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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> Out of body in a box
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Message started by Burgermeester on 08/22/22 at 11:31:20

Title: Out of body in a box
Post by Burgermeester on 08/22/22 at 11:31:20

I have two UFO 25s on order and plan to get pretty, uh, intimate with them because of the space they will go into. I'm wondering if there is any point in having a section of the forum dedidated to nearfield listening environments and speakers that work best in them.

I have not set up my space yet -- waiting for amps to arrive -- but it will be a 7 x 10 foot closet with all walls lined with objects on bookshelves, mostly books. Tatami floor. There will even be a rack of clothes on hangers behind the listening position, which will face the center of the long side of the room/closet.

The speakers will be about 3 ft from each ear but could go to 4 ft.

Most discussion about small speakers is about whether they can fill a room, and whether a SET amp can deliver the needed power. I'm more wondering about speakers that are small but can compete with the best headphones in the world, so to speak. When the speakers are 3 ft from your ears you really hear them.

Low eEfficiency with 6 watts/channel would not seem to be much of an issue. I'm listening to some PC speakers in the space now at what I'd consider a high level, and the peaks are 77 dB.

As I gaze at my speakers, I wonder, what is the best speaker in the world that will never be more than 4 ft from my head? Is there even a category like this?

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by effluviography on 08/22/22 at 11:45:01

I have used Omega 3i and CAM (custom in a size slightly larger than the 3i) in a desktop setup that works with the speakers about 4 feet apart.

They sound WAY better than my Atticus headphones.

I'd recommend Omega - though I also use a sub (Omega) to give a little bass.

Cheers - Scott

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by JBzen on 08/22/22 at 11:57:25

Darn it Bugermeester you compelled a response past my 1 hour alloted time [smiley=tunes51.gif]

Steve's Tiny Radials will do well with a blended sub all connected to one of those UFO25's.

:)

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by GroovySauce on 08/22/22 at 13:58:15

With such a small room I don't think it's technically near field. Near field has to do with the reflected sound from the speakers.

in a 20x20 room with the speakers and listening position in a 5x5x5 triangle that would be near field.

in a 7x7 room with the speakers and listening position in a 5x5x5 triangle that would not be near field as the reflections are so intense at the listening position.

Do you have speakers now?

I don't have much experience with small speakers so I'll leave that to others.

For such a small room—that is being made even smaller with bookshelves—treatment is mandatory.

https://www.acousticfields.com/product/acoustic-foam/ Order a pack of 5 XL sheets of the foam. All four walls and the ceiling. It's light and easy to move so you can move it out of the way to access the room, book and anything else in the room. You can easily cut it to make custom sizes to fit the room better.

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by chapsjon on 08/22/22 at 14:45:13

Burgermeester,
The space you describe is basically the same as the original impetus for the BBC designed LS3/5a. They needed a monitor for use in mobile sound vans. While very inefficient, LS3/5a's are known to play well with tube amps and to sound fantastic in small spaces/ near field. Part of this is their sealed design and intentional emphasis on glorious midrange to best replicate the human voice.

I have written about my KEF 101's that I use in my bedroom with an SE84C+. They are very similar to LS3/5a's. As I use them for late night quiet listening, I can't say for sure how they would work for general use, but they can easily play into the high 70s/ low 80s dbs in a small room as you've described with an SE84. LS3/5a'a are highly collectible, which is why I went for the KEF 101'a at about 25% of the price. As long as you get a good pair, they are easy to sell should you decide they are not for you.

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by Same Old DD on 08/22/22 at 23:17:56

... and I thought my room was small.

I can only hope that all that shelving has enough diffusion/absorption to serve you well.

One mention of destops and I also think of mixing desk tops with speakers three or four feet away. One watt can make you want to turn it down.

I have tried many single drivers on the market and after years of trying everything I could afford, I keep coming back to the Visatons up close with some additional bottom help.

I think it may be what Steve has said in several papers; powerful magnet structure, tiny moving mass, high efficiency wins the day.

I'm anxious to hear more of your thoughts as you build things up your way.

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by Burgermeester on 08/26/22 at 05:12:19

This is not about a small listening space but it covers one type of speaker I was thinking about, and makes a few interesting observations made in a way I hadn't heard before, e.g. about speaker cable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wx-nc2M_l8

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by Earthbound on 08/26/22 at 18:45:25

I can’t add anything technical Burgermeester, but having just shopped and sat in listening rooms for hours, the Audio Note K series was quite impressive. Speakers were about 4 feet apart and the sitting distance was about the same. Was really impressed with the “fullness” of the music. I even looked at the owner because the set up was quite different than I am used to. I will add though that there was space behind me. They sounded great and I’m debating them for my bedroom set up. Good luck

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by BicycleJoe Lo-Fi on 08/27/22 at 12:27:47

Who says you can’t take it with you

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by HockessinKid on 08/27/22 at 13:38:45

Yup, looks like a coffin to me. I'm just wondering where you are going to plug in the components? Most cemetery plots don't come with AC hook ups😂🤣.

HK

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by EdwardT on 08/27/22 at 13:40:05

If you have any interest in DIY you might have a look at GR Research model LGK (little giant killer), a speaker that is designed to work in the near field. For true low end extension it needs a subwoofer but it could fit your situation neatly. I have not heard these but Danny Ritchie's other products have impressed me with their stellar response.

Title: Re: Out of body in a box
Post by BicycleJoe Lo-Fi on 08/27/22 at 14:15:32

Although I haven’t heard the little giant killer I am familiar with GR upgrade kits for speakers.
I especially like his measurement details and the specifics he offers when examining a Speaker, He shows the weeks points and explains why he’s upgrading to higher quality components in those specific spots. BTW There is a new black hole solar panel that is available as an upgrade on the anniversary model.