Zaphod B said:
I guess my definition of "underpowered" differs significantly from The Dewd's.
I am using Wharfdale 8.2A monitors as nearfields, and leave the volume level on the monitors set at the middle detent. The output signal from my Tascam 2488 will easily get those monitors loud enough for the neighbors to hear - across the street. They can play very loud, very clean.
As they are not the most expensive monitors around, I would feel certain that more respected brands would perform even better.
So, I don't know WTF TheDewd is talking about. Nor, I suspect, does he.
I need LOUD shit, this is why I never use nearfields.
I need at least a 12'' woofer in order to get the response I need.
About 115 to 120 dB is a good level for me.
Those small nearfields top at about 100 or 110dB.
I can go higher than that with my headphones LOL!
Of course, I don't mix at high levels all the time, but when you need it, it's there.
Also, you have to consider that an amp that runs near its limits will exhibit much more non-linear distortion than another one that is working in its "comfort" zone.
Most nearfield builders skip on the amp, mostly on the power supply circuits, the amp topology, transistor matching and choice, opamp quality and they try to fix all that by using great amounts of negative feedback.
As I stated before, fixing a poor design by using massive negative feedback will get you nowhere.
Proper amp design, with LOTS of headroom and a power supply reserve of several thousands of uF will get you tighter bass response with the needs of less negative feedback.
Seriously, what can you expect out of a 40-60 W low frequency driver using a small cheap asian transformer and small power reserve?
To those who doubt, weight your nearfields and convince yourself that all this weight is all there is to the sound you are hearing.
Massive transformers are really heavy and nearfield manufacturers don't use them cause they're cheap.
The one exception: barefoot monitors, which use Bryston amplification, smart move, I can't stress this enough!
And for those who want proof, have you ever opened up cheap active nearfields and looked at the small transformers, poor design and cheap parts?