I am trying to decide whether to buy the Q Acoustics BT3.

[davedotco]

In the budget segment one is better off buying passive speakers + amp than going active. Clicky

I remember DDC saying that there is one vital thing that gives even the active cheapies bigger appeal than passives and that is presence. That live, breathing infront of you sound. Now is this due to active topology or just because there is no bass to mask the midrange that much, less room interference etc. Thoughts?

There are good and bad products in all sectors of the market, budget priced products most of all.

I know you are indulging in a 'bit of stirring' here, but for the record.

The best 'cheap' actives are small 'desktop systems', 3 or 4 inch bass drivers that really are designed for the desktop. Bass capabilities are necessarily limited, which is fine in this application. However many of the larger 'cheap' models are not so good, flimsey cabinets, oversized, undercontrolled drivers etc, that is true enough though one or two models, usually oem 'own-brand' types are decent options if you need maximum output at minimum budget.

Actives that are direct replacements for entry level amp/speaker hi-fi combinations are going to be 5 inch models (or bigger) and cost £200-300 minimum. Try a pair of Yamaha HS7s against any price competitive amp/speaker combination.

Regarding the bass, speakers aimed at hi-fi users are voiced to sound like hi-fi, a warm, fat bass because that is what hi-fi buyers like. Compare with this....

Note the slightly falling bass response on the HS7 and HS5, ideal for hi-fi users who a rarely able to use their speakers in free space, even with a little boundary reinforcement, the bass remains tight and punchy.

That these types of speakers do not sound like budget hi-fi is pretty obvious, both from the specs and on audition, to me this is a very good thing.

 

[Green Bow]

I never noticed it before. I think it might be the reason some are called Q-BT3 and some BT3. I think the BT3 are the vinyl.

Yeah, I speculated that separates would be better. The Q Acoustics 3020 that I was considering is supposed to be a great speaker. However I just couldn't make room for the amplifier. If there were a small form factor desktop amp them I might have bought that. The NAD D3020 was an option, but was priced out of the equation at £400. I was looking at the Onkyo A9010 paired with the Q Acoustics 3020 combined for £315 on Richer Sounds.

That amp is What Hi-Fi's best amp up to £400 so I guess it clearly outclasses the amp in the BT3.

 

[Vladimir]

In the budget segment one is better off buying passive speakers + amp than going active. Clicky

I remember DDC saying that there is one vital thing that gives even the active cheapies bigger appeal than passives and that is presence. That live, breathing infront of you sound. Now is this due to active topology or just because there is no bass to mask the midrange that much, less room interference etc. Thoughts?

There are good and bad products in all sectors of the market, budget priced products most of all.

I know you are indulging in a 'bit of stirring' here, but for the record.

The best 'cheap' actives are small 'desktop systems', 3 or 4 inch bass drivers that really are designed for the desktop. Bass capabilities are necessarily limited, which is fine in this application. However many of the larger 'cheap' models are not so good, flimsey cabinets, oversized, undercontrolled drivers etc, that is true enough though one or two models, usually oem 'own-brand' types are decent options if you need maximum output at minimum budget.

Actives that are direct replacements for entry level amp/speaker hi-fi combinations are going to be 5 inch models (or bigger) and cost £200-300 minimum. Try a pair of Yamaha HS7s against any price competitive amp/speaker combination.

Regarding the bass, speakers aimed at hi-fi users are voiced to sound like hi-fi, a warm, fat bass because that is what hi-fi buyers like. Compare with this....

Note the slightly falling bass response on the HS7 and HS5, ideal for hi-fi users who a rarely able to use their speakers in free space, even with a little boundary reinforcement, the bass remains tight and punchy.

That these types of speakers do not sound like budget hi-fi is pretty obvious, both from the specs and on audition, to me this is a very good thing.

Not stirring anything just thinking outloud. Actives aren't my domen, still figuring them out.

The vividness and live presence ascribed to actives as inherent part of their design is something people report about also in passives like the KEF LS50. I'm thinking it might not be the active topology giving this presence, but the scale of the speaker and its physical limitations. Do large actives for broadcasting/recording studios like Dyns, ATCs and Neumanns remain this vivid tangible sound even when running loud and full range?

 

[davedotco]

Part of the issue here is that 'monitors' is a collective name for any speaker used in the recording or broadcast industries. There are a number of different roles that they fulfill. I am not going to discuss them all but.....

Main monitors used for recording or 'tracking' are monstrous beasts, designed to handle the uncompressed feed from instruments in the studio at the kind of level and with a dynamic range to take any hi-fi apart. Initially, 50+ years ago they would be the only speaker in the control room.

As such speakers grew more potent and more powerful, they also became more specialised so a different kind of monitor was developed, one with a more transparent and coherent performance more suited to mixing rather than recording. These speakers were often placed closer to the mixing position and were termed 'nearfield' monitors, which they normally are not. They had nothing like the power or bandwidth capabilities of the main monitors but relieved of this requirement, their characteristics were more suited to mixing.

Serious monitors of this type are not cheap, PMC's entry level 5inch active is a shade over £3k, Adam's popular S3x models are a similar price and Gethain's highly regarded RL series run up to £9k. There is however a requirement for 'consumer grade' monitors for the huge home and 'project' studio market, which can be anything from a couple of kids messing around in a bedroom to an accomplished professional songwriter or arranger working in a home environment.

Just like in hi-fi, terminology has become vague and branding one of the most powerful sales tools, and just as in hi-fi there are some crap speakers from some big name companies and some fine products from others. Just as in the hi-fi market you need to listen and take advice from someone who knows what he is doing and just as in hi-fi a lot of 'pro' users don't and end up with crap gear.

A final thought, you mention the LS50 having some charateristics of a small pro monitor and there may be some truth in that which might help explain the love/hate thing that enthusiasts have for this model. A speaker that I like a lot is the Equator D5, a compact active two way, dual concentric design with sophisticated DSP, a speaker that gets remarkably close to the performance of LS50s (and amplifier of course) for an even more remarkable $399pr.

This is a review of the Mk1, new Mk2 models are available this month.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec12/articles/equator-d5.htm

 

[Vladimir]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

 

[davedotco]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

 

[Andrewjvt]

Ok, because I would rate Peter Tyson much higher than Amazon. They are well respected retailers. I'm a Prime member myself and this month alone I've bought 15 items from Amazon. But when it comes to Hi Fi, I would buy from an independent Hi Fi retailer to support them.

Anyway, enjoy your purchase!

I have heard very little about Peter Tyson, so was unsure whether to try them. I have heard lots of good things about Richer Sounds.  There's a place called Nintronics which people say good stuff about too.

I don't know any of them though. The BT3 at £210 from Peter Tyson, look like an unadulterated bargain.

Anyway, I picked up a past copy of What Hi-Fi today and saw a kit called Dynaudio Xeo 4. They were not for me bcause they employ a transmitter. However after more googling, I discovered a new product from them called Dynaudio Xeo 2. These look tempting. Their size is serious desktop compatible too.

Very good (baie mooi)

 

[Green Bow]

Still looking vaguely but I think I am decided on the BT3. They will arrive some time this week. I know my BT3 will not be the mind-boggling in detail and sound quality. However they are going to be good, and I have my Grado headhones. When I want good sound I plug them into my DAC-amp. I will also be on the lookout for better Grado headphones too. Just for desktop I think the BT3 will be OK.

It was a tight tussle between the Rualr Audio and the BT3. I chose BT3 for easier placement. The MR1 need to be up against a wall otherwise they lose some bass. Having said that though I was surprised by the frequency response of the Q Acoustics 3020 = 64Hz to 22KHz. That's a slightly light bottom end. I bet the BT3 are modelled similar. The MR1 go down to about 45Hz I think. (All before roll off I suspect.)

I went to look at the at the AVI ADM 9.1 today (active pair). In brown, so not my favourite colour and a bit big for desktop for me. I think the Dynaudio Xeo 2 will be an interesting active speaker.

 

[Vladimir]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

Genelec 8030APM vs Yamaha HS8, which one you reckon is best for domestic (hi-fi) use? Listening spot 2m away, 30cm from walls, 20m2 room.

 

[ID.]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

Genelec 8030APM vs Yamaha HS8, which one you reckon is best for domestic (hi-fi) use? Listening spot 2m away, 30cm from walls, 20m2 room.

as a Genelec fanboy I'm going to give my unrequested opinion. Personally I think the Genelecs, BUT you would be sacrificing some bass so it might depend on what music one listens to. I like the Yamahas, but think the Genelecs will give a better window into the music. you could always look to add the Genelec sub at a later date as a preamp and to give better extension. Sub/sat integration seemed pretty good when I tried in store. Mileage may vary depending on the listening room I suppose.

 

[Vladimir]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

Genelec 8030APM vs Yamaha HS8, which one you reckon is best for domestic (hi-fi) use? Listening spot 2m away, 30cm from walls, 20m2 room.

as a Genelec fanboy I'm going to give my unrequested opinion. Personally I think the Genelecs, BUT you would be sacrificing some bass so it might depend on what music one listens to. I like the Yamahas, but think the Genelecs will give a better window into the music. you could always look to add the Genelec sub at a later date as a preamp and to give better extension. Sub/sat integration seemed pretty good when I tried in store. Mileage may vary depending on the listening room I suppose.

I was thinking I should ask DDC and you about this but I thought what are the odds you'll read this thread, so I just asked Dave. Brilliant that I have your input as well.

I'm thinking two actives and no subs for start. 40-50Hz at -10dB is good enough.

 

[davedotco]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

Genelec 8030APM vs Yamaha HS8, which one you reckon is best for domestic (hi-fi) use? Listening spot 2m away, 30cm from walls, 20m2 room.

The 8030b (the APM was discontinued some time ago) is about twice the price of the HS8.

It is a moderately expensive small speaker, the HS8 a cheap large one, so no comparison really. The 8030b wins easily on quality grounds though I think the HS8 would make a hell of a party speaker at relatively modest cost.

The thing to remember here is that active speakers vary as much in type and designed application as passive speakers, the competition for the HS8 are speakers like the Adam F7, Presonus Eris 8 and various Mackie and KRK models, not sophisticated mini-monitors like the 8030b.

 

[Vladimir]

I have a local distributor pricelist saying they deliver the 8030APM (£258 per unit) for near price as the HS8 (£244 per unit).

I already have party speakers. I'm thinking of going the "Joss Stone is singing in front of me, I want to hump her leg" sound quality for cheap. As I'm renovating house without any bank loans, bit by bit, I can't really afford getting anything from Dyns, ATC, Neumann, Event etc. and sleep well at night.

Adam F7 has the same price tag as the HS8 here.

 

[drummerman]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

Genelec 8030APM vs Yamaha HS8, which one you reckon is best for domestic (hi-fi) use? Listening spot 2m away, 30cm from walls, 20m2 room.

as a Genelec fanboy I'm going to give my unrequested opinion. Personally I think the Genelecs, BUT you would be sacrificing some bass so it might depend on what music one listens to. I like the Yamahas, but think the Genelecs will give a better window into the music. you could always look to add the Genelec sub at a later date as a preamp and to give better extension. Sub/sat integration seemed pretty good when I tried in store. Mileage may vary depending on the listening room I suppose.

When I listenend to all those actives (some years ago) there were two pairs of Genelecs. One very, very small and one about the size of the ADAM's (which I thought was the only speaker I would tolerate sound wise ... if not for looks). - I thought the Genelecs sounded uninteresting, flat and boring. Probably what you want as a sound/recording engineer but not necesseraly what makes good listening at home.

 

[Vladimir]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

Genelec 8030APM vs Yamaha HS8, which one you reckon is best for domestic (hi-fi) use? Listening spot 2m away, 30cm from walls, 20m2 room.

as a Genelec fanboy I'm going to give my unrequested opinion. Personally I think the Genelecs, BUT you would be sacrificing some bass so it might depend on what music one listens to. I like the Yamahas, but think the Genelecs will give a better window into the music. you could always look to add the Genelec sub at a later date as a preamp and to give better extension. Sub/sat integration seemed pretty good when I tried in store. Mileage may vary depending on the listening room I suppose.

When I listenend to all those actives (some years ago) there were two pairs of Genelecs. One very, very small and one about the size of the ADAM's (which I thought was the only speaker I would tolerate sound wise ... if not for looks). - I thought the Genelecs sounded uninteresting, flat and boring. Probably what you want as a sound/recording engineer but not necesseraly what makes good listening at home.

What would be a good pick from passives + amp in that price range (<£600) that would sound better than the aformentioned actives?

 

[drummerman]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

Genelec 8030APM vs Yamaha HS8, which one you reckon is best for domestic (hi-fi) use? Listening spot 2m away, 30cm from walls, 20m2 room.

as a Genelec fanboy I'm going to give my unrequested opinion. Personally I think the Genelecs, BUT you would be sacrificing some bass so it might depend on what music one listens to. I like the Yamahas, but think the Genelecs will give a better window into the music. you could always look to add the Genelec sub at a later date as a preamp and to give better extension. Sub/sat integration seemed pretty good when I tried in store. Mileage may vary depending on the listening room I suppose.

When I listenend to all those actives (some years ago) there were two pairs of Genelecs. One very, very small and one about the size of the ADAM's (which I thought was the only speaker I would tolerate sound wise ... if not for looks). - I thought the Genelecs sounded uninteresting, flat and boring. Probably what you want as a sound/recording engineer but not necesseraly what makes good listening at home.

What would be a good pick from passives + amp in that price range (<£600) that would sound better than the aformentioned actives?

Depends on the individual. If they like flat and neutral such as the midlands of Switzerland ... nothing.

If, however, you/they like a bit of bounce, musicality, fun, colour and shades ... almost anything.

 

[Vladimir]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

Genelec 8030APM vs Yamaha HS8, which one you reckon is best for domestic (hi-fi) use? Listening spot 2m away, 30cm from walls, 20m2 room.

as a Genelec fanboy I'm going to give my unrequested opinion. Personally I think the Genelecs, BUT you would be sacrificing some bass so it might depend on what music one listens to. I like the Yamahas, but think the Genelecs will give a better window into the music. you could always look to add the Genelec sub at a later date as a preamp and to give better extension. Sub/sat integration seemed pretty good when I tried in store. Mileage may vary depending on the listening room I suppose.

When I listenend to all those actives (some years ago) there were two pairs of Genelecs. One very, very small and one about the size of the ADAM's (which I thought was the only speaker I would tolerate sound wise ... if not for looks). - I thought the Genelecs sounded uninteresting, flat and boring. Probably what you want as a sound/recording engineer but not necesseraly what makes good listening at home.

What would be a good pick from passives + amp in that price range (<£600) that would sound better than the aformentioned actives?

Depends on the individual. If they like flat and neutral such as the midlands of Switzerland ... nothing.

If, however, you/they like a bit of bounce, musicality, fun, colour and shades ... almost anything.

So it all boils down to frequency response? No transients, timbre etc. that gives one option an edge over its competitors?

 

[drummerman]

I thought the Seiwin ST6A was your #1 in this price range. The poor man's HS8.

This is an odd speaker, very cheap £150 a pair, (not each) but too big for the desktop. Properly mounted on stands and given a decent signal they are not half bad, but they rarely get used that way because they are too cheap considering the cost of the partnering dac/preamp, stands etc.

I have the small SN4a, this was my desktop system, i got mine 3 years ago at a show for £99, they are currently £119pr, fantastic 'computer' speakers used with a UCA202 or Fiio D3.

Genelec 8030APM vs Yamaha HS8, which one you reckon is best for domestic (hi-fi) use? Listening spot 2m away, 30cm from walls, 20m2 room.

as a Genelec fanboy I'm going to give my unrequested opinion. Personally I think the Genelecs, BUT you would be sacrificing some bass so it might depend on what music one listens to. I like the Yamahas, but think the Genelecs will give a better window into the music. you could always look to add the Genelec sub at a later date as a preamp and to give better extension. Sub/sat integration seemed pretty good when I tried in store. Mileage may vary depending on the listening room I suppose.

When I listenend to all those actives (some years ago) there were two pairs of Genelecs. One very, very small and one about the size of the ADAM's (which I thought was the only speaker I would tolerate sound wise ... if not for looks). - I thought the Genelecs sounded uninteresting, flat and boring. Probably what you want as a sound/recording engineer but not necesseraly what makes good listening at home.

What would be a good pick from passives + amp in that price range (<£600) that would sound better than the aformentioned actives?

Depends on the individual. If they like flat and neutral such as the midlands of Switzerland ... nothing.

If, however, you/they like a bit of bounce, musicality, fun, colour and shades ... almost anything.

So it all boils down to frequency response? No transients, timbre etc. that gives one option an edge over its competitors?

No, it boils down to personal preference

 

[davedotco]

I have a local distributor pricelist saying they deliver the 8030APM (£258 per unit) for near price as the HS8 (£244 per unit).

I already have party speakers. I'm thinking of going the "Joss Stone is singing in front of me, I want to hump her leg" sound quality for cheap. As I'm renovating house without any bank loans, bit by bit, I can't really afford getting anything from Dyns, ATC, Neumann, Event etc. and sleep well at night.

Adam F7 has the same price tag as the HS8 here.

I can only assume it is old stock, production ceased in 2013. Thomann list the 8030b at €519 each and HS8 at €279.

As always, VFM is dependent on your particular market, HS8s can be had for £200 each in the uk, a lot of speaker for the money. Personally I prefer the HS7, enclosure noises are less obvious.

But £500-ish is a great price for a pair of 8030APM, not totally neutral though, like all of the small Genelecs they are a touch forward in the midband, a Genelec trait that gets less obvious with the years.

If you are happy to keep to small speakers, look for the Adam A5x, they are often available at sensible prices and make a really good 2.1 setup at a later date. Another rather nice option if you want a bit more scale is the Presonus Eris 8, €495pr from Thomann and the best of the budget 8 inch models to my ears.

 

[Green Bow]

In the case of Genelec 8030APM and Yamaha HS8. If the listening spot was 2m and they needed 30cm from wall then they would be no good on my desktop.

To be honest the Ruark Audio MR1 are probably the best near field ones in the pick of hi-fi type. I suspect they will be best close up on a desktop because they are small. They review outright brilliant and are desigend for desktop.

I chose the BT3 because of placement. They don't need to be near or far from a wall. They review well and are claimed fine for desktop use so I am sort of confident. My only concern with them is that they are loud units. They might actually need a fair bit of volume on them to get their best. Whereas the Ruark Audio MR1 might be better at lower volumes since they are not as loud. It's the case that often I will be listeing at much lower volumes. Since I will be sat virually in front of them.

 

[Vladimir]

When I add customs and taxes to Thomann's prices I really get no advantage over buying locally. Plus I would have issues with warranty. I just sent the Genelec distributor an email to learn whats the deal with the A and B models, if 8030A is still in stock etc.

No distributor for Q Acoustics here. Those BT3s look sexy in red.

For desktop listening I already have the AKG K702 with a head amp. I need something to sing elsewhere but the center of my brain.

 

[Vladimir]

I have a local distributor pricelist saying they deliver the 8030APM (£258 per unit) for near price as the HS8 (£244 per unit).

I already have party speakers. I'm thinking of going the "Joss Stone is singing in front of me, I want to hump her leg" sound quality for cheap. As I'm renovating house without any bank loans, bit by bit, I can't really afford getting anything from Dyns, ATC, Neumann, Event etc. and sleep well at night.

Adam F7 has the same price tag as the HS8 here.

I can only assume it is old stock, production ceased in 2013. Thomann list the 8030b at €519 each and HS8 at €279.

As always, VFM is dependent on your particular market, HS8s can be had for £200 each in the uk, a lot of speaker for the money. Personally I prefer the HS7, enclosure noises are less obvious.

But £500-ish is a great price for a pair of 8030APM, not totally neutral though, like all of the small Genelecs they are a touch forward in the midband, a Genelec trait that gets less obvious with the years.

If you are happy to keep to small speakers, look for the Adam A5x, they are often available at sensible prices and make a really good 2.1 setup at a later date. Another rather nice option if you want a bit more scale is the Presonus Eris 8, €495pr from Thomann and the best of the budget 8 inch models to my ears.

Pair of Adam A5X cost 150 euros more than a pair of Yamaha HS8. 300 sterling each. *wacko*

 

[davedotco]

Pair of Adam A5X cost 150 euros more than a pair of Yamaha HS8. 300 sterling each. *wacko*

Like I said, it is all down to your local market. Not being part of the EU is something of a pain though.

One thing you need to distinquish, in your own mind anyway, is that some active/powered speakers are voiced for hi-fi users, I'm thinking Audio Engine, MR1s, Bt3 etc. Depending on your point of view they are either warm and musical or fat and bloated.

Similarly some 'pro' monitors are voiced for a certain type of musician, big, bold and in all honested a fair way over the top. There is a middle ground for monitors and it is these that you need to seek out.

Given that you are in contact with the Genelec distributer I would be inclined to see what other goodies he might need to move on.

 

[Green Bow]

Pair of Adam A5X cost 150 euros more than a pair of Yamaha HS8. 300 sterling each. *wacko*

Like I said, it is all down to your local market. Not being part of the EU is something of a pain though.

One thing you need to distinquish, in your own mind anyway, is that some active/powered speakers are voiced for hi-fi users, I'm thinking Audio Engine, MR1s, Bt3 etc. Depending on your point of view they are either warm and musical or fat and bloated.

Similarly some 'pro' monitors are voiced for a certain type of musician, big, bold and in all honested a fair way over the top. There is a middle ground for monitors and it is these that you need to seek out.

Given that you are in contact with the Genelec distributer I would be inclined to see what other goodies he might need to move on.

Yep that's exactly where I was. I was reading the What Hi-Fi of the MR1 and the claim that it it can't be beaten for detail. It wins best desktop speaker or £300 and in the group test in the October 2015 magazine. The other options were the Edifier R1700BT £120, Sond Audio Active £150, Wharfedale DS-1 £130, Audio Pro Addon T14 £400, and Ezpo Actimate Micro B £300.

I feel it was a shame that they did not include the BT3 in that group test. However if you google 'best desktop speaker 2015', there is a What Hi-Fi link to take. It goes from cheap to expensive. The Ruark come in Best at £300. Then the BT3 come in best at £350.

I think the only other option I was going to look at was the Wharfdale DS-1. It was a five-star result and reviewed well.

 

[davedotco]

You seem to have a rather unhealthy respect for the opinions of What Hi-fi's review team.

You are aware that these people are really only 'kids' working their way into the Haymarket corporate structure, hoping that one day they will be let loose on the 'big toys' that they have at What Car?