Monitor Poll: M-A BX5A, Alesis M1 520, KRK RP5 Rockit

[SMX_Dizzy]

Well, I might get my monitors sooner than when I start my studio. So here's a poll for you to tell me which is the best deal.

1) M-Audio BX5A pair with Auralex MoPads = $299
2) Alesis M1 520 pair ($260) + Auralex MoPads ($35) = $295
3) 2x KRK RP5 Rockits ($300) + Auralex MoPads ($35) = $335

Which would you recommend me get?

[SMX_Dizzy]

People seem to like the KRK's better than the M-Audio's, is there a real reason why? What's so much better about the KRK's?

[fraserhutch]

This is not a valid poll - there's no Behringer in the options.

[FajitaTone]

Let your ears decide... don't buy monitors without hearing them first.

[HollowMan1975]

Originally Posted by SMX_Dizzy

People seem to like the KRK's better than the M-Audio's, is there a real reason why? What's so much better about the KRK's?

The M-Audio monitors are not realistically flat. They sound super scooped in the bass. I A/B'd about a dozen a couple months ago for damn near an hour. I ended up with KRK RP8's. The RP5's should be fine, and you can always the sub later if you feel you need it.

Skip the expensive isolation foam pads, they're a waste of money. There should be umpteen million items around your dwelling you can sit them on that will cost you nothing and do the same job. I had a couple unused bar stools with cushy pull-over tops on the seats (as fancy as it sounds) that otherwise were collecting dust. I put them at the rear corners of my desk and plopped the monitors down on them. Shazam: instant desk space and isolation, all in one.

[SMX_Dizzy]

I guess then I'll try all three of those choices out soon.

[RAK]

After doing some comparison shopping when I was looking for monitors, I ended up with the KRK RP8. For me, they were worth it over the RP5. Just thought I'd throw that into the pot.

[gummblefish]

I would also add Event TR's in there as well

[SMX_Dizzy]

I actually got a chance to listen to both the BX5A's and the RP5's today...I think I'm going with the RP5's. They're really clear and sound amazing for such small monitors. I think that they're a great deal for $300. When they're on and nothings happening, they're silent whereas the BX5A's have a little hiss that you can hear when you get close (my stereo speakers do this too, I have my stereo on aux. from my Audiophile 2496).

[zradioman]

+1 for the KRK's

realistic bass and sizzlin hot highs!
never had a mix that didn't transfer well. . .

not sure if you need the aurlex pads. . .don't krks have them built in?

[MessianicDreams]

Originally Posted by zradioman

+1 for the KRK's

realistic bass and sizzlin hot highs!
never had a mix that didn't transfer well. . .

not sure if you need the aurlex pads. . .don't krks have them built in?

Whilst i'm sure we all appreciate your input, considering that he posted in Oct'06 that he bought the KRKs...i doubt your opinion will have beeen that useful!

[Raxy]

KRK all the way.

Threads never die. Some one else will learn something years after the fact.

[Guitarer]

And that someone is right here

I was pretty much dead set on the BX5a's, I'll be sure to check out those KRKs now.

[mrhotapples]

It can almost go undisputed in every crowd that the RP5s are the best deal for the price. I've A/B'd stuff up to HR824s against these and I'm sold that you're gonna need to pay at least 400 a monitor to beat the RP5s clarity and how flat they really are.

[prestomation]

Originally Posted by fraserhutch

This is not a valid poll - there's no Behringer in the options.

While Fraser is kidding(I think), I actually (puts on flamesuit) bought the berry's. Their 8" monitors are the same price as those 5"'ers. I rather like them.

[Carny1122]

Originally Posted by RAK

After doing some comparison shopping when I was looking for monitors, I ended up with the KRK RP8. For me, they were worth it over the RP5. Just thought I'd throw that into the pot.

Ditto. Go with the bigger ones, even if you don't end up crankin' the hell out of 'em, you've still got the power and the bass that's there...I think that, in itself, is better than having to add in a sub later and not have enough power. Spend your money now, save in the long run. That's how I think of it

[Anomaly Design]

I'm set on the KRK RP5's but I don't know what the difference is with the new G2's that just came out (except for the curved edges for diffraction). Someone local is selling the Gen 1 version for $225. Who thinks thats a good deal?

[travisisgood]

225 for each?

[Anomaly Design]

Originally Posted by travisisgood

225 for each?

Noooo lol for both. Mint condition supposedly. Are the old versions worth that much? Are the new ones even any better?

[travisisgood]

yeah I'd say go for it, i mean most of the ones I've seen up for sale either on the internet or in some music stores are like minimum 350.

[Monkey Allen]

Originally Posted by SMX_Dizzy

People seem to like the KRK's better than the M-Audio's, is there a real reason why? What's so much better about the KRK's?

It's because rockets are cool...like a spaceship and people want to drive them...like astronauts

[Bguzaldo]

Originally Posted by HollowMan1975

Skip the expensive isolation foam pads, they're a waste of money. There should be umpteen million items around your dwelling you can sit them on that will cost you nothing and do the same job. I had a couple unused bar stools with cushy pull-over tops on the seats (as fancy as it sounds) that otherwise were collecting dust. I put them at the rear corners of my desk and plopped the monitors down on them. Shazam: instant desk space and isolation, all in one.

+1 I stole a bunch of mouse pads from my school and those usually do the trick.

[sozaye1]

Krk has their speakers sweetend. When I say sweet I mean they cut out the mid range and leave the bass and highs. Which means when you playback you cant hear some discrepancies in your instruments and vocals. They are not recommended for mixing, go to the music store and compare them your self.

As far as M-audio, straight crap. Dont think because they are popular they are good, trust your ears. The best monitors in a budget price range are the yamaha Hs50m or the Mackie Mr5's. You hear every frequency from these monitors.

[xyrium]

Originally Posted by HollowMan1975

The M-Audio monitors are not realistically flat. They sound super scooped in the bass. I A/B'd about a dozen a couple months ago for damn near an hour. I ended up with KRK RP8's. The RP5's should be fine, and you can always the sub later if you feel you need it.

Skip the expensive isolation foam pads, they're a waste of money. There should be umpteen million items around your dwelling you can sit them on that will cost you nothing and do the same job. I had a couple unused bar stools with cushy pull-over tops on the seats (as fancy as it sounds) that otherwise were collecting dust. I put them at the rear corners of my desk and plopped the monitors down on them. Shazam: instant desk space and isolation, all in one.

I believe the isolation pads also perform absorption of early reflections if you're not placing these on stands.

[darrin_h2000]

Originally Posted by sozaye1

Krk has their speakers sweetend. When I say sweet I mean they cut out the mid range and leave the bass and highs. Which means when you playback you cant hear some discrepancies in your instruments and vocals. They are not recommended for mixing, go to the music store and compare them your self.

As far as M-audio, straight crap. Dont think because they are popular they are good, trust your ears. The best monitors in a budget price range are the yamaha Hs50m or the Mackie Mr5's. You hear every frequency from these monitors.

I agree...if you are choosing things you have to consider that there is a reason why some equipment is used in real pro studios and some is not...if the cheapo stuff was good enough everyone would use it.