Topic: Recommend me some nearfield monitors

[nangillala]

Hi,
currently I'm looking to get a pair of decent nearfield monitors.
A bandmate owns the KRK Rockit RP5 G2 (5" woofers) and I think they sound pretty good. I like the stereo image and the control over the mids, which is ok. What I don't like is the missing bass.

I would like to avoid buying a subwoofer, but thought about getting bigger speakers. So here are a few options I was thinking about:

- KRK Rockit RP8 G2: These should present what I liked about the speakers of my friend, but with a deeper bass, right? (229€)
- Yamaha HS80M: Never heard them in person but read good review (239€)
- Adam A7: Heard them some years ago and was really blown away. But the friend who owns them thinks about buying a sub now, too... (375€)
- KS digital C5 tiny: These are 5" woofers again, but I read a review in a magazine, that these produce enough bass for the nearfield category and they where compared to other monitors in that price range (525€)

I don't want a sub because of the space it takes, but if that's the only way to go I may consider it.

I will be working nearfield only and don't need a lot of volume. From time to time I want to listen to music with these (so not just mixing).

My room isn't acoustically treated in any way but sounds really ok and has no annoying frequencies going on.

Maybe someone of you has got some experience or tips. You can always suggest other monitors, this was just my pre-selection based on reviews or personal knowledge (as described above).

[anodyne33]

You know, it's been a long time since I've heard them but way back in the day I had a friend with a set of Alesis Monitor Ones that were awesome in his dorm room. Plenty of bass out of a small speaker.

[nangillala]

Hi Anodyne,
thanks for the reply.

I forgot to mention, that I'm looking for active monitors.
I can find some other Alesis Monitors, but they seem to have a lot of gadgets in 'em (like USB audio interfaces or ipod docks) and I just want monitors (while I looooove gadgets )

[rastasean]

if you are willing to spend $200-400 per speaker, you should set aside some money to acoustically treat your room as well. maybe you were planning on doing that.

[nangillala]

Hi rastasean,
actually the sound in my current room is ok. Sure, it's not optimal, but I can't see any problems. That may come with the new monitors and I think I'd be willing to spend some money on room treatment then, yes. The problem is, that I may move at the end of the year and have no idea what the new room will sound like. But because all that isn't carved in stone yet I thought I better start off with a pair of good speakers.

[live2496]

I have some HS50M's which is in the same family.

I would say the HS80M's would be great for your purpose and they go as low as 42 Hz. That's comparable to my older EV MS-802's (unpowered monitors) and I don't really need a subwoofer with them. Still I use one anyway. If there's some ultra low bass on the recording I want to know about it.

The subwoofer would be nice but if you can't accomodate one in your available space I think the HS80M's should do nicely.  I don't know if you even considered HS50M's but you would definitely need a subwoofer with them.

[momule]

Ive been mixing/listening on the Alesis M1 active 620's for a couple years now.  I picked up a refurbished pair for $180 off ebay.   I find them to be very accurate and very realistic. The 520's are a bit smaller if you have a smaller desk.  However they do not produce the mids or bottom end nearly as realistically as the 620's IMO.   If you can afford it and have the space go with the 620's they are worth the extra $ IMO.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Alesis-M1-Active-520-Pair-Active-Studio-Monitors-NEW-/200509349089?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0

 

[nangillala]

Thanks for your suggestions.
The Alesis 620 would fit my budget nicely. They cost about 300€ here in Germany. The Yamahas (HS80M) for example cost around 500€.
I read some reviews about the Yamahas and the bass frequencies seem to fit the taste of some people, but others really dislike it. I think I have to try some out

[weroflu]

i think a lot of people here would be interested in the microlab monitors.

they are chinese built... BUT it was in collaboration with an ex dynaudio designer. they aren't popular or readily available in the states, but more so in canada or europe. i think i have the 6.5 inch woofer model. they are powered well and sound great to my ears especially for silly low cost.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

i think a lot of people here would be interested in the microlab monitors.

they are chinese built... BUT it was in collaboration with an ex dynaudio designer. they aren't popular or readily available in the states, but more so in canada or europe. i think i have the 6.5 inch woofer model. they are powered well and sound great to my ears especially for silly low cost.

These look interesting. Any links to where they can be purchased online? Canada preferred if US isn't available.

[andromedanwarmachine]

would you rule out Genelec 1029As...?

I don't think you can go past them... (personally)

[weroflu]

sorry no idea where to buy them. here is a review of the solo 6...

http://www.modsynergy.com/review175.html

i only found this one review before i bought mine, but it turned out to be a good purchase. they warmed up A LOT after burn in.

perhaps scour canadian ebay or they might pop up on u.s. ebay.

[jmz93]

Hi there.

About room treatment: Bass traps and absorption/diffusion pannels can be moved around easily, moved to your new location if you move etc. 

I wouldn't rule out room treatment - what you think may be nothing too bad, may just be "I'm totally used to how this room sounds".  i.e. you've adapted over time.

FFT analysis software is free - rent a good flat reference mic and try some test tone sweeps or whatever from your primary listening position. you may be hshocked at the results.

Sorry, I don't have active monitor recommendations though. I'm looking for passives, and without much low frequency extension. I'd rather have something unported that stays accurate to 60-70 HZ, then something that extends much further down, but looses focus.

I'm considering Acoustic Energy AE22's, but can't for the life of me find a Canadian dealer. The only one listed on AE's site isn't getting back to me.
By the way, AE make an active version of the AE22 that also includes some switchable EQ.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/may08/articles/acousticenergyae22.htm
for a review and some on the design philosophy.