Near Field Monitors

AsSiMiLaTeD

So with the recent loss in vision having an impact on my choice of hobbies I'm wanting to get back in to audio, I'm basically replacing gaming which is hard on my eyes with audio. I want to start with the system in my office since I don't spend much time in the living room, I'm either up here working or we're out of the house.

What I'm looking for is a somewhat compact bookshelf type speaker that is suited for near field listening, we're talking maybe 2-3 ft apart and 2 feet from listening position. They don't need to be tiny like satellites, but the big Harbeths won't work either. Active speakers would be nice as it simplifies things but if I can't find good SQ in actives adding an amp is an option. I've got plenty of room for a sub so if there's a 2.1 system that's not your typical computer grade speaker I'm up for that as well.

To give a point of reference I've got some Focal XS Book speakers right now that actually sound quite nice, for computer speakers. One option on the table is keeping those and adding a small sub to fill in the bass, but before I close the door I wanted to see if there are other options that would give me better sound across the board.

I spent an obscene amount of money on surgeries with the eyes so funds are limited, I'd say under $1000 but if there's something magical above that price I can move things around and stretch the budget to $2K.

ZLTFUL

Personally, if I didn't have the space for a 2 channel rig in my office, I would go with:
http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Powered-Speaker-Systems/A5-plus-Powered-Speakers
and
http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Subwoofers/S8-Powered-Subwoofer

for a nearfield setup.

Conradicles

The Focal Alpha is getting good reviews.

AsSiMiLaTeD

I saw that mentioned somewhere else also, I'll look at it

halo

I have a pair of Energy RC-10 speakers available. People here directed me toward them and I was very pleased with them. I moved on to a different brand and they're now sitting in their original boxes. These aren't huge speakers - technically a mini monitor but the 5 1/4" woofer throws out plenty of bass for its size.

Here's the listing on the flea market: http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/176195/clearing-out-the-audio-closet-sale-speakers#latest

AsSiMiLaTeD

I'll look into those, but am mostly bummed out I missed the Dyns...

Mikey081057

I have a pair of audioengine A4's on my desk and they are pretty sweet. Hook hem up with a nice integrated and a compact sub.

jawhog

I've had a peachtree deepblue2 for about a year that's been great. I wasn't immediately sold on its sound relative to a traditional receiver and speakers. But the sound signature kind of grew on me and now it's probably the most listened to audio device in our house due to its ease of use. And having tone controls on the remote allows for on the fly adjustments if certain songs need a tweak or two. For nearfield I think it works quite well though because all the sound is up near your face instead of spread about with a 2.1 where the sub is on the floor. Surprisingly loud too.

I'm carefully watching their indiegogo campaign for the m24 monitors at about $240 for the moment. The m24 with 4-inch woofers looks like a speaker placed right in between audioengine's a2 and a5. If they came in satin black or white, I'd already be part of the campaign. Shipping soon.

txcoastal1

DSkip wrote: »

Mark and Daniel. If a pair interest you, let me know before you jump on some.

Great recommendation Skip, would Luther bring a pair to LSAF for Danny to listen too???

He doesn't have to bring anything else, we can set them up on Voltz's rig

AsSiMiLaTeD

Any specific models you guys would recommend?

rooftop59

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

Any specific models you guys would recommend?

I know @F1nut runs NHT SB3s (modded of course) in his office setup. I used those for about a year in the master bedroom setup, great speakers. Acoustic suspension so placement is less fickle. Need some power to open up, a parasound HCA-1000 is excellent, nearfield a 750 would probably be more than sufficient.

I have been running definitive technology inclines with a sub, and I really like the combo, but its decidedly mid-fi/convenient; you could do better for a little more money if you piece together components.

txcoastal1

DSkip wrote: »

txcoastal1 wrote: »

DSkip wrote: »

Mark and Daniel. If a pair interest you, let me know before you jump on some.

Great recommendation Skip, would Luther bring a pair to LSAF for Danny to listen too???

He doesn't have to bring anything else, we can set them up on Voltz's rig

Won't work. You'll need an integrated from me... either the Dayens or North Star to open them up.

My Modwright

txcoastal1

Neither is the Italy, which is going to be in Voltz's rig, and my Modwright is in Dallas and coming home

And no I'm not setting up a whole system...uh-uh...no way

Either way

Jaybeez

I love my Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2's for near field listening. Lots of detail, plenty of bass, etc.