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Hello,
I have a pair of Neumann KH80s, and I am relatively dissatisfied with them. I would appreciate advice on whether another setup would work better for me.
To be clear, the audio quality is great. The main problems I have are:
- They are missing some oomph, especially in the mid-range. This is the reason I'd like to replace them.
- The stands I am using (https://www.neumann.com/en-en/products/monitor-accessories/lh-65/) are making it hard to lay out my desk very well. The bottoms are not big enough to sit equipment on, but are too big to leave room for equipment elsewhere. I like that they make it easy to get the tweeters exactly at ear level, but the bulkiness is getting to me.
- I also find the KH80s to have horrible power management. They randomly turn off, and they rarely turn off when idle. I'd love auto-on and off to work, or the power switches to be more accessible.
Size is a bigger constraint than price. There's a view behind my desk, so I don't want gigantic speakers that block more than necessary. (I can't turn my desk for a side view, because that gives me ocular migraines.) So basically, I'm trying to get the best, loudest, smallest speakers I can get.
The obvious answer seems to be to replace the KH80s with KH120s, then look for a mic stand or something. This would allow me to decouple changing the speakers from changing the stands.
But I'm also pondering whether I should get Genelec Ones instead. I'm a bit compelled by the idea of coaxial speakers, and having 3 ways. And they seem to mount to mic stands really well, which provides a lot of flexibility. It looks like their smaller ones are underpowered, though, especially compared to the KH120ii. I don't usually listen to these super loud, although I do at times. I'm just a little worried because I'm specifically trying to solve for having more oomph.
In terms of the stands, my ideal would be something that clamped to the back of my desk. Even better would be if I could mount both my speakers and lights to it. I don't use the lights often, but with the sun going down at 4:30 still, there are plenty of times where I need better lighting
So:
Any advice on what I should focus on for replacement speakers? Take the simple route and get KH120s? Or is there a Genelec that will be small but plenty loud?
And can you recommend a stand of some kind that will take up far less room on my desk?
Thanks!
1 - I have the speakers hooked up to an Arendal 1723 subwoofer, because I have another stereo in the room (for listening while not at my desk) and this sub supports two inputs really well. The other stereo has a sub out, but I route the XLR cables for the KH80s through the sub[2]. I don't think this affects any choices I make - I'm not looking to swap out the sub, and the connectivity is all fine. I'm just sharing it so you have a complete picture.
2 - to reduce cable clutter, I'm using a pair of these: https://www.cranborne-audio.com/n22. It allows me to convert 4 XLR cables to one ethernet cable. Much cleaner, even though the runs aren't that far.
I have a pair of Neumann KH80s, and I am relatively dissatisfied with them. I would appreciate advice on whether another setup would work better for me.
To be clear, the audio quality is great. The main problems I have are:
- They are missing some oomph, especially in the mid-range. This is the reason I'd like to replace them.
- The stands I am using (https://www.neumann.com/en-en/products/monitor-accessories/lh-65/) are making it hard to lay out my desk very well. The bottoms are not big enough to sit equipment on, but are too big to leave room for equipment elsewhere. I like that they make it easy to get the tweeters exactly at ear level, but the bulkiness is getting to me.
- I also find the KH80s to have horrible power management. They randomly turn off, and they rarely turn off when idle. I'd love auto-on and off to work, or the power switches to be more accessible.
Size is a bigger constraint than price. There's a view behind my desk, so I don't want gigantic speakers that block more than necessary. (I can't turn my desk for a side view, because that gives me ocular migraines.) So basically, I'm trying to get the best, loudest, smallest speakers I can get.
The obvious answer seems to be to replace the KH80s with KH120s, then look for a mic stand or something. This would allow me to decouple changing the speakers from changing the stands.
But I'm also pondering whether I should get Genelec Ones instead. I'm a bit compelled by the idea of coaxial speakers, and having 3 ways. And they seem to mount to mic stands really well, which provides a lot of flexibility. It looks like their smaller ones are underpowered, though, especially compared to the KH120ii. I don't usually listen to these super loud, although I do at times. I'm just a little worried because I'm specifically trying to solve for having more oomph.
In terms of the stands, my ideal would be something that clamped to the back of my desk. Even better would be if I could mount both my speakers and lights to it. I don't use the lights often, but with the sun going down at 4:30 still, there are plenty of times where I need better lighting
So:
Any advice on what I should focus on for replacement speakers? Take the simple route and get KH120s? Or is there a Genelec that will be small but plenty loud?
And can you recommend a stand of some kind that will take up far less room on my desk?
Thanks!
1 - I have the speakers hooked up to an Arendal 1723 subwoofer, because I have another stereo in the room (for listening while not at my desk) and this sub supports two inputs really well. The other stereo has a sub out, but I route the XLR cables for the KH80s through the sub[2]. I don't think this affects any choices I make - I'm not looking to swap out the sub, and the connectivity is all fine. I'm just sharing it so you have a complete picture.
2 - to reduce cable clutter, I'm using a pair of these: https://www.cranborne-audio.com/n22. It allows me to convert 4 XLR cables to one ethernet cable. Much cleaner, even though the runs aren't that far.
