ALP 5 monitors

[jaz49]

I got my new ALP5's a few weeks ago and since I've never had a chance to hear any 'high end' monitors, I'm wondering how the ALP5's would compare in terms of frequency balance. To my ears the mids sound pretty forward and a bit harsh, though a couple of reviews in respected music publications gave them a big thumbs up. I also use akg k240DF headphones which are the high end k240's which are out of production for a number of years. They were engineered to have a very flat/neutral frequency response. The ALP5's definitely have more forward and harsh mids than the 240DF's. Has anyone compared them to some more high end studio monitors? Don't get me wrong though, I like them. It's just the comparison to my headphones that's got me wondering.

[thane1200]

Originally Posted by jaz49

It's just the comparison to my headphones that's got me wondering.

Headphones DO NOT compare to nearfield monitors!

[Chili]

I've got the ALP5's also and like them. I don't like the lack of bass response, but I can work with it. I haven't noticed any harshness, but I haven't had a good chance to really compare with other monitors. I did get to listen to them side by side with KRK's, Behringers and Samsons when i was shopping around. They were comparable to the KRK 5" and noticeably better than either the Behringer or Samson 6 inch monitors. However, a store setting is the worst environment to be comparing speakers. Especially someplace like GC or Sam Ash.

I've read one review that said they are similar in nature to the Yamaha NS-10's, where if you can mix on these, they will translate to anything. Don't know how true that is....

Nice to see someone else with them, I thought I was the only one.

[jaz49]

Thanks for the feedback Chili. I like them too...maybe my headphones are too warm and smooth. That's the issue...I don't know which are telling me the truth about my mixes. I corresponded with a guy who has his own mastering studio, and he claims the k240DF are very flat/neutral. He uses high end AKG 702's and high end monitors, so it sounds like he knows what he's talking about. If the DF's are flat then the Alp5's have a somewhat forward midrange. I wish I could compare them to some high end genelecs or something like that. I have some sony mdr-v6 headphones which are a lot more harsh and hyped in the upper mids than the k240's. The speakers lie somewhere in the middle...more harsh and forward than the DF's and a little warmer and smoother than the mdr-v6s.

[buryher17]

I have a pair of ALP 5's and love them. Granted, i'm comparing them to my edirol 10's... I haven't compared them to other high end monitors other than the KRK's (which I personally HATE).

I think the ALP 5's are amazing just because it plays exactly what is recorded. There isn't much bass response, but that's what a sub is for. I know they won't compare to other high end one's like the JBL's but for the price, you can't beat it.

I got my pair for $115 new, but i think they sell for about $120 each. They missold me mine and only charged me for one speaker and let it go (great customer service hu?)

[jaz49]

Now that's a deal! I got a gently used pair for $120 including monster cables! Also, a pretty good deal, eh They usually go for around $150 ea. new

[Chili]

Originally Posted by buryher17

I got my pair for $115 new...

Originally Posted by jaz49

Now that's a deal! I got a gently used pair for $120 including monster cables!

Yeah, I'm feeling a little ripped off. I paid full price. But that's okay, I still think they are great monitors.

[jaz49]

I'd love to know if anyone has tested these next to some real high end monitors...and how they compared. In comparison to some very high quality studio headphones they seem a bit forward and harsh in the mids...but the detail is great. Overall I'm very pleased with them.