I don't know how much your passive is rolling off the top end but the following measurements from yours truly gives an idea of the frequency balance you can expect from the Autograph Mini depending on how far off-axis you sit. As you can see, HF dispersion is still excellent even when >30 degrees off axis:Ha, I’ve just found a way to tame the treble on all three pairs of small speakers I have: use a passive preamp. I’ll decide if there’s a loss of dynamics and whatnot later.
Without measuring it's difficult to tell what your passive preamp is doing to the response, but a typical treble tone control on an amp works like a roll-off filter, i.e. it reduces the overall level of the treble, but it has the biggest effect on the highest frequencies and tapers off as you move down into the midrange. That's assuming your preamp is actually affecting the FR. Contrary to what Keith et al. will have you believe, an amplifier can change the perceived tonal balance of a loudspeaker without changing the FR!Thanks. I can’t measure any roll off but would roll off = taming? The treble seems to be there but less energised.
The subs were originally bought for my (much bigger) Tannoy Edinburghs but I did try them very briefly with the Minis and liked what I heard. I didn't make a serious attempt to integrate them with the Minis so don't know what the potential is. Trouble is I have too many speakers and too little time and space to enjoy them so my mini monitors tend to get neglected!ToTo Man, I think you’re using subs with the Tannoys, is that right? Is that your primary setup?
They did before I swapped out the stock 3149 drivers for Monitor Gold 12's.You find the Edinburghs need subs?
I have two BK XXLS400 subs.So which subs, and can I make do with one?
Yes, I guess mid. I'd like to get nearer but would need longer speaker cables. Either way, the speakers are more than half way into the room. Just experimenting with various off-axis placements. I might try toe-out next.
There's a lot to be said for small speakers that you can place where you want and then just move out the way when you're done.
indeedHaving spent a few days with small speakers near field, 1.8m apart and 2.5m distant with minor variation, I have decided that quite severe toe in, ie crossing in front of the listening position, works best for all three speakers I’ve tried. Speakers are ProAc Ref 8 sig, AN AX2 and Tannoy Autograph Mini. Give it a try if you haven’t already.
Actually, no. Speaker orientation is about the same (although its now Genelecs not ProAcs, different story) but I moved closer (as close as I can get the sofa whilst it still being a sofa bed if needed). I'm now 1.7m away and drivers point at my ears.Alex, are you still enjoying the severe toe in? I've reverted to having the LS3/5as just ever so gently toed in. The listening position must be spot on precise, but at a decent volume the soundstage is incredible, even at mid-field.
More mid field there...(?) Should vary somewhat according to polar pattern/lobing etc etc I reckon. I do seem to recall a P J Walker article suggesting just that but at greater distances FWIW