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Bored with my B&W Zepplin Air

About a year ago I bought a B&W Zepplin Air for my study. Since it has a fairly large footprint, I couldn't place it on my desk next to my laptop. Although, at first I really liked the overall sound, I found myself not listening to the unit as much as I thought I would be.
Possible reasons: Lack of stereo imaging (I know not really Zepplin's fault as it is a single enclosure), bass is a bit on the bloated side (even with iTunes adjustment) for my taste and lastly, what I realized after a few months, listener fatigue. I can't really put my finger on one specific aspect but I just don't enjoy listening to music on the Zepplin.
Well, here I am looking for something more suitable for my study. The room is about 15 x 10, 10 foot celings, wood flooring, rectangular and has lots of furniture.
My music preferences lean more heavily toward jazz and jazz-style music (Diana Krall, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, etc), blues and occassional rock and roll/pop (Nirvana, John Mayer, Jimi Hendrix).
I am mostly interested in near field listening - I work late nights sometimes and do not wish to disturb the family, so bass and loudness are not pre-requisites at all.

So here is, at least what I think, what I am looking for:
1. Small speakers that will easily fit on my desk (4 x 3)
2. While getting great sound is the ultimate goal, I wouldn't mind some aesthetics to go along
3. External DAC (not sure about this one)
4. Near field listening
5. Total budget between $700 - 1000 max.

For speakers, I want to stay small so I've been looking at multi-media speakers.
I listened to B&W MM-1, and while they sound quite good, I am not sure if they're worth $500. On the plus side, the speakers look beautiful and elegant. I've also heard they have a pretty decent DAC so maybe I won't need an external DAC if I get these?

I also listened to Audio Engine A5+. They can definitely go louder than MM-1 but to be honest they look hideous (at least to me) and 90 percent of the time I do my listening at low to moderate levels.

Never had a chance to listen to Focals but I've heard they're good. Also, I'm not sure I can accomodate a sub in my study.

Lastly, one speaker that caught my attention is Serene Audio's Talisman. They look stunning (well, at least to me they do) and I've read some good reviews on them. But I've not had the opportunity to listen to them. Also, I am not sure about a single-driver speaker.

So, in short here's what I'm struggling with:
1. Is multi-media speakers the best route when space is a major constraint? Please keep in mind that I want a minimalist setup in the study.
2. Are there any non-multi-media speakers that are as small as the AudioEngine A2 and provide decent sound with the addition of a not-so-expensive DAC/Amp. Just for reference, I think Emotiva's desktop speakers are too big for my purposes.
3. If I get good speakers with a decent built-in DAC (such as B&W MM-1) do I still need an external DAC? In other words, will the sound be noticeably better with the addition of an external DAC?
4. Should I go for active monitors (just hookup directly to my PC) or buy passive and add a small amp/DAC combo?

If anyone can suggest a synergetic configuration (speakers, DAC/amp) within my price range (700-1000), I'd really appreciate it.
Also, if anyone has direct experience with Serene Audio speakers I would love to hear from you as well.
128x128arafiq

Showing 3 responses by arafiq

arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,595 posts
 
Thanks for the valuable insights.

To be fair to the zepplin its not a bad speaker at all, just wrong application. I thought I needed room-filling sound but realized what I really needed was near-field listening and good imaging.
So yesterday, I went to BestBuy (for the fourth time) and auditioned the B&W MM-1, Audio Engine A2 and A5+, and Genelec one more time.
The A5 sounded pretty good but to be honest its just too bulky for my medium-sized desk. At that size, I can just get regular bookshelf speakers instead.
A2's were nice but they sounded a bit too forward for my taste. Same for Genelecs.
Of the four models I auditioned - and I have listened to them four times now -:), I thought the MM-1s have the most balanced sound. They are more laid back and the mid-range is smoother compared to the A2s. But boy are they pricey!
I think one of the Apple stores carry the Focals, so I would probably visit the store later today to check them out.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,595 posts
 
thanks for the advice everyone! i initially bought Audio Engine A5+ but had to return it for a couple of reasons ...

the speakers were too big for my small and already cluttered desk. maybe its just me but i found the sound to be a bit too much (bass heavy?) for my taste. i was looking for a more intimate setting which the audio engines did not provide.

best buy magnolia had the b&w mm-1 on clearance for $350. with my additional $50 worth of member points the price eventually came down to $300 so i picked them up

i must say that they are doing almost everything i expected of them ... they are the perfect size for my desk and look very nice and elegant. while the sound is not as big and room filling as the AE5, it is very detailed, refined and crisp. the bass, while not substantial, has a tight and punchy feel to it.

the speakers sounded pretty unremarkable for the first 30 hours or so but after that they really opened up ... so far I am very happy. they are doing everything i expected a small desktop speaker to do
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,595 posts
 
also the imaging is quite good ... i am listening to born under a bad sign by albert king and i can clearly hear his voice coming from the dead center, drums on the right, saxaphone is slightly right of center, piano is far left ... pretty enjoyable experience so far
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