2x8040A + 7070A - Forum

Hello Cédric,

The speaker/subwoofer recommendations given by Genelec are based on typical listening environments, and account only for maximum SPL, not system level calibration. System level calibration is always matched with almost any Genelec speaker/subwoofer combination (6010A or 5040A matched with larger speakers/subwoofers being an exception) because the input gain is the same in all speakers/subwoofers (for example -6 dBu for 100 dB at 1 m distance when gain set to -6 dBu).

So you can use a 7070A with 8040As without any need for special level reduction. The 7070A will provide more headroom (maximum SPL) and lower distortion over the 7060B which can be heard through better control and overall better sound quality.

Thank you Ikka,

OK for the 7070A! So I can keep the factory setting (-6dBu ?) as I have done for my 8040A (+6dBu) and it will match perfectly?

Another question, I actually use my 8040A for listening to music and watching TV. The acoustic axis is at the same height than my ears. Will it be better to mount my speakers on floor stands (8000-409B) at about 1.4m and to rotate the speaker toward me. This will give a better sound field?

Thank you again!

Cédric

Yes, for example -6 dBu (I'm assuming +6 dBu was a typo?) on all three will result in perfect level match.

Do you have lower stands now or are the speakers on a TV table or similar? It's recommended that there is some free space around the speakers to reduce the amount of reflections. But putting speakers clearly above the height of your ears is not needed or recommended.

Yes, -6dBu!!!

My speakers are on a parallepipedic furniture covered with glass (height : 70cm and 30*30cm) so the acoustic axis is at about 98cm (5/10cm higher than my ears when I am on the sofa). I attach two photos so you can better understand my installation.




I was thinking to install the speakers at a higher position because when there is a party at home everybody stands up all the night and so we are "above the sound" (I hope you see what I mean).

I think I will install the 7070A where there is the plant (Yucca) between the right speaker and the TV. What do you think for this positioning? Moereover, when I am on the sofa, my ears are at 2.60m frome the speakers. I guess it's a bit too much for 8040A? (8050A should be better? or 1037? but this last model is really too expensive for my budget).

Thanks!

Cédric

Yes, -6dBu!!!

My speakers are on a parallepipedic furniture covered with glass (height : 70cm and 30*30cm) so the acoustic axis is at about 98cm (5/10cm higher than my ears when I am on the sofa). I attach two photos so you can better understand my installation.

I was thinking to install the speakers at a higher position because when there is a party at home everybody stands up all the night and so we are "above the sound" (I hope you see what I mean).

I see what you mean. So basically you have two different kind of placement requirements: low for TV watching, and high for partying. One option could be to buy a set of stands which would allow a higher placement for partying, but which could also be used when watching TV by tilting down the speakers with the help of Iso-Pod tilt adjustment.

I think I will install the 7070A where there is the plant (Yucca) between the right speaker and the TV. What do you think for this positioning?

Unfortunately it's basically impossible to say from a picture whether some placement works with the subwoofer acoustically. At least a few acoustical measurements would be required do define that. But generally speaking a placement between the main speakers is a good starting point. You should start there and listen whether that position gives a good result. If not, try another one and so on. Of course, if you are able to take acoustical measurements with a computer (Room EQ Wizard is a great and totally free program for that), it helps the process quite a bit.

Moereover, when I am on the sofa, my ears are at 2.60m frome the speakers. I guess it's a bit too much for 8040A? (8050A should be better? or 1037? but this last model is really too expensive for my budget).

2.6 meters is perfectly okay with the 8040A. Our typical recommended listening distances are mainly for studio purposes, and therefore are slightly too strict for typical home usage. But naturally a larger speaker with a larger woofer and larger DCW will be more directive, meaning you will get more direct sound and less reflections at the listening position. So in that sense a larger Genelec speaker will most probably produce better sound quality, especially in an acoustically challenging environment.

Thank you for all Ikka.

I can now go the shop and order my subwoofer!

Cédric