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Neumann/Genelec: 2.1 vs top-of-the-line monitors, what's your choice?

astcal

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The choice is to pick top-of-the-line pair of monitors, or, bottom-of-the-line monitor plus subwoofer then calibrating/integrating via software. The price listed here is only for scale and reference purpose. The setup is more for study room/computer desk intimate env.

OptionBrandSetupTotal PriceLF PerformanceComment
N1NeumannKH 420
$10,000​
26Hz (±3dB)
N2NeumannKH80 + KH750 + MA 1
$2,900​
18Hz (±3dB)system integrated via MA 1
G1Genelec8361
$10,000​
36Hz (±1.5dB)
G2Genelec8331 + 7350 + GLM
$6,320​
25Hz (±3dB)system integrated via GLM


I went with Option N2, I am cheap ;) To my ears, they sound perfect -- totally neutral, coherent, clean, tight, and with chest pounding thump.

Curious what you guys would choose, if you start from scratch.
 
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Sancus

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Subs do not make up for the lack of power above 80-100hz in tiny 4-5" monitors. A better comparison would be 8351B or KH310 w/subs vs the largest.

Really you should never buy anything with a woofer smaller than 6.5" unless you are space constrained or at sub-1m listening distances.
 
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astcal

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Subs do not make up for the lack of power above 80-100hz in tiny 4-5" monitors. A better comparison would be 8351B or KH310 w/subs vs the largest.

Really you should never buy anything with a woofer smaller than 6.5" unless you are space constrained or at sub-1m listening distances.

yeah that's why I emphasized on "study room/computer desk intimate env".
 

Sancus

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yeah that's why I emphasized on "study room/computer desk intimate env".
Ah my bad, I assumed including the KH420 meant there was a good amount of distance still. You wouldn't want to use a non-coaxial 3-way like that on most desktops because you need some distance for driver integration when the drivers are spaced out. The KH420 manual says 1.25m minimum and 1.5m-3.0m recommended.

I think the 8331A is the best small desktop speaker you can buy pretty much. The KH80/KH120 are good too though, and definitely the better value.
 

YSC

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The choice is to pick top-of-the-line pair of monitors, or, bottom-of-the-line monitor plus subwoofer then calibrating/integrating via software. The price listed here is only for scale and reference purpose. The setup is more for study room/computer desk intimate env.

OptionBrandSetupTotal PriceLF PerformanceComment
N1NeumannKH 420
$10,000​
26Hz (±3dB)
N2NeumannKH80 + KH750 + MA 1
$2,900​
18Hz (±3dB)system integrated via MA 1
G1Genelec8361
$10,000​
36Hz (±1.5dB)
G2Genelec8331 + 7350 + GLM
$6,320​
25Hz (±3dB)system integrated via GLM


I went with Option N2, I am cheap ;) To my ears, they sound perfect -- totally neutral, coherent, clean, tight, and with chest pounding thump.

Curious what you guys would choose, if you start from scratch.
I will get a G3... get 8030 and 7050 (7040 atm as space limitation) + REW and EQ APO..;)

but seriously, if space isn't an issue and assuming that the GLM/MA1 is required to make it stored inside monitor and no need external EQ, I would really choose depending on my listening distance. for really close range N2 seems like great idea, if sitting further then I would go G2, especially when a few more listeners will be using together so the coaxial setup works, or get KH120 instead of KH80.
 

dfuller

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In all seriousness, the KH420s are not suited to any less than about 4 feet distant - and that's more the KH310's home anyway.
 

bogavantes

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The choice is to pick top-of-the-line pair of monitors, or, bottom-of-the-line monitor plus subwoofer then calibrating/integrating via software. The price listed here is only for scale and reference purpose. The setup is more for study room/computer desk intimate env.

OptionBrandSetupTotal PriceLF PerformanceComment
N1NeumannKH 420
$10,000​
26Hz (±3dB)
N2NeumannKH80 + KH750 + MA 1
$2,900​
18Hz (±3dB)system integrated via MA 1
G1Genelec8361
$10,000​
36Hz (±1.5dB)
G2Genelec8331 + 7350 + GLM
$6,320​
25Hz (±3dB)system integrated via GLM


I went with Option N2, I am cheap ;) To my ears, they sound perfect -- totally neutral, coherent, clean, tight, and with chest pounding thump.

Curious what you guys would choose, if you start from scratch.
Hey, I have similar choices at the moment, leaning towards your N2 setup
Have you listened to all the speakers from your list?
Interesting how they compare
 
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A

astcal

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I haven't got the chance to listen to all of them. I trust the measurement ;) So I am all settled.

The N2 option that I have sounds so solid and real ( can't find better words to describe ) to my ears, it is scary.
 
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