|
|
Post by perseus0001 on Mar 27, 2015 9:13:15 GMT -5
I realize with the recent arrival of the 3b, this might be a loaded question, but I would love to hear your thoughts on using the Airmotiv 4s speakers as computer speakers in my 10x12 office at work. Besides conference calls, they would only be used for music. I use a macbook pro at work, and at least initially, they would be connected directly via the line-out jack on my laptop. My musical tastes are varied, including classical, jazz, classic rock, indie, and alternative. I have been in musical limbo after selling all of my home theater and stereo equipment last summer to foot a medical bill, and I feel I am at my breaking point after having listened to crappy quality music for so long. We have a remodel in the works at home, so I don't want to buy anything for the house until I know what makes sense, so outfitting my office seems to be the safest bet. I originally was leaning towards a good set of headphones, but with co-workers and students filtering in and out of my office all day, I think headphones might make me feel too isolated.
So theres my thought process and rational behind looking at the Airmotiv 4s speakers, and possibly the Airmotiv 3b's. Anyone on the forums using the 4s's as computer speakers care to comment on any +'s or -'s after using them for an extended period?
Thanks for any input,
Troy
|
|
|
|
Post by creimes on Mar 27, 2015 9:36:31 GMT -5
There are many here that use the 4s for just what you are looking to do and they all from what I have heard really enjoy them.
Chad
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2015 9:43:27 GMT -5
its what Im listening to right now!
|
|
|
|
Post by chaosrv on Mar 27, 2015 9:44:33 GMT -5
I have a pair of the original Airmotiv 4 speakers. I used them as desktop speakers connected to an iMac via a Schiit Modi (small USB DAC). I loved it.
My boss has an insanely expensive pair of Bose desktop speakers with a small sub. The Airmotiv 4 speakers blew them away in every respect.
The only reason I don't use them anymore is my new desk doesn't have the space for them.
Personally I would spend the extra $100 on the 4s rather than the 3b. You'll be giving up bluetooth connectivity but gaining so much more.
The 4s have the ribbon tweeter, separate amps for each driver. They are bigger than the 3b and with larger drivers so I would hazard a guess and say they have a better lower end than the 3b
That is not to say they'll have stunning deep bass, after all physics dictates that would be (near) impossible
The only downside I had with my OG 4 speakers were the size. For desktop speakers, they're massive. Of course there are lounge members here that probably use Stealth 8 speakers for their desktops but that is besides the point.
If you have the space and the extra $100 to spare, you really can't go wrong with the 4s speakers.
|
|
|
|
Post by AudioHTIT on Mar 27, 2015 10:02:11 GMT -5
I'm using the Airmotive 5 with my Mac mini and think they're great, so no reason to doubt the 4S. The only negative IMO is that you have to manually turn them on and off, or leave them on all the time (depending on your power sensibilities).
|
|
|
|
Post by melm on Mar 27, 2015 10:09:58 GMT -5
I have a pair hooked to my Mac Pro. The sound is terrific. These are superb speakers.
Mel
|
|
|
|
Post by Hair Nick on Mar 27, 2015 10:18:38 GMT -5
I use a pair Airmotiv4s as my desktop speakers (at home and work) and another set as my surround speakers in my theater. Great speaker!!
|
|
|
|
Post by jlafrenz on Mar 27, 2015 10:29:58 GMT -5
I use the 5's with a DAC that has a volume control for my computer speakers. Leave the volume on the speakers all the way up. You can put them on a simple power strip with a switch to turn them on/off as needed.
|
|
|
|
Post by monkumonku on Mar 27, 2015 11:02:09 GMT -5
I use the 4's (original version) as computer speakers and they are superb. Best I have used, and I have had some pretty good speakers that I've used with the computer. You can't go wrong with them.
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Mar 27, 2015 11:32:55 GMT -5
Like monkumonku I've used many many computer speakers some which were double the price of the airmotivs. The airmot 4 completely outclasses all of them by a large distance. There's just no competition. At that price range the only competition is other pro audio actives imo. Also you mentioned using the line out from your laptop. I strongly reccomend shelling out $30 for the Behringer UCA 202 DAC www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA202-Audio-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1423213595&sr=1-1&keywords=behringer+uca+202that hooks up via USB for a significant increase in sound quality in a compact package. It will outclass your $0.50 inbuilt soundboard on your laptop. A few others are using this behringer DAC with the airmotiv 4's at work with good results  OR if you want to go a bit more pricey, an audioquest dragonfly 1.2 which is also an excellent performer! |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2015 12:20:12 GMT -5
i second the behringer
I have the exact setup right now!
|
|
|
|
Post by chaosrv on Mar 27, 2015 12:23:51 GMT -5
If you can wait, hold out until after Axpona. Dan teased something about "computer audio" in the latest podcast. Maybe i will be a handy dandy little USB DAC!
|
|
|
|
Post by perseus0001 on Mar 27, 2015 13:17:32 GMT -5
Thanks for all of the great replies so far.
For those of you using these speakers on your desk, do you feel your desk still looks esthetically pleasing? Or because of their size does your desk look a bit obnoxious? I think the speakers them selves look pretty sexy, but I wonder what sort of response you have received with them in the workplace?
|
|
|
|
Post by MukAudio on Mar 27, 2015 14:08:34 GMT -5
My 3Bs are supposed to arrive on Monday. But I too wonder about the 4S. I have a feeling my wife will steal the 3Bs so I may be in the market for computer speakers again soon.
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by Porscheguy on Mar 27, 2015 14:23:34 GMT -5
I realize with the recent arrival of the 3b, this might be a loaded question, but I would love to hear your thoughts on using the Airmotiv 4s speakers as computer speakers in my 10x12 office at work. Besides conference calls, they would only be used for music. I use a macbook pro at work, and at least initially, they would be connected directly via the line-out jack on my laptop. My musical tastes are varied, including classical, jazz, classic rock, indie, and alternative. I have been in musical limbo after selling all of my home theater and stereo equipment last summer to foot a medical bill, and I feel I am at my breaking point after having listened to crappy quality music for so long. We have a remodel in the works at home, so I don't want to buy anything for the house until I know what makes sense, so outfitting my office seems to be the safest bet. I originally was leaning towards a good set of headphones, but with co-workers and students filtering in and out of my office all day, I think headphones might make me feel too isolated. So theres my thought process and rational behind looking at the Airmotiv 4s speakers, and possibly the Airmotiv 3b's. Anyone on the forums using the 4s's as computer speakers care to comment on any +'s or -'s after using them for an extended period? Thanks for any input, Troy Isn't that what people use the the Airmotiv's for (computer speakers)? Especially the 4's. What else would you use them for? Kind of small for most other things IMHO |
|
|
|
Post by vcautokid on Mar 27, 2015 14:35:51 GMT -5
Phenomenonal speakers for your computer, tablet, and other listen. Ultimate is with the DC-1 in between. Sweet combo.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dark Ranger on Mar 27, 2015 14:41:31 GMT -5
perseus0001, Stereophile posted a review of the AirMotiv 4s monitors. Check it out if you haven't read it yet. Based on my own experience with the larger brethren, the 4/4s should be excellent computer speakers. The AirMotiv/Stealth line is targeted for mixing/mastering professionals, but I think Emotiva had computer users in mind as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by perseus0001 on Mar 30, 2015 9:05:28 GMT -5
Well I pulled the trigger late last night on a pair of the 4s'. My guess is they should show up at work before the end of the week. I am still not sure how they will look on my desk, but they should be much more sonically pleasing then my current work speakers. I'll post some before and after pictures for any future buyers that might be concerned with office aesthetics. My fingers are crossed that they will be a conversation piece for their sound and not their size on my desk.
I'll keep you posted.
Thanks for all of your input.
Troy
|
|
|
|
Post by chaosrv on Mar 30, 2015 9:37:28 GMT -5
Well I pulled the trigger late last night on a pair of the 4s'. My guess is they should show up at work before the end of the week. I am still not sure how they will look on my desk, but they should be much more sonically pleasing then my current work speakers. I'll post some before and after pictures for any future buyers that might be concerned with office aesthetics. My fingers are crossed that they will be a conversation piece for their sound and not their size on my desk. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for all of your input. Troy Honestly, if they do their job right you will completely forget they are even on your desk. They will become as natural on your desk as a keyboard and Grumpy Cat mouse pad.  Congrats on the purchase, I doubt you'll be disappointed! |
|
|
|
Post by drtrey3 on Mar 30, 2015 9:37:44 GMT -5
Wonderful computer speakers, yes, I just listened again here at work, and they are indeed wonderful computer speakers! They are big, they are bulky, they are visually imposing, but they sound so great! Make them work on your desk, you will be glad you did.
Trey
|
|
