Small speaker recommendation for desktop PC use?

[vroad]

What speakers do you recommend for use with desktop computer? Currently I'm considering a pair of Genelec 8030C.

I have been using KEF LSX II LT speakers until recently. However I stopped using them because I found a problem in its subwoofer output and sent to the KEF's service center in Japan. KEF support is unfortunatelly awful, they didn't seem to understand what the problems were, and they simply returned the speakers to me without my permission because they couldn't find any problem with their standard testing procedure. I refused to receive the speakers. They agreed to inspect the speakers again and try to identity the problem, but I'm not sure if I should trust them.

Weird subwoofer volume issue on KEF LSX II LT for stereo/mono bass signals. What's happening?

As you can see from the attached graphs, switching to L+R from L only changes main speakers' measured SPL but not subwoofer's on REW measurements. The subwoofer is SVS 3000 Micro, connected to my KEF LSX II LT via its subtout. I don't think this behavior is normal. Denon AVR-X3800H, which is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

So I started thinking of ditching those KEF active speakers and buying something better.
I'm using KRK GoAux 4 as a temporary replacement, with SVS 3000 Micro crossover. I don't have strange volume issue with SVS's crossover (which I had with KEF's crossover).

I also considered passive speakers, though many of them look much bigger than LSX II LT, and smaller ones often doesn't have spinorama measurements. Or not available in Japan and expensive to import.

One of the speakers often recommended here is Genelec 8030C. It's not that big compared to LSX II LT and measures well on amir's review.
But I don't know if I could use the speakers in the same way as KRK GoAux 4. 8030C has only sensitivity adjustment (no volume control), lacks RCA inputs. Can I simply continue using SVS 3000 Micro's crossover with RCA-XLR cable, or do I also need to buy miniDSP for subwoofer integration?

Are there any downsides of 8030C which I'm not aware of?

I probably won't buy anything more expensive than 8030C.

 

[Berwhale]

What will you be using to drive the monitors from the PC? Are you going to get a separate sub for the desktop setup?

It looks like you can run the SVS 3000 Micro in-line between your DAC/pre-amp and the monitors. I use my Presonus Sub8 like this between my Topping EX5 and my iLoud MTMs. However, my setup is balanced, i'd be weary of doing the same with the SVS and it's single ended connections due to the risk of ground loops between the PC and monitors.

 

[staticV3]

Can I simply continue using SVS 3000 Micro's crossover with RCA-XLR cable

Yes.

Specific cable construction is recommended to preserve the Genelec's CMRR:


E.g:

Review and Measurements of Crown XLS 1502 Amp

I have my xls 1502 at home and it works great (so far no hiss issues, it works just fine) How should I set the gain regulators at both sides of the screen? I have them at 25% of their total capacity, is that ok_ In a perfect world, you would determine the optimal output from your pre-outs, and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[vroad]

What will you be using to drive the monitors from the PC?

I'm currently not using pre-amp or external DACs to drive the monitors.

Are you going to get a separate sub for the desktop setup?

I don't get this part, I already have a SVS 3000 Micro subwoofer for desktop setup.

Specific cable construction is recommended to preserve the Genelec's CMRR:

Review and Measurements of Crown XLS 1502 Amp

I have my xls 1502 at home and it works great (so far no hiss issues, it works just fine) How should I set the gain regulators at both sides of the screen? I have them at 25% of their total capacity, is that ok_ In a perfect world, you would determine the optimal output from your pre-outs, and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

There are RCA to XLR cables available commercially but many are not wired correctly and won't fix the problem.

I tried to get my head around how RCA-XLR conversion cable is constructed but couldn't. Are badly constructed RCA-XLR cables that common?
If using conversion cable is not a good idea, what are other options?

And another question still remains, how to match the volume of Genelec monitors and that of SVS subwoofer? Genelec monitors don't have volume knobs, don't they? Or is the input sensitivity control enough for this purpose?
Even if I use SVS subwoofer's crossover and RCA-XLR cable, it can only control the volume of low passed signal, and not high passed signal from RCA out.

PC Line Out -> Line to RCA cable -> SVS Subwoofer RCA Output (High-passed) -> RCA to XLR cable -> Genelec 8030C

Using miniDSP and RCA-XLR conversion cable seems like the only solution here.

PC USB -> miniDSP -> RCA Output (Low-passed) -> SVS Subwoofer
├-> RCA Output (High-passed) -> RCA to XLR cable -> Genelec 8030C

 

[Berwhale]

don't get this part, I already have a SVS 3000 Micro subwoofer for desktop setup.

Yes, sorry, I missed the bit in your OP where you said you were going to use the SVS.

 

[Berwhale]

And another question still remains, how to match the volume of Genelec monitors and that of SVS subwoofer? Genelec monitors don't have volume knobs, don't they? Or is the input sensitivity control enough for this purpose?

Yes, the sensitivity control should be sufficient.

Even if I use SVS subwoofer's crossover and RCA-XLR cable, it can only control the volume of low passed signal, and not high passed signal from RCA out.

You want to match the sub and monitor volume, then control the volume from the source. The process for matching at s 82 dB SPL with pink noise (generated in REQ) is explained in my Presonus Sub8 manual, maybe there's something similar in the SVS manual?

For reference, my Sub8 and MTMs are matched using the method mentioned above (with REW and a UMIK-1 measurement mic) and the volume is controlled via my EX5. Here's how it's connected and the filter configuration...

I should add that I find the sub a little intrusive when calibrated at the reference volume, I have it turned down a couple of notches.

You can see what it looks like here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...esktop-audio-setup.12057/page-23#post-2037657

 

[vroad]

You want to match the sub and monitor volume, then control the volume from the source. The process for matching at s 82 dB SPL with pink noise (generated in REQ) is explained in my Presonus Sub8 manual, maybe there's something similar in the SVS manual?

For reference, my Sub8 and MTMs are matched using the method mentioned above (with REW and a UMIK-1 measurement mic) and the volume is controlled via my EX5. Here's how it's connected and the filter configuration...



I should add that I find the sub a little intrusive when calibrated at the reference volume, I have it turned down a couple of notches.

You can see what it looks like here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...esktop-audio-setup.12057/page-23#post-2037657

I'm already using PC's volume control as master volume in current setup, and also used REW to volume match the sub and knock down peaks. Thank you for the answer anyway.

Another aspect of the speaker performance I initially overlooked is the audibility of hiss noise.
I'm still not sure 8030C has more hiss. compared to KRK GoAux 4 and KEF LSX II LT. Hiss of those speakers are not audible unless I get my ears right next to them.
Some users say 8030C does have audible hiss, others don't...

Genelec G3 is priced almost the same in Japan, and lets me set the sensitivity even lower (-10dB?) than 8030C, uses the almost same hardware as 8030C, and has RCA input. Hopefully the hiss is less audible. Maybe I just buy it on Amazon to try, as they have a decent return policy.

If G3 also has audible hiss then I may try Neumann KH80. KH120 is closer to 8030C/G3 in terms of spec, but more expensive.

 

[AnalogSteph]

If you're interested in G Threes, @Miguelón has them (and also 8030s, and G Twos and 8020s as well I think) and has written a fair bit about them on here, look up his posts.

The consumer Genelecs seem to have a 10 dB lower maximum sensitivity than their 80xx counterparts (perhaps to mitigate the effects of ground loops when using RCA inputs? they have a 3-pin IEC power connector after all). That should help quite a bit when it comes to hiss, which I suspect may have been coming from source devices in some cases (hence the variability in perceived hiss levels in 8030Cs).

 

[Miguelón]

I'm already using PC's volume control as master volume in current setup, and also used REW to volume match the sub and knock down peaks. Thank you for the answer anyway.

Another aspect of the speaker performance I initially overlooked is the audibility of hiss noise.
I'm still not sure 8030C has more hiss. compared to KRK GoAux 4 and KEF LSX II LT. Hiss of those speakers are not audible unless I get my ears right next to them.
Some users say 8030C does have audible hiss, others don't...

Genelec G3 is priced almost the same in Japan, and lets me set the sensitivity even lower (-10dB?) than 8030C, uses the almost same hardware as 8030C, and has RCA input. Hopefully the hiss is less audible. Maybe I just buy it on Amazon to try, as they have a decent return policy.

If G3 also has audible hiss then I may try Neumann KH80. KH120 is closer to 8030C/G3 in terms of spec, but more expensive.

In my experience comparing multiple Genelecs, the G Three is the best suited for home setups. As AnalgueSteph mentioned I tried the four 4 and 5 inches basic models. I have actually G Three and sold my 8030 fortunately at good price.

I didn’t noticed audible hiss at least at 1 m distance, maybe the PC line out?

I have two different setups actually: 8020 in desktop with balanced XLR to Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 connected to PC by usb, and Genelec G Three in floor stands to WiiM Ultra unbalanced RCA to RCA. None of them exhibits hiss as far as I can tell.

In Amazon there are some inexpensive DACs you can try, I don’t know so much about electronic noises but it was suggested that PC to speakers directly is more risky in terms of noise than DAC to active montors.

The advantage of the G Three is that have both RCA and XLR inputs, and if signal is very “hot” like for example a 4Vrms balanced output or even more powerful units, then you can low dawn sensitivity till 8 dB under 8030 minimum gain

 

[Koeitje]

Yes, the sensitivity control should be sufficient.



You want to match the sub and monitor volume, then control the volume from the source. The process for matching at s 82 dB SPL with pink noise (generated in REQ) is explained in my Presonus Sub8 manual, maybe there's something similar in the SVS manual?

For reference, my Sub8 and MTMs are matched using the method mentioned above (with REW and a UMIK-1 measurement mic) and the volume is controlled via my EX5. Here's how it's connected and the filter configuration...

View attachment 396758

I should add that I find the sub a little intrusive when calibrated at the reference volume, I have it turned down a couple of notches.

You can see what it looks like here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...esktop-audio-setup.12057/page-23#post-2037657

This is also my setup with a Fiio K7, Adam T5V and T10S. Just all unbalanced.

 

[Miguelón]

If you're interested in G Threes, @Miguelón has them (and also 8030s, and G Twos and 8020s as well I think) and has written a fair bit about them on here, look up his posts.

The consumer Genelecs seem to have a 10 dB lower maximum sensitivity than their 80xx counterparts (perhaps to mitigate the effects of ground loops when using RCA inputs? they have a 3-pin IEC power connector after all). That should help quite a bit when it comes to hiss, which I suspect may have been coming from source devices in some cases (hence the variability in perceived hiss levels in 8030Cs).

Can the computer line out be the origine of the hiss? In none of the 4 units I tried could hear it

 

[Bucking]

My 8010s also have hiss. It's not really audible but it's there.

 

[JeremyFife]

I have a pair of 8030c - no sub, laptop for streaming, XLR from my DAC - so a slightly different setup and I don't have your sub matching issues. No noticeable hiss at ~1m.
Awesome speakers, love them.

 

[Peluvius]

What speakers do you recommend for use with desktop computer? Currently I'm considering a pair of Genelec 8030C.

I have been using KEF LSX II LT speakers until recently. However I stopped using them because I found a problem in its subwoofer output and sent to the KEF's service center in Japan. KEF support is unfortunatelly awful, they didn't seem to understand what the problems were, and they simply returned the speakers to me without my permission because they couldn't find any problem with their standard testing procedure. I refused to receive the speakers. They agreed to inspect the speakers again and try to identity the problem, but I'm not sure if I should trust them.

Weird subwoofer volume issue on KEF LSX II LT for stereo/mono bass signals. What's happening?

As you can see from the attached graphs, switching to L+R from L only changes main speakers' measured SPL but not subwoofer's on REW measurements. The subwoofer is SVS 3000 Micro, connected to my KEF LSX II LT via its subtout. I don't think this behavior is normal. Denon AVR-X3800H, which is...

www.audiosciencereview.com

So I started thinking of ditching those KEF active speakers and buying something better.
I'm using KRK GoAux 4 as a temporary replacement, with SVS 3000 Micro crossover. I don't have strange volume issue with SVS's crossover (which I had with KEF's crossover).

I also considered passive speakers, though many of them look much bigger than LSX II LT, and smaller ones often doesn't have spinorama measurements. Or not available in Japan and expensive to import.

One of the speakers often recommended here is Genelec 8030C. It's not that big compared to LSX II LT and measures well on amir's review.
But I don't know if I could use the speakers in the same way as KRK GoAux 4. 8030C has only sensitivity adjustment (no volume control), lacks RCA inputs. Can I simply continue using SVS 3000 Micro's crossover with RCA-XLR cable, or do I also need to buy miniDSP for subwoofer integration?

Are there any downsides of 8030C which I'm not aware of?

I probably won't buy anything more expensive than 8030C.

I ended up with the 8030Cs and the SVS 3000 for my desk and am very happy with this setup. there is no real hiss with my set although I understand some have has this issue but unclear to me if that is a personal sensitivity issue or a potential variance from specific speaker to speaker.

If you are going to the expense of the Genelecs I would consider the MiniDSP or similar. I would guess (note I am guessing) the SVS passthrough would work however you get a Dirac option with the MiniDSP so for me that was a no-brainer.

The only downsides with the Genelecs is that you need to power them so another cord on the desk (in case you love minimalist look) and they are expensive.

 

[Miguelón]

I ended up with the 8030Cs and the SVS 3000 for my desk and am very happy with this setup. there is no real hiss with my set although I understand some have has this issue but unclear to me if that is a personal sensitivity issue or a potential variance from specific speaker to speaker.

If you are going to the expense of the Genelecs I would consider the MiniDSP or similar. I would guess (note I am guessing) the SVS passthrough would work however you get a Dirac option with the MiniDSP so for me that was a no-brainer.

The only downsides with the Genelecs is that you need to power them so another cord on the desk (in case you love minimalist look) and they are expensive.

Consider the desktop stand if you don’t have it yet: it improves a lot the response of the 8030 over surfaces, isopods are not enough to decouple the speaker from the table.

8000-333 Table Stand L-Shape - Genelec.com

L-shape table stand for vertical and horizontal positioning.

www.genelec.com

 

[James240]

Got the G3 basically because it's much easier to connect to sources with RCA as the Wimm Ultra has no XLR.

I wanna integrate my SB1000 into the ultra but was told it's a bad idea with active speakers and the Genelec subs are insanely expensive.

 

[staticV3]

I wanna integrate my SB1000 into the ultra but was told it's a bad idea with active speakers

Nonsense

 

[AnalogSteph]

I'm guessing this advice would have been rooted in the different approaches typically taken by hi-fi and studio equipment (hi-fi gear relies on external crossovers, subs for studio use have those built-in).

BTW, getting unbalanced outputs connected to balanced inputs is quite trivial, and if the cable is made the right way, you actually benefit from the balanced input's CMRR. Since the G3s also sport an XLR input, you're not doing anything wrong either way.

 

[Miguelón]

I'm guessing this advice would have been rooted in the different approaches typically taken by hi-fi and studio equipment (hi-fi gear relies on external crossovers, subs for studio use have those built-in).

BTW, getting unbalanced outputs connected to balanced inputs is quite trivial, and if the cable is made the right way, you actually benefit from the balanced input's CMRR. Since the G3s also sport an XLR input, you're not doing anything wrong either way.

Do you mean that RCA to XLR have some interference protection even if output is 2 pin?

I remember StaticV3 sent me an information about the topic but forgot it the details…

 

[James240]

I ended up with the 8030Cs and the SVS 3000 for my desk and am very happy with this setup. there is no real hiss with my set although I understand some have has this issue but unclear to me if that is a personal sensitivity issue or a potential variance from specific speaker to speaker.

If you are going to the expense of the Genelecs I would consider the MiniDSP or similar. I would guess (note I am guessing) the SVS passthrough would work however you get a Dirac option with the MiniDSP so for me that was a no-brainer.

The only downsides with the Genelecs is that you need to power them so another cord on the desk (in case you love minimalist look) and they are expensive.

How did you integrate the SVS sub with the 8030cs?

I was thinking of just making it simple and just using the sub out on the Whim Ultra as I'm using lineout to the G3s or is it better to connect the G3 to the Sub?