Diffs between powered and unpowered monitors? Entry-level recommendations < $300?

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easlern

easlern

Boredom artist
Hi guys- I'm sure this gets asked about every other week, but I couldn't find a thread that answered exactly. If I get unpowered monitors, can I just get a generic AC adaptor from Radio Shack to power them? Or does "power" in this case actually mean amplification instead of electricity? Luckily, I do have a decent Aiwa stereo that could probably act as my amplifier, I think (it drives unpowered RCA-type speakers). Also, could anyone recommend entry-level powered or unpowered monitors for under $300? Thanks much!
 
All spealers need an amp. Powered simply means that the amp is integrated as opposed to being external.
 
no, you need to have a speaker amplifier to power them....that's what we mean by "power"

I wouldn't use the Aiwa stereo unless you know the specs for it and whether or not it is suitable for the speakers you want to buy. It's very important to match amplifiers with speakers. You can't just throw any two pieces together and expect them to work perfectly without knowing their specs.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BX5a/
 
I play a mix of acoustic and rock, but nothing hard like metal or anything. I'd like something stable across a wide range of frequencies because I use piano in a lot of stuff. Since the stereo's old and I know nothing about matching specs, I think I'll get powered monitors.
Any recommendations on powered monitors for less than $300? I'd rather hear it from one of you guys than an advertisement. :) Thanks!
 
Why? Everybody has an agenda.

Yorkville YSMp and Wharfdale have their own following, as do the M-Audio BM5A.
 
easlern said:
Any recommendations on powered monitors for less than $300?
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This is one man (with an agenda) speaking, but I find that the KRK Rp5's are splendid little speakers.

They have very good frequency response, yeild mixes that travel well, are not fatiguing to listen to and best of all are powered.

Here's a --- LINK --- to a popular mail order house that has a good deal on them.

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For acoustic and rock music, you might want to check out KRK RP6's.
 
A friend of mine recently picked up some Event PS8s (powered, 8in sub w/tweeter) off of ebay for under $250 with shipping included, and the sound beats any of the KRKs i've ever heard. Of course, i've only listened to the ones at guitar center, and the KRK yellow cones make them especially attractive to those little munchkins who run around the pro audio section, punching speaker cones in. You can easily pick up some event 20/20 bas monitors off of ebay for under $350 - for the price, they're hard to beat.
 
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