going from floorstanders to small active speakers

[EvPa]

Well, to be honest, if I were to look at ADAM Audio's range for a bookshelf similar to your Tannoy DC6Ts, I would start with the S1X or S2X/Classic Compact (which is basically a S2X with nicer finish and a removable front cover).

Of course the budget is not the same.

You should try to check the nuPro A-300 that you mentionned in the first post, they might be more to your liking.

 

[SunnyCyprus]

Ok, I was sort of able to test the A5X a bit better today. I couldn't really position them properly as I needed to keep them close to each to connect them with one cable with a jack for the computer and 2 connectors for the speakers, but I think better position would have done little to alter my views.

Comparing it to my current setup Tannoy DC6T + NAD C356BEE I was disappointed. The difference in the lower regions is enormous and even though I figured I could cope with that, truth is: I can't. I will resell the ADAM A5X and for now I hang on to my current setup (with the addition of a sonos), with newfound appreciation (note that this is a positive lesson…).

Or you could just add a sub. Active or not you can't defy physics. A little box like the A5X can't possibly equal the bass available from a largish floorstander. In my set up the output from my "pre-amp" (actually a MF headphone amp) goes to the sub which is set to pass only the signal above 80Hz to the (in my case) A7X's works a treat once you get the level of the sub set. Additional cost I know but at least the sub can be tucked out of the way. Good luck.

 

[Broner]

That nuPro-300 really annoys me. It was my first pick and they let you try them at home for 4 weeks. The problem, however, is that I would still need to pay more than 50 euro's shipping costs from Germany to Belgium, just to give them a try, and after my experiences with the A5X's, that's too big of a loop to take. Next weekend I will pay a visit to the local hifi dealer and see what's possible with some smaller speakers.

 

[Broner]

Ok, I was sort of able to test the A5X a bit better today. I couldn't really position them properly as I needed to keep them close to each to connect them with one cable with a jack for the computer and 2 connectors for the speakers, but I think better position would have done little to alter my views.

Comparing it to my current setup Tannoy DC6T + NAD C356BEE I was disappointed. The difference in the lower regions is enormous and even though I figured I could cope with that, truth is: I can't. I will resell the ADAM A5X and for now I hang on to my current setup (with the addition of a sonos), with newfound appreciation (note that this is a positive lesson…).

Or you could just add a sub. Active or not you can't defy physics. A little box like the A5X can't possibly equal the bass available from a largish floorstander. In my set up the output from my "pre-amp" (actually a MF headphone amp) goes to the sub which is set to pass only the signal above 80Hz to the (in my case) A7X's works a treat once you get the level of the sub set. Additional cost I know but at least the sub can be tucked out of the way. Good luck.

The matter of 'additional costs' is the problem. My gf wants to go on holiday. Who whould have thought? . Also, I'm not sure whether it's just the lack bass that annoys me, but it's an important factor anyway. Anyway, someone was supposed to pick up the Tannoys tonight, but I cancelled. I will first need to hear something comparably enoyable before I will try to sell them.

 

[gasolin]

Ok, I was sort of able to test the A5X a bit better today. I couldn't really position them properly as I needed to keep them close to each to connect them with one cable with a jack for the computer and 2 connectors for the speakers, but I think better position would have done little to alter my views.

Comparing it to my current setup Tannoy DC6T + NAD C356BEE I was disappointed. The difference in the lower regions is enormous and even though I figured I could cope with that, truth is: I can't. I will resell the ADAM A5X and for now I hang on to my current setup (with the addition of a sonos), with newfound appreciation (note that this is a positive lesson…).

Or you could just add a sub. Active or not you can't defy physics. A little box like the A5X can't possibly equal the bass available from a largish floorstander. In my set up the output from my "pre-amp" (actually a MF headphone amp) goes to the sub which is set to pass only the signal above 80Hz to the (in my case) A7X's works a treat once you get the level of the sub set. Additional cost I know but at least the sub can be tucked out of the way. Good luck.

The matter of 'additional costs' is the problem. My gf wants to go on holiday. Who whould have thought? . Also, I'm not sure whether it's just the lack bass that annoys me, but it's an important factor anyway. Anyway, someone was supposed to pick up the Tannoys tonight, but I cancelled. I will first need to hear something comparably enoyable before I will try to sell them.

The krk vxt 6/8 have alot of bass and they surpose to sound really good.

https://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug08/articles/krkvxt6vxt8.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4QbP_Zi34w

 

[davedotco]

Ok, I was sort of able to test the A5X a bit better today. I couldn't really position them properly as I needed to keep them close to each to connect them with one cable with a jack for the computer and 2 connectors for the speakers, but I think better position would have done little to alter my views.

Comparing it to my current setup Tannoy DC6T + NAD C356BEE I was disappointed. The difference in the lower regions is enormous and even though I figured I could cope with that, truth is: I can't. I will resell the ADAM A5X and for now I hang on to my current setup (with the addition of a sonos), with newfound appreciation (note that this is a positive lesson…).

That is a shame, the shift is quite a big one so personally I feel you need time to set the A5x up correctly and give yourself a chance to work out what is going on.

Maybe if you try and tell us what is going on then some suggestions could be offered. If you can get some reasonable length phono cables try driving them from your amplifier pre-outs so you can set them up properly and try them alongside or eben just placed on top of your Tannoys.

 

[Broner]

Ok, I was sort of able to test the A5X a bit better today. I couldn't really position them properly as I needed to keep them close to each to connect them with one cable with a jack for the computer and 2 connectors for the speakers, but I think better position would have done little to alter my views.

Comparing it to my current setup Tannoy DC6T + NAD C356BEE I was disappointed. The difference in the lower regions is enormous and even though I figured I could cope with that, truth is: I can't. I will resell the ADAM A5X and for now I hang on to my current setup (with the addition of a sonos), with newfound appreciation (note that this is a positive lesson…).

That is a shame, the shift is quite a big one so personally I feel you need time to set the A5x up correctly and give yourself a chance to work out what is going on.

Maybe if you try and tell us what is going on then some suggestions could be offered. If you can get some reasonable length phono cables try driving them from your amplifier pre-outs so you can set them up properly and try them alongside or eben just placed on top of your Tannoys.

I'll tell you what was going on (you're going to like this one). At some point today, probably when I was sitting on the toilet or something, I was thinking to myself: at the demonstration I saw the woofers moving very actively but I didn't see that at all when trying them at home....(you get where I'm going?)

So I decided to switch laptops (normally I use a very old laptop as a source in combination with the Arcam RPAC, a USB DAC, and I just used the headphone out) . I put on Morning Phase of Beck, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE. The Woofer was doing its job again! The higher regions also sounded different. The music started to sound relaxed rather then nervous. I'm now contemplating what I'm going to do. I've split a stereo RCA cable in two, so that I can put the monitors far enough apart to give them a proper listen. Really comparing them to the Tannoys is going to be difficult now as I would need to switch cables, which takes about 20-30 seconds, but I really like what I'm currently hearing.

So... Here we have another story to add to the grand book of beginners' experiences. I'm just happy right now that I took the time this afternoon to research it a bit further.

 

[davedotco]

You really need to set the A5x up properly. Try them on the pre-outs from the NAD.

Don't rush at this, use proper stands, work on the positioning and all the rest. These are fine speakers but they will be different to what you are used to, take some time to get them working properly and give them a little time. Then go back to your Tannoys, see what happens.

BTW. Any dea what you did wrong?

 

[Broner]

You really need to set the A5x up properly. Try them on the pre-outs from the NAD.

Don't rush at this, use proper stands, work on the positioning and all the rest. These are fine speakers but they will be different to what you are used to, take some time to get them working properly and give them a little time. Then go back to your Tannoys, see what happens.

BTW. Any dea what you did wrong?

For the moment I can't test them with stands. The top of the Tannoys will have to do.

About what I did wrong: very little. There was simpy something wrong with the signal going out of the headphone jack, but in retrospect I should immediately have switched sources, rather than immediately arrive at the conclusion that the speakers are not to my liking. At the moment I have connected the speakers to the Arcam Rpac.

Using the pre-out is a good idea, but I will first need to buy another RCA stereo cable.

 

[Broner]

So… I took the time to compare the sets, but unfortunately I couldn’t set it up in such a way that I would be able to switch quickly between the two sets of speakers. I needed longer mono RCA cables for that, but the local store only sold stereo cables (in retrospect, I should have bought two of those) which are impossible to separate without destroying the cables. This means that it took me about 30 seconds each time to switch between systems, which made it a little bit difficult to really compare the systems.

Just a little note: I decided to go for small monitors so that I can place a decent cupboard under the tv. The DC6T’s need some space, and I wouldn’t place them directly next to the cupboard in a corner. The monitors will either be placed directly on the cupboard (for which I am looking for suitable small stands) or next to it on stands if there is still some room between them and the wall.

Anyway, I placed the A5X’s on top of the DC6T’s. I played some Rolling Stones, Elbow, Beck, Drive-By Truckers, the National, and Lorde. Several of the songs tested have a promiment bass, so they would allow to compare what would probably be the most critical point when moving from floorstanders to small monitors.

Yes, there was a noticeable difference. The DC6T’s are not known for being floorstanders which go extremely deep into the lower Hz-regions, but they create an extremely pleasurable listening experience. Admittedly, the A5X can’t go where the Tannoys go, but the difference was acceptable and smaller than expected. The level of bass they produce sounds excellent and in several of the tested songs I couldn’t hear a difference whatsoever, but when playing Lorde – Royals, it was immediately apparent that this would be an area in which I would have to compromise if I was to go with the A5X (which was in the line of my expectations).

Other than that, the differences between the speakers were hard to discern. Maybe the DC6T’s provide a little bit more of an ‘airy’ and immersive feel to the music, but that could just have been my mind playing tricks on me.

Having difficulties to really distinguish the speakers from one another, I decided that I would listen to a couple of songs on each system and make up whether I was thoroughly enjoying myself. I wanted to see whether The National’s Pink Rabbits would tear up my eyes, I wanted to see whether I would like to go ‘apocalyptic’ on Gimme Shelter of the Rolling Stones, and I wanted to see if Morning of Beck would make me feel extremely relaxed as if it was a Sunday and I was enjoying a croissant and a cup of coffee somewhere in the morning sun.

In other ‘fashionable’ terms: I went for the holistic approach. I dropped the idea of listening to concrete differences and I went for the total experience. In this respect I can only say that I enjoyed the A5X’s immensely and I’ve finally decided to make the change. It’s not an upgrade, if anything, it feels like a downgrade, but it’s a very, very small one. Tonight, someone is going to pick up the DC6T’s and that’s the end of it.

 

[davedotco]

A very good start, a few thoughts.

The mounting of the speaker is, as with any speaker pretty important. If you can use decent stands you should do so, worth it in the end.

If they have to be mounted on furniture than they will need decoupling, I find the various studio 'monitor pads' to be largely worthless, if the cabinet is quite low I recommend the rubber, wedge shaped stands from Audio Engine, hard to find but very good, I have the smaller ones.

Adam make their own version too, I prefer the Audio Engine visually, so bought them. I'm sure both will be fine.

When you get everything in place you can try the adjustments on the rear. I usually find the smallest touch of HF cut to be beneficial whilst at the bass end I use them flat or +1 on stands but typically -2 or 3 on furniture. Your setting will likely be different, do try them for yourself.

Should your circumstances change, the addition of the matching Adam sub will convert the A5xs into a serious full range system, get one of the better ones then, in due couse upgrade to a pair of S1x. Who ever said there was no upgrade path with active speakers..... :?

 

[Broner]

Those pads seem to be particularly useful when you're sitting behind the computer and you've got your speakers placed on your desktop. I'm just wondering, looking at the angle of the pads, whether they will not be directed upwards a bit too much, considering that I will be sitting on my couch when listening and also considering that the speakers rarely point directly at the location at which I will be listening. With respect to stands, I was thinking about going for something like this: http://hificorner.nl/accessoires/meubels/speaker-stands/apollo-a2. Not too expensive .

I will keep the suggestion of the sub in mind. If one happens to be on sale or show up on a 2nd hands website, I might go for it.

EDIT: On second thought, the angles on those pads might not be too large. 15 degrees after 2 horizontal meters translates into 0.54 meters vertically. Set up on a table of about 50cm high plus about 2-4 cm for the pad, that might still be ok.

These might also be interesting, as the angle is reduced to 8 degrees: http://www.bax-shop.nl/luidspreker-monitor-isolatie/auralex-mopad-monitorisolatie/product-details.html

 

[davedotco]

Bear in mind that these pads do little sonically and even the inexpensive stands you mention will be a big improvement, support and positioning are just as important as with 'normal' speakers.

 

[Broner]

First need to get the cupboard. After that, we'll see what's possible, though when it comes to positioning I think it's important to say that I almost never sit at the ideal listening position. Far from it actually. My rather small living room has its limitation...

 

[davedotco]

First need to get the cupboard. After that, we'll see what's possible, though when it comes to positioning I think it's important to say that I almost never sit at the ideal listening position. Far from it actually. My rather small living room has its limitation...

Understand.

I'm not that into 'the sweetspot' and all that soundstage thing. However good support does improve all sorts of things, clarity, bass definition among others.

One of the things I like best about these speakers is the bass, not the deepest I grant you but well set up they will surprise you, the speed, punch and articulation is kind of addictive, after a while going back to the 'bloom' of many passive speakers is difficult.

 

[Broner]

It will probably take a bit more than a week before I got it sorted out and can report back on the final setup. Btw, I don't really want to use spikes with the stands (if I get them); what other options are there? Would something like this work: http://www.conrad.be/ce/nl/product/540874/Universele-set-apparaatvoeten-x-h-25-mm-x-3-mm-Vilt-Zwart

 

[EvPa]

What kind of flooring do you have?

 

[davedotco]

It will probably take a bit more than a week before I got it sorted out and can report back on the final setup. Btw, I don't really want to use spikes with the stands (if I get them); what other options are there? Would something like this work: http://www.conrad.be/ce/nl/product/540874/Universele-set-apparaatvoeten-x-h-25-mm-x-3-mm-Vilt-Zwart

Whatever you use you need it to be stable, no rocking or rattling, most important. Spikes onto coins or in the UK, Argos's famous (and cheap) granite chopping boards.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/8423689.htm#pdpFullProductInformation

Blue tak is fine for fixing the speakers in place.

 

[Broner]

Ok, I think I have enough information to work it all out.

@Evpa: this type of floor (but prettier): http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Laminaat.jpg

 

[gasolin]

If you regret buying the Adan A5X try to listen to the Jbl lsr 308 (about the same price as the Yamaha hs 8 ) the also have the extra bass you might want if you don't want buy a sub in the near future

 

[Broner]

But I don't regret it. At all! I have difficulties imagining a better purchase than the A5X's considering what I paid for them. There is a small chance I might eventually want deeper bass, but I think I will be quite satisfied for the next couple of years.

 

[gasolin]

:bounce:

 

[Broner]

Just ordered myself a pair of Norstone Esse speaker stands (mostly because they are very slim and pretty), a Fiio D03K DAC and some cables. Expect everything to be up and running in about a week or so. O yeah, need to get myself some blu tack

 

[Broner]

Hmmm, it's going to take a little bit more time before I got it all worked out. There have been a few minor hiccups.

First of all, it's not possible to use the Connect for music & tv unless I switch cables between the router and the bridge. The router has two types of outs that either send out a tv signal or the normal internet signal for music. None of the ports can do both, and the Sonos bridge, even though it has two ethernet inputs, cannot handle two cables from the router. So I will keep using the current PLC adapters for the tv and I will use the Sonos only for music.

Another hiccup have been the Norstone Esse speaker stands. When they arrived I noticed that I couldn't attach two certain parts together. Of course I thought it was just me (as it usually is) but it turned out that one part simply was incorrectly manufactured: the holes were not in the right position. So it's going take a couple of more days before I have my speaker stands.

Nothwithstanding these difficulties I am happy to report that the Sonos system is working perfectly. I've also added a Fiio D03K to easily allow the tv sound to be transmitted to the speakers. I was surprised by the size of the D03K: it's so small, I would allmost find it cute. I couldn't really detect an audible difference between DAC of the Sonos and the D03K: I suppose they both are perfectly fine.

Even though my setup currently isn't yet as it should be, I must say I am happily surprised by the A5X's. After a couple of days I start noticing some differences between my current setup and the previous one that I didn't at first. Interestingly, with the DC6T's, which I really liked, I often turned down the volume after a little while. With the A5X's that doesn't happen so much: they seem to have a less invasive/intrusive way of sound reproduction.

 

[Broner]

Am still missing my stands: hope to receive the crucial part within a couple of days, but there is something else I wanted to ask. When I put my ear close to the speakers I hear a little bit of buzzing sound. It goes louder if I turn up the volume of the speakers (knob on the speakers themselves), but I don't think it goes louder when I adjust the volume through my source (computer). Are there ways to eliminate this buzzing sound (which really is inaudible unless you decided to listen to the speakers from a distance of 20 cm without them emitting any music)?