Planning a new desktop 2.1 setup, and there are 2 routes I’m considering and i thought it would make a good discussion.
The first is to get a pair of good monitors, like the genelec 8330a with a genelec SAM sub. Use an interface like the topping u9 to keep everything digital, and also get a stack to power headphones.
The second route is to get a dac/headphone amp/discrete power amp stack and get a pair of speakers, like the ls50 meta/r3 and some decent sub (would a topping LA90 discrete power these?)
With the first route, you get accurate monitors with built in room correction. But many people don’t like monitors for casual listening, and you are kind of locked into that ecosystem.
The second route gives more flexibility to change or upgrade later, and a sound signature many people seem to like. But you lose the easy built in room correction and easy integration some monitor ecosystems have.
What route would you go with and why?
Right tool for the job at hand. So narrow the choices to items designed for the near-field paradigm. Yes, I’m leaning towards minding the dispersion and desk bounce compensation ends of things.
The cool thing about the LS50 idea is you could move those out into a larger space and have a 2nd system if you decide to change out the desk rig. Those Genelecs wouldn’t be my 1st choice for an ‘out in the room’ rig.
How you value the alternate options for ‘after the desktop setup’ may be the deciding factor. But for sure, give the KEF’s a listen in the near field before buying to ensure any beaminess at close range doesn’t bother you.