[chc5]

hi guys,
 
during my seach for/about new desktop speakers, i came across this forum a couple times and this seems like a good place to get advice/opinions.
its time to ditch my old speakers (x530 logitech ) and upgrade to something decent.
my goal is to get an overall better listening experience (for as far thats possible of course)
 
they will be used mainly for music listening, and some gaming.
budget: +-200-300€ (should be able to get something nice for that, no?)
room situation: computer desk in a 5mx3.5m room, speakers would sit at +-80cm from me.
i listen to all kinds of genres like rock/metal, classical, blues, but also hiphop, house, techno etc..
 
during my search the jbl lsr305 kept popping up, with tons of good reviews, its actually hard to find many negative things about them.
so that made me interested. they also seem to have a great price/quality ratio.
i know these are studio monitors, and intended to sound neutral and honest, but i read a lot of times they perform excellent as regular desktop speakers too...
so im not quite sure if they really are, and i was hoping to find some userbased experience on that matter.
 
other possible interesting speakers were the mackie cr4/cr5 and the maudio av42?
audioengines seem nice, but ive read some bad things too...+theyre pricey
 
it would be great if someone (who has the jbls) could give their honest opinion about all this.
 
 
thank you!

 

[fishyee]

How will you be driving them?  Straight out of the computer?

The JBL LSR305s are universally recommended for a reason.  They are hard to beat for the price.  They are true active monitors with wave guide tech (trickle down from the famous M2) that sets them apart from the other entry level monitors. If you like accurate, punchy sound, you will like them, especially after coming from computer speakers.  

My only issue with the 305s is their rear port, making setup a little tricky. The Presonus Eris E5 is similarly priced, sounds good, and is front ported. Both are miles better than any computer speaker.

I own the 305s and other, better monitors.  The next step up from them is steep, in my opinion ...  Neumann KH120 at $750 each.

Some references for you:
https://www.attackmagazine.com/reviews/the-best/ten-best-nearfield-studio-monitors/
http://www.thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/ActiveSpeakers.htm
http://atcloudspeakers.co.uk/technology/active-amplification/
http://www.jblpro.com/www/jbl-story/innovation/technology/directivity/image-control-waveguide#.VptTcvkrLIU
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/feb14/articles/jbl-3-series.htm

 

[chc5]

yes i will be connecting them to the computer.
 
i may get a dac later (i read that a dac solves a hiss/buzz that may or may not occur)
or is it recommended to get it right away?
 
( one thing i dont like about the jbl is that they dont have a volume knob, but thats a minor thing )

 

[fishyee]

Yes, getting a DAC or sound card will increase your sound quality and feature set.  You may have a problem connecting your computer to the XLR/TRS connections on the back of the 305.  You will need special cables.
 
The JBL has a volume knob for each monitor in the back.

 

[chc5]

is a dac really such an improvement over the built in soundcard?
 
i meant an 'overall volume control' knob, those on the back arent those meant for the level or something?
 
concerning the 'desktop usability', im assuming (almost) everything will sound better than computer speakers, correct?
i mostly have mp3s -192/320 something, will this be okay?

 

[PurpleAngel]

  Yes, getting a DAC or sound card will increase your sound quality and feature set.  You may have a problem connecting your computer to the XLR/TRS connections on the back of the 305.  You will need special cables.
The JBL has a volume knob for each monitor in the back.

 
The JBL LSR305 will accept an unbalanced connection, so a cable with dual mono 1/4" plugs can be connected to the LSR305.
Assuming that I'm understanding what you think is a "connection problem".

 

[fishyee]

  is a dac really such an improvement over the built in soundcard?
 

 
Depends.  Let us know what you have in your computer and we may be able to make a few suggestions.  Until then, you are going to get a lot of "maybes" and 'depends", like I'm giving you because we don't know what your computer setup looks like.  Also, tell us how you plan to connect them.  PurpleAngel mentioned the ability to use TS connectors.  A 1/8 TRS to dual 1/4 TS cable should get you started out of your computer or phone headphone out.
 
If you research home studio monitors, you will see that they are often used in a desktop setup.  This link will help you get a visual.
http://www.homestudiodawg.com/2011/05/monitor-placement/

 

[chc5]

my motherboard is a gigabyte Z87X-D3H-CF, my sound is listed as realtek high definition audio.
 
connection like purpleangel said indeed.
i noticed there is a xlr way too(with the jbls), but im not really sure whats the difference?
 
helpful article on the placement, but can they just sit on the desk too? i dont really want to buy stands..

 

 

[imrazor]

While onboard audio has come a long way, almost any dedicated sound card/DAC is going to sound better than the Realtek audio on your motherboard. The Soundblaster Z is not an audiophile sound card, but still sounds very nice for the money. It sounds better than my other sound card, a professional M-Audio Delta 410, though I've got to admit the Delta is very long in the tooth. A popular audiophile option is the Asus Xonar line; even the cheap cards from that line are supposed to be pretty good. My experience with external USB DACs/sound cards is pretty limited, so I'll let someone else more experienced address USB.

 

[fishyee]

imrazor made some valid points.  I know my ears can easily hear the difference between the Realtek and something like a CEntrance Dacport HD but everyone's hearing is a little different.  You should just buy the 305 and enjoy them until you are ready for a DAC or good internal soundcard.  The 305 alone will wow you if set up correctly.
 
Stands are not necessary, but the tweeters should be at ear level.  Use some wooden blocks or books.  Throw some cheap sorbothane feet under the monitors to isolate them.

 

[fishyee]

And in case you were thinking ahead, your next steps may look something like this.
 
1.  Make sure your computer is setup for good sound.  
             - Check out this link.  https://www.native-instruments.com/en/support/knowledge-base/show/3671/windows-78-tuning-tips-for-audio-processing/
2.  Get a respectable DAC.  Go used to save a few bucks.
3.  Rent a usb omni mic to measure your room with Room Eq Wizard.
4.  Fix your room acoustics to optimize your monitor setup or buy Dirac Live software to handle room correction.
5.  Put all the money you saved into new music.
 
Everything above should have a no risk, free trial, or money back guarantee, so you can ensure you are only paying for true improvements to your sound.
 
Good luck!

 

[PurpleAngel]

  my motherboard is a gigabyte Z87X-D3H-CF, my sound is listed as realtek high definition audio.
 
connection like Purpleangel said indeed.
i noticed there is a xlr way too(with the jbls), but im not really sure whats the difference?
 
helpful article on the placement, but can they just sit on the desk too? i dont really want to buy stands..

 

 
Your motherboard comes with a Realtek ALC892 audio processor.
A used Asus Xonar DX sound card ($50-$60) or Hifimediy Sabre USB DAC ($65) would be a better DAC feature, then the ALC892.
 
Most devices with audio connections (smart phone, TV, A/V receiver, mp3 player, sound cards, DACs, etc) usually use an un-balamced connection.
One positive wire and one ground wire, for each channel (signal)
 
A balanced connection is two matching positive wires and one ground wire.
A balanced connection helps send a good signal over long distance.
 
A DAC with a balanced output connection is going to cost more money then one with an un-balanced connection, and I'm not seeing any good reasons for you to spend the extra for a balanced connection, to the JBLs.
Others might disagree.
 
It's ok to let your speakers sit on your desk in a less then perfect setup. most people usually do not setup their speakers to the prefect level anyway.

 

[chc5]

 
You should just buy the 305 and enjoy them until you are ready for a DAC or good internal soundcard.  The 305 alone will wow you if set up correctly.
 
Stands are not necessary, but the tweeters should be at ear level.  Use some wooden blocks or books.  Throw some cheap sorbothane feet under the monitors to isolate them.

 
i was thinking exactly the same thing. the speakers will probably be a huge difference from what im used to.
 
a dac will probably be the next step. someone i know recommended this one = http://www.wirerealm.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/focusrite-scarlett-solo-audio-interface-review-300x231.png
i only need a headphone input and a knob to control the speaker volume though, so this will be future plans for now..
 
ive also read that people sometimes use foam pads (under an angle) or something? 

 

[fishyee]

The foam is for isolation.  The angle is to get the tweeters pointed at the ears.  Proper setup is key ...  don't skimp on it because it just costs you pennies to do it correctly.  Why buy a Ferrari and put minivan tires on it ... 
 
Your speakers were designed and measured with the tweeter at ear level.  You should do your best to get them to that proper height, spread them as wide as possible on your desk, and then angle them in to strengthen your center image.  If you want to learn why, google speaker dispersion patterns.
http://www.neumann-kh-line.com/neumann-kh/glossary.nsf/root/E739BF069CE5E3F7C125728C006784FC?Open&term=dispersion%20%20%20%20%20pattern
 
Isolation options:
1.  If you want to spend the money - http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/monitor-isolation-pad/
2.  Pile of books and a cheaper alternative - http://www.amazon.com/Sorbothane-Hemisphere-Non-skid-Adhesive-Durometer/dp/B00516DGIG/ref=pd_sim_60_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41Z172VHhfL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0838A2Y3CSX85T6T8NBH
3.  Your own foam - http://www.joann.com/22-x-22-x-2in-high-density-chair-pad/9207838.html
 
 
You have many, many choices when it comes to the DAC.  Come back to us when you are ready.  Your headphone amp must be able to drive your headphones properly so there are a few points to consider there too.

 

[chc5]

so if i understand correctly its better to use books instead of the angled isolation pads? (setup perspective)
(i wasnt trying to be cheap it was more of a question why people use it)
 
i forgot about the bass part, can you say something about the 305s on that matter?
also lets say should i want more bass later, can you hook them up to any subwoofer?