Best small passive speaker for scientific setup

[Alt93]

Hello,

I am studying sound engineering and currently doing research on 3D audio. At the university we have a wonderful audio dome based on Genelec One's for this purpose. However, it is often occupied or only available in small time slots. I have a decent room at home and would like to build a small 3D setup myself for my work. For starters, it should be a classic 7.1.4 setup. For this I need affordable, small, passive speakers in the best possible quality. I know DSP very well, so corrections in the frequency range are no problem. Everything that can not be influenced with DSP, such as radiation pattern, resonances, etc. should be technically as good as possible.
Do you have any practical recommendations for me?
Many thanks already!

 

[Mal]

What do you mean by affordable? For some $50 is affordable, for others $50 000...

As you are a student, I'll assume $50 - Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 are small and cheap. I have a pair I use as computers speakers, but don't have the techie know how to give you detail on radiation patterns and resonances! They have been around a long time (decades...) so maybe do a Google search to see if anyone has used them in experiments like yours. They have a fairly good reputation and seem solidly built, I can't say more than that...

Amir did some serious measurements on the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1s that might give a feel for Wharfedale in general... they are more than $50, though...

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Review (Speaker)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 bookshelf speaker. It was kindly purchased by a member and drop shipped to me. It costs US $399 for a pair. The look and feel of the 12.1 is definitely above the budget category: The back is rather pedestrian but...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Alt93]

What do you mean by affordable? For some $50 is affordable, for others $50 000...

As you are a student, I'll assume $50 - Wharfedale Diamond 9.0 are small and cheap. I have a pair I use as computers speakers, but don't have the techie know how to give you detail on radiation patterns and resonances! They have been around a long time (decades...) so maybe do a Google search to see if anyone has used them in experiments like yours. They have a fairly good reputation and seem solidly built, I can't say more than that...

Amir did some serious measurements on the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1s that might give a feel for Wharfedale in general... they are more than $50, though...

Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 Review (Speaker)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 bookshelf speaker. It was kindly purchased by a member and drop shipped to me. It costs US $399 for a pair. The look and feel of the 12.1 is definitely above the budget category: The back is rather pedestrian but...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Thank you for the suggestion.
My bad, let’s define affordable speaker for a large setup to something between 50 and 150$ each.

 

[Elitzur–Vaidman]

Thank you for the suggestion.
My bad, let’s define affordable speaker for a large setup to something between 50 and 150$ each.

Are you comfortable with some basic DIY? The Parts Express C-Note earned a favorable review from amirm and cost only ~$50 each.

Parts Express DIY C-Note Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Parts Express C-Note DIY Kit. It was kindly purchased, put together and shipped to me by member @Winkleswizard. A pair of these with everything you need including the cabinet "flat pack" costs just US $100. And that includes free shipping if...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Open Mind Audio]

At the upper end of your affordability scale, I'd look at the KEF Q150s, for $150 each/$300 a pair at Accessories 4 Less: https://www.accessories4less.com/

 

[Alt93]

Are you comfortable with some basic DIY? The Parts Express C-Note earned a favorable review from amirm and cost only ~$50 each.

Parts Express DIY C-Note Speaker Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Parts Express C-Note DIY Kit. It was kindly purchased, put together and shipped to me by member @Winkleswizard. A pair of these with everything you need including the cabinet "flat pack" costs just US $100. And that includes free shipping if...

www.audiosciencereview.com

DIY is fine. But reading the measurements it seams to have some build related issues.

 

[Alt93]

At the upper end of your affordability scale, I'd look at the KEF Q150s, for $150 each/$300 a pair at Accessories 4 Less: https://www.accessories4less.com/

Looks good! Thank you! And I forgot to mention that coax speakers are appreciated!
Any other models?

 

[Mal]

In glancing at the manual for my Wharfedale Diamond 9.0s, I was amazed at the number of "surround" options that were made available in the "9" series:

9.TR - Troubleshooting your Diamond 9 Series Speakers | PDF | Loudspeaker | Amplifier

This document provides troubleshooting tips and maintenance instructions for a home audio system. It lists common symptoms, possible causes, and solutions. Key points include checking that the system is powered on, speakers are connected properly, and settings like volume, crossover control and...

www.scribd.com

 

[Josq]

Hello,

I am studying sound engineering and currently doing research on 3D audio. At the university we have a wonderful audio dome based on Genelec One's for this purpose. However, it is often occupied or only available in small time slots. I have a decent room at home and would like to build a small 3D setup myself for my work. For starters, it should be a classic 7.1.4 setup. For this I need affordable, small, passive speakers in the best possible quality. I know DSP very well, so corrections in the frequency range are no problem. Everything that can not be influenced with DSP, such as radiation pattern, resonances, etc. should be technically as good as possible.
Do you have any practical recommendations for me?
Many thanks already!

Any special reason why it needs to be passive? Adam T5V are excellent actives, no amplifiers needed

 

[Elitzur–Vaidman]

Looks good! Thank you! And I forgot to mention that coax speakers are appreciated!
Any other models?

I don't think you'll be able to beat KEF Q150s given your price constraints unless you happen to find a good value DIY coax (I don't know any).

 

[Alt93]

Any special reason why it needs to be passive? Adam T5V are excellent actives, no amplifiers needed

Passive is often lighter, smaller and more powerful.

 

[Mal]

Looks good! Thank you! And I forgot to mention that coax speakers are appreciated!
Any other models?

The KEF Q100 had a mixed review, but you might find it in your price range second hand. Maybe contact KEF directly? They have a "send them your old kef and they give you 25% off the new kef" deal. Who knows? They might have a stock of old UNI-Q speakers and might be willing to sell them at rock bottom to a research student... worth asking them anyway...

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/kef-q100-speaker-review.11987/

The KEF LSX reviewed better. I have this as my main home speaker and I love it! You *might* find a pair heavily discounted/second hand for $600 if lucky... but it's not passive.

KEF LSX Review (Wireless Speaker)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the KEF LSX "Wireless" speaker. It is on kind loan from a member and costs US $1,250 from Amazon including Prime shipping. In every way KEF could nail the look and feel of the speaker, it has done so: Not only is the iconic coaxial driver...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[voodooless]

What about Kali LP6 2nd wave?

 

[Mal]

Would the latest generation of bluetooth speakers have sufficient quality/capability?

I was amazed at the improvements in sound of the Amazon Echo (4th gen). I have one in my kitchen and I don't find it too painful going from KEF LSX to Echo when listening to talk radio and light music.

Thread here where people are discussing setting up 5.1 etc. Echo based home theatre solutions:

Did Amazon / Echo Miss An Opportunity?

Amazon have obviously got the various different devices i.e. the Input, Dot's and Echo Studios and they clearly went after a mass market of people happy to use that level of speaker. Did they miss a trick / audience though by not having one with an Optical or Coax out and maybe an Echo in the...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Elitzur–Vaidman]

If you're willing to consider active, I can endorse the JBL 306Ps (or 305Ps if weight is a big concern).

 

[mkt]

I am curious whether you plan to use an AVR or not. An audio interface with enough outputs would be fine with active speakers.

 

[sarumbear]

Looks good! Thank you! And I forgot to mention that coax speakers are appreciated!
Any other models?

Q150 is the cheapest co-ax speaker around that I know. If you can EQ them, the results in a 3D system will be similar to the Genelec system but at lower SPL capacity.

 

[Open Mind Audio]

Passive is often lighter, smaller and more powerful.

Passive will also permit greater long-term flexibility for your multi-channel setup.

 

[TonyJZX]

the OP wants a 7.1.4 setup??? I wouldnt build anything and that gets old soon.


What OP needs to do is the keep an eye out for clearance items.

Harman are famous for this.

OP can get away with say 5" woofers if he relies on subs.

 

[Rednaxela]

Do they have to be full range?

Otherwise perhaps have a look at KEF KHT-3005 or KHT-3005SE. You may be able to pick up a set or two for not too much.

KEF KHT 3005 Speaker System and Linn Classik Movie DVD Player HT Labs Measures: KEF

HT Labs Measures: KEF KHT 3005 Speaker System Satellite Sensitivity: 86 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz Center Sensitivity: 87 dB from 500 Hz to 2 kHz This graph shows the quasi-anechoic (employing close-miking of all woofers) frequency response of the HTS3001 satellites (purple trace), HTB2 subwoofer...

www.soundandvision.com