Can't chose between Pebble Nova and Kanto Ora

[Emilio75]

Hi,

I'm looking for desktop/unf monitor speakers for mixing & mastering my audio stuff (and also to just listen to music sometimes).

Currently I use a Beyerdynamic DT880 and sometimes my lovely pair of Pebble Pro - which are really nice, SPL is enough, but they lack bass and a flat response curve.

Unfortunately I don't have much room on my desk and the only location is below my UW 34" monitor (17cm between the monitor bottom edge and the desk).


All in all, after hours reading reviews and forums, the only two models that would fit (1) my exact needs, (2) my taste and (3) my budget are Creative Labs Pebble Nova and Kanto Ora (horizontally placed).

Kanto Ora seem a bit more professional, with a very flat response frequency and overall great reviews.

Pebble Nova have a surprisingly flat response too, are cheaper (~240€ vs ~370€ here in France), and I've always preferred coaxial speakers (Tannoy 636 in my living room for 20 years, and Pebble Pro on my desk). But the only serious review is here (https://www.audiosciencereview.com/.../creative-pebbles-v2-v3-pro-x-and-nova.56837/) and there aren't many feedbacks.

I'm having a hard time making a decision !

What would you recommend ? Is there anybody knowing both Kanto Ora and Pebble Nova ?

Thank you

 

[MarkS]

Welcome to the forum!

Buy both from dealers that offer return privileges and keep the one you like best.

People seem to like both, so more opinions are not going to be very helpful. Your opinion is the only one that matters.

 

[dtaylo1066]

If they have Costco in your area, look at the KEF LSX II LT. They have been selling for $499 but may have bumped back to $599. Still worth it. For my desktop I have Edifier M60. Great for the money.

 

[MarkS]

OP is in France, no Costco there!

 

[dtaylo1066]

I thought they opened a couple in Paris recently. Not sure how compehensive. Maybe mail order from other part of EU. VAT likely add to cost.

 

[Emilio75]

I thought they opened a couple in Paris recently. Not sure how compehensive. Maybe mail order from other part of EU. VAT likely add to cost.

Thanks for your answer.
Indeed, I don’t know Costco.
Kef LSX II LT look really nice, but (1) too large for the room below my monitor, and (2) priced EUR 999 here - out of my budget.

 

[dtaylo1066]

I'd look at Triangle

Active Speakers and Subwoofer - Audiophonics

Find in this category all our active speakers and subwoofers, including an amplifier module for a quick and easy installation.

www.audiophonics.fr

Or look here for reviews:

Edifier M60 Desktop Speaker Review

Edifier M60 Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[kyuu]

None of those Pebbles have anywhere near a flat frequency response, plus the bass is anemic. If the Kanto Ora are all that's available in your size/budget, definitely go for those.

If it's available in your market at your budget, you might want to consider the Kali IN-5. It's coaxial, which not only meets your want for it but also means you can lay the speakers on their sides without an issue and they should fit in the space under your monitor. There's also the Kali IN-UNF which is specifically designed for your situation, but it has very particular setup requirements and may be outside your budget.

 

[wwenze]

iLoud Micro doesn't fit your requirements?

 

[dtaylo1066]

Adam DV3 is a dandy for its size.

 

[kyuu]

Adam DV3 is a dandy for its size.

Yes, but at 20cm tall does not fit the OP's requirements.

 

[dtaylo1066]

Yes, but at 20cm tall does not fit the OP's requirements.

Ugh, my bad. Well, monitor bases can be raised, and the Edifer M60 on its side will fit just fine and is a bargain. Love mine. Very compact. Very versatile.

 

[3125b]

Kali IN-UNF would probably be a very good option for your specific use case, but it exceeds your budget. It might be worthwhile to look for a used set.

Putting non-coaxial speakers on their side gives you horrible horizontal dispersion, that's not something I would recommend. And just laying them on your desk will not align them properly to your listening position anyway.
Is placing the speakers next to your monitor an option? Stands are cheap and you can still get a decent stereo triangle that way.

 

[dtaylo1066]

Kali IN-UNF would probably be a very good option for your specific use case, but it exceeds your budget. It might be worthwhile to look for a used set.

Putting non-coaxial speakers on their side gives you horrible horizontal dispersion, that's not something I would recommend. And just laying them on your desk will not align them properly to your listening position anyway.
Is placing the speakers next to your monitor an option? Stands are cheap and you can still get a decent stereo triangle that way.

I agree on the horizontal thing. I say mount them off the wall to the side or above monitor and angle towards listening point.

 

[Emilio75]

None of those Pebbles have anywhere near a flat frequency response, plus the bass is anemic. If the Kanto Ora are all that's available in your size/budget, definitely go for those.

If it's available in your market at your budget, you might want to consider the Kali IN-5. It's coaxial, which not only meets your want for it but also means you can lay the speakers on their sides without an issue and they should fit in the space under your monitor. There's also the Kali IN-UNF which is specifically designed for your situation, but it has very particular setup requirements and may be outside your budget.

Thank you.

Well I agree for every Pebble except Nova, indeed. I was surprised actually (see the review).

Kali IN-5 is too large unfortunately. Indeed, coax also brings a lot of freedom for positioning.

IN-UNF is priced €600 here (plus I’m not a big fan of 2.1 for many reasons).

 

[Emilio75]

Kali IN-UNF would probably be a very good option for your specific use case, but it exceeds your budget. It might be worthwhile to look for a used set.

Putting non-coaxial speakers on their side gives you horrible horizontal dispersion, that's not something I would recommend. And just laying them on your desk will not align them properly to your listening position anyway.
Is placing the speakers next to your monitor an option? Stands are cheap and you can still get a decent stereo triangle that way.

I fully agree.
Unfortunately placing the speakers beside my monitor is not an option.

 

[Emilio75]

iLoud Micro doesn't fit your requirements?

Slightly too large (height) plus it seems there is a lot of listening fatigue.

 

[Geert]

Slightly too large (height) plus it seems there is a lot of listening fatigue.

It causes zero listening fatigue.

 

[kyuu]

Kali IN-5 is too large unfortunately. Indeed, coax also brings a lot of freedom for positioning.

Okay, so it's not just the height then? Needs to be compact in other dimensions as well?

 

[Emilio75]

Okay, so it's not just the height then? Needs to be compact in other dimensions as well?

yes, 38x28x20 cm for each speaker takes almost all the room below the monitor. It’s also quite expensive here in Fr.

It’s too bad because I’m very interested in Kali (LP-UNF was my first choice but they told me « no way » for horizontal layout )