My nearfield desk system is a Linn Classik receiver driving Linn Kans, providing a nice deep holosonic soundstage from CDs, Qobuz and Apple Music. ifi Nano One DAC, and my workstation iMac are the source most often. 40 year old Kans, and 24+- old Classik.
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The 3/5A is usually 15 or 16 ohms (an extremely inefficient design), very limited in its low end response, and, although well regarded by many pipe smoking tweed jacket wearing anachronists (is that a word?) may be the most overhyped/overpriced speaker in the history of audio. I have never seen them in a modern U.S. recording studio. I like 'em though...they're cute. A decade or so ago a friend brought a pair of Rogers LS3/5A's over to my studio and I did an A/B comparison to my relatively el-cheapo KEF Q10s...we both agreed the KEFs, once both speakers were adjusted with a meter to the same sound level, were FAR better in every way...disclaimer: we were not smoking pipes in leather chesterfield wing chairs in a library...we weren't smoking anything. I have since heard 3/5As sound great with very high end electronics, but I think there are sounds under 85hz that deserve to be heard. |
LS-3 5A ----- find them used made by Kef, Spendor, Rogers, etc. There is simply no better studio monitor for near field listening on the Planet. |
Hi, not exactly monitors but I can recommend Audio Physic
Virgo II or the Caldera. Both are made for the near field
listening. If you live in Europe check ebay.de ; the prices
are ubelievable (+/-1400E VirgoII; +/-4000E Caldera).
Regards, |
I've used KEF Uni-Q's as studio nearfield monitors for many years. The old UK made Q10 is just a great and inexpensive (especially used) little speaker that is perfect for nearfield...front port and all...the ref series small uni-Q is cool too...a friend (for his studio) found a mint pair someplace for under $200. The concentric thing is great for nearfield. |
I use Von Schweikert VR-1s in a small library and even have them on the bookcase (I know, I know). The soundstage is tall and wide and the instruments seem precisely placed on the stage. Wonderful midrange and bass to 50 Hz. I also use a small REL sub to go below that. Its a great combination. And, affordable. |
Another consideration is Tekton Design speakers. They're very affordable and sound beautiful.
http://www.tektondesign.com/loudspeaker.html |
Cwlondon,
No, why do you ask?
Larry |
Harbeths have come up a couple of times. Which models are you speaking of? I ask because in his review of the Compact 7s, Sam Tellig said they, "didn't like to be positioned in the nearfield. give them at least 8' from your ears; anything nearer and the treble might be localized at the tweeters." Can anyone comment? Thanks.
-Bob |
Concerning studio monitors - I got a laugh out of Lrsky's comments about studio monitors not being that good. I recall many engineers telling me that they liked the JBL 4311s because they sounded so bad that once you got the music sounding good on them, it would sound great anywhere else.
To the OP - Harbeth speakers work very well for nearfield sane-volume listening. |
Hi and thanks for all the responses. My budget is 1000 max and really I would prefer to not spend that much although I might have to. I am using vandersteen 2ce's and they are available for less than a 1000 so it would be hard for me to justify spending more.
Thanks |
Lrsky, are you a dealer of consumer audio products?
Regards,
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Sorry Timtim, I HAVE to disagree.
While in Nashville, a block from Music Row managing a store frequented by Nashville types, stars and engineers and producers...I had occassion to listen to studio monitors, and more important have many of those folks do the same.
Invariably, they'd remark that the home versions of speakers 'sounded better', and 'more lifelike', 'more realistic'.
Studio monitors I've known are not good at reproducing the input signal. I've had more than one engineer tell me...."I know they're not good, but I know what THEY sound like and I can engineer around them."
My question was always, 'Why start off with that kind of handicap.'
Good listening.
Larry |
You would be MUCH better off buying Professional studio monitors for true nearfield listening. They are made for this type of listening, and you can NOT ask a home speaker to be as good as a speaker made specifically for nearfield listening. |
I listen in my living room not a field. |
ProAc 1SC, which I have and enjoy near field. |
Silverline Minurets are nice. |
Tannoy sgm10b with mastering labs xvr |
How much do you want to spend? |
The Harbeths work great in nearfield, and with the kinds of music you mentioned. |
From the many years I've been associated with recording and also listening the many components I have owned,the most accurate monitor I've come accross,for nearfield listening is the Rega R1 or the now current RS1, possibly due to their pulp speaker and amazingly neutral cabinet response.Don't let their modest price distract your appraisal.john |
Referance De Cappos are a beautiful sounding speaker.
My friend has a pair in a 11x12 room and it is quite involving. Very nice.
They're a nice piece of furniture also. |
