STEREO - Nov 2010 - Review c1 (English) by MANGER AUDIO

Belgien 6,25 € • Luxemburg 6,25 € • Italien 7,15 € Spanien 7,15 € • Griechenland 7,95 € • Slowakei 8,40 €

MBL Radialstrahler 120 • Plattenspieler Simon Yorke • Lindemann-Player 825 • Die Tricks von Saturn & Co. • Netzwerk-Amp von Naim

Österreich 6,10 € • Schweiz 10,60 sfr • Niederlande 6,85 €

5,30 €

www.stereo.de

4 190137 405307

11/2010 NOVEMBER

11/2010 November

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REPORT

Wie günstig sind sie wirklich? S. 18 KEINE SCHNEIDKÖPFE MEHR

Darum könnte Vinyl sterben S. 72 LINDEMANNS NEUER CD-SPIELER

Weniger ist mehr S. 40

NAIMS NETZWERK-AMP

Kompakt und klangvoll S. 44 MBLs „kleiner“ Radialstrahler

TOP-REFERENZ

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TEST AKTIV-MONITORE

LISTEN HÖREN LIKE WIE THE DIE PROS PROFIS Powered speakers arehäufig often als designed as Aktiv-Boxen werden „Monito“monitors” . In fact they findhaben more sie accepre“ konstruiert. Tatsächlich im tance in recording studios than with hi-fi Tonstudio mehr Akzeptanz als bei HiFifans. why should professional loudFans.But Aber warum sollen Profi-Lautsprespeakers also work at home? We took cher nichtnot auch daheim funktionieren? aWir closer look at zwei two models haben uns Modellefrom von Manger and und Geithain. Geithain näher angesehen

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Manger MSM c1

28 STEREO 11/2010

o what are the unique characteristics of studio as zeichnet Studiomonitore oderas Regielautmonitors or control room speakers, they are sprecher, wie man sie gelegentlich auch sometimes called? A controversial and much nennt, denn eigentlich aus? Eine kontrovers discussed issue, since recording engineers and hi-fi afiund manchmal heftig diskutierte Frage, gehen doch viecionados assume, that the requirements of professional le Aufnahme-Ingenieure und HiFi-Liebhaber davon and consumer environments are totally incompatible. aus, dass sich die Bedürfnisse von Heim- und ProfiThe characteristics an audio engineer demands from umgebungen unter keinen Umständen vereinen lassen. his tools of the trade are nonetheless pretty familiar Dabei klingen die Attribute, die ein Tontechniker seito us: While in the engineer’s opinion, music lovers nem Arbeitswerkzeug abverlangt, für uns nur zu verlook for emotions, often represented by flabby and traut: Wo der Musikgenießer seiner Meinung nach auf fat bass as well as mellow and warm, butdurch nonetheless Emotionen setzt, meist repräsentiert einen present treble, professionals expect punch, schwubbeligen, dicken Bass und einen milden,precision warmen, and timing as wellwünscht as maximum resolution and abersuperb präsenten Oberton, der Profi sich Punch soundstage depth. This sounds like a bunch of preconund Präzision, superbes Timing sowie größtmögliche ceptions, doesn’t it? On the other Klingt hand consumers Auflösung und Tiefenstaffelung. nach einerconSalsider studio monitors to be bland and any ve von Vorurteilen, nicht wahr? Aber aseptic. er steht In damit case they are supposed to be completely unsuitable for keineswegs allein da, denn die Konsumenten sagen Stuhigh fidelity. But when you listen closer and open your dioboxen ihrerseits gern Nüchternheit und Sterilität ears, find that thissie assumption too und is incorrect. nach.you Aufwill jeden Fall seien für HiFi ganz gar ungeeignet. Wenn man die Ohren aufsperrt und sich etThe Mangererweist Scalpel was umhört, sich das ebenfalls als haltlos. The fact that hi-fi speakers can often be seen on fotos of recordingSeziermesser studios is clear evidence, that the discrepMangers ancy between loudspeakers and monitors cannot be so Dass die nachgesagte Diskrepanz zwischen Lautsprelarge. Consumer products exhibiting a distictive cher und Monitor nicht groß sein kann, merkt manproalprietary sound of course. The HiFiDanlein daran, dassare aufunacceptable, Studiofotos immer wieder ish slogan „Nothing sind. Added and Nothing Substracted“ Boxen zu entdecken Produkte mit markantem Eishould serve as a guideline for professionals and and degenklang sind da natürlich tabu. „Nothing added manding music listeners. fact, manufacturers nothing substracted“, wieIn man in many Dänemark mitunter already offer almost identical loudspeaker models in a sagt, ein Leitsatz, der bei Profis wie bei anspruchsvolstudio version andGültigkeit a hi-fi version. len Musikhörern hat. And the only difference between the two is the more pleasing finish of the Viele Modelle werden von ihren Herstellern dann auchoption gleich which in Versionen fürinto beide Welten angeboten, hi-fi fits better home environments.

fordurch Manger, too: The MSM c1 compact dieThis sichgoes oft nur das wohnraumtauglichere Finish speaker, if a baby of 66 lbs. can still compact, der HiFi-Variante unterscheiden. So be ist’scalled auch bei Manexhibits clearly similarities Zerobox ger der Fall, wo noticeable die Kompaktbox MSMtoc1,the wenn man 109. Instead of nice veneers,kompakt the MSMnennen is limited an das 30-Kilo-Baby überhaupt darf,tounübersehbareofÄhnlichkeiten zur Zerobox 109 aufweist. assortment RAL spot colors, which can be freely Anstellebyder Furniere muss diecosts. MSMAt mit eichosen theschönen customer at no additional a 200 nem Sortiment auskommen. Die EUR surcharge,Volltonlackierungen a speaker version with Nextel coating kannbeder KundeFor allerdings ohne Aufpreis in allen RALcan ordered. an additional 1550 euros all colors Farbtönen ordern. Außerdem gibt’s für 200 Euro are available in high gloss lacquers, which can turneine the Variante Nextel-Beschichtung. Für stattliche 1550 MSM intomit a downright bird of paradise, compared to Euro sind schließlich sämtliche Farben the Zerobox. And the MSM is active, too!in Hochglanz verfügbar. Damitaistpretty die MSM gegenüber der Zerobox This is insofar important difference, as the ein regelrechter Paradiesvogel. Und sie ist loudspeaker not only is equipped with aktiv! an internal Ein Unterschied, den man nicht als Kleinigkeit abamplifier, but also with a crossover that works differtun kann, denn neben der internen Verstärkung beently than the one in the passive speaker version. This deutet diesagleichzeitig, dass ihre Frequenzweiche etrepresents conceptual barrier between the MSM and was anders arbeitet als die der passiven Version. Es liegt Zerobox. In addition the c1 provides a filter system also eine konzeptionelle Barriere MSM und common to active speakers, whichzwischen facilitates adapting Zerobox. Außerdem bietet die c1 jenes bei Aktiven übthe unit to room acoustics and to nearfield monitorliche Filterwerk, das die Anpassung an den Raum und ing, although „nearfield“ in this context means at least denfeet Einsatz im Nahfeldbereich erleichtert, wobeilarge wir 10 listening distance, considering the MSM’s bei einer Box dieser Dimensionen und mit einer untedimensions and a LF cut-off point of remarkable 40 Hz. ren Grenzfrequenz stattlichen Hertz mit „nah“ The acceptance ofvon active speaker40systems seems to wenigstens drei Meter Hörabstand meinen. be growing in private listening environmets, too. In Die Integration scheint auch inestabprirecording studios der thisVerstärker technology is already vaten Hörzimmern an Akzeptanz zu gewinnen. lished, since the monitors can be connected directlyIm to Tonstudio ist diese Technik längst etabliert, da man die the mixing console. Moreover, chassis and amp have Boxen praktisch ohne Umwege ins Mischpult stöpseln already been matched perfectly at the factory. With kann. Außerdem sind Chassis und Amp von Haus aus hi-fi this concept becomes more and more important, perfekt aufeinander abgestimmt. Bei HiFi wird das mainly with respect to „new media“, since many source Konzept vor allem in Hinsicht auf die „neuen Medien“ devices like streamers, servers and iPod docks as well immer spannender, da viele Quellgeräte wie Streamer, as peripheral devices like USB DACs are equipped with Server und iPod-Docks sowie Peripherie wie USBhigh-quality level controls. And this fact virtually calls DACs mit hochkarätigen Pegelstellern ausgestattet werfor direct solutions: network player plus powered monden. Und da drängen sich direkte Lösungsansätze geitors – there you have it, the smallest possible– high-end radezu auf: Netzwerkspieler, Aktivmonitor und ferchain! tig ist die kleinste anzunehmende HighEnd-Kette! The Membranemit with that special Something Die Membran dem gewissen Etwas Of course, the MSM c1 is equipped with the large Die MSM c1 ist natürlich mit dem großen – und in die-– and in this case proverbial – „star“ of the Manger portsem Fall sprichwörtlichen – „Star“ des Manger-Portfolio, an eye-catching MF/HF wideband driver. This folios ausgestattet, einem auffälligen Mittel-Hochtonunit works according the principles of bending-wave Breitbänder, der nachtodem Prinzip eines Biegewellentransducers, but itssich unique design features differ from wandlers arbeitet, durch konstruktive Besonderall the other flat membrane systems. The peculiarities heiten aber von allen anderen Flachmembranen abof the concept have already beenKonzepts explained sufficiently, grenzt. Die Eigenheiten dieses wurden vielso weerläutert, will confine ourselves to the fach weshalb wir uns hiergeneral nur mitframework den grohere. If you are interested inbefassen. the subject, please ben Rahmenbedingungen Sollten Sie take Inte-a look section of„Wir the Manger website resse at anthe der „About Materie us“ haben, sei die über uns“-Sek(www.manger-msw.de), which(www.manger-msw.de) offers many informative tion der Manger-Homepage PDF documents. mit ihren informativen PDF-Dokumenten empfohlen. The star has beenvon developed by company founder Der Stern wurde Firmengründer Josef Manger Josef in the 1960s andersonnen it is constantly being bereitsManger in den sechziger Jahren und seit 1974, fine-tuned since der 1974, when the first loudspeaker using damals erschien erste Lautsprecher mit dieser Techthis technique was introduced. The wafer-thin, nik, vielfach verfeinert. Die hauchdünne, kreisrundcircuauflarly spanned foil membrane is excited in the center by gespannte Folienmembran wird in der Mitte durch zwei two voice coils angeregt, and the generated frequencies spread Schwingspulen wodurch sich die Frequenzen ähnlich ausbreiten wiesurface. Wellen The auf einer Wasseroberlike waves on a water distinctive look of fläche. Die ismarkante gewinnt das Chassis erst the chassis achievedOptik by a boundary of thin, jaggedly durch seine Begrenzung aus prevents dünnem,diffractions gezackt eingecut damping material, which and

Geithain RL 906

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TEST AKTIV-MONITORE The sophisticated and elaborate speaker stands (about 770 EUR per piece) can be ordered in custom height at no additional costs. For perfect performance the star-shaped membrane should be at ear height. To have it preadjusted by Manger, you simply tell them your personal sitting height. No need to mention that speaker stands are really indispensable when using compact transducers of this dimension. The MSM c1 is by no means a shelf speaker and must be set-up free-standing. The is simply put on andgedeDie MSM c1 wird einfach aufthe denstand Ständer Even the excellent filter system cannot coupled using a piece of foam rubber. steckt und ist von diesem durch ein Stück Mooschange this fact. As an alternative an adgummi entkoppelt justable „lift“ stand is available (about 1670 EUR per piece). Since the Manger monitor’s perforat the same time ensures that different pitches are generated in different sections mance in the listening space was absoof the driver. The highs originate from lutely convincing, we will make a big the center and the frequencies constantly exception and start with its only bad become lower the closer they get to the property: The MSM c1 is, like many excellent monitors, a loudspeaker for egotists. driver’s edge. Josef Manger copied this behavior from The bundled sound radiation of the HF/ the structure of the human inner ear, in MF chassis allows only one ideal listening which a stretched membrane discerns dif- position. People nearby will already exferent pitches in different areas. The sum perience declined acoustical imaging. In of those pitches, i.e. the final sound, is ac- addition, the MSMs should be aligned to a fictive point just in front of the listening tually formed by the brain. The star is supported by a 8” bass driv- position. Only then will you achieve maxer using a polyester-glass fiber sandwich imum soundstage and three-dimensionmembrane. The closed cabinet contains ality, which is actually very impressive. This fast active speaker cretwo analog amplifiers with ates a life-sized and tangible 180 watts (HF/MF) and 250 KEYWORD projection of the musical watts (LF) output power at 8 Speakon: performance in the listening ohms respectively. Very reliable loudspace. The orchestral instruTo optimize the Manger despeaker interface ments of Camille Saint-Saëns’ sign you can expand the louddeveloped by Neu„Danse Macabre“ from our trik. Mostly used speaker with a separate passive with studio and test CD V can be located exbass module (about 810 EUR live equipment. ceptionally well and never per unit), which is connected lose their positions on the via a rugged Speakon interface soundstage, no matter how and simply placed on top of the MSM. There is no need for additional complex the music gets. Things changed, fixation since its sheer weight will make when we listened to Thom Yorks’ vocals the module stay in place. Furthermore in „Karma Police“ from Radioheads’ brilthe impedance is reduced to 4 ohms and liant „OK Computer“, although the Manthe bass output is increased to 400 watts. ger is not to blame for the eccentric sound In addition to the noticeable increase in effects created by the audio engineer. Guidynamics and control the speaker gains in tars and drums stood out clearly and reladimension, since the bass membrane sur- tive to their natural dimensions. Surprisingly, even this consciously rough rock face is expanded upwards. The construction of the MSM is prag- mix sounds smooth and silky through the matic. The electronics are attached to the Manger speakers. What we liked even better than the cabinet’s aluminum back which doubles as an extensive heat sink. A screwdriver excellent acoustical imaging was the suhas to be used to modify the filter system perior flowing performance of the MSM consisting of volume, bass and treble con- c1. Somehow the voluminous speaker trols. This is a good idea as it prevents an- succeeds in bridging the gap between dry analytics and enthusiastic reproduction. noying “accidents”. 30 STEREO 11/2010

The Speakon connector for theGriff optional bass c1 ist Direkt unter dem praktischen der MSM module is located directly below the convenient der Speakon-Anschluss für das optionale Bassmohandle of the MSM c1. dul zu erkennen

You a screwdriver to adjust Das need Regelwerk der Manger lässt the sichManger’s nur mit filter system. This prevents inadvertent modifica-im Schraubenziehern einstellen. So sind „Unfälle“ tions. Vorübergehen ausgeschlossen

Power andsymmetrischer signal inputs are located on the bottom Netz- und Signaleingang liegen an side of the c1 to keep people from tripping over der Unterseite der c1. Dadurch werden die Stripcables. pen nicht zu Stolperfallen

The bass goes very low and sounds crisp, terschwelligen Spielfreude zu schlagen. growling very At higher Der Bass and reicht sehrdetailed. tief hinab, klingt levels it hits your stomach with proverstaubtrocken und kommt geradezu erbarbial punch detailliert and crude und straightforwardness mungslos knorrig an den without artificial pompous. Hörplatz.sounding Dabei fährt er beior höheren Pegeln mit sprichwörtlichem Even with techno-orientedPunch piecessowie like ungehobelter Direktheit die MagenDepeche Mode’s poundingin „Wrong“ the grube bass und and hat niemals etwas synth bass drum areKünstliches clearly disoder Aufgesetztes an sich. Selbst bei techtinguishable. noid-hämmernden wieend Depeche The same goes forStücken the other of the Modes stampfendem „Wrong“ lassen sich frequency spectrum, where the HF/MF Synthiebass und Bassdrum bestens auseitransducer extends up to 40 kHz and nanderhalten. doesn’t miss any subtleties. Fortunately siehtsabilities am anderen des theÄhnlich dissecting of theEnde Manger Freuenzbandes aus. Mit seiner Auflösung speaker are softened by a pleasantly mild bis 40 Kilohertz entgehtThe demhighs Hoch-Mitand silky performance. appear teltöner keine Feinheit. Allerdings taucht lively and clear, disclosing the slightest die Manger ihre Sezierfähigkeit in eine annuances and highlights, without being genehm milde, samtige Performance. Die biting or aggressive. They sound gentle Höhen wirken klar,for offenbaand fluent and lebhaft can be und enjoyed hours ren kleinste Nuancen und Glanzpunkte, without ear fatigue. vermitteln aberthird nie den von BisFinally, the andEindruck maybe most imsigkeit oder Aggressivität. Galant und flieportant element of the Manger monitor is ßend kannThe manchassis’ die Höhen der through Manger its timing. convince über Stunden hinweg genießen. their tight, yet flowing performance, their Als dritter und vielleicht zentraler Berefreshing liveliness and high fun factor. standteil der überragenden Darbietung A level of precision that can be enjoyed by rückt das Timing in den Fokus. Die beisound engineers and music aficianados den Chassis spielen auf den Punkt und alike! glänzen mit enormem Spielfluss, Lebendigkeit und hohem Anmachfaktor. Eine Geithain’s little Geniuses Präzision, die Toningenieure begeistert Based in theimSaxon city of Geithain, und die auch heimischen Hörraum the auf speaker manufacturer of the same name ganzer Linie überzeugt! offers a different product range of „active stars“, which kleine are also Genies very popular in GerGeithains man sound studios. The 906 Auch der im sächsischenGeithain GeithainRL beheimatete gleichnamige Lautsprecherhersteller führt einige „Aktivsterne“ im Sortiment, die sich in den Tonstudios der Re-

has the großer dimensions of a mid-sized publik Beliebtheit erfreuen. shoe Mit box would eines fit about four or five times demand Volumen mittelgroßen Schuhinto the passt enclosure of 906 a Manger c1. kartons die RL freilichMSM vier- bis With a performance almosteiner as punchy, fofünfmal in das Gehäuse Manger cused as the spielt Manger,sietheähnlich RL 906 MSM and c1. lively Dennoch druckvoll, und lebendig auf, into oriis about 60fokussiert per cent cheaper and falls sich mitrange. etwa einem Drittel des aentiert different price Preises aber in einer anderen Klasse. With Geithain too, ganz the source of musical Die Ausgangsbasis des musikalischen delight consists of a chassis – or in fact a Hochgenusses bei Geithain chassis layout – ist thatauch is unique and usedein by Chassis – oder besser eine Chassis-Anno other manufacturer. Since many years ordnung –founder, die manowner so bei and keinem andecompany chief deren Hersteller finden kann. Schon seit viesigner Joachim Kiesler “bundles” multiple len Jahren Firmengründer, Indrivers in a„bündelt“ confined space. The bass drivhaber und Chefentwickler Joachim Kieser always serves as a „base plate“, in front ler which mehrere Treiber plastic auf engstem of a narrow bracketRaum. with Die „Grundplatte“ bildet stets additional drivers is mounted. der Its Bassexact treiber,is im Falle der 906 mitunits 13 Zentimewidth determined by the attached tern Durchmesser, vor den eine möglichst to it. Since bass waves are omnidirectionschmale Kunststoffplatte ist. Deal, this center bracket doesmontiert not disturb the ren genaue Breite bestimmen natürlich acoustic signal path. In the upper halfdie of Treiber, die darauf Da the RL bracket a 25angebracht mm fabricwerden. center cap sich aBasswellen and green LEDkugelförmig is installed, ausbreiten, which conbereitet dieser Steg im Signalweg keine stantly informs you visually about the op-

The optional bass module is simply placed on top of Das optionale Bassmodul wird einfach auf die the MSM c1. The rubber ensure rudimental MSM c1 gestellt und ist sockets durch seine Gummifüße decoupling. rudimentär entkoppelt

erational status of the loudspeaker. That’s nennenswerten Probleme. In der oberen one of the subtleties that distinguish active Hälfte der Platte sitzt bei der RL 906 eine monitors from most active hi-fi speakers. 25-Millimeter-Gewebekalotte, darunter ist A second feature are the balanced XLR inaußerdem eine grüne LED verbaut, die puts, although they require RCA adaptors, stets gut sichtbar den Betriebszustand der ifLautsprecher there’s no appropriate the verkündet.preamplifier Eine dieser in Feinsignal chain. The same goes for the Manheiten, die Aktivmonitore von den meisger, the way. ten by aktiven HiFi-Boxen abgrenzen. Ein The layout ofsind the da chassis represents an anderer Aspekt sicherlich die symingenious solution. Both signal paths are metrisch ausgeführten XLR-Eingänge. Ist Three sockets are included Manger Manger legt jeder Box drei with Füßeevery bei, mit denen speaker, which enhance the acoustical imaging. die Abbildung etwas gelöster wirkt

keine entsprechend bestückte Vorstufe in der Kette vorhanden, sollte man sowohl bei Geithain wie bei Manger Cinch-Adap-

11/2010 STEREO 31

TEST AKTIV-MONITORE

Geithain’s filter system be Regelwerk adjusted using Auch bei Geithain lässthas sichtodas nur a screwdriver. As with all studio monitorsWie only mit einem Schraubendreher bedienen. imaStuXLRüblich input is provided. dio gibt’s nur einen XLR-Eingang

The chassis isistscrewed toDämmung the damping Das multiway Mehrweg-Chassis mit einer vermaterial. The picture also shows the damping and schraubt. Im Bild erkennt man auch die Dämpfung rounded edges within the enclosure. und Kantenrundung innerhalb der Box

32 STEREO 11/2010

reproduced via conventional drivers, situations. This is a big advantage, when which in this case radiate like a point the speakers are positioned on a tabeltop. sound source, however. As with the Manger, filters and level conThe standard discussion as to whether trols can only be adjusted using a screwpoint source advantages pertaining to driver. localization and precision make up for Although Geithain has designed the inevitable compromises pertaining to to- compact RL 906 mainly with project nality – which goes for many wide-band studios or comparable nearfield environspeakers or coaxial chassis’ – are inap- ments in mind, it also performs well on a plicable here. You wonder why Geithain speaker stand or on a bookshelf in a hiseems to be the only manufacturer that fi environment. The monitors incredibly takes advantage of such an “intermediate flat frequency response has been comstage”. Just as a reminder: With normal bined with excellent time correctness and coaxial designs the tweeter is recessed superbly structured imaging. This comin the center of the bass driver, which is bination results in musical conciseness cone-shaped and acts as a horn – with all and straightforwardness, which make up the positive and negative confor the limited output powsequences. er – as far as party levels are KEYWORD With some models, Geithain concerned. In everyday lispoint sound nests up to three signal paths tening situations power amps source: in this manner. The small RL and drivers will deliver more Point sound 906 limits itself to two paths, output power than you’ll ever sources radiate all however, which are driven via need. frequencies from a analog 80 watts (LF/MF) and In combination with Olive’s single acoustical center. 40 watts (HF) power amps. No. 2 the small active speakDespite its output power, the er demonstrated its hidden 906 is not made for excesqualities. The shiny, noble and sively high volume levels or pounding creamy timbre of the network player gave party sounds. With its compact size and the RL 906 a soft quality, which was furspecial acoustical imaging the RL 906 is ther enhanced by the contoured bass and optimized for different tasks. the lively mids. Like the MSM c1, the RL 906 focuses Of course, active speaker designs are the sonic events on the central listening still a matter of taste. But these two imposition and should be aligned to this pressive studio monitors proof, that this point in the same way as Manger’s large kind of loudspeaker and its features can active speaker. Although we experiment- also be greatly enjoyed by hi-fi fans in ed quite a bit with location and alignment, their familiar listening space. we always came back to direct radiation. Carsten Barnbeck It ensures very homogeneous three-dimensionality and soundstage depth and gives high frequencies an additional sparkling quality. When oriented straight into Carsten Barnbeck the room, the 906 performance was still crisp and time correct, but the imaging COMPONENTS OF THE TEST appeared diffuse and less tangible. In addition the soundstage depth got lost. SYSTEM In contrast to the voluminous MSM, NETWORK PLAYER: Meridian Sooloos, the RL 906 may be positioned with a good Olive Melody 2 conscience on any kind of „sideboard“ or CD PLAYER: Denon DCD-SA 1, Einstein „The in a book shelf, if the signal and power Source“, Marantz SA-15 S2 cables permit it. In this case the excellent bass filter comes in very handy, as it D/A CONVERTER: MBL 1511F reduces the bass frequencies in a linear PRE-AMPLIFIER: Accustic Arts Tube Preamp II, fashion starting at 100 Hz. This not only MBL 5011 allows you to perfectly adapt the RL to LOUDSPEAKER: B&W 805 Diamond, its setup position, but also to match it to Dynaudio Focus 140 and others a subwoofer. The 300 Hz filter facilitates clean adjustments of the fundamental RACK/ACCESSORIES: Finite Elemente Pagode Reference, NF cable from Neyton and HMS note especially in nearfield monitoring

MANGER MSM C1 From € 8320/pair (matte finish), stand from € 1540/pair, dim.: 10.6” x 19.6” x 16.5” (WxHxD), warranty: 3 years, distributor: Manger, phone: 0049 9776/9816 www.manger-msw.de Manger’s MSM c1 is a majestic monitor: The compact active speaker impresses with outstanding workmanship, elaborate features and sophisticated acoustical adaptability. The manufacturer offers a setup service at no additional costs. The monitor’s performance is unbribably candid and very fascinating.

GEITHAIN RL 906 From € 2520/pair (black), dim.: 7.0” x 10.2” x 7.8”, warranty: 2 years, distributor: Musikelek tronik Geithain, phone: 0049 34341/31110, www.me-geithain.de Although Geithain’s compact pipsqueak is optimized for nearfield monitoring, it does an excellent job up to listening distances of 3 to 4 meters. Thanks to its bass reflex design, the bass range goes stunningly low and with a peak power of 100 watts the RL 906 generates a lot of punch. Extremely smooth tone!

Model

Test in Price Price/ Sound STEREO ca. EUR Performance Quality

ACTIVE SPEAKERS (prices per pair) Top Reference

ADAM Tensor Alpha

5/08 34 600

★★★ 100%

Tested Devices in absolute Order Backes & Müller BM15 3/10 11/10 Manger MSM c1 Newtronics Temperance III 1/10 1/07 Backes & Müller BM 2 11/10 Geithain RL 906 Quad 12 L Pro Aktiv 10/05 10/10 Elac AM 150 10/10 ADAM A5X Scansonic S 5 10/10

20 000 fr. 8640 4800 4950 fr. 2520 1500 500 700 460

★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★

98% 94% 75% 68% 60% 50% 48% 47% 42%

Excerpt fromSTEREO STEREOService ServiceTestspiegel Testspiegel11/2010 11/2010 Auszug aus

MEASUREMENTS* lower cutoff frequency (-3 dB) 40 Hz LAB COMMENTS

Manger’s frequency response exhibits some notches in the midrange, the highs rise softly. The bass response goes as low as 40 Hz. There’s a strong frequency dip at 30 degrees off-axis. It’s not surprising that the MSM c1 sounds best, when it is aligned to the listening position. Finely tuned filters (red/green) and superb timing. FEATURES

MEASUREMENTS* lower cutoff frequency (-3 dB) 58 Hz LAB COMMENTS

Considering its size, Geithain’s RL 906 goes pretty low. The frequency response is extremely flat and has no dips, even at 30 degrees off-axis. Its maximum filter settings (red and green) are well-tuned. The step response exhibits an offset of less than one millisecond as well as an extremely fast and cleanly decaying bass chassis. FEATURES

Balanced input (XLR), power switch, connector for external bass module, three multi-stage filters (bass, highs, peak filter at 3.25 kHz), input gain (+/-2.5 dB), switches for AV high pass filter (80 Hz), input sensitivity and polarity.

Balanced input (XLR), power switch, four continuously variable potentiometers for level trimming (almost down to mute), bass tuning, treble trim and a 300 Hz peak filter for presence boost.

94% SOUND QUALITY PRICE/PERFORMANCE

60% SOUND QUALITY PRICE/PERFORMANCE

EXCELLENT EXZELLENT

* for subscribers additional measurements and diagrams are provided in the STEREO Club under www.stereo.de

11/2010 STEREO 33