is not changed of course. The main woofer is 6.5 inches now powered by 120 watt dedicated...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[prestigetone]

I think it is worth to check if you are really willing to go the room acoustics path, since it will be a lot of work and money and there are many people who tried this and weren't happy.

If you haven't any chance to listen to some speakers in a shop or so. I would do an experiment. You place the speakers in the middle of room, symmetrical so that the first reflections arrive at the same time from left and right speaker. Try some different listings distances from very close. There should be a point where you get envelopment. You most likely will like it and if you do, you have to change your room acoustic plans.

If you are searching for a speaker in the ultra nearfield i have some suggestions but it is important to listen to some speakers since the measurements can't 100% tell you how it will sound. Especially if you haven't heard a lot of speaker and how the different designs typically sound you don't know how it will sound and if you like this kind of sound.

I would have a look at the new ME Geithain MO-1 mk2 plus Subwoofer https://www.me-geithain.de/de/mo-1-mkii.html
The were developed for a listing distance from 0.6m so exactly a "headphone speaker" and should sound very good like all me Geithain speakers.

The Kef coaxials are also good but I am not sure if the will work in the ultra nearfield.

The JBL 104 aren't flawless they hiss and have an unusual high frequency behavior and I sometimes think I can hear the plastic enclosure and they can't play loud, but I like them very much. I think you can hear that the JBL speakers were developed with blind listening tests in which they have to be better than the competitors. The midrange is very good and the ability to create envelopment and a precise image is outstanding if you use speakers stands which don't add diffraction and place the speakers free so that the first reflections arrive late.

The Genelec ones are also a good option.

The small IK multimedia speakers should also work in the ultra nearfield.

Devialete or Cabasse should also have some good speakers which are worth a try.

Normally I would say no to Geithain based on reliability. But the size of these and the fact that they use new digital amps might mean they could perform better with less need for support. Can't find pricing for the MO-1 MK2 but it is bound to be way up there.

 

[AnalogSteph]

KH150s seem rather overdressed for a mere 0.9 m (even if they should just about still be in the green in terms of driver integration), KH120 IIs really ought to be plenty. These little Neumanns really pack a punch... I tried to stress-test my old K+H O110 woofers once in the hope of generating audible IMD, ultimately my ears were protesting first. And no, I'm not a stranger to audible distortion, my old Tascams had some rather noticeable H3 on sine test tones (now whether that was down to their woofers or the dodgy relays that this model was known for is a different matter).

I don't think going down to KH80s is necessary at this distance yet, even if those would work OK as well... their level handling is a much bigger step down from the 120s than those would be from the 150s though, so this is why a sub (or two) would be suggested then.

 

[bachatero]

With how much better the KH150 matches my Kali LP-6v2's bass response and with the slight improvement in step response compared to the KH120 ii, I'm going to hold out on getting the KH150s plus a KH750 until I can comfortably afford the whole setup.

I think it is worth to check if you are really willing to go the room acoustics path, since it will be a lot of work and money and there are many people who tried this and weren't happy.

Too late, I already have tons of thick fiberglass/mineral wool panels for full spectrum reverb control, but surprisingly, all that has costed less than a single KH750 subwoofer ($1750).

 

[speedygonzalez]

Can someone tell me what justifies the small Musikelectronic Geithain prices? I have asked around in the EU and these new MO-1 are nearly $3,000 USD for a four inch driver. Are they approaching the best of the best?

 

[feitaishi]

Can someone tell me what justifies the small Musikelectronic Geithain prices? I have asked around in the EU and these new MO-1 are nearly $3,000 USD for a four inch driver. Are they approaching the best of the best?

$3000 for one or pair?

 

[speedygonzalez]

I believe they are $3,000 for a normal finish and $4,000 for anything above that.

 

[Ktacos]

Can someone tell me what justifies the small Musikelectronic Geithain prices? I have asked around in the EU and these new MO-1 are nearly $3,000 USD for a four inch driver. Are they approaching the best of the best?

People pay it, that's all a company needs to justify a price. Doesn't mean a product isn't widely overpriced though.

If you're asking I think you're aware that product is overpriced for what it is. 4 inch driver can only do so much.

 

[teashea]

Distortion isn't the only important parameter of performance.

True. Flat frequency response and phase issues are also important. That is why the KH 150's are so good. They are not one trick ponies.

 

[teashea]

KH150s seem rather overdressed for a mere 0.9 m (even if they should just about still be in the green in terms of driver integration), KH120 IIs really ought to be plenty. These little Neumanns really pack a punch... I tried to stress-test my old K+H O110 woofers once in the hope of generating audible IMD, ultimately my ears were protesting first. And no, I'm not a stranger to audible distortion, my old Tascams had some rather noticeable H3 on sine test tones (now whether that was down to their woofers or the dodgy relays that this model was known for is a different matter).

I don't think going down to KH80s is necessary at this distance yet, even if those would work OK as well... their level handling is a much bigger step down from the 120s than those would be from the 150s though, so this is why a sub (or two) would be suggested then.

I agree that, unless one wants the extra bass extension, KH120 II's are right in there with the KH 150's at one meter. The nearfield parameter cannot be (to me) overemphasized).

 

[lowkeyoperations]

I’m using Amphion One15’s in an 85cm equilateral triangle, with Dirac live.

Point source, time aligned with a waveguide. They are designed for listening down to 75cm.

 

[Abaxial]

I agree that, unless one wants the extra bass extension, KH120 II's are right in there with the KH 150's at one meter. The nearfield parameter cannot be (to me) overemphasized). View attachment 386534View attachment 386539

Your studio is quite elegant I must say

 

[teashea]

Your studio is quite elegant I must say

Thankyou very much. I appreciate it.