Two Configs. How much do I need to spend?

[WalkingInTheRain]

Hello,

I'm looking at putting a 2 monitor + DAC system.

My research has placed me into two setups, it seems.

I was considering Neuman KH80 but don't car for the plastic, and KH-150 seems overpriced compared to the 8340a

Viewing Distance: 1m
Room size 12 x 10

Config#1
1. RME ADI-2 DAC FS $1300 (analog out)
2. Genelec 8030C x 2 $1400 (analog input)
Total $2700

Config#2
1. RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE $2000 (For AES output)
2. Genelec 8330a x 2 $2000 (Digital input)
3. GLM $263
4. GLM Volume control $100
Total $4363

Is this the expected cost of a digital with GLM vs analog monitor system? Is a GLM/Digital system worth the difference?

I don't want a bunch of extra components shoe-stringed together, either. Necessary complexity is OK.

 

[fredstuhl]

For me personally, glm has made a huge difference. It fixed room modes quite well and I perceive the tight low fq response/ absence of bass boom after room correction as a major upgrade. Also, the ability to tune the fq response slope to taste is a nice plus. So if the price difference doesn‘t hurt too much, I‘d highly recommend getting the dsp versions.

 

[fredstuhl]

Also, I‘d consider opting for a more affordable source, if this allows you to pick larger speakers -> The gains in low end extension between 8x30 and the larger 8x40 will likely be quite noticable.

 

[Trell]

Config#2
1. RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE $2000 (For AES output)
2. Genelec 8330a x 2 $2000 (Digital input)
3. GLM $263
4. GLM Volume control $100
Total $4363

Is this the expected cost of a digital with GLM vs analog monitor system? Is a GLM/Digital system worth the difference?

I’ve the 8330A as well as Genelec 7360A subwoofer using GLM but with the RME ADI-2 DAC FS. So I use the analogue inputs on the Genelecs and that sounds great to me.

I considered to buy the ADI-2 Pro but ended up with the DAC because of the price difference and that there where unlikely to be any obvious sound difference between analog and digital inputs on the Genelec.

 

[WalkingInTheRain]

Thanks for the feedback. I had considered the RME ADI-2 DAC FS and running analog.

My last question is if GLM is worth the extra $1000 total cost? I also plan to sound treat the room.

 

[Trell]

Thanks for the feedback. I had considered the RME ADI-2 DAC FS and running analog.

My last question is if GLM is worth the extra $1000 total cost? I also plan to sound treat the room.

For me GLM was worth it but then I wanted the room EQ done in the monitors/subwoofer and not in my PC.

You can use the PEQ in the RME for a simple room EQ by knocking down a few peaks.

 

[Eetu]

One more alternative, offering DSP and full range sound: MiniDSP Flex (optional Dirac) + SVS SB1000 Pro + Genelec 8030C

 

[WalkingInTheRain]

I went with RME ADI-2 DAC FS and 2x 8030C. Thanks to everyone!