jlokdsri

Hey, thanks for the feedback I'm not yet very happy with the purchase I made, as the speakers I got have way to much low bass and disappointing build quality. So I might yet consider the EVE Audio.

I've decided to go with the AudioEngine A5+ and they should arrive soon. My room isn't treated so buying much more expensive studio monitors wouldn't translate to much better sound, IMHO. And as I'll probably be moving in the next 6 months or so, I'm not going to treat my current room. So for now, I think this will be a solid upgrade from my poorly performing Bose MusicMonitors and perhaps next year I'll upgrade once I have a new place! The Focal CMS50 + Sub + room treatment would be on my shortlist then. Thanks all for the suggestions, pointers, and things to ponder

I've decided to buy another set of speakers.

The KEFs are still on my list, but found another post from a Linux user from just a week ago reporting the DAC on the KEFs doesn't work under Linux. Waiting for updates on that post, to see if some tips somebody else gave there might get it to work. Having done some more reading over the weekend, I really wish the Vanatoos were available in Europe. If they were, I'd have bought them and be done by now Ah well... An alternative to ADAM I found in Eve Audio, for which I've started a new topic to see if somebody here has experience with them. So on my list now are, in order: 1. Vanatoo T1 (if available in Europe) 2. KEF X300A (if working with Linux) 3. AudioEngine A5+ or perhaps the Eve Audio SC204 or SC205 So realistically, its going to be one from number 3 I spent some time also giving a fresh look to alternatives (brands like Neumann and Dynaudio) but I'm happy with my current options and will be looking a bit more into them only and won't be looking for alternatives. Deciding next week.

Wondering if anybody has experience with Eve Audio SC204 or SC205, using them as desktop speakers for music listening (not mixing). I'm still considering my options for new setup and the reviews I've been reading highlight that while the Eves are using similar ribbon tweeters as ADAMs, they have a more smooth sound and the highs aren't as harsh. I've found some user feedback, but mostly from music mixing crowd. So, any feedback from the computer audiophiles is welcome

I've had a listen to the TEAC UD-501, but there is something wrong with it--at least the unit I heard. There was a clearly audible hum coming from the unit while in standby. If you place the unit further away you might not notice it, but I found it distracting at distance of about 5 feet.

Richard, appreciating you sharing your experience with the KEFs If this wasn't my main system for listening music, I might have gone for the KEFs--the reviews are very good, both those you linked to and experience from users I found around on various forums.

Unfortunately, I'm not getting much further with the KEF X300A and Linux compatibility. Also having come to the view that I don't want an integrated DAC, as this will be my first purchase I want to make it easier to upgrade my system in steps later if I want to--instead of having to replace all equipment in one go as would be the case with the KEF X300A. Having read lots of feedback on the ADAMs, I'm skipping those as well. Lots of complaints about build quality, and from comparisons with other speakers I'm not sure the ribbon tweeter is for me. Having to buy remote both these and the KEFs are just too much of gamble. Currently researching further. Trying to make up my mind in next days. AudioEngine starts to look like what I'll go for; step up from what I had and staying well within my budget even with throwing in a DAC.

Thanks Richard. I got a swift reply back from the contact you shared, though he didn't know of anybody using Linux with the X300A. He mentioned some relevant technical bits, so I'm posting on some Linux forums and let's see. In the mean time, I continue to research my options

@Drtrey3, @wgscott: thanks for the recommends and both of these would be on my list! Especially the Vanatoos. But unfortunately neither brand has a European distributor, only shipping from USA that I can find. I'm not willing to go that route (considering possible repairs/returns in future). @SilverLitz: hey I already stumbled across your post earlier, from which I picked up some options I hadn't considered before. Thanks for the tip on the DAC, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks everybody here for continuing to pitch in; much appreciated!

Right, so I was starting to angle towards the KEFs but unfortunately it seems the DAC is/was not working on Linux (report from half a year ago). Anybody having these hooked up on Linux without needing to manually patch the kernel? Probably small chance of somebody here using Linux, but that is my primary OS I know of certain other DACs that will work out-of-the-box on Linux, so that might be the better route. I'll give contacting KEF a shot, though right now can't find a contact other than their partner for repair services...

@REShaman, thanks for the links. I'll do some more reading @Eloise, I don't have any other audio sources--no TV or DVD player. But for selling it down the line if I decide to replace, this is indeed a consideration. I like what I read about the KEFs, but the same goes for the Focals. I'm not sure about the ADAMs; though this review of the smaller Focal CMS40 vs ADAM A3X is highlighting the ribbon tweeter's better HF response: Focal Professional CMS 40 | AudioStream. ADAMs seem to have a bit lower bass than reviewers were expecting, also on other reviews IIRC. But like the Focals, the ADAMs can be tuned to the room with controls on the back. KEFs and AudioEngine have limited controls. Of course I can do software EQ, but I prefer to keep the computer setup limited to plug&play as I run multiple operating systems and I don't want to spend time figuring out how to do software EQ on all.

No, not your fault but thanks for clarifying! From this review, which included the following image, I somehow got the idea the port bungs talked about were U-shaped tubes would be connected to the rear bass port and direct the sound forward (through what lies on top of the speakers in the image here). Most terminology was new to me, and I'm not a native English speaker--mistakes were made The manual is more clear though, thanks again. The question remains; aside from now understanding port bungs, any reason to prefer front/back firing bass ports? Will front firing bass ports be blowing air in my face

Right, so chipping down at the list and removing the smaller AudioEngine and ADAMs, and the B&W, I'm left with: KEF X300A Focal CMS50 AudioEngine A5+ ADAM A5X or ARTist 5 Both the KEF and the ADAM ARTist have built in DACs, rest need external DAC (each has its advantage). Should I be considering front firing vs. back firing bass ports? Any benefit/problem aside from more boomy sound when placed near a wall with back firing? Focal and ADAM A5X are front firing, while the others are back firing (with the KEF having a plug to turn it into front firing). Currently I will be placing these speakers nowhere near a wall, but I'm looking around for new place to live and might move my workplace to smaller room then and will probably place the desk near a wall then. @sarcese52, I'm not looking for 2.1 systems--I prefer to keep my floors uncluttered. Unless 2.1 systems outshine 2.0 for the things I value? (I don't care for boomy bass, hence I thought fine to skip 2.1) @maelob, I check but the Dynaudio Focus 110A aren't for sale in my region.

Definitely I'm looking for desktop speakers that I will primarily listen to at my desk, at listening distance 60 to 90 cms. Speakers need not be portable. I work most days from home and would be doing computer based work for most of the day, during which time I often play music for long stretches (sometimes entire day).