Okay, I am Taking the Pro Audio Plunge


Over the last year, I’ve read seemingly countless anecdotes about how pro audio gear can trounce alleged “HiFi” brands of the usual suspects, dollar-for-dollar. I am talking Pro Audio brands the likes of Neumann, Genelec, Adam and ATC Pro. 
Some allege that models from these brands represent the true state-of-the-art in speaker design. I mean, say what you want about ASR and their implicit bias, but how can you ignore reviews such as this?:

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/neumann-kh-310a-review-powered-monitor.17723/
 

I felt compelled to test this theory to the best of my ability, and within my means. Thusly, I purchased the Neumann KH310 monitors to test at home.

So what do you believe I might expect when these are compared to my Satori Helios Textremes and modest Parasound A21? I plan to listen at “mid-field” distances. 

Regards

 

 

helomech


Depending on what type of music you listen to and how loud you listen to it you may need to add a subwoofer system to them, but if you are replacing a non-subbed 2-way speaker with the Neumanns, they should blow your current system clean out of the water.

I have DSP and Parametric EQ capability already through my WiiM Ultra. My Fiio K13 DAC also has EQ functions (though I haven’t messed with them).

Forgive me for having doubts that the Neumanns would blow my current system “out of the water.” I am sure the Neumanns are great, but my Satori Helios Textremes and BMR HT Towers are no slouches by any measure. Upon further research, I discovered that both pair produce lower THD in the midrange at high SPLs vs the Neumann 310s, Kii 3s, and D&D 8Cs. And the Helios have absolutely absurd bass dynamics for their size. They are one of two speakers I’ve owned that truly have zero need for subwoofer augmentation (though I use an REL Carbon Special anyway).

Further, when one considers the cost of the drivers in the Helios and BMR Towers (DIY and factory-direct respectively), the Neumann’s and similar ilk begin to lose appeal. I have a hard time believing Neumann are equipping their monitors with drivers that would justify >$300 each if sold separately. In other words, I’m unaware of any largish companies with marketing departments and dealer networks that are equipping their <$10K speakers with $300 drivers. And through my DIY experience, I’ve learned that price does generally correlate with performance when it comes to drivers. The caveats to that are some compression-driver tweeters and the Tectonic BMRs. 

Anyhow, last night I made some small position and EQ adjustments to the Helios’ and the resulting performance left me wanting for nothing. The performance was nearly as good as I recall from systems anchored by $50K Rockports and $100K of components, arguably better in some regards (at least better than the Atria 2s in terms of bass). I get that the Neumanns have the theoretical advantage of a dedicated midrange. However, my past experience is that a top-tier two-way speaker will often outperform a 3-way. It really depends on the individual driver quality and implementation. I’ve encountered quite a number of mediocre 3-way speakers under ≈$8K that were lacking in midrange resolution compared to mid-woofers in the $200/each range. 

No doubt the KH420s are a top quality monitor, but I think I’ve concluded I’m content with my current setups(s). It’s not as though my current speakers lack monitor-like linearity or distortion levels. 

@OP Bear in mind that commercial manufacturers are not paying retail prices for their drivers.

But to answer your original question, the areas where studio monitors tend to have shortcomings / disadvantages for domestic listening are:

Predominantly designed for nearfield listening at a distance of 1-2m

Less attention paid to cabinet construction.

Active with the amplifier in the box - a bad location for an amplifier.

Among the studio monitors which can make a case for being used domestically, passive PMCs are the best I've heard. Among the actives PSI are also good.


@OP Bear in mind that commercial manufacturers are not paying retail prices for their drivers.

I do take that into account, however, it’s not as though they get a 50% break on the driver MSRP when they place a bulk order. It’s more like 10-20%. Regardless, most big commercial brands are equipping their $10K/pair speakers with drivers that won’t outperform a $130 Seas or Scanspeak unit. ATC is one notable exception.