Topic: Suggestions for Near Field Monitors?

[jlykos]

You may want to look at the Focal cms series as well.  I think that they would serve your purposes and the reviews that I read were glowing.

[Jimna]

Focal doesnt make much that isnt great.

[Chilly Brioschi]

... and the highs are not as hyped as many dome tweeters I've heard, especially the metal domes.

I have never heard a metal dome tweeter which I liked... ever.

[Gutbucket]

I used to hold the same bias, being an old Infinity EMIT guy for years. Yet my current speakers have metal dome tweets and they are more neutral  and balanced than the EMITs were if not ultimately as 'airy' (which may have been an artificial euphonic thing anyway).  I'd like to hear the Adams or other ribbon tweet designs.

[Chilly Brioschi]

I used to hold the same bias, being an old Infinity EMIT guy for years. Yet my current speakers have metal dome tweets and they are more neutral  and balanced than the EMITs were if not ultimately as 'airy' (which may have been an artificial euphonic thing anyway).  I'd like to hear the Adams or other ribbon tweet designs.

I grew up on silk domes and probably have become acclimated to the break-up that soft domes have.
my latest tweeters are probably some synthetic cloth, and then there are the planars at the office which are really easy on my aging ears.

What speakers are rocking the metal domes which you like, ... B&W's ?   

[Gutbucket]

Yep, late 90's era 802 Matrix 3's.  Haven't heard much newer stuff, B&W or otherwise, but was turned off by many other metal dome designs of the 80's and 90's.  I usually prefered the smoothness of fabric domes back then, except for the the EMITS who's extention wow'd me with a clarity I'd never heard before, and also their old foam domes in some of the lesser models I directed a few friends to.  Those sounded pretty much like fabric domes.  If anything these 802-M3's tend towards a slightly rolled off top in comparison with my old Infinity RS4B's, but the midrange is much more clear and open and the overal integration better.

[ArchivalAudio]

so...
I have liked all the conversations thus far.
Some suggestions point to "active aka powered monitors, which would be sweet.
I would say i am trying to do this on the cheap, and active monitors are just plain more expensive.
I figure even if it's not optimal I have an amp that can power the monitors. In the future I can add a powered sub to enhance the bass response.  ( maybe I am just being cheap?)

I am currently leaning toward the KRK R6 6" Two-Way Passive Nearfield Monitor
as they have had stellar reviews and seem like a nice monitor.
Specs form B & H :

Low Frequency Driver    6" (152mm) Glass Aramid Composite Cone Woofer
High Frequency Driver    1" (25mm) Neodymium Soft Dome Tweeter
Crossover    2.5kHz, 2nd Order
Frequency Range    49Hz - 20kHz ±2dB
Impedance    8 Ohms
Maximum Power Handling    100W
Sensitivity    87dB (1W @ 1 m)
Controls and Indicators    Not Specified by Manufacturer
Connectors    Gold-Plated 5-Way Binding Post Inputs
Shielded    Yes
Dimensions (HxWxD)    12.7 x 8.9 x 10.5" (311 x 225 x 266mm)
Weight    15.5 lbs (7kg)

or may be the Tannoy Reveal 601P 6.5" Passive 2-Way Studio Monitor

Specs from B & H

Type    Passive, Bass-Reflex
Low Frequency Driver    6.5" (165mm) Multi-Fiber Pulp Paper Cone
High Frequency Driver    1" (25mm) Soft Dome Tweeter with Neodymium Magnet System
Dispersion    90°
Crossover    2.3kHz
Frequency Range    63Hz - 30kHz
Maximum Amplifier Power    50-100W RMS Into 8 Ohms (50W Average, 100W Program Power Handling)
Impedance    8 Ohms
Sensitivity    89dB
Distortion    < 0.6%
Controls and Indicators    1 x HF Trim Control (±1.5dB @ 2.3kHz)
Connectors    2 x Wire Terminals (Positive/Negative)
Construction    MDF Cabinet with Injection Molded Front Baffle, Black Fine Texture Finish
Shielded    No
Dimensions (HxWxD)    13.4 x 8.3 x 10.7" (341 x 210 x 273mm)
Weight    13.7 lbs (6.2kg)

however

I'm wondering if any one has had experience with either or preferably both?
the KRK's seem to have some slightly better?

 but I'M STILL NOT CONVINCED YET.

any more input or ideas on some passive monitors?

thanks

_-Ian

[Chilly Brioschi]

I have always liked the old Tannoy Reveals, which are available as passive or active.
Not much experience with the KRKs

I also have much love for the Dynaudio and the venerable Spendor, but both are usually found in commercial environments.

[ArchivalAudio]

I have always liked the old Tannoy Reveals, which are available as passive or active.
Not much experience with the KRKs

I also have much love for the Dynaudio and the venerable Spendor, but both are usually found in commercial environments.

^^^ thank you so much for your input!

[OOK]

I have the KRK6 gen2......powered.  I love them.  They can be a little bright but you can adjust the tweeter via rotary switch on the back.  You have a choice of -2db, -1db, 0db, +1db  They can kick some bass too for a small speaker. Best bang for the buck in terms of monitors, but that is just my opinion.  peace  ook

[tcf]

We use the spendor with good success. Highly recommended for mixing acoustic based music such as classical. It is one of the flattest monitors I've heard, for better or worse.

[ArchivalAudio]

We use the spendor with good success. Highly recommended for mixing acoustic based music such as classical. It is one of the flattest monitors I've heard, for better or worse.

Can you point me to a model number?
I'll try googling and see what I come up with...
thanx

[ArchivalAudio]

I have the KRK6 gen2......powered.  I love them.  They can be a little bright but you can adjust the tweeter via rotary switch on the back.  You have a choice of -2db, -1db, 0db, +1db  They can kick some bass too for a small speaker. Best bang for the buck in terms of monitors, but that is just my opinion.  peace  ook

Nice  Thanx for the feedback - That is on par with reviews I have read, and seen...

[Red Boink]

Might want to watch for a pair of HHB circle 5 or circle 3s.