Another "which studio monitor should I buy" thread

[spalding12]

Hey all, Original Poster here,

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! I will say, I tried the M-Audio BX8's, and really did not like them. I live in an apartment, and at reasonable listening volumes (so I don't disturb the neighbors), the BX8's were just too muddy.

The HS80M's I am very hesitant on. Yes, they have many very positive reviews, but I also notice that many many of those reviews are from people actually recording mixes. Increasing my hesitation even more is the fact that they are based on the NS10's, which were designed to be excellent crap speakers that would translate to anything. I am not looking for translating speakers, I want the sound to be fantastic to my ear, and it doesn't matter how it sounds on other systems.

I am ok buying on the used or 3rd party market (thanks so much for the suggestion of HelloAudio.com, never saw that place before, it's a cool site!). And I really believe you get what you pay for, especially for music equipment. I know the Adam A7X and the Dynaudio BM5a sound great, they are out of my ideal price range though, and I want something just a little lower on the price totem pole.

i understand your point about the yamahas
but...
read the reviews
i know... and you know....
opinions about speakers are entirely subjective
but.... you'll be hard-pressed to EVER find a NEGATIVE review of the HS80Ms
they give you "TRUE" sound reproduction
even if it's just for YOUR ear.. and never plan on producing anything
but....
as i said above
people have opinions about speakers as strong as those about politics and religion
i think you get the point about that

good luck in your search to find the speakers that are right for YOU

[JPWC]

buy the most expensive set of monitors you can afford.

You need to listen to them yourself.

I want a set of Neumann (~$1500 for the pair), but given the fact my wife wont give me any money or permission I'll stick with what I have. (for now)

KRK 7000B's, JBL 4412A's, Mackie SRM450's, Event PS5's, Optimus XTS-25's

[SanderXpander]

Ok, how about a set of Behringer Truths then? I think they are generally perceived as not being excellent for mixing, but relatively ear-pleasing and they definitely have enough lows even if they're not as well defined as in more serious monitors. Also, the Alesis M1mk2 gets similar comments. Both of those I think are a bit on the cheaper side. But yes, definitely have a listen before you buy anything.

[DennyC]

buy the most expensive set of monitors you can afford.

I want a set of Neumann (~$1500 for the pair), but given the fact my wife wont give me any money or permission I'll stick with what I have. (for now)

KRK 7000B's, JBL 4412A's, Mackie SRM450's, Event PS5's, Optimus XTS-25's

That's exactly why I don't have a JP80 sitting right next to my K61 and my Oasys 76.

[NuSkoolTone]

Hey all, Original Poster here,

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! I will say, I tried the M-Audio BX8's, and really did not like them. I live in an apartment, and at reasonable listening volumes (so I don't disturb the neighbors), the BX8's were just too muddy.
*SNIP*

I know the Adam A7X and the Dynaudio BM5a sound great, they are out of my ideal price range though, and I want something just a little lower on the price totem pole.

Agreed on the BX8. I found them night and day with the BX5a.

Since budget is a concern, I'd recommend the BX5a. They REALLY surprised me for their price range and held up with other speakers I was looking at for twice the money. Only thing that might be worth consideration is a sub as I doubt they'll have a ton of low end. FWIW I think I listened to the last Gen BX5a? It was a few years ago when I was auditioning. Again, this is from a recordist/mixer POV.

Really, the only way you'll know for sure is to take your Kronos to a music store with a Monitor room and ask to patch into their source and then take you in and out of their different monitors. Should be relatively painless.

[Ermak]

Hello,

I'm currently looking for speakers for my Kronos. The speakers should be able to fill my music room at home (20 m^2) with sound. The requirements are

a) the speakers should be small
b) the sound should be high quality - especially for piano sounds if I do not play so loud
c) The speakers are for playing at home only. I do not require ultra loud output.
c) max. budget is $2000

Can you recommend a specific model ?


Regards,

Ermak

[jimknopf]

A pair of Adam A7x will probably be a good choice for you.

[ZenSonic]

How about considering Blue Sky's Prodesk MK3 2.1 ?

[DaveBoulden]

If you were going to be recordiong, I would have recommended the A7X's too, they are what I have in my studio paired with a Sub8. If you specifically want to go for studio monitors that are within your budget, then I would suggest you go and listen to a pair of the Yamaha HS80, I know several people who think they are very good for the money.

However, if you never intend to use them for recording at all and want them purely for listening pleasure, then why not just go for a nice set of HiFi speakers... they are, after all, designed for listening pleasure over "flat" accuracy.... and should suit your budget much better.

[jimknopf]

The funny thing about "ear pleasure" HiFi Speakers is:
After listening a lot with my HS80 monitors and AKG K702 headphones I have really begun to hate that "ear pleasure" sound.

Meanwhile I prefer a neutral sound over anything else, anytime, anywhere, and I couldn't care less about something like the sound of conventional hifi speakers.

[DaveBoulden]

I think you start to miss the fine detail and stereo image accuracy if you use HiFi speakers after being used to good quality nearfield monitors

[nc88keyz]

Scenario: My dad is turning 65 very soon.

We found him a Kronos 88 that he can afford.

We need monitors:

Hes had the BX5as before, we sold them because he wasnt using them anymore. He plays in a small church praise band.

He will not be lugging the Kronos around at 60 lbs. Not an option.

I have BX8as and we both thing they sound very very good for the coin.

I got my bx8as new for 215 last year/pair. Those prices have dried up at least new anyways.


A or B:


BX8a - Like new, on craigslist for around 200. (like two months old)

OR

Behringer B1031A - Found new for 300/pr. shipped.

Since his hearing is probably not as critical as mine.

Should i do the trade to the Behringers and give him my BX8as?

I would be picking up the 75 difference. or so.


This is kind of time sensitive.

I heard the B1031a truths are very nice for the money. I wish we were near GC/ Closet one is like 2 1/2 hours in Raleigh, NC>


Thanks ....love the korgforums.

[JPWC]

I just added a pair of Yamaha HS80M's and a KRK 10" sub to my monitoring system, I dedicated them to the keyboard system, not the recording system

I still use KRK 7000B's, JBL 4412A's, Mackie SRM450's, Event PS5's, Optimus XTS-25's.

The subwoofer sure is cool with the Kronos, even scary at times.

I have mounted the HS10M's close to my Kronos/JP80 stand, on a triangular sound field, typical of near field monitors. I get a real in your face sound. This way I get a truly balanced image while playing the Kronos. This keyboard sounds like a dream! While I can't read the small font display, who cares, my eyes are shut anyway, lost in the Kronos sound.

After about a week of overly loud subwoofer, my studio sound like one of the car from Oaktown, vibrating the trunk and all, I finally turned it down to a reasonable, more balanced volume. Sure is fun. Hope the neibours are too pissed.

[geoelectro]

I just setup my music room with the Kronos as the center piece with Mackie HR824 self-powered monitors. I believe these have been replaced with a new model number at Mackie. Anyway, these are awesome!

Geo

[TiGroove]

go for the Yamaha HS80 on stands..These are perfect in the pricerange..i have them on my Kronos and like them...even standing near to the wall i enjoy the sound..and cannot even use there full potential