Desktop HiFi (part 1) - in pursuit of hi-quality nearfield listening

In this two part series, I begin with an empty desk and explore the possibilities to obtaining a hi-quality HiFi desktop set up, one which meets ones expectations and needs. In doing so, I will be sharing some tips and tricks along the way.
In this episode, look at passive loudspeakers and a variety of combinations of dacs, headphone amplifiers and integrated amplifiers.
In Part 2 (to be released on the 13th. of November 2023), I will take a very different approach and see which turns out best, and what I actually chose in the end.
Chapters by products discussed (please note that they often return after the next chapter begins)
0:00 - Intro
0:28 - Introduction to building your own desktop system (tips, tricks and essentials)
7:09 - ATC SCM 7's &
12:20 - Chord Electronics Qutest Dac & Qutest Annie integrated a headphone amplifier
21:03 - Pro-Ject Maia S3 integrated amplifier & headphone amplifier
25:12 - ATC SCM 12 Pro's
28:13 - Pro-Ject 5S2 Loudspeakers
30:00 - Totem Acoustic 'Bison'
33:12 - Eversolo Z8 Dac / pre-amplifier & headphone amplifier
38:28 - Pro-Ject Amp Box S3
38:58 - Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital
39:50 - Conclusions and my choice for Part 1
If you would like to find out more about Pearl Acoustics and our Sibelius loudspeakers, please visit our website at: www.pearlacoustics.com
or email us with your questions: [e-mail]
Social media links:
/ pearlacoustics
/ pearl.acoustics

[@corinnemanning1935]

6:37 Imagine being able to go down to the local blacksmith to fabricate some custom speaker stands for your desk!! Love this!

[@PearlAcoustics]

😉👍 in Belgium, there are so many small, independent metal workers. Everything thinkable is possible!

[@mikaelvonschedvinaudiobo9422]

I agree, what an interesting topic! Really looking forward to the second episode. I have a somewhat bigger desk and use the Proac Respons 1SC. Thanks Harley!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! I can imagine that Proac’s could work really well indeed. Enjoy the music. See you in part 2.

[@stereo8893]

I love your ideas. Well done!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@AudioNostalgia]

Thank you for sharing your journey - very interesting. I’ve had great results with Harbeth P3ESR being driven by Loxije A30. Because my desk is right against the wall, I’ve had to use EQ to bring down frequencies below 200Hz. I look forward to the episode two of your video 👍 All the best, Shem

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for your kind appreciation

[@TPQ1235]

Harley, I appreciate your detailed exploratory videos. Well prepared. Well presented. Professional yet personal as always. By the way, I am a Totem client. I have had a pair of Totem Sttaf’s in my main system (Quad 33/405, Thorens TD-160) for decades. Like you, Vince is very involved in his company with a focus on simple, well executed design.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind comment. Enjoy your Totem’s and quad setup

[@Taffy84]

I use ATC-SCM11 on my desktop, I also have a Totem Storm sub under the desk. For the integrated amp I use Cambridge CXA80 with its built in DAC (one box solution).

[@PearlAcoustics]

Interesting set up! And how does it sound? 😉

[@Taffy84]

@@PearlAcoustics Sounds good, although I wonder if it would be better with a Hegel amp and its built in DAC. I don't want a separate DAC and amp on my desk.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@Taffy84 that’s difficult to say… you would need to listen first

[@dbot2006]

@Taffy84 Could you please comment on how well the SCM-11 do with lower volume settings in near field? I have always heard that the ATC drivers with their massive magnets take some volume before they start to sound full. Is there any truth in that or do they sound at least somewhat full at lower volumes?

[@Taffy84]

@@dbot2006 Hi, they sound a bit thin at low volume.

[@jdjd2922]

With a 60 cm deep desk against the wall I opted to build something flat myself. I chose a FAST like approach. A 20 cm Visaton BG 20 crossed at 500 Hz to a Visaton FRS5X. They sit in a 60l closed box, 60x60x18cm and the things are wall mounted. They are powered by gain-clones that are driven by an audio interface. At a listening distance of ~90cm a dynamic combination.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing

[@rlowes]

Harley great video. I love these longer-form exploratory video series you’ve been doing. I tend to just listen to them on my headphones like a podcast. As it happens, I too am on a quest to find a good nearfield home setup, so particularly am interested in your findings. Thanks for sharing!

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re more than welcome! Thanks for your kind appreciation. Part 2 comes on the 13th. Of November

[@Faxie83]

Because I do the most of my listening at my desk, I have Audiovector QR1's (front port was important to me) on Isoacoustics stands to raise them and isolate them, also for the turntable (which is also isolated with a Zazen stand, and it definitely needs it). Works very well. The tweeters are just above my ears and I found the ideal angle with the speakers aimed at my ears and not at my nose. I'll never get a wide stage, but I'm fine with that. Imaging is pretty good nonetheless.

[@PearlAcoustics]

That’s great to hear and very welcome additional information. Indeed, the speskers should be pointed at one’s ears…

[@Bob-us9di]

I always enjoy Harley's videos - they're informative with an intelligent and balanced discussion. Perhaps it's because I listen primarily to classical as well that I find his insights especially valuable. In this case however I really perked my ears up because I've just started on a desktop system and have only got as far as the streamer! So... roll on Part 2 :-)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your very kind comment! See you in Part 2

[@MadR-zc4eg]

Nice! As always, without exaggeration just informative. Very much appreciated!

[@PearlAcoustics]

My pleasure! 🙏

[@adrianconti5718]

The ATC SCM7 are fabulous speakers, I’m amazed how much better low end hifi is now! The dacs from china are such great value!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Can’t agree more

[@PanAmStyle]

@@PearlAcousticsIt would be interesting to try a current model Teac DAC. I used the UD-301 for several years and it had a lovely sound and presentation, though it wasn’t quite as revealing and transparent as newer DACs. As far as I know all Teac DACs have a dual mono design (as did the 301) and the built-in headphone amp seemed good, though I didn’t use it for headphones very much.

[@andrewsmith259]

Interesting choice SCM7, ATC recommend amps 75-300W, which ruled them out when I was sourcing parts for my desktop system, ended up with Spendor classic 4/5 powered originally by the VMV A1 you have through an Areas2 R2R DAC. Can't wait to see where you end up with this one.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! Sometimes the recommended power can be very misleading. I think it really depends on the ability of the amplifier to deliver sufficient current when demanded. Glad you enjoyed it. See you in the next one!

[@Linkmat97]

I would like to see a video of your opinion on Fosi audio products. They are affordable audio products from a Chinese company that is making waves in the entire Hi-Fi community. It might be a fun experiment!

[@PearlAcoustics]

I am personally a big fan of well made high quality products and indeed Chinese products as long as they are designed to last a very long time and are repairable. The one thing the west is not good in is finding ways to manufacture high quality in mass production, like iPhones etc. And that’s a shame. I like craftsmanship and nicely made things, but for most - they are just way too expensive

[@rakeshs1291]

I have a Spendor Classic 4/5 on an IsoAcoustic Aperta 200 stands, driven by Burson Timekeeper 3i with Rel T5x augmenting the bass. This sounds great, with amazing imaging and sounds staging and not fatiguing for long listening sessions which is a must. The Spendors are just the right size for the desktop - sealed design that is not as deep. Would recommend this combination to anyone!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your contribution to the discussion and for your excellent suggestion

[@allanjacks7147]

You had me hooked when you started with the ATC SCM 7. I also chose these for my desktop. Because it had been three kids since I last bought hardware I was upgrading from Kef C15s. I like nice aesthetics and because the ATC were rated as needing above 70 watts I went with two used Luxman M200 in BTL matched with a DA250 PreAmp Dac Headphone Amp. Its probably too much space for my desk but the sound and feel of Luxman is very pleasing. Looking forward to Part 2

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation. I am sure your Luxman’s must sound great, during the set up process, I had two 600w monoblocks on my desk! 😉 I was extremely surprised however, just how good the little Project MaiA sounded. See you in Part 2

[@Apocrypha303]

I use the Topping A70Pro as a headphone/pre amp.

[@Misamasen]

Thank you for this important topic. My desktop hi-fi is SMSL VMV A1 and Piega Tmicro 3 speakers. The source of the Cayin idac 6 mk2 DAC and laptop. I also use the cd transport from Pro-ject ds2t. All this is conveniently placed on the table. I also have a second speakers in my table. These are tiny Seed speakers from the Chinese brand Spotless Audio. The Seeds works through a Class D amplifier and does not take up much space.

[@PearlAcoustics]

And, how does it sound? Nice set up. Thanks for your kind appreciation

[@Misamasen]

@@PearlAcoustics Thank you for your attention to my comment. I forgot to mention that I also use the Rel Tzero mk3. But even without a subwoofer, my system sounds. Undoubtedly, there are a lot of high frequencies in this system, as you said. But I like it. Before that, there were active Magnat transpuls 800a speakers on my desk. They turned out to be too big for a desktop Hi-Fi. Their sound, even if it wasn't loud, seemed too "big" to me. I moved them to another room and connected them to the TV.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@Misamasen sounds like a really logical approach. Good stuff!

[@The6thShadow]

Awesome video. This will be in my bookmarks so I can review it when I set up my desktop hifi.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! Don’t forget part 2 is coming on the 13th of November. Good luck with your project!

[@The6thShadow]

@@PearlAcoustics Keep up the good work!

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@The6thShadow 🙏

[@mosfet500]

Thanks Harley, always enjoy your chats. Air craft aluminum is light, strong and highly corrosion resistant. 2024, 6061T and 7075 are all grades of aircraft aluminum. My preference is 2024 for machining and 6061T for less demanding designs.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation and for the interesting information on aluminium. There always do much one can learn!

[@cruzingrsx4484]

Thank you for sharing your journey sir. Im looking forward to the second part

[@Satyajit_Dey]

I found Rel Subs work very well even under the desk for a nearfield desk setup. Also I prefer KEF for their UniQ driver for nearfield.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing your findings.

[@nespodzany]

Great vid! I ended up solving this desktop problem with the Kaya S12 speakers from Vivid Audio. While definitely not the most affordable solution, they aren't impacted by distance from the wall, and their footprint on the desk is impossible to beat compared to a traditional rectangular, boxy speaker shape. I also went with the Chord Qutest, I love that dac; it's one of the few components in my system that I've never felt the need to try something else.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Great feedback, thanks. A lovely set up you have there. Enjoy it!

[@michaelculhane7227]

I have a pair of the (now discontinued) KEF Q100's. These work nice for me in a near-field desk system. I power them with an NAD D3020.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gaetancharbonneau3902]

Hi Harley, great review! Can't wait to hear your impression on the nice little English Acoustics Srereo 21c tube amplifier sitting near your Rega turntable...

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! Although I do have a 21c the amplifier you see is actually it’s big brother the 41C. I will talk about it, one of these days.

[@gaetancharbonneau3902]

wow, I was not aware they had a new amplifier, thanks for pointing it out!@@PearlAcoustics

[@darrenlomax1283]

I recommend to you taking a demo of DALI MENUET SE. They're a beautiful sounding near field speaker. They're rear ported but the port is angled down with an extended port tube to help. You can buy the cheaper menuet and buy the se crossover to save money.

[@PearlAcoustics]

I have heard them. But not on my desk. Indeed they sounded very nice indeed. Unfortunately, arranging these videos is extremely time consuming and I have to make many choices, not only because getting the equipment on loan is not always easy.

[@darrenlomax1283]

@@PearlAcoustics thanks for the advice on speaker height relative to our ears. Mine are a little low by your estimation so I will correct this asap.

[@simonhenstock6244]

I'm somewhere in between the requirements of a near-field desktop environment and that of a listening/living room. I live in a bedsit and my listening room is also my bedroom, my living room and my computer study. I found that the speakers best suited to my needs was a pair of JPW AP1s from the late 80s. Like the ATCs and the LS3/5As in the video, the AP1s are a sealed design but with a very fast 8" paper cone driver that provides a lot of tight detailed bass and frees up the treble and mid-range for a very involving sound. I have them on a chest of drawers in between my computer desk and my sofa in what I like to call a mono triangle and I have a great sound experience wherever I am in the room. The AP1s would definitely be too much for a desktop situation but they may be an option for someone who isn't completely confined to a desk but lacks sufficient space for a full stereo triangle.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your contribution to the discussion. Enjoy your system

[@zeroice00]

Thanks for this video.. please make more =) Anyway, I've been in this exact journey for the last 5yrs+... i find it interesting that you recommend the tweeter of the speaker to be above ear height. Perusing documents on speaker placement of near-field studio monitors, they always recommend the tweeter to still be ear height instead.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for you kind words. I hope to make more. I am glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully you will try placing the tweeter a little higher and will agree on the results. It does depend on the actual design, and I don’t want to assume how an individual company has fine tuned their tweeter crossovers. So it’s trial and error, in the lack of reliable information.

[@TM-fx2pi]

Great video. Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad you liked it!

[@DonHamlin]

Fascinating. Thanks for such enjoyable and useful content.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thebestoffools]

This is my main music listening setup - a (hybrid) desktop system because I use various type of equipment. My speakers are ATC SCM7, laptop, for online listening I use a DAC/headphone amp from FX-Audio DAC X6 connected to my main system --> integrated amp is a Rega Elicit MK5, streamer is a Bluesound Node (2021) using the digital out to the Rega's onboard DAC for hi-res streaming (Amazon Music HD), Technics SL1200Mk7 for analog listening. I use Audeze, Hifiman, Sennheiser and Sony headphones. I love the ATC speakers by the way. At a little over than 1 meter away, you really don't need that much power. But I find the ATCs do need a good current amp to get those stiffer woofers moving. The Rega does a good job at it. It's a good match for the ATCs.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment

[@michaelscottcutler3627]

I'm using Definitive Technology Studio-Monitor 350 bookshelf speakers on my desktop. Acoustically outstanding. Some of the best, most detailed I've ever owned. And I have numerous Acoustic Research and KLH models from the '60s and 70s. I run my computer through a Yamaha AVR and listen to online music. Incidentally, I live in Manhattan. Regarding the turning-off of your amp, just attach it to a small surge protector on your desk.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 WELL DONE HARLEY…👏👏👏💚💚💚

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! 😀👍

[@marcusslade9804]

Intriguing stuff and I have a pair of Totem Kin Monitors on my desk, powered by the Kin amp. It is probably a bit too much system even for my desk but I tilted to these products a few years ago after building an ‘L” shaped desk for my home office and on the heels of my long-owned Totem Mani 2 Signature speakers in my primary listening system. Looking forward to part 2. Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome - thanks 🙏

[@HenrikScheel_]

I got an excellent 2nd hand Bose 3-2-1 incl. 2 small Bose speakers, Bose sub and remote for under 200€. Speakers are mounted at desk using Millenium Desktop Monitor Mount DM1. Being fed through a Nedis Digital to Analog DAC new 25€, and Bob's your uncle.

[@PearlAcoustics]

That sounds like a real bargain! Ingenious set up

[@sc51153826]

Thank you very much for such a refreshing and inspirational video. Over the last 15 years, I have experienced a very similar evolution with my own system. Actually, I did have a chord Hugo2 and Rogers LS 3/5a (15 ohms) as part of my early desktop system. The Hugo2 is very similar to the Qutest, but it has a remote, and it does turn off / sleep. It is not just a DAC. It is a headamp too. That worked very well for a long time, and then I changed the Rogers to a pair of Harbeth P3 ESR. The Harbeths are a little more refined overall and a bit more capable in the bass than the Rogers, so the system was relocated to the living area as a mid-field setup (6' x 8'), as most home systems in Hong Kong are. The Harbeths were replaced by ATC SCM 11 a few years ago. They are dynamic and revealing if you have powerful amps. The ATCs are unbeatable in quality and value. I much look forward to watching part 2. I am sure it will be even more interesting and inspirational to me.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks very much for your kind appreciation and interesting contribution to the topic. See you in part 2!

[@carminedesanto6746]

Interesting 🤔 I don’t even have that room ..I went with a headphone and iem stack . Great video. Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

Harley, again I find so much value in your presentation. I just want to say thank you, mate. After long hard times life is evolving good and guess what, I will check your Sibelius as soon as I can take a deep relaxing breath. Just because I trust you. Maybe they suit me. Take care and continue your doing and travel. 🇩🇪

[@PearlAcoustics]

Wow, thank you

[@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145]

@@PearlAcoustics well deserved 😊 Your expertise as producer is just a verification and you are so gentle and clear by just 'judging' by what you hear and how you look at different products. That is very rare these days where most guys just like to ride the trend dragon for clics and recognktion. 10 our of 10 for your work, Harley. Hard to top. Have a great Sunday.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@iloveaviation-burgerclub-a8145 Thank you. Very kind. A wonderful Sunday to you too

[@scrambaba]

Almost bought those ATC but like you was put off by those grilles. In Canada we call metal with that pattern “chicken wire”.

[@PearlAcoustics]

😀

[@colinbenfield326]

Interesting thanks. I’ve always used small speakers due to small living space . AVI neutrons and the like. You sacrifice bass but get a nice midrange from near field bbc type speakers.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation

[@razisn]

I would recommend the ProAc Tablette 10 Signature sealed box speakers for a high-end near field experience, if one wants to go passive. Matched with a small REL sub under the desk (Tzero MKIII or T5/X), if one would like a better filled low end, they can provide a very high quality large speaker experience on the desktop.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your suggestion!

[@gdwlaw5549]

I have been testing a friends pair of PMC bookshelf speakers on stands and just amazing. I use Sennheiser 660s with Fiio headphone amp. The problem is that I spend too much time in the home office 😅

[@PearlAcoustics]

😂

[@Unicorn-ST]

​ @PearlAcoustics When I read the title of the video, I got excited. Desktop systems are my thing! I've been experimenting with things over the years, and I have two different desktop setups: one with a larger open-back table, and the other with an 'L'-shaped desk in a corner. For me, the key to setting up a desktop system is deciding whether to go with active or passive speakers. The first option is much cleaner, requires fewer components, and is highly versatile. The second, which I've used, is because I had speakers to make use of. One thing both of my systems have in common is that, being desktop setups, I have other tasks to do there, such as recording my podcasts, even recording some music, and having video conferences. So, I also have a microphone. Just like I've seen you have a Focusrite Scarlett audio interface, I have a mixing desk/audio interface in both setups, which I also use as a USB-DAC and as a preamp. You should give your Scarlett a chance and see how it performs as a DAC/preamp; it can save you space. Another thing both of my systems share is that they are 2.1 systems, using two satellites and a passive bass module unit. In one case, I have a Bose Acoustimass 5 Series III bass module module with Kef HTS2001 speakers, and in the other case, a Tannoy CPA5 SB bass module module with Vieta Neo10 satellites. The bass modul are placed under the desk. Contrary to what you mentioned, at least in my opinion, they sound extraordinarily well, and you don't even notice the bass module, the sound comes from the speakers. For me, it's a winning combination: compact speakers and clear, natural, and full sound. Regarding amplification, always using the mixing desks as preamps, I use an SMSL SA300 (Class D) amplifier in one setup, and I alternate between a Denon UPA F-07 and a Vieta VR600 in the other. In one of the desktop setups, despite usually using the mixing desk as a headphone amplifier (try your Scarlett), I also have a Musical Fidelity MX-HPA headphone amplifier, which is wonderful. Here's a suggestion: for an active speaker-based system, a good solution is the Musical Fidelity MX series for the DAC, streamer (if you don't want to use the PC), and headphone amplifier. You'd come out of the DAC with its balanced or single-ended output to the powered speakers. For powered speakers, you can consider non-smart solutions, which are just speakers and an amplifier, like the Tannoy Gold series. Another very interesting solution is the Kef LS50 Wireless II or the LSX, which are not only powered speakers but also incorporate the DAC and streamer, which can save even more space on your desk. As a final thought, and I apologize for the length of this message, I must say that near-field listening is fabulous. The soundstage is wonderful in terms of width and depth, something I enjoy every day (right now, as I write this). It has the advantage of partially minimizing the room's effect, which becomes much more significant in a large room. Thank you, as always, for your videos. I'm eagerly awaiting part two.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks very much for your excellent suggestions and contribution to the topic. See you in part 2 😉🙏

[@blejzerosamigos6115]

Thanks for the video. I would recommend for you Felix Audio Echo OTL amp for your hd600 I promise you won't be disappointed. Cheers

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks 🙏 😀

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

I’ve a nad 3130 , chord dac and mordant short speakers of my desk and a few different headphones all running through audervana on my computer

[@PearlAcoustics]

Nice

[@JW86SH]

I'm sorry, but you're putting out so much good information that my brain is reverting back to the simplest, most interesting thing it can see. I grew up hearing that "sex sales" and that couldn't be more true than with those speaker cabinets you have on your set. They have absolutely stolen the show! ❤

[@PearlAcoustics]

😀

[@mrcoolsun3142]

Another excellent video, thanks. My solution is a pair of LS3/5a (after all they were the original near field monitor - mine were built to original BBC specs using original drivers etc), Rega Io amplifier, Wiim Pro streamer and Chord Mojo 2 - a lovely sound and also gives the option of 2 different headphone outputs.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! Lovely set up you’ve got there!

[@johnvalatos4073]

Active studio monitors, with a DAC another minimalistic way to go. Something from Neumann like the KH 80 DSP active speakers.

[@PearlAcoustics]

See part 2 😉

[@johnvalatos4073]

@@PearlAcoustics Absolutely, looking forward to the conclusion👍.

[@cremersalex]

That was another very enjoyable video, Harley. I have a Fiio K5 Pro, and when I want to use my headphones, I always have to disconnect the cinch plugs otherwise I can hear the hard disk noises from my PC as well. I too have the Sennheiser HD 600 headphones but for accuracy I prefer s4x by Ollo Audio. These are mastering headphones with a linear presentation. You really need to check them out, Harley. Currently I have the Wharfedale Denton 85th Anniversary speakers in my small music room. These speakers have a raised treble but I've managed to bring down the level by replacing one of the cable bridges with a 2 Ohm 10 Watt resistor. Now they sound reasonably flat.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation and for the tip on your headphones. I love the pragmatic approach to trimming the treble of your Wharfdales. It’s such a shame that not many people know these things. Instead they rush out to buy something else.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

Hey! I know it sounds a bit like a shameless plug for your "rival". But Closer Acoustics made an interesting product called the OGY. They're fairly compact bookshelf speakers with a transmission line and a single driver from EMS. They sound brilliant, especially in near field.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment. I will check them out. See you in part 2?

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

@@PearlAcoustics Absolutely!

[@paulshepherd-smith1875]

Great video. I have my old Chord QBD76 as a DAC with a Woo Audio headphone amp for headphone use at my desk. Not so compact but both units are fantastic and what’s not to like about a few values! Interested to learn from you about the height for speaks on a desk set up as I am guilty of the small active speaker on the tilted stands…..sorry! Really motivated to experiment now. I now regret getting rid of my Whaledale Dimond 3’s from my school days….

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind comment and for sharing your situation

[@tubefreeeasy]

I keep my subwoofer underneath my desktop. I use a guitar amplifier stand to point my subwoofer upwards.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Love act speakers, I use dynaudio and B&W sometimes on my desk

[@PearlAcoustics]

Part 2 coming … 😉

[@taylorsimonr]

Very interesting video. I’m looking for to the next part. For my own desktop audio I use a pair of Quad 9AS on my desk. I can put the optical out from my TV into them, connect the computer via USB, my Squeezebox via coax, and that still leaves room for my FM3 tuner via the RCA in and a 3.5mm jack if I want to connect anything else temporarily. So, that gives my loudspeaker system, what I’m now looking for is a headphone amp that can drive my 150 ohm HD590s.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks - interesting set up you have there

[@PanAmStyle]

Harley - regarding the question of having a power switch on the face of a device, I think it may be a matter of cost. Especially in the low to mid-price DAC market, every bit of savings at the design and manufacturing level is an advantage. However, I recently had an exchange with Stratos at Lab12 regarding the Pre1, which I own. The only power switch is on the rear and the remote does not have the ability to turn the unit on or off. I emailed Stratos and asked about this and my supposition that not having a remote power ability might be because doing so would compromise the design and performance. He confirmed this with me. Since the Pre1 has no front standby/power switch I further assume that even that might compromise the sound quality. FWIW I find the Lab12 Pre1 to be an outsanding piece of gear and its Class A design, with an insane amount of gain has elevated the performance of my DECware Zen UFO amp.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi thanks for your comment and contribution to the discussion. I take your point and it wouldn’t have been a deal breaker for me. But a switch, even at the back, would make sense. I can’t help that if you regularly had to push in and pull out a live connector - it could quickly wear out… but hey, it’s horses for course. And when you like a piece of kit in our hobby, it’s easy to forgive these things 😉

[@PanAmStyle]

@@PearlAcoustics Agreed that at least a back panel switch would be minimal

[@ora600]

Thank you for another great video! I had similar issue with my laptop fan noise - drove me nuts. I ended up switching to Mac for this exact reason, my macbook pro m1 is silent! Never heard its fan. Changing OS is hard, but for me it was worth it. As for speakers, Zu audio recently released new monitor speakers- Zu DWX 6, they are 95 db sensitive great near field speaker, I own a pair dwx6 - they sound fantastic with my Qutest dac! You may want to check those out…

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation and sharing your story

[@zindahoon]

Dear Harley , Excellent video ,so simple and extremely valuable suggestions Thanks again BTW I own the Kid A cd and once all work at home renovations is done will find a local blacksmith to make a speaker stand

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment

[@michaelculhane7227]

then....every thing will be in it's right place. (sorry)

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@michaelculhane7227 😀

[@richcarless7740]

I would like to put forward a suggestion that I have used, that oddly fits the criteria. I have a Chord Mojo2 which I use as my main DAC. The Mojo 2 is quite a power house. I have some high sensitivity Monitor Audio speakers in the house. I had been using a Fosi V3 AMP and a Chord Mojo to power the speakers. I heard that Rob Watts uses the Mojo to power speakers directly. So I sourced a 3.5mm to banana plugs cable and decided to find out. The Monitor Audio (floor standing Radius 270) are 87db. I checked with Chord to see if this was possible, they told me to use speakers with a 100+db sensitivity and above. As I had ordered the cable I decided to try it anyhow. Colour me impressed, the Mojo 2 was able to power the speakers plenty loud in the near field, and the uptick in sound quality of direct amplification from the Mojo was significant. I doubt they would do the same for the ATCs in your video. That said, if you found some small desktop speakers (I used to have some small Quad surround speakers that would have been perfect for this) that were 87db+ then you would have a desktop AMP and dac with a Mojo 2. As a bonus the Mojo 2 has two 3.5mm jacks so you would also have the headphone option. I personally think it's a pretty neat setup, given appropriate speakers and room size.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks very much for your suggestion. I have heard of this before. It’s unconventional but if it works for you that’s great! Less is more!

[@richcarless7740]

@@PearlAcoustics I'd like to return the thanks, as I was thinking of getting a Chord Qutest, but like you the idea of not being able to turn it off has .... well put me off.

[@creekos]

Great video! I do wonder thoigh why you didnt consider something like a KEF LS50 wireless? Or powered studio monitors?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Good point! Part 2 is on its way 😉

[@silvershield2342]

Interesting subject. The one one thing I couldn’t gush over is the Chinese designed/manufactured Eversolo. Actually would be a bit embarrassed

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi thanks for your comment. I am not sure why you would be embarrassed by a Chinese design? Every year there are more people leaving Chinese universities than the rest of the world put together (+/-). + their collaborations with western companies over the last 20 years have got us to where we are today. In fact, I am not sure exactly who the chief designer was, but I can imagine there were hundreds in the team, in one way or another).

[@silvershield2342]

Thanks. In the case of audiophile eqpt, rather have product designed (at very least) by those that have independent, innovative, creative, and critical thinking. More and more university grads don't necessary make a better world. My comment is actually parallels your statement about British products@@PearlAcoustics

[@gr328]

Sugden used to do the Bijou range - that'd be great for your desk system I think

[@PearlAcoustics]

That completely passed my by. Just looked it up. Interesting. Thanks for your comment

[@stavrosvenizelos610]

Very good and interesting review as always. Why don't you try some active loudspeakers, like Genelec from Finland or Adam Audio from Germany? They are both really very good and practical. Then you could add a DAC, whichever you like most. Thanks and best regards

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation. Good advice that comes into Part 2 😉

[@andresrepetto7444]

Great review, thank you! What are your thoughts on the RME ADI 2?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks, very kind. I looked at the RME and my colleague Ajay, told me it was good. It has loads of options and is reasonably priced. But because I could not include too many variants, it would have hit too long, I reluctantly dropped it for the Z8

[@virtualpilgrim8645]

20:18 I'm surprised you don't have the Sennheiser HD800S headphones by now...

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your comment. In part 2, I talk about how Pro-audio engineers approach this topic, where equipment is their working tools. Consistency is very important, we like to keep our reference points, understanding their strengths and weaknesses. Plus the 600 is a bit of an industry standard, you’ll find them in most mixing and mastering rooms. In a similar way, the Audio Technica AT50’s are very commonly used in the studio itself by musicians and sound engineers, especially if they are sharing the same space.

[@mrbillmacneill]

Very interesting -and informative for me personally . I am thinking of using my DA 30 as a DAC. Have you ever had issues with cats sleeping on your amps/powered speakers?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Funnily enough, I haven’t. 😀 I am sure one could make a cat friendly diversion to avoid this. But I see it could be a problem!

[@manitoublack]

Great topic to discuss. Looking forward to part 2, but can't help thinking. You (Harley) own a speaker company that makes (what you argue is) the best single driver speaker on the market. In this video you comment about the distance between tweeter and woofer being an issue in near field. (You can probably see where this is going.) So, why not task two boys at the factory to make a desktop version of the Sibelius? Then retail said version? I know this is what I'd do😉. Regards Jordan

[@PearlAcoustics]

What a fabulous comment Jordan. In fact I have many, many designs. But if we are to make them play lower than a violin, I will need to add electronic components to use as step filters, and that kind of defeats the point. I guess this is the irony of the situation. 😉

[@manitoublack]

Indeed, getting sufficient bass extension and linear (non-rising) response from a single driver in a small box can be a significant challenge. But adding a network to a single driver unit is no worse than some of the cheesy crossovers in commercial multi driver designs. As you comment lowering sensitivity in a nearfield situation is not a real problem. The other obvious option is to trial coaxial desktop monitors from the likes of Kef, Genelec or Tanoy. Thanks for the response Jordan.

[@danielgeiger7739]

Thanks for another great video. Have been thinking about it but had no really starting point, which you kindly provided. Closed box speaker is possibly the greatest "revelation". For near field listening, how much can you work with toe in? My desk is in a recessed alcove and by desk design, my chair is not in center of the alcove. Alternative could be an amp with L/R balance control. Any thoughts?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation. I understand fully your challenge. Depending on your budget, the solution could be in Part 2 which goes live on the 13th. Of November (it’s currently being edited - it’s a big job)! You might need some simple wall absorption treatments, but I would not toe in more than an equilateral triangle. Hoping this helps for now? Part2 could be useful for your balance L R issue too! 😉 Another thought, look at the Lyngdorf TDAI 1120. But wait until after part 2…

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Harley, a power strip will have its own on/off switch. All the desktop gear will patch into it. Then Bob's your uncle.

[@PearlAcoustics]

True… but one sometimes needs to be careful all the components are switched off in sequence.

[@anonymouspontypridd6174]

Hi Harley. I believe you said to position the speakers with the woofers at ear height? Others suggest it should be the tweeters. Please could you reply with your rationale? (Sorry if I missed it)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, absolutely. I personally find that tweeters at ear level in a desk top system is way too bright. Desk top monitors are usually placed with ears between the woofer and tweeter. In a listening room with the loudspeakers 2 meters or more away then this is less important and tweeters at ear level makes sense because the very high frequencies drop off in the first one or two meters .

[@Pattteo]

Hello, thanks for all this information, it is educative each time. In this one I hear you using a 300 ohms headphone. I thought that for a low power setup (PC) a 32 ohms headphone was enough. I use a 80 ohms for my guitar amp and the 32 ohms for the PC. What's your thought about this? Thank you for your answer.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi you’re very welcome. The ohms are not that relevant, it’s just a question if the initial design of the voice coil by the manufacturer. One is not inherently better than another. Lower ohms are easier to drive on lower powered headphone amplifiers

[@jos5067]

Thanks, great choices, but still an expensive setup (for me). Is the Chord Mojo not a better choice?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks, I guess it could be, but I believe it only has a headphones output?

[@jos5067]

@@PearlAcousticsOh yes, that’s true. I forgot.

[@macf1040]

I see a Focusrite DAC on your desk. Can that not be used as DAC instead of the Eversolo? I ask, because I would already have that on my desk and would want to start with a slim budget. Thanks

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, good question. yes indeed it can. A good place to start indeed.

[@remiwjuniski1808]

Would you put the Qutest in a traditional hi-fi system, for example a rega Elex mk4 and focal aria 906 speaker ? (I’m looking for a dac that would sound like my rega planar 6/exact ) Would love to see you review the mojo 2 and Qutest dac in a traditional hi-fi system , as well as the merason frerot , they seem to be the 3 dac that everyone like! Since you like rega planar 10, I’ll be very interested to hear your take on these 3 :)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your question. I am sorry but I do not feel qualified to answer that. The problem is, your case is so specific, I think you’ll have to find a way of borrowing some Dac’s and trying them out. To me the Qutest sounded really good, so I wouldn’t have any problems including it. but I actually preferred, in this specific case, the D400 ex in the end. I am told there are even 150Eur Dac’s that can serve perfectly in evrn highend systems. Never sure how that’s possible though.

[@remiwjuniski1808]

Thanks ! I’m being told that merason dac (frérot for example )sounds like a rega turntable ! I would be very interested to see you try them:)

[@simonirvine1628]

The Avantone Mixcube, there produced in a passive or active. Its Small and discreet at 6.5 inch squared. Passive is 93db. You can use an amp from 10-200 watts. 5.25 inch full range driver. I have never tried them, I have used Auratone's. I suspect that the Avantone would be more suited to a desk than the Auratone. I have been using speakers at a Home desk for years and one thing that I am a believer in is not to exceed 25cm in height with the speaker due to the size of the environment of a desk (Not Mixing desk)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment

[@jimfarrell4635]

I wonder how coaxial drivers, like from Fyne Audio and Tannoy, would work nearfield ? Perhaps a point source would give better coherence at those short listening distances, compared to the separate woofer and tweeter arrangement. Also, Fyne Audio speakers have down firing ports, which could be an advantage. I have a pair of F500s, which do rear duties in my AV system. Might be fun to try them out on my desk. Also, if the budget is tight, companies such as Fosi and Topping have a wide range of tiny desktop DACS, speaker, and headphone amps, including some nice little tube preamps. Won't be as good as your system, but will do the job for a lot less Moolah, and will sound really not bad at all. The Fosi P3 tube preamp and V3 power amp spring to mind, with any of a wide range of Topping DACS.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your very interesting comment. Would be very interested to hear your feedback on moving your Fyne’s to a desk…

[@simonirvine1628]

I tried the SCM 7 on a desk with 30cm classic target stands filled with sand. I ran them with a Quad 405 mrk2. The issue I discovered is that we all know that ATC Speakers demand currant but not just that, they like to also be pushed to show their feathers off and at the desk quite frankly that did not work for me, basically I was not getting the best from them at low listening volumes. They had to go and they did.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your contribution to the topic

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Proac super tablets would be brilliant on a desk

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed, I am sure some of their models should work well. I don’t know them all.

[@amanieux]

As it is (very) near field why did you not choose concentric drivers ? And what woofer do you think works the best ? Thank you

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your comment. For part 1 I started from a conventional approach, reaching out to a couple of HiFi distributors. In part 2 I start to go in my own direction. I even surprised myself with the result.

[@amanieux]

@@PearlAcoustics are you standing up at your desk or sitting down ? ( the stands you showed seem to raise the midpoint between tweeter and woofer way above your ear level) - it is an interesting subject as many of us are listening to music while working on their laptop, the uninteded consequence being of the super neard filed disposition let us lower volume so room acoustics is way less important ( not many of us want to treat their room)

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@amanieux thanks for your question. You raise a very interesting point about near field and room acoustics. The photos are just an illustration. Best wishes

[@mathemarticienne]

Wondering if you do nearfield listening, why not choose a DAC and an active studio monitor? Yamaha, Neumann, Focal...

[@PearlAcoustics]

Good question… 😉 - part 2

[@mathemarticienne]

curious to see it then @@PearlAcoustics I love my BigKnob and HS-5 for casual desk listening (and mixing music) in a small room

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@mathemarticienne indeed. Part 2 comes out on November 13

[@carlitomelon4610]

Missed opportunity to release a single driver Pearl Acoustics desktop model Harley?? I'd probably pick a dual concentric KEF model for driver integration close up...

[@PearlAcoustics]

Trust me, I have given it hours and hours of thought? Even made a prototype. But without electronics, it’s never going to work to the level I want it. After all, a small Sibelius is a violin, compared to a double bass and will not play much lower.

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@PearlAcoustics Sigh, I can solve that for you Mr. Harley Just invert a pair of Sibelius on a desk with sturdy stands to hold the driver's at ear level, and viola! (Or as them Frenchies like to say: Voila!!:-) 🎵🎶😁🎶🎵

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@carlitomelon4610 😂

[@carlitomelon4610]

@@PearlAcoustics You have to think above the desk 🎵🎶🙃🎶🎵

[@mediascapes2011]

wow, that was old school, who on earth want wooden boxes on stand mounts on their desk, get something a bit more sexy, Strada's or active, Genelec's or Adams sound less grand pa.

[@PearlAcoustics]

In fact what arrived on my desk came from the recommendations of distributors… you might find part 2 more to your liking 😉

[@mediascapes2011]

@@PearlAcousticslooking forward, I certainly enjoy the thoughtful approach you offer, sp designers got hocked on boxes, squared out products can have their place, even in rectangular wood organ pipe flutes, but it's hard to marry table saw rational with the ethereal properties of music, so my near-field "transducer" companion got to be exceptional.

[@bradstone2603]

I thought this was going to be about desktop PC's...

[@PearlAcoustics]

Sorry, not this time

[@davedallafior8218]

I cannot take anyone seriously when they’re using a single driver/transmission line speaker to evaluate ANY equipment on. 84db sensitivity for this mess? Really? Why not go out and purchase a Sony receiver with a pair of anything Klipsh for a thoroughly disappointing result? How about a Bose Acoustimass system? Transmission Line speakers remind everyone that “cheap leads to expensive.”

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi thanks for your comment. If you are referring to our Sibelius loudspeakers, that I have either side of me in my videos, I find it is a shame you cannot take me seriously because of them. They are innocent bystanders. The truth is, that they are not transmission line and those who have heard them (musicians, industry experts and reviewers) have always been surprised by what they heard. They might not be for everyone, but If you would like to ever reach out to us, maybe we can arrange a listening session for you. You might be surprised?