Publication

Belgien 6,25 € • Luxemburg 6,25 € • Italien 7,15 €
Spanien 7,15 € • Griechenland 7,95 € • Slowakei 8,40 €
11
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
M
MA
AG
GA
AZ
Z II N
N
F
FÜ
ÜR
R
H
H II F
F II
••
H
H II G
GH
H
E
EN
ND
D
••
M
MU
US
S II K
K
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
BE
NE
U
VM
A
I
RT ite et
A
d
ST Ple en
ew
g
ab
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
S
W
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
11/2010 STEREO 29
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
EXCELLENT
EXZELLENT
* for subscribers additional measurements and diagrams
are provided in the STEREO Club under www.stereo.de
* for subscribers additional measurements and diagrams
are provided in the STEREO Club under www.stereo.de
11/2010 STEREO 33