2. misc-audio
  3. 1018903558

Low Level, Nearfield Nirvana?

I recently purchased a pair of highly recommended Genelec powered neafield studio monitors for use with the MIDI output of a Steinway baby grand.

The good news is that it is very enjoyable to have these nearfield monitors on top of the piano, to play and to listen to CDs and the piano and the close proximity means they can be played at low volumes which comes in handy to me as a nocturnal apartment dweller. And I find something very intimate and seductive about listening so closely to the speakers.

The bad news is that to my audiophile ears, they sound like crap and could cut diamonds with their tweeters. Maybe it is just the fact that my sources are being run through a Mackie mixer or with a CD changer but the sound is really very fatiguing. I suppose for $1000.00 I shouldn't expect Jadis and Magneplanar sound....

But it makes me wonder -- do any of your systems -- especially nearfield set ups -- really sound MAGICAL at low volumes?? That would really impress me. And I would love to hear all about it.

Even systems that have sounded wonderful to me often get washed out at volumes already well above ones that maintain good relationships with urban neighbors.

Any secrets for the ultimate late night city (or sleeping spouse/children?) configuration?

Thank you.
cwlondon

Showing 1 response by gunbei

gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Hi CW. I use ProAc Tablette 50 Signatures, which are small mini monitors and very my listening between nearfield and a bit further back. I don't know if there are any secrets to nearfield listening. I'm still learning myself.

In general I prefer sitting back a ways because I like the soundstage pushed back a bit, but there are times when I scoot my rolling listening chair up and have some fun. In nearfield I feel the the soundstage grows in width, and the center locks in much better. Sitting further back, the stage is deeper and I feel overall more relaxed. My speakers are pretty easy to drive, so that helps quite a bit. I noticed with past solid state systems, that at lower volumes, the midrange seemed to get sucked out, but now that I'm using a tube preamp I don't experience this. It may have nothing to do with tube vs. SS, maybe just the gear I was comparing.

Yes, I'm able to lower the volume in nearfield, but I hate being so close to my gear. It's just a matter of personal preference. Many people prefer listening up close and personal. I'm just not one of them. Good luck!
More to discover