2. speakers
  3. 1081049872

Speakers for extremely close listening

I am not sure if this can be called "extreme nearfield listening", but I wonder whether some kind of audio bliss is achievable within an extremely narrow space?? I am talking about listening distance of not more than 3 feet (or around 1 meter) from the speakers.

Of course headphones could be an option, but I would rather not having to wear headphones. Just personal preferences.

The listening spot will be at a corner of a small room, with book shelves lining the walls behind and beside it. The speakers will be quite close to the wall -- one feet or less.

I do not have any amp for the speakers yet, but I plan to use some SS integrated amp and with CD as the only source. Due to many factors tubes are out of question for me.

As this will be a third system for me, I would like to keep the budget to be less than $1500 used. This system will mainly be used to play rock, electronica, and vocal pop, as well as post-rock, alternative rock and even metal music. So bass needs to have good impact and deepness.

The speakers will have to be small monitor size. Floor-standing will not do, because the speakers will be put just beyond my working desk.

I have given it a few thoughts. Perhaps you can see if they make sense:

- with such close distance, would a single driver or co-axial driver unit be much more desirable? My gut feeling says a 2-way co-axial driver like the KEF Uni-Q unit may be the best for any achievable imaging.

- also because of the close distance, I think the sensitivity requirement can be relaxed somewhat. So I am considering quite insensitive speakers too.

- since the speakers will be very close to the wall, I think the bass response could be reinforced. Does it mean that speakers with a low-end frequency rolloff at 80Hz or even 100Hz should be OK?

- I am not sure whether a port-reflex or tight cabinet is better?

I would try to do audition if possible, but I would also like to hear what you think about this. At the moment, Dynaudio, B&W, KEF, ATC, Linn, Sonus Faber are some of the brands I am considering.

Thanks
Patrick
payip

Showing 1 response by audiokinesis

audiokinesis
2,711 posts
 
I have mixed feelings about some aspects of the MTM configuration, but they often do a very good job in the nearfield and in Payip's application would most likely work better than a more conventional two-way. If the room is very small, then an MTM might have some tonal balance aberrations related to its power resonse in the crossover region (though probably not much moreso than a conventional two-way).

Personally I think a coaxial or full-range driver would make the most sense in this case (disclaimer - I sell some of each). Imaging and tonal balance can be very nice with a good coaxial or fullrange even in a very small room. The fullrangers I sell (Omega) also benefit from boundary reinforcement, so might be worth considering. Their high efficiency and friendly impedance curve means you could even use 'em with SET's.

The true nearfield studio monitors I've listened to have too forward a presentation for me to enjoy long-term, but maybe I just like a little euphony.
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