I was deadset on getting neumann speakers because of their low noise. I wasn't desktop speakers but I hears most active speaker will have self noise which id like to avoid. I mainly want clear treble since most cheap speakers I've had on my desk seemed to be midrange focused. So a good tweeter I guess. I couldn't find anything besides neumann speakers being ultra low noise.
I then came across the term passive speakers which some seem to measure good and have no noise since the amp is external. What are some good cheap and small desktop computer speakers with good treble and no audible hiss or other problems like turning off randomly. Im kind of interes in coaxial speakers. Id like to maybe spend less than 1000 for the speakers and then maybe a few 100 for an amp of its passive. I may just get the neumanns but id like to hear about other things
Welcome to the forums.
As an owner of Genelec speakers, I think either active Neumann or Genelec are a very good choice for a desktop setup that excell in clarity.
From what I hear on the forum, Neumann has lower self noise, though I must say it never bothered me in Genelec speakers. I sit at 0.7 meters from the speakers and cannot hear it; at 30 cm I do hear it.
Anyway, it's a personal thing, so I would advice to listen to them in real life whether you hear it or not.
It is true passive speakers can be more silent, but - and this is a big but - active speakers drive the cones directly and can have dsp inside the speaker giving a much more accurate representation imo and ime. With eq capability you can basically let the speakers sound the way you like, warmer/cooler, adjusted to the room, you name it. Imo it's an essential tool for any setup, but it doesn't have to be in the speakers; it can be implemented in a streamer/dac/amp too. Just make sure you don't get too many boxes as this makes it complicated. Less is more imo.
One thing that gave a massive upgrade in my setup was adding a subwoofer. Neumann has the kh750 which is exceptional, also for bigger rooms. I have the Genelec F two which is suitable for smaller rooms. (Smaller cone area means less displacement than the neumann kh750.)
Neumann has as added benefit default dsp in the sub and speakers. Genelec does not, which is why I have the wiim ultra as streamer.
Now on passive speakers:
Yes they are more silent, but usually ime sound less precise. It's a matter of preference if you like it or not.
If it was me choosing passives for a desktop setup, I would choose a small streamer/amp with eq capabilities and sub out. The wiim ultra amp would be an excellent and affordable choice.
For speakers I would trial: Elac dbr62, kef concerto, kef ls50, Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX, or a diy option from here on the forums: the Mechano 23
This is a review, listening tests and detailed measurements of the "Mechano23" open-source DIY speaker. A pair was kindly sent to me by the member. You can read more about it here. Baltic birch cabinet seems quite solid and well above what you get commercially. I was surprised to see a...
www.audiosciencereview.com
