Looking for Nearfield Monitor Upgrade Advice (Budget €1,000)

[jogi]

Hi everyone — looking for advice on a nearfield upgrade.

Current setup:

• ADAM A3X speakers
• Placed next to my work monitor, about 25 cm from the wall
• On stands so the tweeter is at ear height
• Listening position ~0.7–1.0 m
• Connected to an SMSL DO100 DAC

I’m thinking about upgrading with a budget of €1,000. Models I’ve been considering:

• Genelec 8020 (8030 would be an option but a bit over budget)
• Focal Alpha 50 or Alpha 65 EVO
• Kali (IN or LP series — 4, 6 or 8)
• Neumann KH 80 (slightly over budget)
• Another pair of ADAMs (higher model)

Questions:

1. Is it possible to get a monitor that’s too large for close/nearfield listening at ~0.7–1 m?
2. Do any of the models above have a noticeable hiss ?

Any thoughts, experiences, or alternative suggestions within the €1k range would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[CT007]

I would absolutely try Kali IN-5, if you care about great bass and awesome imaging+phantom center The IN-8 V2 was too much bass for my ~15'x15' room, and the treble was a tad harsh, where the IN-5 should do better in both regards, IIRC. (Have not tested any of the other speakers you listed)

 

[Berwhale]

There is some data on hiss from various models of monitors here (but I don't think it's been updated for a while)... https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/hiss-list-s-r.18050/

My understanding is that the crossover frequency and distance between the tweeter and the woofer influence the distance at which the sound will become coherent and appear to come from a single source. Manufactures usually list the minimum listening distance in their documentation.

 

[Mort]

Genelec are very durable. Consider a used 8030c if you can find one. I think it's worth the upgrade over the 8020 if you can manage it.

Yes it's definitely possible to have too large a speaker at your desk. It depends on the distance between the drivers.

 

[jogi]

I bought pair of ADAM T7V during black friday, but they hiss like crazy. I could hear the hiss even at 2m distance. Only after that I have found the Hiss List. I did return them.
Meanwhile i decided to go with passive speakers. So I've bought pair of ELAC Debut Reference DBR62. Currently I'm testing them on my main Arcam amplifier and I'm positively surprised. No hiss at 10 cm distance. Now I'm just waiting for Topping PA5 II to arrive.

 

[Muca]

It depends on your room, my listeting position is ~1,5m from the speakers. I tried from your list Focal Evo 50, Genelec 8030c and Kali in-5 in my room. The Kalis sounded the best with the best imagening. All 3 speakers are great but I think due to the speaker design, the Kalis are the best deal and maybe they will also sound the best in your room.

 

[ZööZ]

Kali Audio LP-6v2 and the rest of the budget towards the best sub you can afford?
Or if you get lucky and find a pair of KH 120 II under 1K go for it (I did) they're amazing.

 

[ExT]

Hi everyone — looking for advice on a nearfield upgrade.

Current setup:

• ADAM A3X speakers
• Placed next to my work monitor, about 25 cm from the wall
• On stands so the tweeter is at ear height
• Listening position ~0.7–1.0 m
• Connected to an SMSL DO100 DAC

I’m thinking about upgrading with a budget of €1,000. Models I’ve been considering:

• Genelec 8020 (8030 would be an option but a bit over budget)
• Focal Alpha 50 or Alpha 65 EVO
• Kali (IN or LP series — 4, 6 or 8)
• Neumann KH 80 (slightly over budget)
• Another pair of ADAMs (higher model)

Questions:

1. Is it possible to get a monitor that’s too large for close/nearfield listening at ~0.7–1 m?
2. Do any of the models above have a noticeable hiss ?

Any thoughts, experiences, or alternative suggestions within the €1k range would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I’m currently running a pair of Kali IN-5 at 35 inches away, which I consider a slight upgrade from my previous T5V thank to the mid driver. Bass is considerably good though mine is pair with an SB3000. Since there’s a promotion going on, you can’t get a pair of the IN-5 for $700 at any authorized dealer