Best Desktop Monitors?
pamplona62 -- Sat, 11/25/2006 - 05:37
What is the best desktop amplified monitor?
I'm seeking forum advice on purchasing quality self-amplified monitors for a desktop PC+USB DAC system and/or iPod. In considering the best products, my listening priorities include:
1. Nearfield two channel desk listening
2. Mid-field two channel room listening
3. Future upgrade to 5.1 channel home theater system for a small-mid size room
I've recently read good reviews on the NHT M-00 (TAS 165), the Genelec 6020A (Home Theater Dec 06), and the Audioengine 5 (Home Theater Nov 06). If anyone has any experience with these monitors, especially in comparison to each other and quality versus price difference, I would value your opinions. Additionally, if anyone knows of other monitors to consider, please speak up (Meridian DSP 3100 would be nice I'm sure).
Check out the Razer Mako review here:
http://magazine.playbackmag.net/playback/200802web/
And the Quad 11L:
http://magazine.playbackmag.net/playback/200712/
These may not be high-end enough for you, but they are quite interesting.
As you may have already noticed there are far more powered monitors aimed at the pro recording market than for home audio.
I've reviewed the NHT M-00 and S-00. Here's the link:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/viewpoint/0906/nearfield13.htm
If you're looking for the least aggravating upgrade path from two-channel to multi-channel I'd recommend both Genelec and Meridian. Both have a unified "house sound" so all their speakers integrate well from smallest to largest. You could move your monitor speakers to rear channel duties at a later date when you go multi-channel.
Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications
Dear pamplona62,
Over the past 10 months, Playback has reviewed a large number of desktop audio systems, some targeted specifically as high-performance PC monitors and others geared more as high-end iPod speakers that can also double as PC monitors. Playback Issue 11 will feature an in-depth roundup of the models reviewed thus far, complete with live-links back to the original reviews. The article will also provide practical observations on which systems work best for various real-world listening applications. Watch for the issue to launch in early August.
Some suggestions in keeping with your post:
A) Nearfield two-channel desk listening, with an emphasis on traditional monitoring: Dynaudio MC-15 (consider adding Dynaudio's companion sub for possible home theater use).
B) Nearfield two-channel desk listening, with an emphasis on imaging and overall three-dimensionality: Razer/THX Mako 2.1-system (don't let the low price of this admittedly unorthodox, omnidirectional desktop system fool you; ex-KEF chief engineer and current THX Chief Scientist Laurie Fincham had a major hand in developing the Razer system, and it shows).
C) Nearfield or mid-field two channel listening with an emphasis on iPod compatibility: AktiMate Mini system (amplifier design influenced by Creek and speaker design influenced by Epos).
D) Mid-field two-channel room listening: Quad 11L Active (previously reviewed in TAS as well as in Playback; may be too large for desktop use, depending on your tastes, but serves as a fine, versatile, self-powered bookshelf/tabletop monitor).
Chris Martens
Editor, Playback
playback.avguide.com
I have my Mac itunes feeding the Benchmark USB Pre which feeds into Dynaudio sub 250 which feeds into Dynaudio MC 15s. Highly recommended. I can't ask for more for this setting. Also doubles for headphone listening.
Is the headphone capability because the Benchmark has a headphone amp built in?
Yes indeed.
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