Passive/Active monitors

  • Thread starter Thread starter noisedude
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noisedude

noisedude

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Just canvassing some opinions. i've got some DECENT wharfedale hifi speakers, they're certainly not reference quality but they're usable. i have two choices.

1: buy something like a samson servo 170 for them. is this a decent amp and, more importantly, when i later buy some passive monitors am i gonna end up with something less good than if i'd just bought, for e.g., a set of behri truths (no yorkevilles over here)?

2: save for a set of behr truths, or alesis M1As instead.

which is 'better' - i.e. what would you do? basically i don't wanna get something just to be pissed off again in a year.
 
What model Wharfedale do you have? Some models ARE used to monitor in recording. Before you say something like the behr truths, or alesis M1A are better then the Wharfedale's I'd do a side by side comparison, just because something says it's a "studio monitor" doesn't mean it's better then a "HI-FI monitor" expecially in the lower pricerange, Powered or not.
 
they're XP2s and say Linton on the back. i think they go for about 50 - 100 quid second hand, they're not new by any means but i got given them and i have no use for them at this point without an amp of any kind spare.

just trying to see if i can save myself a job. they sound great, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're that great for monitoring! i've not tried testing their response.
 
I have a set of modified Wharfedale Diamond 8.2's that are my secret weapon (whoops!).

Seriously, I don't produce without them. They're a "B" set in my mastering suite, and whenever I'm asked to go to other studios they go with me.

Amazingly good sounding boxes.

The XP series, if I'm not mistaken, was around in the '70's - So, you've probably got some "vintage" monitors there. But hey, if they sound good... Make sure you've got some headroom (just don't use it all!).

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com
 
yeah man they're old old. that they're not up to monitoring was never really in question.

my question really is - shall i get a servo amp (on sale for a givaway right now) or save up for a set of powered ones. i can quite easily get an unpowered pair in due course but if i'd really be better off saving up now then i'll do that instead.
 
If I "had" to choose only one way of monitoring, I'd go with the amp - As long as it's pretty accurate and has enough headroom.

"Most" powered monitors drive me nuts. Certain units should just go away entirely. I won't name names...

At least with an amp and a speaker selector, you can switch over to other monitors. You can use mid-fields AND near-fields with the same amp.

That all said, obviously do some listening and go with your ears and your guts.

Just my two cents.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com
 
my gut feeling is that the samson servos are at giveaway prices near me right now and it leaves me with more options in future.

don't be afraid to name names - that's what the forum's for. at least you've made your profession clear, not like some guys who come on here pimping their own gear without admitting they make money for it!
 
Dude,

> which is 'better' <

There are two very big advantages to powered monitors, assuming the designers did their job well:

1. All else being equal, biamped speakers sound cleaner than those with a passive crossover.

2. When designed properly, biamped speakers can include the cone motion in the power amp's feedback loop, and that can lower distortion dramatically. I don't how many brands and models do this, but the Mackie active speakers work this way.

--Ethan
 
yeah sure but i'm on a real tight budget - i don't need amazing monitors but if getting a samson servo and some passives later is gonna end up loads worse than saving for a set of powereds then i won't do it.

is that what you were saying?
 
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