I need a recommendation please =)

[chipwits]

I have chosen Lynx Aurora 8 and AES 16 for my conversion. Seventh Circle Audio DIY preamps. My mic locker will grow as I can afford; I'll be getting microphones such as ShinyBox, Beyer, SM57's, SM81, Neuman KM184, Rode NT4, AKG C414, AT etc..

Anyways, what would I need for a good monitoring chain? Should I go with self powered/amplified monitor speakers? And would I just plug the analog output of the Lynx directly into them? Or do I want a separate preamp, amplifier and speakers? I want something along the similar line of quality as the other gear I have decided upon (listed above). I looked into the Rokkit powered monitors and they seem affordable but have read that many cannot tolerate them for extended periods of time due to harshness of its highs. I guess I want something that is quality, easy listening to, accurate and affordable if possible; (as you can see I am going with budget high quality items I listed above).

I would like them to also be suitable for general listening of any music; i.e. they, along with my computer, would be my home stereo. I don't own a home stereo and don't see a reason to purchase one since I already have a D/A converter that supersedes 99% of the D/A converters in CD players for home entertainment systems. I am also going to purchase a decent turntable and phonostage preamp, which will also need to be amplified. So if I get the self amplified, powered monitors, I guess I would need to purchase some sort of box to switch the inputs (i.e. Lynx analog out versus turntable). Or perhaps I should be going the seperates route? I.e. separate preamp, amp and monitor speakers, the preamp having at least two switchable input sources (one for Lynx and one for Turntable).

I am clueless what to do. Please help!

Some recommendations would be greaty appreciated since this is a new area of research for me.

[BigRay]

I like using passives with a power amp...I highly reccomend Truth Audio TA-1Ps. They are my "2nd in command" pair of monitors(1st is b+W 802s)


or the blue sky media desk system.<<a lot of people are raving about these on gearslutz...

Originally Posted by chipwits

I have chosen Lynx Aurora 8 and AES 16 for my conversion. Seventh Circle Audio DIY preamps. My mic locker will grow as I can afford; I'll be getting microphones such as ShinyBox, Beyer, SM57's, SM81, Neuman KM184, Rode NT4, AKG C414, AT etc..

Anyways, what would I need for a good monitoring chain? Should I go with self powered/amplified monitor speakers? And would I just plug the analog output of the Lynx directly into them? Or do I want a separate preamp, amplifier and speakers? I want something along the similar line of quality as the other gear I have decided upon (listed above). I looked into the Rokkit powered monitors and they seem affordable but have read that many cannot tolerate them for extended periods of time due to harshness of its highs. I guess I want something that is quality, easy listening to, accurate and affordable if possible; (as you can see I am going with budget high quality items I listed above).

I would like them to also be suitable for general listening of any music; i.e. they, along with my computer, would be my home stereo. I don't own a home stereo and don't see a reason to purchase one since I already have a D/A converter that supersedes 99% of the D/A converters in CD players for home entertainment systems. I am also going to purchase a decent turntable and phonostage preamp, which will also need to be amplified. So if I get the self amplified, powered monitors, I guess I would need to purchase some sort of box to switch the inputs (i.e. Lynx analog out versus turntable). Or perhaps I should be going the seperates route? I.e. separate preamp, amp and monitor speakers, the preamp having at least two switchable input sources (one for Lynx and one for Turntable).

I am clueless what to do. Please help!

Some recommendations would be greaty appreciated since this is a new area of research for me.

[SRR]

For volume control and signal routing look into the presonus central station (most places seem to be giving away the remote for it) and the mackie big knob.

[xstatic]

BigRays reccomendation for the Truth Audio monitors is an excellent one. They are a great value for the money. Personally I love my Dynaudio's, but a I nearly purchased the truths at one point also. The only reason I didn't is that the company seemed to be and still seems to be in a bit of disarray, but they have for years and are still trucking along. I also second the passive suggestion. I have always liked passive better whether it be for the studio or for live. There are of course a few exceptions, but those are also pretty expensive.

[chipwits]

Ok I think I've decided on the Truth Audio TP-A1's and for my "Audiophile" control center (%100 passive, absolutely no modifcation of signal): TRS patch bay and 2 patch cables.. seems to make sense to me. I'll use my 4 channel rolls headphone amplifier for when I record. Will just patch to headphone amp instead of preamp inputs.

Now, I just need help with deciding on an affordable "quality" preamp and amp. Oh btw, the Truth Audio speakers.. do they have balanced inputs? Or does my question not make sense? I think I recall seeing balanced inputs on passive speakers before. I would definitely want my preamp to at least have balanced inputs; I don't know if the amplifier/speakers needs balanced or not. Also, I'd want the preamp/amp to be rackmountable; or I could use a rack shelf if there are some unbelievable non-rackmountable deals.

Recommendations would be so much appreciated.

Thanks!
James

[chipwits]

I moved my question about preamp/amp recommendations for passive speakers to the following thread:

http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/sho...d.php?t=214561