New Genelec Main Monitor

[Ilkka Rissanen]

What is the optimal listening distance if it can be used as nearfield?

There is no such thing as "optimal" listening distance. The 8380A can be listened at any distance from ~1 m upwards. The further you are, less direct sound and more room influence there will be.

 

[Ilkka Rissanen]

Why are you using Class AB for the tweeter instead of class D?

RAM-L2 amplifier topology is identical to the older RAM-L so the decision to use Class AB amplifier for the tweeter channel was made more than 10 years ago. Back then we were able to achieve better overall performance with it compared to Class D amplifiers. Still today the performance is extremely good so there was no reason to change it.

 

[Neadych]

Except high SPL, narrow directivity is the main feature of main monitors, so the direct sound still dominates at higher listening distances. I (and few others) also prefer listening in such "nearfield" even for "pleasure", but some seemingly have a different preference there.

A narrow beam becomes wider at a great distance.

 

[Kain]

If I have the 8380A as LCR, can I use the S360A as surrounds and overheads for a high impact and high SPL setup? Or would it be better to mate them with 8361A as surrounds and 8351B for overheads as they are coaxial just like the 8380A? If I am not mistaken, the 8380A is more like The Ones instead of the "regular" Main Monitors like the S360A so I guess The Ones will be more suited (even if they might not be as high SPL has the S360A)?

Also, is it possible to use the 8380A in a horizontal position?

 

[Neadych]

There is no such thing as "optimal" listening distance. The 8380A can be listened at any distance from ~1 m upwards. The further you are, less direct sound and more room influence there will be.

At what distance is the boundary where direct radiation and room reflections are compared for 8380 and 8381, and what are the maximum room volumes for them and at what reverberation time?

 

[Neadych]

If I have the 8380A as LCR, can I use the S360A as surrounds and overheads for a high impact and high SPL setup? Or would it be better to mate them with 8361A as surrounds and 8351B for overheads as they are coaxial just like the 8380A? If I am not mistaken, the 8380A is more like The Ones instead of the "regular" Main Monitors like the S360A so I guess The Ones will be more suited (even if they might not be as high SPL has the S360A)?

Also, is it possible to use the 8380A in a horizontal position?

I think the choice of monitors depends on the distance to the listening position, not their design. Coaxial monitors can be tilted to the side.

 

[Chr1]

RAM-L2 amplifier topology is identical to the older RAM-L so the decision to use Class AB amplifier for the tweeter channel was made more than 10 years ago. Back then we were able to achieve better overall performance with it compared to Class D amplifiers. Still today the performance is extremely good so there was no reason to change it.

This tells me that using Class A/B amps for tweeters is somehow better than Class D.
Doubt very much that Genelec would be doing so otherwise.

I would love to know more about the reasoning.

 

[srrxr71]

Why are you using Class AB for the tweeter instead of class D?

That was speculated for controlling hiss (self noise).

 

[Sokel]

That was speculated for controlling hiss (self noise).

I was the first speculating that but as it seems is just staying with the tested, good amps that they use for many years.
We always have to think service and durability when it comes to pro audio and a tested scheme is always preferable.

 

[Kain]

I think the choice of monitors depends on the distance to the listening position, not their design. Coaxial monitors can be tilted to the side.

In terms of tonality and other sound quality attributes, wouldn't The Ones be a better match compared to the S360A even if we exclude design? People who have heard both the S360A and 8361A noted differences in sound. That's why I wanted to know if The Ones would be a better match for surrounds and overheads compared to the S360A especially if the 8380A "sounds" more like The Ones.

 

[Pearljam5000]

I was the first speculating that but as it seems is just staying with the tested, good amps that they use for many years.
We always have to think service and durability when it comes to pro audio and a tested scheme is always preferable.

But they're using full class D amps on 8361 and 8381
So I don't get the logic behind the Class AB in 8380

 

[Sokel]

But they're using full class D amps on 8361 and 8381
So I don't get the logic behind the Class AB in 8380

Power for 8381.
Probably size for 8361.

 

[ssashton]

I only skimmed the very long video so apologies if I missed this detail - did they cover why they appear to have switched to a woven midrange cone rather than the aluminium in other models?

 

[Ilkka Rissanen]

At what distance is the boundary where direct radiation and room reflections are compared for 8380 and 8381, and what are the maximum room volumes for them and at what reverberation time?

8380A and 8381A can be considered having very similar amount of directivity when it comes to mid and high frequencies (averaged directivity index). Critical distance is calculated at 3.3 meters in a room having 125 m^3 volume and average RT60 of 0.27 s. If you change the room volume and/or RT60 time, critical distance will move accordingly.

 

[ssashton]

But they're using full class D amps on 8361 and 8381
So I don't get the logic behind the Class AB in 8380

This sounds like a DFM design for manufacture choice. Perhaps the front end and power section are separate PCBs. They added a modern front end, but have plenty of the perfectly good power amp boards in stock they wish to use.

 

[Neadych]

In terms of tonality and other sound quality attributes, wouldn't The Ones be a better match compared to the S360A even if we exclude design? People who have heard both the S360A and 8361A noted differences in sound. That's why I wanted to know if The Ones would be a better match for surrounds and overheads compared to the S360A especially if the 8380A "sounds" more like The Ones.

The S360 is closer to the midfield. However, if your distances for the rear and auxiliary speakers are small, you can use the 8361, 8351, or smaller ones.

 

[EAXAE]

Choose your fighter!

 

[Neadych]

8380A and 8381A can be considered having very similar amount of directivity when it comes to mid and high frequencies (averaged directivity index). Critical distance is calculated at 3.3 meters in a room having 125 m^3 volume and average RT60 of 0.27 s. If you change the room volume and/or RT60 time, critical distance will move accordingly.

View attachment 479755

Can you tell me where I can find out how to calculate the critical distance depending on rt60 and the room volume?

 

[Ilkka Rissanen]

Can you tell me where I can find out how to calculate the critical distance depending on rt60 and the room volume?

Google Search

Critical distance - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[feitaishi]

Naturally I can't say anything about the possible future product releases. But speaking in general terms, we don't typically make new products unless we see there is a clear need and demand from the market. Only time will tell.

I have demand too!