Bloodsoaked said:
What is the least you would spend on a good pair of monitors?
Peter
When I've saved enough, spent it, and am happy with my decision, I'll let you know.
Fwiw, the monitors I have now are'nt bad and are probably better than most in their price range but I do want something better. Art SLM-1's (same as Yorkville YSM-1 I'm told) with Art SLA-2 amp. $200 for the speakers (new) and $150 for the amp (used). I still have a pair of Wharf 8.2a's also. I tried two amps with the SLM-1's........the Art SLA-2 and the Hafler TA1600. There's an enourmous sonic difference in the amps. Here's what I think about the speakers and amps:
SLM-1's = good bass for 6 1/2's with pretty decent low extension, fairly neutral mids, slightly hyped hi's (maybe it's upper mids?) that make some guitars sound kind of fizzy, good stereo imaging when setup properly, can double as entertainment speakers.
8.2a's = sloppy bass and no low extension, hyped mids that bring vocals upfront (sounds good but I hate the result), very neutral hi's, good imaging that's pretty forgiving of placement and room, not very good for entertainment listening.
SLA-2 = good sounding and electronically quiet amp all round but it has an irritating little cooling fan that I hate which is about as loud as a small pc cooling fan.
TA1600 = thin bass, low power, imaging is'nt so great (maybe mine's defective but I don't think so) i'm gonna try it out again when i get my room straightened out. i forsee it going to ebay though.
For what I spent on all this cheap ass skanky gear, I could have some worthy monitors sitting in front of me.
I say save your doh bro. If you absolutely must get something with your $200, get yourself a good set of headphones so that you can at least hear what you're tracking and keep saving for the monitors. Or, if you happen to have a decent amp or stereo receiver that you could use, you could get the SLM-1's for $200 which are good for the money. Either way, I'd want a decent set of phones first. You can always remix well recorded tracks.
