Monitor speakers for the home recorder

[Monkey Allen]

Being a newbie in the field of monitor speakers, I have found it really tough to determine what is appropriate for me. I am looking to spend about $500 Australian dollars. I suppose that's about 200pound or 200US.

I am after a set that obviously give unbiased sound, that don't require external power and that would be suitable for a home hobby recorder like myself.

So far I've looked into the Behringer Truth B2030P ($399Aus) set, and the Alesis Monitor 1 MKII's ($469Aus). I have noticed that Mackie seems to be a good brand...at least the prices indicate this. But I can't pay in the thousands, so would the 2 I listed above be about what I could expect? I mean, am I going to do any better in that price range?

Thanks

[HeyHeyMyMy]

Check out the Other Equipment section of this BBS. There have been a myriad of discussions. If you do a search in that forum you should find more opinions that you have time to read. Best of luck!

[scrubs]

Originally Posted by Monkey Allen

Being a newbie in the field of monitor speakers, I have found it really tough to determine what is appropriate for me. I am looking to spend about $500 Australian dollars. I suppose that's about 200pound or 200US.

I am after a set that obviously give unbiased sound, that don't require external power and that would be suitable for a home hobby recorder like myself.

So far I've looked into the Behringer Truth B2030P ($399Aus) set, and the Alesis Monitor 1 MKII's ($469Aus). I have noticed that Mackie seems to be a good brand...at least the prices indicate this. But I can't pay in the thousands, so would the 2 I listed above be about what I could expect? I mean, am I going to do any better in that price range?

Thanks

Do you or do you not have a power amp to run the monitors? Both models you've listed are passive monitors which will require an external amplifier. For passives in your pricerange, those are probably decent choices. Active monitors tend to be more expensive, as they have the amplifier built-in. The only active monitor that is decent in that pricerange, imo, is the M-Audio BX5 (which are about $200 US).

[Simman]

Check out the Wharfedale 8.2 active monitors. I have a set and they are worth twice the money I paid.

[apl]

Also Event 6" or bigger.

[reshp1]

http://emusician.com/mag/emusic_sound_choices/

Take it for what it's worth. Emusician, like most other publications, tend to be a tad too nice when it comes to reviews...
I own the Truth 2032A's, they work well for me. The wharfedales diamonds suggested above get a lot of props here.

[Monkey Allen]

Thanks everyone, I'll be looking around...I don't have a power amp to run monitors. I want to get a self powered set I reckon.

[Markaholic]

look into the KRK'S.
I love my pair...very durable at 16lbs a peice and they can crank when you want them to!

I own the krk rokit 5's and it costed me $300 US dollars new for the pair!

Im amazed these dont sell much higher..you wont be disappointed... and they are self powered too!

[Monkey Allen]

Ok, I am looking into the M-Audio BX5's at the moment. Good reviews everywhere really. I'll check out the others as well. Thanks

[Decipha]

look like nice monitors but looks are deceiving

the only thing that turns me off is the fact that they only have 5 1/4 woofers
im looking for a 6 1/2, besides that it seems to be nice (i likey the price)

[scrubs]

Originally Posted by Decipha

look like nice monitors but looks are deceiving

the only thing that turns me off is the fact that they only have 5 1/4 woofers
im looking for a 6 1/2, besides that it seems to be nice (i likey the price)

The BX5's were ultimately designed to be used with a separate subwoofer. For some stuff (acoustic music), they are fine, as is. However, if you need deep bass, you'll have to get a sub or go with bigger monitors. The BX5's have a steep rolloff below 50Hz. The bass image, in general, is o.k. down to that point, but a little "cardboard" sounding to my ears. The mid and high clarity, as well as the stereo imaging, is very nice considering the pricetag.

[Carter]

Originally Posted by apl

Also Event 6" or bigger.

I second that!

[EizingerIsGod]

I'm using the KRK Rokit 5's as well and if youre willing to front just a little more money than youre saying your budget is you won't be disappointed. You cant go wrong for what these monitors offer.