Neumann Monitors

[zakco]

I've recently installed a new 5.1 system with 3x KH150 for LCR, 2x KH120mkii for surrounds and a KH750 sub all networked with the MA-1 alignment system. Still working some bugs out of the room, but so far loving the Neumanns. The KH150s are astonishingly clean and the imaging is incredible!


Depending on business, I'm considering adding 4 more speakers for 5.1.4 in the next while.

[Tyranor]

Hello all,

Decided to resurrect this thread to keep everything in one place.

Got a good gig next year so it's time to upgrade my speakers and audio interface. Audio interface is a relatively easy choice, and will go with MTRX Studio.

Speakers are trickier.

Throughout my life as an editor I've been working on Genelecs, currently have 5.1 setup with 5 x 8030 and 7060 sub.

Thinking of upgrading to 8" for my LCR and 6.5" for LsRs + new sub that supports 7.1 as well as I may go wider later on.

Currently have a couple of options in front of me

Option A - 3 x Genelec 8050 for LCR and 2 x 8040 for LsRs and 7360 sub

Would be interested to check Genelec 8351B as I heard they are amazing and I read only great reviews but they are so freaking expensive therefore I don't think I would be able to afford them for LCR unfortunately.

Option B - 3 x JBL 708P for LCR and 2 x JBL 306MkII for LsRs and 7360 sub

Reason for considering JBL is that a few dialogue editors use them and say that they are better and more transparent than Genelecs, as those sound harsher and less detailed. Another reason is that mixing cheaters use JBLs so if I use them as well then my work will translate better to the mixing stage which is important.

What's your thoughts on both those options? Do many people use 708p, especially for Dialogue Editing/Mixing? Any sub recommendations for JBL setup other than Genelec?

Also, the deals I got are relatively the same price for both brands so it's all about what would be the best choice, considering I'm buying speakers for the next 10 years at least.

[minister]

Worked on Genelecs, worked on JBLs. Go with the JBLs.

[BScout]

The JBLs. Especially if you work in post. And it looks like they've sorted out their QC issues on the 708p (I would be wary of buying used 708p in case they are of the earlier serial numbers.)

[Darryl Ramm]

QC related to hum?

[BScout]

No. The amps were dying (and therefore all the necessary DSP.)

[Tyranor]

Yeah I work in Post, mainly as Dialogue Editor and occasionally as a SOund Designer. Everything seem to be pointing towards JBLs so far

[Farhoof]

The JBL 306 (or 308) are so cheap it's very easy to upgrade to an Atmos setup in case you ever need it. I'm not a fan of JBL electronics/software, but I do like their passive speakers. Regarding the sub, why not handle bass management on your audio interface? I think the MTRX can handle that just fine? It opens up a lot of subwoofer options if you don't need the 5.1 or 7.1 input.
Speaking of interfaces, I'm sure the MTRX studio is a fine machine, but have a look at the Audient Oria. It's 16 channel with monitor calibration, control, bass management, etc, for one third of the price of a MTRX Studio. More money to spend on speakers.

[EGS]

Thanks for the opinions on the Neumanns. I’ve been looking at those lately myself. Has anyone here tried the brand-new Barefoot Sound Footprint 03? They are a smaller three-way, that would probably need a sub. Looking for opinions on the Footprint 03. Thank you!

[LDS]

8351s are spectacular speakers. I don't know how anyone can find them lacking in detail compared to the 708s! WAAAYYY better! The 8351s have a huge sweet spot. The metal dome Genelec 2-ways on the other hand? I'm not really a fan.

If your budget can stretch to 8351s and you have a cool 1.5m+ listening distance, I would highly recommend checking out the Genelec S360s. 44mm compression driver, 10" LF driver. Terrific translation to dub stages. They are twice the price of the 708Ps, but I'm going to throw it out there - they are way more than twice the speaker. They would murder the 708Ps... if the 708Ps didn't have a tendency to prematurely kill themselves.