[pankon]

Here is the situation. I have just ordered a single OB H-frame dual-driver servo sub (Kit-4). It's going to be placed between my mini monitors (Falcon LS3/5a), which are in a nearfield position (1m from the listening spot). The BBC mini-monitors are famous for their midrange and haven't changed since their initial design.

If I wanted to substitute the LS3/5a with a model of Danny's speakers, preferably OB, but still in nearfield position and keeping the OB sub, what you would recommend?

Thanks
Panos

[mlundy57]

For that setup I’d recommend either the Wedgie or the Super Mini. Unfortunately right now both of those models have driver availability issues

[Wind Chaser]

Given that you are sitting extremely close to the speakers (1 meter) I would strongly a full range single driver like the LGK - except it is out of stock. Hence you might want to consider something like the Omega RS-5...

[Hobbsmeerkat]

I'd wager the NX-Otica MTM on stands. Otherwise the NX studio has an OB tweeter & sealed woofer abs might also work quite well in your situation.
I imagine wedgies arent a bad option either, if you're willing to wait for driver availability.

[hawkeyejw]

NX-Studio Monitors seem the best choice, no?

[SoCalWJS]

I would imagine the OB featuring the Neo 3 & Neo 10 (Super Mini?) would be pretty good. Sit them on top of the OB Servo’s and sit back & enjoy!

Too bad the Neo 10 availability is an issue. Hopefully the next batch meets with the approval of DR.

[pankon]

Thanks, gentlemen. Many interesting suggestions. But there does not seem to be a consensus for a specific model. I have noted the Super Mini, the NX otica MTM and the NX studio. From people who’ve heard any of those speakers, would they be kind enough to explain why the think their proposed model would work best in a near field standmount position away from the front wall? Where can I find the specs of those speakers such as FR, sensitivity, etc?

And because I am not in a hurry to take a decision, I can wait if a speaker is not available due to driver availability problems.

Many thanks again.

[corndog71]

Another option would be the CST-1 speakers Danny has available at a steal of a price.  They have the excellent Neo3 tweeters which I think would give you the clarity you’re looking for.  And the best part is they’re finished.  They need just a little tweaking.

gr-research.com/cst-1.aspx

[pankon]

Another option would be the CST-1 speakers Danny has available at a steal of a price.  They have the excellent Neo3 tweeters which I think would give you the clarity you’re looking for.  And the best part is they’re finished.  They need just a little tweaking.

gr-research.com/cst-1.aspx

Yes, I am aware of those speakers, but I’d rather have standmounted speakers for my (extreme) nearfield listening. So, integration between highs and minds must be just perfect.

Thanks for the suggestion anyways.

[Wind Chaser]

...integration between highs and minds must be just perfect.

That is precisely why I think a full range single driver is your best bet. A coaxial design like the Kef LS-50 would also be another safe bet.

[pankon]

That is precisely why I think a full range single driver is your best bet. A coaxial design like the Kef LS-50 would also be another safe bet.

Funny that you've mentioned the KEF LS-50. I happen to own them. And I am aware that they've received rave reviews. I never got to like them, so I have them in their box. Although the KEF LS-50 dig deeper, I found them... boring. I prefer much more the Harbeth P3ESR and even more the Falcon LS3/5a. I'm mentioning those speakers, because they are all monitors of approx. the same size.

By the way, Danny has suggested the NX-Studios.

And I am thinking of using a tube 25W amp with KT150 tubes with the speakers of choice. I've tried that amp and it sounds way more powerful than the 25W rating might suggest.

[Wind Chaser]

What amplifiers have you tried with your LS-50?

BTW, I think Danny offers a crossover modification for those that makes quite a difference.

[pankon]

What amplifiers have you tried with your LS-50?

BTW, I think Danny offers a crossover modification for those that makes quite a difference.

I have tried Croft Micro 25 RSLS dual mono preamp (tube) + Croft Series 7R monoblocks 110W/8Ohm (hybrid = tube + MOSFET). One of the things that I did not like with the LS50 is that I had to crank them up to moderate volume (at least) to make them come alive. At lower volume they were rather uninvolving (IMO).

Do you have a link to the Danny's upgrade for the LS50? Thanks! 

[corndog71]

Yes, I am aware of those speakers, but I’d rather have standmounted speakers for my (extreme) nearfield listening. So, integration between highs and minds must be just perfect.

Thanks for the suggestion anyways.

Im not sure if I understand.  How is a speaker on a stand different/better than a tower?

[pankon]

Im not sure if I understand.  How is a speaker on a stand different/better than a tower?

Perhaps I am wrong, but stand mounted speakers usually image better than floorstanders. And in my case, due to my nearfield listening, the front-firing woofers would practically face the bottom part of my couch. Not good.

[Captainhemo]

The CST1 is an  MTM TL design.  The woofers would not face the bottom of your couch, they'd be up  near  ear level as the  MTM section is kep  nice  and tight.  The TL vent is rear  facing   and you  are way out from the front wall  so no issue there either.

I've owned the N3 TL's ( speakers the CST1 is based on)  and they are   fantastic speakers.  And, even though the  CST1's come   with very good network components,  there is    room  for upgrades down the road if  one chooses to do so

Biggies tissue might be shipping them over  to you

jay

[Wind Chaser]

You’d have to ask Danny about the LS-50 upgrade. But even with the crossover upgrade they still will have to be turned up to come alive. That’s just the way it is with inefficient speakers.

[pankon]

You’d have to ask Danny about the LS-50 upgrade. But even with the crossover upgrade they still will have to be turned up to come alive. That’s just the way it is with inefficient speakers.

Well, my LS3/5a are less sensitive (82-83 dB/Wm)  than the LS50, but they come alive at much lower volumes. But they have 15Ohm impedance, which may make a difference. Who knows? I prefer the LS3/5a over the LS50, but that's a personal thing. You may have another opinion.

I am just curious what kind of magic Danny has done with the LS50... 

[Wind Chaser]

I’ve never really heard the LS-50 but I’ve heard the LS3/5a back in the day. I also owned a pair of Kef 101s about 40 years ago. How they compare to the LS-50 I don’t know. But it would be better to have all the sound emanating from a singular point than two separate points when you are sitting that close.

[shooter]

The LS3/5a are designed as near field Monitor, wonderful speakers totally disappears in near field except for the mid bass bump that is distracting at times. I consider it and the Quad 57 as speakers that are real classics and something I can live with. Heard the LS-50 and it’s bigger brother not memorable.