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CD-R and Audio Hardware => Audio Hardware => Topic started by: Warepire on 2021-04-18 13:38:11

Title: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-18 13:38:11
Hi,

I need to buy myself new speakers, and I haven't bought a set of speakers since probably 2006 and I am completely out of the loop regarding audio since. I have no idea how to identify what I am looking for.

Specification of how I intend to use them:
- RCA input
- Active
- Not floor speakers
- Handles fairly well anything from quieter parts of classical music to distortion/loudness of funeral doom and death metal.
- Does not need to support "fancy" things like streaming, bluetooth and so on.

Preferences:
- "standard speaker-look design" (for example: Not a round pillar in red, doesn't imitate a Marshall amp.)
- A price below 500 euro

Example music of what I will be listening to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LRwYKpV-6A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR2W2scFS4Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0a62GEZddQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYh25wOlmj0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuDy345JIzc

If I need to specify further things in order for suggestions as to which technical specs I should be looking for to be possible, please let me know. Thank you in advance.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: DVDdoug on 2021-04-18 15:40:17
Quote
- "standard speaker-look design" (for example: Not a round pillar in red, doesn't imitate a Marshall amp.)
Most "active monitors" are studio monitors (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/studio-monitors?typeAheadRedirect=true) and the current style is exposed drivers with no grill.   Is that OK?

"Computer speakers" are active but you don't get the same quality.

Home stereo and home theater speakers are passive except for subwoofers.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-18 16:31:03
Quote
- "standard speaker-look design" (for example: Not a round pillar in red, doesn't imitate a Marshall amp.)
Most "active monitors" are studio monitors (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/studio-monitors?typeAheadRedirect=true) and the current style is exposed drivers with no grill.   Is that OK?
That's the sort of general design I was trying to explain. Grill or not doesn't matter to me.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-18 17:23:28
- RCA input
- Active
- Not floor speakers
- Handles fairly well anything from quieter parts of classical music to distortion/loudness of funeral doom and death metal.

Preferences:
- "standard speaker-look design" (for example: Not a round pillar in red, doesn't imitate a Marshall amp.)
- A price below 500 euro
Unlike higher end home audio stores which are almost gone, over here, there are still Pro audio stores (2 in my city) that you can go to and see/listen/buy. The reason I'd suggest this vs buying online as most do today, is the bolded part above.
There is almost no way to know whether you will have a bit of hiss with active monitors using single ended (rca) at your listening location. If that's not what you meant by "quiet", then there's less risk buying online, then having to return. Physical stores make that a bit easier. Should be plenty choices in your price range, I'd opt for the biggest woofer you can get for the money, unless you plan to use a subwoofer. Even then, the larger models will play louder/cleaner at higher volumes.

cheers,

AJ
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-18 18:38:27
Unlike higher end home audio stores which are almost gone, over here, there are still Pro audio stores (2 in my city) that you can go to and see/listen/buy. The reason I'd suggest this vs buying online as most do today, is the bolded part above.
There's unfortunately nothing like that in my area. There used to be but they closed a few years ago. Which is why I am trying to gather information online, and reviews weren't helping. They either went over my head and/or had titles like "perfect for electronic music" which isn't the music I aim to play the most.

There is almost no way to know whether you will have a bit of hiss with active monitors using single ended (rca) at your listening location. If that's not what you meant by "quiet", then there's less risk buying online, then having to return.
A slight hiss/buzz would be fine with me as long as I can actually hear the music. I had a pair of earphones once that just couldn't reproduce it at all (just silent), same with the more extreme death metal (too static:y) (or what the technical term for those situations are), which is what I am trying to avoid. Or maybe such a worry is not a thing with speakers at all?
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Apesbrain on 2021-04-18 19:14:57
From what I gather, Genelec are good performers. For less money, I'd look at ADAM.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-18 20:57:42
There's unfortunately nothing like that in my area.
Without knowing what country you are in, not possible to make specific recommendations for budget
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-18 21:12:27
There's unfortunately nothing like that in my area.
Without knowing what country you are in, not possible to make specific recommendations for budget
Should definitely mentioned that, my bad. Sweden, Östergötland. Not really near any of the major cities.

-----------------------

Thanks for the input so far, I looked around and none of the suggestions are directly available to me.
What is available so far is:
Adam A3X (at 600 euro / pair + all cables, slightly out of price range but can be done)
Klipsch R-41PM
System Audio Saxo 3

Based on the descriptions of the last 2 it seems like they will try to enhance the audio though (as it seems they expect mostly digital input and Analog via RCA is a "bonus"?), not sure I want that when my signal is already analog?
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-19 00:17:03
Should definitely mentioned that, my bad. Sweden, Östergötland. Not really near any of the major cities.
Ok, would these fit budget? 300 euro, but unsure how import taxes/duty(?) would affect, with Sweden in EU.
https://www.musicstore.com/en_SE/SEK/Behringer-B-2031A-TRUTH/art-REC0000453-000 (https://www.musicstore.com/en_SE/SEK/Behringer-B-2031A-TRUTH/art-REC0000453-000)
The 3 you listed would need a sub and/or be limited in volume with tiny woofers (3-4")
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-19 06:15:05
Should definitely mentioned that, my bad. Sweden, Östergötland. Not really near any of the major cities.
Ok, would these fit budget? 300 euro, but unsure how import taxes/duty(?) would affect, with Sweden in EU.
https://www.musicstore.com/en_SE/SEK/Behringer-B-2031A-TRUTH/art-REC0000453-000 (https://www.musicstore.com/en_SE/SEK/Behringer-B-2031A-TRUTH/art-REC0000453-000)
The 3 you listed would need a sub and/or be limited in volume with tiny woofers (3-4")
If they ship from within the EU, it would be fine. Outside of EU member countries I get slapped with an import tax of 25% of the purchase price + another 10 euro in import handling fees. Germany is fine.

I assume I need to purchase 2 to get a pair?

Thank you very much so far!
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-19 11:26:36
2030
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-19 13:57:45
Hmm, pic disappeared from post #11. Try again;
http://noaudiophile.com/Behringer_Truth_B2031A/Behringer_Truth_B2031A_Off_Axis.jpg
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-19 20:59:55
Looking at the Truth B2031A again. How would I connect 2 of them to get stereo? I found a picture of the back and don't see anything other than voltage in and input. Do they only take one "channel" each? (in my case L/R stereo)

They also don't seem to use RCA inputs, what kind of adaptors will I need? I can't figure out the name of the connection they take.

Just trying to make sure I order something I can manage to hook up. Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Rollin on 2021-04-19 21:36:13
They also don't seem to use RCA inputs, what kind of adaptors will I need?
Inputs are for 6,3 mm jack and XLR. https://mediadl.musictribe.com/media/sys_master/h97/haf/8850028396574.pdf
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-19 22:26:21
Excellent, thank you.

That just leaves the question of how to set up 2. If it's as easy as plugging in one channel in each monitor or if I need to do something else.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-19 22:37:45
Looking at the Truth B2031A again. How would I connect 2 of them to get stereo? I found a picture of the back and don't see anything other than voltage in and input. Do they only take one "channel" each? (in my case L/R stereo)

They also don't seem to use RCA inputs, what kind of adaptors will I need? I can't figure out the name of the connection they take.

Just trying to make sure I order something I can manage to hook up. Thanks in advance.
The inputs etc are on the bottom of the amp enclosure that protrudes off the back. You'll need either an rca>trs (https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CPR-202-Stereo-Interconnect-Meters/dp/B000068O17/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=rca+to+trs&qid=1618868084&sr=8-3) or rca>xlr (https://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-XLR-Male-RCA-Cable/dp/B001VLW398/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1PSDBhDbARIsAPeTqrcYAHWE_yztouApro2f8RbY3VyQUIWS5lW48YPsY_Fu3NVeZItn3AMaAqRPEALw_wcB&hvadid=174221492076&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9012099&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16997011007357118599&hvtargid=kwd-1791391721&hydadcr=24665_9649025&keywords=xlr+to+rca&qid=1618868048&sr=8-3) cable
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-19 22:39:38
That just leaves the question of how to set up 2. If it's as easy as plugging in one channel in each monitor or if I need to do something else.
What are your rca outputs? From a DAC? A preamp? A..??
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-20 06:14:32
That just leaves the question of how to set up 2. If it's as easy as plugging in one channel in each monitor or if I need to do something else.
What are your rca outputs? From a DAC? A preamp? A..??
From a DAC, it outputs in stereo, one RCA for L and one for R.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-20 15:29:59
From a DAC, it outputs in stereo, one RCA for L and one for R.
Well, that will supply signal, but volume, etc? Computer?
Using a lower level signal (1-2v from dac) without additional gain from a preamp etc may limit your overall max volume, increase hiss, etc.

cheers

AJ
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-20 15:37:22
Behringer's then top monitors we thought that everything sounded so good but when we took the recordings and listen to them on other systems the sound was dull and far from as good as we thought they were.

So that is how we are doing this?
Nope, just you. I had no involvement in the original ineptitude, blaming tools, etc.
The 2031s direct sound FR is natively and/or adjustably flat by the user as I've posted...and the perceptual science of that is already well established with blind testing, so no excuse. For you. No we.  ;)

cheers,

AJ
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-20 17:00:33
From a DAC, it outputs in stereo, one RCA for L and one for R.
Well, that will supply signal, but volume, etc? Computer?
Using a lower level signal (1-2v from dac) without additional gain from a preamp etc may limit your overall max volume, increase hiss, etc.

cheers

AJ
I see. The DAC is an ASUS Xonar Essence ST.  (Computer PCI-based card)
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-20 17:44:46
2+ V so you should be fine. You can increase volume further with input trim (+6db)
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-20 19:25:12
Great, order placed for 2x monitors and the necessary adaptors.

Thank you very much for all the advice!
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-20 19:49:51
You're welcome. Out of curiosity, was total <500 euro?
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-21 00:11:48
ajinfla: Graphs do not give the whole picture of how something sounds.
The ones posted show a quiet linear, neutral speaker, especially for the money. More important, fully adjustable to produce neutral high frequencies. Anyone whose mix on them sounds sounds "dull" on any other neutral loudspeaker, is simply incompetent.
Not uncommon among studiophiles. The Circle of Confusion.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-21 06:12:18
You're welcome. Out of curiosity, was total <500 euro?
With necessary adapter cables on top (RCA to 6,3mm jack), it ended on 312 euro.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-21 10:49:54
You are clearly a person that few would like to be around.
My cat likes me
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-21 11:06:32
You're welcome. Out of curiosity, was total <500 euro?
With necessary adapter cables on top (RCA to 6,3mm jack), it ended on 312 euro.
Nice. I was a bit surprised at the 3 original small monitors proposed given what I thought they would/should cost. Good to know you can still get a reasonable bargain within EU, 300 euro is near exact what you would pay here.
Hopefully you like them, there's plenty adjustability in highs, lows, etc.
And of course if you use computer/Foobar, very easy to apply more EQ.
They do well in blind tests, but of course sighted and/or in the hands of the incompetent, all bets are off.
BEHRINGER Studio Monitor Wins Listening Test... (https://sonicstate.com/news/2013/05/15/behringer-studio-monitor-wins-listening-test/)
Linkwitz Orions beaten by Behringer.... what!!? (https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/multi-way/177403-linkwitz-orions-beaten-behringer.html)

cheers,

AJ
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: itisljar on 2021-04-22 09:15:33
Everything in that comment is based on anecdotes and is a TOS violation.
I am not claiming that wav sounds better than FLAC. Reviews are easy to be found online, even comparisons between these two speakers. Yes, of course I didn't measure these myself, but when someone uses measurement microphones and software to compare the speakers, and not only sitting in front of them and listen to some obscure jazz release (with golden cables and McIntosh preamps), and if the procedure looks believable, I have no reason to think that whole review is a lie.
Also, as many members here, we all have someone who works professionally with audio equipment one way or the other, if the member itself isn't in that field. I am amateur and have a bit of experience in studio recording. So, I've heard from various sources about comparisons between these two monitors, from various countries, and they mostly agree.
If you need scientific proof about the capabilities of Behringer monitors, you are, by all means, free to do that yourself.
I've given you few possible reasons why the mix was "dull" and "flat" (whatever that means)...
The ones posted show a quiet linear, neutral speaker, especially for the money. More important, fully adjustable to produce neutral high frequencies. Anyone whose mix on them sounds sounds "dull" on any other neutral loudspeaker, is simply incompetent.
Not uncommon among studiophiles. The Circle of Confusion.
...and Ajinfla gave you another possibility. And it can be the mix of all of these. I have, at home, Genelec 1031A, these are older speakers and ones that Behringer copied in their designs. I can tell you this - you can do studio work on them. But when finalizing mix, you have to listen to it on as many systems as possible, that's why it should be listened on few different studio monitors, in a car, on not expensive stereo systems, to get the idea how it will sound like.

So, punkrockdude, chill. You paid incompetent person to mix your album. Next time, pay some more and go to someone more competent. You get what you pay. I am not guilty for that, neither are Behringer monitors.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: Warepire on 2021-04-27 21:00:33
I finished the hookup this morning, and I am quite pleased with them so far. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Seeking advice on new active speakers
Post by: ajinfla on 2021-04-28 17:47:34
You're welcome, enjoy. Many settings to adjust...if needed
Title: SPLIT: [TOS#8 / trolling]
Post by: kode54 on 2021-05-01 03:45:34
The rubbish has been recycled to: https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php?topic=120931.0