Genelec 8330A+7350A or 8331A? Need help choosing

[Moreni]

I want to upgrade my workspace with a PC setup.

I currently use a 2.1 speaker system consisting of Edifier S360DB speakers + IsoAcoustics-130 stands.

The current speakers placed (and new speakers\monitors are planned to be placed) approximately ~60-70 cm from the listening position (to the side of the 27" main monitor).

The Genelec monitors will be used for: Davinci Resolve Studio, listening to music on Spotify \ Apple Music \ YouTube, PC games, movies, and etc. Rarely Ableton Live. In general, they will be used for a variety of purposes, not just only for creating music.

I have a limited budget, but I need a high-quality solution that will cover the needs of home professional content creation.

What should I choose in my case: Genelec 8330A (2x) +7350A or just 8331A (2x) without sub? And which sound card for a PC setup is best to choose for these monitors and for my purposes?

The room size is approximately ~16 square meters.

I know that the 8331A will be better for the near field, but I'm afraid that without a subwoofer there will be a lack of low frequencies. Therefore, in my case, it might be better to choose the setup from 8330A (2x) +7350A.

P.S. It is worth noting one more detail. Currently, my speakers (Edifier S360DB) are connected directly to the motherboard (asus z690 extreme) via optical cable. I find it a little annoying that there is constant white noise coming from the tweeters when the sound is turned on at a very low volume or during the first ~5-8 seconds before standby mode. It is very quiet, but I can hear it, and is slightly irritating. Shouldn't there be such a problem with Genelec monitors?

 

[staticV3]

Hi @Moreni! Welcome to ASR.

60cm is right at the limit of what Genelec deems sufficient distance for the 8330's drivers to sum well.

Personally, I'd really rather have a Coax design at that distance.

Have you considered not Genelec? Something like the Orbit 11 or Kali SM-5.

That would relieve any concerns about listening distance and still leave money left over for a Sub. Best of both worlds.

For the Sub, you could consider the Neumann KH750 or iLoud Sub, both of which could effectively replace GLM.

 

[Mort]

What should I choose in my case: Genelec 8330A (2x) +7350A or just 8331A (2x) without sub?

What kind of content are you playing? Do you really need the bass?

 

[Moreni]

60cm is right at the limit of what Genelec deems sufficient distance for the 8330's drivers to sum well.

Yes, I checked at Genelec official website with recommendations: https://www.genelec.com/correct-monitors

And 8330A, and 8331A – fit good for my desk setup and room \ workspace.

I plan to arrange the speakers as follows (attached the image below).

Have you considered not Genelec? Something like the Orbit 11 or Kali SM-5.

To be honest, I haven't heard of these models.

The only thing I considered instead of Genelec was KEF. And initially, I was thinking of taking 2x Genelec G Three + F-two sub for my PC setup, but then I started researching the information in more detail and realized that if I was going to spend money on Genelec, it would be better to get a model with calibration capabilities right away.

But in any case, considering the possibility of GLM calibration and the fact that I need a solution that isn't too bulky on my desk, Genelec seems to be the best fit.

Moreover, as I mentioned earlier, I'm not currently involved in music production. By purchasing Genelec with GLM + Elgato Stream Deck (which I already have), I will have a convenient system where I can change pre-calibrated profiles at the touch of a button: for example, for listening to music (where the frequency response will be changed), or a flatter one for creating music (if I want to do that in the future), or a profile with a lot of bass for watching movies or TV shows. It's very convenient.

What kind of content are you playing? Do you really need the bass?

Considering that I have always used budget Sven 2.1 speakers, then switched to consumer-grade but reasonably good Edifier 2.1 speakers (S360DB model which use an 8-inch subwoofer), I am concerned that when switching to 2x Genelec 8331A without a subwoofer, there may be a lack of low frequencies.

Therefore, I am probably leaning more towards the option Genelec 2x 8330A + 7350A + GLM + Stream Deck = in theory it should be a very good home setup.

The only thing I don't quite understand is whether these professional studio monitors are suitable for simply listening to music. Will I notice an improvement if I switch from the Edifier S360DB? And I also don't quite understand which concretely sound card (DAC) is need to buy for this setup? For example i find this variation: https://www.matrix-digi.com/product/82/X-SPDIF3 - it's will be good?

Also interesting whether Genelec's (8330A and 8331A) will produce a quiet noise (like "white noise") from the tweeters (as Edifier does)? Because right now it's a little annoying to me. And as I understand it, this is not a defect.

 

[Mort]

I am concerned that when switching to 2x Genelec 8331A without a subwoofer, there may be a lack of low frequencies

Right. My question was what kind of music? If you are listening to string quartets you don't need as much bass as techno/electropop. Rock lovers think the genre has bass, but it really doesn't much.

 

[Moreni]

I listen to different genres, including: rock, alternative, metal, indie, pop, rap, edm, instrumental/orchestral music. Both old and modern/new-school. Also a lot of DJ's, hip-hop, house, minimal. Maybe rarely listen to classical \ jazz. But anyway, is important that virtually any genre sounds good. I need something universal.

 

[Mort]

Do you listen over about 80db on bass heavy music? If so the 8331a is insufficient.

 

[Moreni]

Do you listen over about 80db on bass heavy music? If so the 8331a is insufficient.

I don't have a professionally calibrated microphone to measure decibels. But I downloaded an iPhone app that shows about approx ~73-77db in the listening area of my current setup. It turns out that I listen to music at about this volume or quieter.

 

[LTig]

I want to upgrade my workspace with a PC setup.

I currently use a 2.1 speaker system consisting of Edifier S360DB speakers + IsoAcoustics-130 stands.

The current speakers placed (and new speakers\monitors are planned to be placed) approximately ~60-70 cm from the listening position (to the side of the 27" main monitor).

The Genelec monitors will be used for: Davinci Resolve Studio, listening to music on Spotify \ Apple Music \ YouTube, PC games, movies, and etc. Rarely Ableton Live. In general, they will be used for a variety of purposes, not just only for creating music.

If you want to produce (mix, master) music with very deep bass I think you should go to a 2.1 system, as a small monitor is unable to reproduce such frequencies.

 

[Mort]

I don't have a professionally calibrated microphone to measure decibels. But I downloaded an iPhone app that shows about approx ~73-77db in the listening area of my current setup. It turns out that I listen to music at about this volume or quieter.

So you should be able to get 40hz in room at the loudness you need. That's not bass-head levels but it's going to cover a lot of music.

It's a close call. I would do for the 8331a and live with it for a while knowing your are getting better coaxial experience. Add a sub later.