Another Annoying Request for Budget Monitor Opinions

[emptyframe]

My apologies. I realize there are several hundred posts concerning budget monitors. But I feel my question is slightly different.

I have approximately $300-$500 to spend. I went to Guitar Center with my 5+ well-known recordings. Just about everything in this price range sounds awesome compared to the shitty home stereo I'm mixing with now. I was able to test the following: KRK RP5, KRK vxt4, JBL lsr2325p, Mackie mr5, Yamaha HS-50m.

Based on what I heard in the store: The RP5s seemed to have phony bass like a souped-up car-system, the Mackie's were lacking in high-end detail, the Yamaha's were extremely detailed but not fun to listen to. The KRK vxt 4 and JBL LSR2325p sounded pretty alright.

Based on what I've read, I'm also considering the Tascam VL-A5s and the Yamaha MSP5s. Seems, from what I've read, that the Yamaha's are the only speakers with universal approval. Unfortunately, I have no way of testing them.

My room is not treated. I don't make beats and don't need ridiculous huge bass.

What I'm wondering is this: Are the Yamaha MSP5s fun to listen to? For an audio illiterate like me, will the added detail really make a difference? I make avant-garde and "computer" music that involves lots of experimentation, editing, and time. I'm collaging live acoustic instrument improvisations with "field recordings" and heavily processed tracks involving lots of time-stretching, granular synthesis, and special effects. I spend lots of time trying everything and "playing" with sounds. My monitors must be something that is fun and inspiring to listen to for hours on end. I've read the rave reviews of the Tascam units, but have also heard that mixes made on them don't "translate well" . I've read the rave reviews of the Yamaha MSP5, but have also heard they are high-end heavy and fatiguing to listen to. If the HS-50m is any indication of the "Yamaha sound" then maybe I should steer clear of Yamahas altogether. I would gladly give up a bit of accuracy/transparency in trade for a speaker that is fun to listen to. The JBLs and VXT4s were, to my naive ears, perfectly capable of producing the sort of sound I need. Since everything sounds good, should I just go with either, or will the MSP5s really yield results that are that much more impressive? Another thing: Do you think the VXT4s really sound twice as good as the RP5s (as the prices would suggest)?

It should be noted that I am not a professional and will probably never be making recordings for money. I need to find a monitor that yields good mixes, but is also inspiring and fun to work with. It's frustrating how many decent and even great options there are at this price. It's difficult not to over-research the monitor decision.

I am looking for monitors that represent the best compromise between: (A) non-fatiguing and inspiring and (B) results in a decent mix. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[moresound]

Just one quick question. What do you mean when you say "not fun to listen to"when you spoke of the yamaha HS-50m ?

 

[DrewUberAlles]

I like the KrK, Mackies, and surprisingly Behringer.

I always thought Behringer made cheap sketchy equipment but I really enjoy working with their monitors.

Also dont mess with passive monitors just get active.

 

[emptyframe]

A reasonable question moresound. "Fun to listen to" is not a terribly concrete description.

The Yamaha HS-50ms, while extremely revealing, sound more like a surgical device than a musical one. I realize that in many instances, this would be considered a strength, especially when quick/decisive mixing choices must be made, but I'm not certain it suits my style of working. The KRK Vxt4s, in contrast, sounded smooth, alive, musical, emotional even. I would not hesitate to use them for everyday music listening. I suppose this is the reason some call the KRKs glorified hi-fi speakers. I'm wondering, though, if this sort of speaker would be more suited to my process, which involves lots of listening, re-arranging, building up compositions from many disparate recordings. Not to sound corny, but: I need to be able to feel the music, to have emotional contact with it during the editing process. Most of my editing is done by feel. I need to synchronize my ear/brain with the rhythm of the cuts, much like a film editor.

I worry that the Yamahas, while more precise, will actually hinder my ability to work in this way. Is this a valid concern? What I'm looking for is something that is both pleasant to listen and precise enough to mix with. Can these qualities co-exist?

 

[philbagg]

KRK Rokit 5's, they sound phenomenal for their price. I got mine the other day,
finally getting around to giving them a good listen, and am loving it!

If you're anywhere in Europe, take a look at this:
http://www.thomann.de/index.html?partner_id=97926&page=ie/krk_rp5_rokit_g2_bundle.htm

If you're across the pond (or somewhere else for that matter), you should be
able to find a good deal on these. KRK's are some of the most popular monitor
choices for home recorders because they're cheap and don't sound it.

Jeez, sounds like I'm advertising for them.

Seriously though, I don't regret buying these at all.

 

[emptyframe]

First of all, thanks to everyone for all the advice. I still haven't quite made my decision, but feel very close. Most likely it'll be one of these: Yamaha MSP5, KRK V4, or KRK V6. In the used market, all an be found for $300-$450.

V4: I heard and really liked the sound of the VXT4s. I mix at relatively low levels in a small, untreated room. Am I right in assuming that the smaller speakers will pose the least amount of trouble acoustically in such a space?

V6: Although I really like the sound of the V4s, there is some concern about bass response. The larger speaker in the V6 would seem to solve this problem. My only worry is that these might not perform as well at lower volumes in my relatively small, untreated room. Might these be overpowered for my purposes?

MSP5: From what I've read, these may be the most precise in the price range. However, I didn't exactly enjoy my experience with HS-50Ms. As a compromise, I may try to get a pair of these and a pair of KRKs for side-by-side comparison... then sell whichever I decide against.

 

[adamvelvetu]

well, to some extent (and you're probably already aware) you do want a larger space so that the sound isn't getting too colored and you're not getting a ton of reflections...so i think the untreated aspect is a good one. i just got some studiophile av-40s for christmas and really like the results.

 

[jeffree]

Hey Empty, I can relate to your thoughts about being inspired during the mixing process. I look for that, too, since my home studio is mainly for fun, for creating stuff I don't normally record when I sometimes play in pro studios. I play at home to let go.

I really don't have anything specific to add--never used a KRK but a ton of folks here like them. I did want to mention, though, that I read every mag/online monitor review I can find. (For some weird reason, I always enjoy monitor reviews.) From your list, and from what I've read, and if I were looking, I'd definitely focus on the Yam MSP5 and Mackie MR5. The Yam MSP5 has really excelled in blind monitor shoot-outs, even hitting top honors in its price range in one big event (Future Music mag). And the Mackie MR5 has gotten the kinds of nuanced reviews that really to speak to me. The one in Tape Op mag last year was particularly positive... in fact, the engineer bought the review pair for his wife's project studio. He liked them that much. That's all I know, except that the new JBLs look killer on paper. Haven't heard or read a thing about them, though.