You might want to try an audiophile speaker instead of the Genelecs, which are considered "professional" monitors. There is a difference between the two. Pro monitors attempt to be very detailed and faithful to the source, where most audiophile speakers attempt to do that same thing in a pleasing way. The monitors are designed for nearfield listening, but they will usually be more clinical sounding. You may also want to try some other brands of pro-monitors. They're a lot like audiophile speakers in the way that they all have different strengths and personalities. The "Genelec Sound" may not be for you. I've seen pro audio sites where people disliked Genelecs, and preferred Audix or Tannoy monitors instead. There are plenty of options.
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.
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.