Studio monitor recommendations??

[XZit]

I know theres tons of information regarding this topic, but I was hoping someone could just give me say their personal favorite top five studio monitors in the $100-$200 range (for the set).

Currently I'm using some inexpensive sony "monitors" https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shop ... l&usqp=CAY and some powerful huge 15" sub sansui 3 way speakers for some added bass.
I need something thats more flat sounding, cause obviously right now I'm getting a lot of bass, and all my speakers are passive so they are running through an amp--so I have so many variables to deal with in eqing and mastering of tracks---the computers volume, the volume of the program I'm using (i.e. reason 7 and the volume of each individual instrument/drum), the input into my mixer volume and gain, and then of course the volume and bass/treble on the amp!) I have the bass turned down a little bit from the midway point to try and cut out excessive bass, yet my monitor speaker setup is obviously not ideal. I would love a good pair of monitors so I can eq and master appropriately, but still has a good punch to it for the low end and doesn't sound weak.
Active monitors would be preferred.

As far as my studio space its a small rectangular room, dedicated for music production (I likely need to get some acoustic foam also).

I have read tons of information, and theres so much stuff online so thats why I'm hoping someone on here could just give me the quick and dirty in their personal feelings towards some studio monitors, personal experiance, feedback etc. Then I'll take the recommendations and research those monitors more extensively.


Thanks so much!

[Stab Frenzy]

Save up some more money and get something decent, there's nothing in that price range that's good.

[XZit]

Save up some more money and get something decent, there's nothing in that price range that's good.

Well suggestions?

[Stab Frenzy]

Yamaha MSP5 Studio or MSP7 Studio are great choices on a budget. The Equator Audio D5 is also fantastic value for money.

You should also make sure that you do invest in some acoustic treatment, and have a think about how placement of furniture and things in your studio is going to effect acoustics. That makes a very big difference.

[zoomtheline]

I recently, well over a couple of year period I have been researching monitors for a low budget. Trouble is, low budget is really £300-£500. Anything below that and you're not really getting anything worth mixing on.
These are the main ones I tried, can't remember all the models but can vaguely remember what I liked and disliked.
Tannoy: Seemed muddy, not great stereo clarity.
Yamaha: Sounded ok but not amazing.
KRK: Horrible, just horrible.
Genelec: meh, struggled to see the genelec hype but they were bottom of the range
Samson: hmmm, wasn't sure. Heard real good things about the Rubicon but have not tried them.
Mackie: Ok again but not amazing, sounded like typical stereo speakers if that makes sense?
Adam: I chose these as they were clear and everything seemed to have it's place, stereo image was better than all the others. Sounded smooth, easy on the ear, but not processed.

I am really inexperienced when it comes to monitors but I knew what I liked and what I didn't.
I'd save up a little and do some tests of your own.

[tomorrowstops]

Hey now, guys....

I spent years on a pair of cheap Behringers. The key was that I listened not only to my music and mixes on them, but EVERYTHING else as well. Its all about reference. Yes, the Behringers weren't the most pleasant sounding, and were fairly fatiguing at times. And yes, my Adam A7X's RULE. But seriously, I don't regret working on the Behringers for a second. You can find the 2030a's for $300 new or closer to your budget used. I think they're a great speaker for the price!!

[zoomtheline]

Agree, I'm not getting rid of the £150 Carrilon Am05's that I have used for donkeys years, they did me good.
But, the difference is great between these monitors so why not save a bit more and skip over that time. You're going want/need to upgrade sooner or later anyway.
Better monitors will/have made a difference already for me. Why not skip straight to hearing everything better.

Maybe I sounded harsh with "Anything below that and you're not really getting anything worth mixing on". Didn't mean to. Cheaper monitors have their place and I still consider my upgrade to be "budget".

[XZit]

Thanks for replies so far everyone. Greatly appreciated! Studio monitors seems to essentially be one of the most important things for studio development.
One thing I know the active studio monitors will help me with is taking the amp out of the picture, as trying to get sound levels correct on: software program-computer levels-hardware/synth levels-mixer levels and then amp levels is crazy! Lol
It looks like bumping the budget up Is obviously a good idea
I'm also keeping my eye on craigslist as I've seen a lot of good monitors go up on there including Adams and a lot of yahamas. Locally I've seen a lot of event 20/20s and yahama hs5s go for about $200 for a set. Opinions on these?

[Stab Frenzy]

The hs50s don't sound that good to me, they lack the detail and precision of the msp5s. Used to have both in a studio I used to work for.

Haven't ever used the 20/20s so couldn't give you an opinion on them.

[sequentialsoftshock]

I'll out a rec in for the Adam A7's. I owned the original not X's, but I assume they're just as good.

[XZit]

Wanted to do a quick bump on this thread and thank the people that have provided excellent information so far.

Do you guys have a good suggestion for sites to purchase monitors off of? Craigslist, eBay, other? Obviously I would want to aim for as least expensive as possible.

Main thing is that they are active monitors as I don't want to have to fuss with the amps levels.



Last question for you guys---whats the upper limit on what you would pay for some Adam A7s or A7xs?

thx!

[pflosi]

Those Adams are worth every penny new... So I'd pay that max

[Stab Frenzy]

Yeah I wouldn't ever try to save money by buying second hand monitors, they're the one thing that you have to know is working properly in the studio.

[wiss]

here is my two cents . . . I owned a pair of KRK 8's...too loud and too big for my very crammed work area (I like efficient and non cluttered work spaces) . . . so I sold them and picked up 2 sets of monitors and some left over change . . .



The Alesis (ones on top) are about $70 new, they are horrible, but I use them while editing film, reviewing cuts, and listening to music from my computer while working.

The JBL LSR305 5" I paid $150 for the set(buy one get one free), they too are pretty shitty , but because of the space restrictions I have, they are meeting my minimal needs.


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[pflosi]

Since you've just said all that, I probably shouldn't ask... But anyways, how are those Isoaccoustics treating you?