Searching for 2.0 or 2.1 Nearfield Setup

[JoKe]

Hello friends,

I’m looking to upgrade from a Logitech Z906 to a high-fidelity 2.0 or 2.1 setup for my desktop (Desk: 200x70cm / Room: 15sqm). The desk is positioned in a corner.
My other/main setup is a Fosi Audio ZH3 DAC/Preamp and a pair of Hifiman Edition XV. I love their natural, organic, and non-fatiguing signature. I'm looking for a similar sound in a speaker setup.

When purchasing the ZH3, I got a good deal on a ZA3 as well, so I already have a small amp that should fit my purpose here.

My Usage:
- 75% Gaming (Battlefield, Witcher 3, RDR2) - Imaging and soundstage are important.
- 25% Music (Rock, Electronic).
- Listening distance: ~75cm (Nearfield)
- I'm open to equalizing and will acquire a measurement microphone for room correction.

Constraints:
• Speakers: Bookshelf format. Depth is limited as they will be on the desk (close to the wall). Height is not an issue of I remain in the bookshelf realm.

• Subwoofer, if required: Must preferably fit a tight space. Either a 31x31x34cm shelf niche or a 20cm wide gap beside the desk.

• Budget: ~1500€ (Flexible). Open to the second-hand market in France.

Based on reading tests on this forum and others, I have made a (not so) short list:

• Speakers: KEF LS50 Meta (or Q1/Q3?),Buchardt P300, Elac DBR62, Focal Aria 906, Dali Sonik 1 or 3, Whaferdale Diamond 12.1 or 12.2 or Ascilab F6B (if available)...

• Subs: SVS 3000 Micro (Dual opposing drivers seem ideal for the shelf?), REL T-Zero MKIII, or Cambridge Minx X201/301, Ruark Audio RS1, Audioengine S6, Q Acoustics 3060s, Kanto Sub8... The KEF KC62 is over budget I'm afraid.

Since the ZA3 doesn't have a high-pass filter for the mains, I'm concerned about the integration and distortion at the crossover point, would this be a major issue?

Also, would a coaxial design like the LS50 Meta be superior for this desk distance, or should I favor something with a wider "sweet spot"?

I value objective data, but want to maintain that "organic" feeling I get from my Hifiman. I don't want to end up with an overkill setup that would just be "OK" for my needs. Also, I'm not an expert, I don't think my ears would be as sensitive as some of yours to small inaccuracies or imbalances.

Thanks in advance for your opinion and expertise!

 

[3125b]

Welcome to the forum.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by "organic feeling", if that means flat in-room response than yes, that would be the goal for any accurate system. Regardless of what speaker option you choose, the system will require room correction to achieve that.
Room EQ Wizard and Equalizer APO would be free software allowing you to do that. There are some other options that I'm not too familiar with but I'm sure others can tell you more about those. All of them require a microphone, some a specific one.

You have come up with a lot of potential speaker options.

- Listening distance: ~75cm (Nearfield)

That's very close and would basically require (fairly compact) coaxial speakers.

This seems like the perfect scenario for the currently highly discussed Palmer Orbit 11.
They're fairly small (18.5l volume), coaxial, basically full-range with room gain and have plenty of headroom for a small space. You don't need to find the space for a sub and you have a balanced DAC already. They're at the upper end of your budget but would probably be the most practical solution.

Otherwise the LS50 Meta and a decently well performing sub that fits you space would be a good option as well. The REL T-Zero for example just lacks SPL and extension even for a small room. Of the ones mentioned the SVS seems like the best option, but it is also the most expensive.

 

[kemmler3D]

+1 to what @3125b said. Your list of options is good. I would lean towards LS50 or Ascilab if it were me, but the Orbit 11 is also making a real splash at that price point, and all the measurements I've seen so far seem to agree and indicate an all around solid performer. You may not actually need a sub with them.

 

[EERecordist]

Welcome to ASR. Thanks for doing your research, you are on the right track. With Room Eq Wizard and a calibrated microphone, you need some place to do DSP. Maybe that could be in your computer with a L, R, and sub output to active speakers. KEF has some powered mains, and I have friends producing music using the Dynaudio BM5 series. For room EQ consider running something like Sonarworks SoundID Reference, which also works for headphones. Others on ASR may have more suggestions and search posts for room eq software functionality. The other add-on is a seat shaker or subpak.

Once you get your system and measurement, you can do things with carpet with jute padding, wall treatment, and sound absorbing furniture in the room.

I think some versions of the Sonar DAW are free, so you can develop projects.

 

[JoKe]

Thank you all for your replies and insight.
Forgive the layman language, by "organic" I meant not analytical, maybe on the warmer side, the objective is a system that is not fatiguing, even if it means sacrificing some precision.
I had not heard about the Orbit 11 and will definitely look into them.
I was hoping to go passive and make use of the small amp I already have but by reading you it may have been an illusory idea.
Before shifting to active speakers, I will try to get my hands on a pair of LS50 Meta and a subwoofer to see if they could work in my situation.

 

[Steven Holt]

Given yr listening distance is 750 mm, that's close. Why don't u invest in a good headphone system? You will get more 'bang for your buck', and it will give u the chance to put those splendid LS50's in your living room (provided u buy them, of course)

 

[JoKe]

I guess the definition of good headphone system is subjective, but I'm already very happy with my Hifiman Edition XV and Fosi Audio ZH3 combo.
I'm looking for an alternative to my headphones for when I'm home alone.
But your remark is in line with my interrogations in my first post: I dont want something overkill (LS50 Meta?) if it's kinda wasted for my purpose. Again, I'm not an expert and I'm sure something mid-range would be more than OK for me.

 

[3125b]

Good (passive) speakers don't go bad quickly, you'll still be able to enjoy them in 20 years. As far as entertainment electronics go, speakers are some of the least wasteful products.
The LS50 Meta are a good choice, see if you can find them on sale or maybe in good used condition.
KEF speakers are often on sale, just not at the moment (cheapest new right now is 545€/piece). There's a thread here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...er-deals-thread-on-audio-product-sales.23706/

 

[Steven Holt]

I guess the definition of good headphone system is subjective, but I'm already very happy with my Hifiman Edition XV and Fosi Audio ZH3 combo.
I'm looking for an alternative to my headphones for when I'm home alone.
But your remark is in line with my interrogations in my first post: I dont want something overkill (LS50 Meta?) if it's kinda wasted for my purpose. Again, I'm not an expert and I'm sure something mid-range would be more than OK for me.

Say, why don't you take a hard look at the Edifier MR4 speaker system? I have noticed that some of our membership have this and seem quite happy. They are designed for desktop systems, a big plus in your case!

 

[Fslag]

Polk reserve speakers are quite good