Cheapskate DIY "Genelecs" & some other stuff

This came to my mind, since it made a huge difference how my headphones sound...I have this Peace software on my computer, which I use for EQing my AKG 371 headphones closer to Harman curve. Is there some kind of (preferably free) software, which do this for speakers? Not Harman curve obviously, but Auto EQ them closer to flat curve? That would of course need a decent microphone 🤔 Any suggestions?

EDIT. Oh, it was that REW thing. I have Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen, but I guess that is not going to help me with this.
 
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Depends on what you want to do exactly and where.

Tidal has built-in EQ functions.

If you run all your audio through the computer, using software there is an option. I don't have experience with this approach, but here's one thread about using REW with Equalizer APO.

www.hometheatershack.com/threads/software-equalizer-for-use-with-rew-on-windows.62114/

If you want a standalone component to insert into the signal chain, miniDSP is a common option. I don't think EQ is automatic unless you have one of the Dirac Live versions, but it's relatively straightforward on the others.

www.minidsp.com/applications/rew/rew-autoeq-step-by-step?srsltid=AfmBOoriJNrKVKeRYph1orkGTRG5RSvkgZOAHQlkpI2Rwziavqc_A0id

Some home theater receivers have built-in auto EQ functions and come with their own microphones.

WiiM's streaming amp is a popular item at the moment that inexpensively does auto EQ, multiband EQ, parametric EQ, etc. They seem to be adding features with software updates, so it might get more powerful as time goes on.

www.wiimhome.com/wiimamp/overview

Martin Logan's Forte and Unison are some of the cheapest ways to get into Anthem Room Correction.

www.martinlogan.com/en/category/wireless-systems

Now a word about automatic EQ: some of the options don't have a facility to adjust the curve to your liking. You get what it gives you, and that's it. If you want a lot of manual control, you have to be more careful about what you buy/use.

Apple's built-in microphones are consistent enough that many find them sufficient for typical equalization. There are many free/cheap apps that can be used for acoustical measurements. For Android devices, it's typically suggested to add something like the Dayton Audio iMM-6 to improve accuracy.
 
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I need to dive into these more carefully. At this point, I was thinking that this could be one solution to my home studio, using some cheaper monitors and calibrating them...as I'm probably never be able to buy expensive speakers there. And this should be done in anyway, even with pair of Genelecs.
 
EQ does help a lot in many cases. It's one of my basic approaches to speaker design as well. Early in a project I often use basic active crossovers, then equalize to taste to see if the overall performance amuses me enough to continue. You can typically take a rough sounding speaker and make it pretty nice with enough EQ. Of course there are some things equalization can't fix, but it can be very helpful (especially in casual/non-audiophile applications). It's also one of the things that has made small active speakers, portable USB speakers, etc. sound a lot better in the last 10 years or so. Most have built-in DSP anyway, so complex equalization and signal processing are basically free, and they use it a bunch.
 
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My wife has some kind of fixation for white Genelecs
Let's figure this out together, so you've come to the right place.


Just that those speakers need to look as close to Genelecs as possible (because it fits for our decoration).
These potatoes? Is it the white? May we see your living room...?
 

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Well, that is what I'm doing here, setting up my priorities and trying to save! So, could someone actually recommend a good components for either active or passive 2-way speakers (which works in small box and are as cheap as possible, but still sound good)?

As far as I can figure out, his spouse wants white speakers, and the OP feels that Genelec have a high level of excellence, but he wants to save money and build it himself.

IMHO, the Genelec models that are top tier are something like the 1234.

If all your partner wants are nice white speakers to fit the decor, and you want good speakers to enjoy films, TV and music in your living room, save your time/money/worries and buy some white speakers.

All the little 80x0 series are 2 way speakers with a WG, commonly purchased and, being pretty ordinary, are often soldon places like eBay, Reverb, because people want to upgrade.

I agree with @cowanaudio , just buy them. If can't see yourself saving for that long, buy the Kali Audio LP-6 in white.

If you've ever designed/built speakers, you'll be amazed at how modern off-shore manufacturing and modern DSP/amps can bring down the cost of speakers that was unheard of in C20.
 
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Most amateur speaker builders who haven't designed and built a large number of loudspeakers would be hard pressed to design a loudspeaker that outperforms a speaker like the 8030C. They are a fantastic little loudspeaker that I use as a reference during listening tests of my own designs. You won't get close for less money.
 
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Yes, but...

Yes : The op must not design one, he must pick up off the shelves, a kit, flat pack if choosing the DIY "assembly" way to stay in the budget.

But : it is a pro stuff, so the sound is straigth like a sword and if indeed a good tool for... working. To listen music more than one hour maybe not.

Loudspeakers at home sounds better with a genttle roll off from the upper mid. Maybe a white sock on it may attenuate this straigth sound (but dunno if the spouse will appreciate) or maybe has it some -3dB switch like Neumans at the back ?

Also the Q/P is very low cause the Genelec plays with its pro stuff market positionning. It migth look cheap because of that whatever it is certainly a well made loudspeaker, but at the same time a same good sound if not better for the hifi migth be acheived twice cheaper also w/o Diy.

could be the rigth decision if both spouse AND close sofa placement : fire & forgett. But the Genelec never will be a guaranty of good ssound at home, there are a lot of skin cats to peel to fulfill this goal (and HT is half of the roadmap, so long distance from the listening spot is off... imho.

I never purchased a brandnew loudspeaker, secondhand market is a good option imho for hifi. A lot of good sound for less. For sure some brands have however cheap positionning devices good enough whenmass market, be it local, some talked in this thread but a lot others. Behringer, Triangle, flat packs from Soundimports, 2ways with passive from Heissman (not possible for the op cause the complex cabinet at that price) or Jeff Bagby or the usual names, will not disapoint soundwise.

Now is it rational is another story when it comes to choose a loudspeaker. And brandnew stuff can be re sold easilier... that matters too.
 
If it was the solution for hifi evryone would have one.

So it is not straigth rigth sound for monitoring audio than Genelec ?

I am tired when I hear a rigth spl curve whatever the brand. It is fatiguing so not so good for enjoying music. Some EQ them, thhat is another story. You said it perfectly : it is more a tool for designing for you. And monitoring or mixing or working with TV studio consoles, etc. When you read the Stereophile you clearly understand between the phrases the type of sound.

I don't say it is bad, I am saying it doesn't glue in for use wanted by the op but the look for the spouse who certainly doessn't matter of the sound like 90% of our spouses.

Of course I may be wrong, prove is in the pudding, but whatever it is iced it is an expensive one that this white !

The only way I could use it is 2 to 2.5 meter max helped with two bass cabinets behind them to avoid the distorsion due to the little woofer below 150/200 hz if pushing them and use them in an HT like th op is wanting for half of the use. And a sock in front of the tweeter as passive roll off or EQ it if the option is existing.

If having the monney, will prefer a Barefoot anyway 😉
 
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My loudspeakers is 5db less at 20 k hz 3meters and sounds very good whatever Miles Davis, ZZ Top.... All my others loudspeakers in my very damped and brassed living room being flatter sounds not natural to my ears, whatever it is Proac for illustration.

Anyway that curve is not bad at all as well for an estimated response in room (klipel bench), how much concistent it becomes at 3 meters ?

Btw, You should say what you want !

https://www.stereophile.com/images/722GenG3fig2.jpg

https://www.stereophile.com/content/genelec-g-three-active-loudspeaker-measurements here the Genelec G active at 1600 USD. A carefull reading of the review and also digging a little on the web is advised. Better listenning one if possible. This one has a -2dB switch in the trebles.

White stuff are not missing https://www.thomann.de/fr/neumann_kh_80_dsp_white.htm
 
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. Our room is 6 meters long and 4 meters wide, and the height is 2.6m, TV is mounted on the wall and our couch is next to other end wall. So the distance from the front speakers to ear will be almost 6 meters (when watching a movie).
I let Peter to tell you the attenuation at 6 meters and see if it is okay for your needs if the loudspeakers are near the TV.

kits, check if enclosure are supplied or not : https://www.soundimports.eu/en/diy-kits/diy-speaker-kit/?hr-page={"active_filter":"sorting","filters":[],"product_count":0,"page":1}

Let the spouse choosing : end of the problems.

And don't forget : kits : good Q/P but off shelves brands can be sold after... DIY... not really.
 
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