Nearfields for audiophile listening?

Discussion in 'Speakers' started by sashafuckinggrey, Feb 27, 2016.

  1. Pharmaboy

    Pharmaboy Friend

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    That looks like a fundamentally different approach, given the steel cap on top of the foam. I've seen this design on pricey isolation products for larger, heavier audio device (and industrial machinery).

    The price of $81 CDN looks like it's per isolation pad, not per pair. So it's somewhat unlike Auralex MoPads & more expensive...and may well be more effective.

    Here's a somewhat similar industrial product that would probably work extremely well (because it's batshit overkill):

    https://www.grainger.com/product/MASON-Vibration-Isolation-Pad-2LVP5
     
  2. Armaegis

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    Oh, I was comparing vs the similar Auralex platforms (with the base layer, steel plate, top layer), not just the wedges. Up here the Auralex platforms are >$100 each, so double the price of the Yorkvilles.

    (and maybe there's a regional thing affecting the price? I'm seeing prices of $42 and $60 for the two sizes respectively; I don't know where you're seeing the $81)

    As for the nutty overkill Grainger pad, you'll typically want something with a load rating closer to the weight of your equipment (veeery rough rule of thumb: double your equipment weight) so that you're actually operating in a more optimal energy absorption range.
     
  3. fastfwd

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    I'm curious about the Requisite SR71 monitors. I'm a fan of Danny McKinney's design philosophy, and the speakers look nice on his website. But I'm really surprised that I can't find reviews, even from pro-audio sources.

    I'll contact him and find a way to audition them (if they actually exist) when I have time, but has anyone here heard them? @Psalmanazar ?
     
    Last edited: May 10, 2021
  4. Hrodulf

    Hrodulf Prohibited from acting as an MOT until year 2050

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    Very decent drivers on that speaker. Unless there's something very wrong with the filter, I can't see why they wouldn't sound good.
     
  5. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Most actives are utilitarian looking at best coming from the pro world. These actually look very nice and might even go well in most living rooms with the options available.
     
  6. Psalmanazar

    Psalmanazar Most improved member; A+

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    Ive never even heard of them. You need to hear them and who knows how good the plate amps are. Plate amps are notoriously shoddy.
     
  7. Armaegis

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  8. Pharmaboy

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    Great video!

    I already like this company and its products (I own the SCM12 Pro 2-way passive monitor, which is superb), and this tour helps round out my knowledge of the company & its audio engineering culture.

    I hope to someday hear one of the larger 3-ways in action...
     
  9. Armaegis

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    I love that ribbon roller machine... such a little nondescript hand made thing sitting in the corner chugging away, yet every single voice coil wire goes through it.
     
  10. Jdiesel

    Jdiesel New

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  11. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    Erin’s audio corner reviewed the VM-50. Overall he liked the sound, and the measurements weren’t bad, but it did have some enclosure resonances from 500-1000 Hz and a dip in the crossover region that needed to be dealt with by EQing a bit and adjusting the listening position:

     
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2021
  12. bixby

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    That VM-50 does not look too bad. Seems like a nice desktop choice if you work on positioning and EQ a bit.

    I had an older Pioneer 4 inch DJ speaker circa 2016 called the DM-40. It was fairly hyped on youtube but in situ nearfield it was a mid bass monster muddler. I had not tried EQ and if memory serves, it did have some other issues (freq. related) but for the under $150 price for a pair they were not terrible.

    This one looks a lot better and I like the settings on the back. Price wise it seems like worthy competition for a passive pair and amp setup, but I think with a little more $$ you can do even better going that route.
     
  13. rlow

    rlow A happy woofer

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    Danny Richie / GR-Research announced a new desktop nearfield DIY speaker kit today called the “Desktop mini”. Being sold for $199 a pair in base form, which includes a flatpack for the cabs (which are sealed) and are 3/4” MDF and braced. You can add some upgrades in the form of a bypass cap, or SonicCaps, his “Tube connectors” etc for up to $100 more. They will also be selling desktop stands apparently that will lift the speakers 6-8 inches off your desk and tilt the speaker up a bit. Will be available starting next week. He’s calling them a “loss leader” and says he’s not really making any money on them, just wants to get people into DIY. Look pretty interesting…

     
    Last edited: Jun 24, 2021
  14. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Looking for some actives to go with the tv for soundbar like duty. Cheap, inoffensive, smooth, good off axis and if possible efficient so probably class-D are preferences. EQ is available and so is Dirac so there is some flexibility. Budget tops out at €500 but prefer lower.

    Maybe asking too much but worth a shot…
     
  15. Armaegis

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    Not cheap, but you might be able to find a refurb Vifa Stockholm in that price range.
     
  16. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    I should have clarified i’m not looking for a soundbar. Since i made that xlr switch box i have some extra outputs available hooked up to the dac.
     
  17. Pharmaboy

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    I used powered Swan speakers for a couple years IMS before switching over the passive studio monitors. The M200MKIIs are handsome, inexpensive, and have very pleasing sound. My pair lacked bluetooth (which is totally OK--I'd never use it anyway), but otherwise looks identical to the pair shown in link below.

    I strongly recommend these:

    https://www.amazon.com/Swans-Speake...ocphy=9004273&hvtargid=pla-632504173917&psc=1
     
  18. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    They look handsome but seem to be US only and don't seem to have xlr inputs. Can't reach their website so can't be sure. Will keep them in mind though since i really like their looks.
     
  19. Pharmaboy

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    I think you can get these anywhere. Here they are on aliexpress:

    https://www.aliexpress.com/i/32902229510.html

    As for XLR inputs, you could use XLR-to-RCA adapter.
     
  20. Thad E Ginathom

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    Been in India a log time. Was looking at them years ago but did not buy.
     

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