Looking for a 6" passive soffit mount candidate

[johndykstra]

I'm currently looking to remodel my control room, and I want to start with speakers and build from there.

It's a terribly small space <700 cubic ft., though it modes out slightly larger due to an open closet at the room's rear and a designed "false/breathable" door in a rear corner open to free air out of the room. I have some sketchups showing a legitimate "near field soffit" possibility. Without dimensions of speaker depth, the current likely mounting will be with the monitors at a 38 degree angle, with roughly 4' 11" between the horns, and a 3' 11" distance to the apex. The 76 degree listening zone will make a narrower sweet spot, so a box with good dispersion is preferred.

The first contender in the ring are the Proac Studio 100's, but I'm wondering if anyone has similarly priced options? Particularly with a successful soffit mounting. As always cheaper is better, but not at a huge sonic loss.

Amplifier will likely be a used Bryston 4b, or something similar.

I'd like to keep the discussion limited to passive boxes, as it allows a lot fewer cooling headaches.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

[phybeau]

I'd like to keep the discussion limited to passive boxes, as it allows a lot fewer cooling headaches.

You could consider removing the amps and extending the speaker cable with active boxes.

No cooling headaches, but a lot 'more-to-choose-from' headaches...

[johndykstra]

hey phy,

thanks for the suggestion. I've given some thought to the method you suggest. It seems to me, that the volume occupied by the amplifier in the speaker cavity must impart some effect on the internal resonance of the speaker enclosure. In removing it, you must be altering the speakers performance. It occurs to me, that you could "guesstimate" the displacement, and swap it with blocks of wood. It's certainly not going without some consideration.

For what it's worth, since originally posting my question, the situation has changed dramatically, as the control room is being relocated to a much larger space. As a result, the implementation of a 6" speaker has been dismissed, and I'm looking into more of a true main/mid field option. Right now I'm giving thought to the Dynaudio M1.5's.

[phybeau]

It seems to me, that the volume occupied by the amplifier in the speaker cavity must impart some effect on the internal resonance of the speaker enclosure. In removing it, you must be altering the speakers performance.

I'm not trying to talk you into this, but I think your 'reluctance' with removing the amps depends on the design.
In my case (Genelec 1030) the speaker cabinet was completely enclosed, the only connection between the cabinet and the amps being some speaker cable through a sealed hole. The amps were kinda 'decoupeld attached' with some rubber connection.....(if that makes any sense....sorry, English is not my native language)

For what it's worth, since originally posting my question, the situation has changed dramatically, as the control room is being relocated to a much larger space. As a result, the implementation of a 6" speaker has been dismissed, and I'm looking into more of a true main/mid field option. Right now I'm giving thought to the Dynaudio M1.5's.

I saw that, relocating to the attic, if I'm not mistaken.
A much better space for sure!
I did not occur to me though that the original question was obsolete...somehow it did not connect...

The thing about passives that would make me reluctant is: you need a dedicated amp.
With active boxes, they are more or less designed and tested with the same amps as which they are sold with.
But that's just a personal observation...

Good luck with the CR design and your quest for the right speakers!

[johndykstra]

Originally Posted by phybeau

I'm not trying to talk you into this, but I think your 'reluctance' with removing the amps depends on the design.
In my case (Genelec 1030) the speaker cabinet was completely enclosed, the only connection between the cabinet and the amps being some speaker cable through a sealed hole. The amps were kinda 'decoupeld attached' with some rubber connection.....

This is good news, and something I will have to look into on a speaker by speaker basis. It never occurred to me manufacturers would have the foresight to do such a thing.

Thanks again,

john

[phybeau]

Dear John,....I always wanted to write that...;-)

You're welcome!

Good luck,
Phybeau

[johndykstra]

haha

[ddageek]

Not passive, not a 6inch but those Quested vs205 or what ever on eBay should work and I know are great in oopen space and I think would work in soffits