[knopfler78]

Let me introduce myself to Head-Fi by showing you my rig.As you can it is a very small room and the speakers might seem overkill for the space provided but it serves me well musically.What Head-Fi has done to my hard earned money is obvious in the picture with the 3 soundcards.excuse my english.

 

[12thgear]

I've seen some impressive rigs. Here's mine.

The wide shot.

My desktop. Speakers are Swans M200MkII.

Headphones, amp, scanner, and backup drive.


It's simple, I know, but I like having the displays cleanly mounted on dual Ergotron arms. I do need a bigger desk though. Those speakers have really taken over.

 

[oldskoolboarder]

12th gear, you've got me intrigued. What's that left screen, one of those USB screens?

 

[c3p0]

knopfler78 and 12th gear sweet setups guys,

 

[Kurotetsu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceClass /img/forum/go_quote.gif It's the Koss Hold-A-Phone and is most excellent.

Oooh, very nice, and very cheap. I've been looking for something to hold my headphones and it looks like I just found it.

Thanks!

 

[IceClass]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurotetsu /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oooh, very nice, and very cheap. I've been looking for something to hold my headphones and it looks like I just found it. Thanks!

... and don't forget they come in a bunch of cool colors.

 

[12thgear]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldskoolboarder /img/forum/go_quote.gif 12th gear, you've got me intrigued. What's that left screen, one of those USB screens?

It's actually a Wacom Cintiq 12WX. It's VESA mounted on an articulating arm so I can position it wherever I want. It's also on a quick release if I want to use it like an easel.

The 2009 Mac mini has mini DisplayPort plus mini DVI out, so it supports dual display.

 

[IceClass]

Here's the latest iteration of my office computer based headphone/nearfield rig..looking for some speaker suggestions under $600 used.

 

[illkemist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceClass /img/forum/go_quote.gif Her's the latest iteration of my office computer based headphone/nearfield rig..looking for some speaker suggestions under $600 used.

Wow! I have seen a lot of very clean and minimal setups that really impress. However, some of them lack something that you have been able to capture. Your rig looks like a very fun place to listen to music. How much time do you spend there each week?

 

[IceClass]

What? You mean my rig is not minimalist?

And for the record, yeah it's fun and I spend waay too much time there happy in my own selfish little world.

BTW, my band the "Six Inchers" are desperately in need of a drummer. Must be of appropriate talent and size. Peter Chris was recently fired and the Manager Don Cherry is getting cranky.

 

[12thgear]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceClass /img/forum/go_quote.gif BTW, my band the "Six Inchers" are desperately in need of a drummer. Must be of appropriate talent and size. Petter Chris was recently fired and the Manager Don Cherry is getting cranky.

Eh, screw Grapes after some of the things he's said about Ovie.

 

[Iostream]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceClass /img/forum/go_quote.gif Here's the latest iteration of my office computer based headphone/nearfield rig..looking for some speaker suggestions under $600 used.

You might look at era Design 4 or 5. I have been using the Design 4 for a couple of years, and I am always impressed by them.

 

[IceClass]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iostream /img/forum/go_quote.gif You might look at era Design 4 or 5. I have been using the Design 4 for a couple of years, and I am always impressed by them.

My parameters are something along the lines of:

- Front ported (if at all)
- at least 45hz at the bottom end
- Bi-wire/bi-amp capable
- efficient enough to be used with my 35w Fisher 500c tube integrated if needed

I had been considering a pair of B&W 685s as my next step but they're not too efficient. I like the Quad 12L2s but they're rear ported and I don't have the space to move them away from the wall. The Usher S520 sound good but lack bottom end and I don't want to mess with a sub.

I need to replace the aging 12" G4 Powerbook in the home/office rig and can't make my mind up between a Mac Mini or a 13" Macbook and I'm currently re-ripping my entire CD collection into Apple Lossless and storing it on the 2TB USB drive underneath which I then want to be able to access and stream to other airport express enabled stereos around the house.

 

[Shike]

IceClass,

How sensitive do you need? Also, you're going to have issues getting 45hz at -3dB from about any normal bookshelf.

As far as suggestions go, Focal 706V or PSB Image B25 . . . I'd also consider the NHT Classic Two, but it's probably too inefficient for your needs.

If you're willing to bump up your budget the Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 450 pair can be found under $700 and will hit low as you demand while being relatively efficient (90dB)

If you need higher efficiency (>90dB) you're probably looking at Klipsch . . . many don't like horns though . . .

 

[12thgear]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceClass /img/forum/go_quote.gif My parameters are something along the lines of: - Front ported (if at all) - at least 45hz at the bottom end - Bi-wire/bi-amp capable - efficient enough to be used with my 35w Fisher 500c tube integrated if needed I had been considering a pair of B&W 685s as my next step but they're not too efficient. I like the Quad 12L2s but they're rear ported and I don't have the space to move them away from the wall. The Usher S520 sound good but lack bottom end and I don't want to mess with a sub. I need to replace the aging 12" G4 Powerbook in the home/office rig and can't make my mind up between a Mac Mini or a 13" Macbook and I'm currently re-ripping my entire CD collection into Apple Lossless and storing it on the 2TB USB drive underneath which I then want to be able to access and stream to other airport express enabled stereos around the house.

If you're willing to consider active speakers, I think a used pair of Mackie HR824 speakers would work well. I've heard them many times and they sound great. Very clear and natural, with good bass impact. They extend into the 40Hz range audibly. While they do have a rear passive radiator, they can be switched into modes that adjust bass response to compensate for wall or corner placement. And the come pre bi-amped.

As for the Mac mini vs a MacBook Pro, that's a tough call, but I say get the laptop. Even the cheapest MacBook Pro 13" is plenty powerful for most use except gaming. And Mac minis are cheap enough that if you're tempted, you could add one later.