5" Studio Monitors... Mackie, Fostex, M-Audio, or Yamaha [Archive]

Luap

Mar 18, 2009, 11:44 AM

The Yamaha's seem quite highly regarded, so could be worth a shot. However, monitors are a very personal thing. Listen to them all, if possible. See what 'you' like and go from there.
Just keep in mind that proper studio monitors are not about sounding good. Its about letting you hear exactly whats going on in your mix. A bad mix should sound bad, not polished to sound better. A good mix should still sound good, and a great mix should still sound great :)

Drumjim85

Mar 18, 2009, 11:46 AM

go for the Adams.

BCains

Mar 18, 2009, 10:39 PM

VirtualRain

Mar 19, 2009, 02:15 AM

Budget?

Suggestions:
Dynaudio BM5a - $900pr
KRK VXT6 - $400ea (Maybe check out the KRK RP6G2 Rokit G2 - $200ea)

As recommend the Adam A5 ($400ea) would be worthing checking out if
they're any reflection of the Adam A7, these are amazing quality ($575ea)

You are best to head down to a local Guitar Center and try out these monitors.

As you can see from my current choices, I'm looking for a pair of monitors under $500. I don't make a living off these things, I just want some accurate, high-quality monitors for video editing and music listening.

BCains

Mar 19, 2009, 03:21 AM

ashjamben

Mar 19, 2009, 07:42 AM

i'm in a similar position to yourself, just looking for some cheap-ish monitors to keep me going until i can afford/need some better ones.

i'd maybe steer clear of the yamaha HS50's, as they are more for music production and may not be great for just listening to your music. you might want to consider 'multimedia' speakers, most online retailers normally have a section for them. they might suit your needs better.

Drumjim85

Mar 19, 2009, 11:16 AM

Maybe have a listen to the Blue Sky desktop range, they have a product
around the $350USD, thou they are 2x 3" 2-ways with 8" sub...

Check out some reviews at www.soundonsound.com for above monitors.

I had a pr of a lot nicer blue sky monitors in for a week, and i really didn't like them. I don't remember a lot about why other than they had a really really small sweet spot.

VirtualRain

Mar 19, 2009, 12:33 PM

I had a chance to listen to the Mackie and the Yamaha last night.

The Yamaha have a very unique sound... bright, accurate, but lacking bottom end in a serious way. Combined with the sub they were palitable but I think these would give me a headache for extended listening.

The Mackie's sounded much richer with deeper base. However they were less bright and perhaps less accurate. Out of the two, these would be my preference despite strong discouragement from the sales guy.

Obviously, no 5" driver is capable of providing decent bass response... all of the ones I listened to (including Adam's and others they had in the showroom) were lacking in this dept as you might expect. I've concluded you either need a sub or move up to monitors with 8" drivers to get the full spectrum.

I'm actually leaning towards the Fostex (combined with their matching sub) at this point based on price and other's reviews but I need to track down a place to listen to them first.

Drumjim85

Mar 19, 2009, 01:56 PM

ya, most monitors this size are meant to be a second opinion monitor and not you're main set. Did you notice anything different about the highs on the adams?

VirtualRain

Mar 19, 2009, 04:36 PM

ya, most monitors this size are meant to be a second opinion monitor and not you're main set. Did you notice anything different about the highs on the adams?

Agreed, most serious studio monitors would be the 8" variety. I'm supposing the 5" drivers as secondary monitors are more geared towards providing a clue as to what the mix might sound like on mini consumer systems or even ear-buds.

One thing I've learned (which is perhaps obvious to many but was a bit of a revelation to me) is that accurate studio monitors do not necessarily make for great listening enjoyment... hence the market for audiophile speakers and to some extent, the compromise made by some pro-audio manufacturers to provide what they call a "studio monitor" that actually has some audiophile characteristics (warmth, bass, etc.) with a relatively flat response from end-to-end. I think this is the approach that Mackie and Fostex have taken with their studio monitors... much to the shagrin of some studio recording purists. The Yamaha's may be nirvana to these guys but would give any audiophile a headache.

The Adam's definitely had very nice high's and mid's... much easier to listen to than the Yamaha's in my opinion but also lacked base, which as I said is indicitive of the small driver and to be expected. I would consider them if I my needs were more professional than hobby and I could justify their cost with revenue... but that's not my situation.

mohabezz

Apr 9, 2009, 06:11 PM

what about genelec guys?

Drumjim85

Apr 9, 2009, 06:16 PM

what about genelec guys?

genelec and budget don't go hand in hand...
Personally i don't like them. But they are VERY flat.

xparaparafreakx

Apr 9, 2009, 07:25 PM

Try looking at KRK.

clownjuggles

Apr 9, 2009, 08:11 PM

what about genelec guys?

Well, I find that Genelec and budget can go well in hand but the thing is don't buy the set I got. I own their Genelec 8240A speakers. They retail for 2K but can be found for less if you want to go all out. You will find your budget gone fast though lol :) A lot of people haven't heard the new 8000 series which their entry level is based on. Genelecs are made to be accurate. The Newer Genelecs are far more neutral than the the 1030 generation of the 90s. And for the record there is no such thing as a FLAT speaker. You room will affect the sound that you hear as well. Studio Monitors are made to be as accurate as possible for repeatability of working.

If you are starting out and have a smaller budget I would suggest the Genelec 6010A and 5040A system. The 6010A I have seen for $267 dollars a piece far from breaking the bank. The sub can be found about $629 as well.

Here are a few reviews. E-GEAR: Genelec 6010A Active Desktop
Loudspeaker (http://www.genelecusa.com/documents/reviews/eGear_Genelec_6010A_Review_Feb2009.pdf)

Music Tech: Genelec’s 6010A and 5040A systems aim to provide the ‘firststep into the world of professional audio’. (http://www.genelecusa.com/documents/reviews/6010A_5040A_MusicTech_Feb09.pdf)

PRO AUDIO REVIEW: Genelec 6010A and 5040A Powered
Loudspeaker And Subwoofer (http://www.genelecusa.com/documents/reviews/PAR_02_09_Genelec_6010A_5040A.pdf)
Call Genelec and speak to Paul Stewart he will be able to answer any questions you have about Genelec. Their number is 508 652 0900

synth3tik

Apr 9, 2009, 08:26 PM

To be honest I am not crazy about any of those monitors. I am not going to get all snooty and say you need a $4000 pair of Focal monitors. I know I could not afford that. I will say though for anything close to a flat response stay far away from the m-audio monitors.

I use a pair of Event TR5s, these are great little monitors with a rather acceptable response. These things pack some power too. I think there is only 35-50W to the woofer, but man they can kick out some serious amplitude. The TR5s have been discontinued, but I picked up my pair off ebay for something like $250 for the pair.

I really like Event, beyond that I would only look at Dynaudio, Genelec, and Focal, all three though come with one big ole' price point (although not bad considering the product).

I would like to add that from my experience the HS series is really good to reference what your mix will sound like in the club, but do not make very accurate monitors. If you ever were able to get a secondary set or a Mid-field set, that's when I would start looking into the Yamamhas.

hakukani

Apr 9, 2009, 09:21 PM

http://www.barefootsound.com/

zimv20

Apr 9, 2009, 10:29 PM

http://www.barefootsound.com/

the OP's budget doesn't even cover the stands for those! :-)

clownjuggles

Apr 9, 2009, 11:08 PM

the OP's budget doesn't even cover the stands for those! :-)

That's like suggesting a Focal Professional speakers. SM11 would be fantastic for anyone but I would suggest them to someone starting out. Best advice. Buy the best you can afford and learn your speakers and treat your room!

Drumjim85

Apr 9, 2009, 11:44 PM

I really like Event, beyond that I would only look at Dynaudio, Genelec, and Focal, all three though come with one big ole' price point (although not bad considering the product).

Too bad Event discontinued all their products and put out this one new "revolutionary" speaker.

ashjamben

Apr 10, 2009, 07:44 AM

zimv20

Apr 10, 2009, 10:07 AM

i'm in the same position as the op, but find the majority of the speakers don't cover the bass frequencies too well.

in a properly treated room, i'd wager that all of them are fine.

fabriciom

Apr 10, 2009, 11:12 AM

go for the Adams.

+1

hakukani

Apr 10, 2009, 01:07 PM

the OP's budget doesn't even cover the stands for those! :-)

If you're going to go over budget, go over budget in a big way. Those bad boys are what to aim for.

He can't afford genelecs either, or Adams.

zimv20

Apr 10, 2009, 01:51 PM

He can't afford genelecs either, or Adams.

imho, the adam a7's are highly affordable. i had them in my room for a while, and they are exceptional for the money. my mixes went faster and translated better almost immediately.

Mord

Apr 10, 2009, 02:28 PM

I'd go for anything made my celestion ditton off ebay, they're fairly old but they're the most amazing speakers I've ever used, they did a decent line of studio monitors.

hakukani

Apr 10, 2009, 08:19 PM

imho, the adam a7's are highly affordable. i had them in my room for a while, and they are exceptional for the money. my mixes went faster and translated better almost immediately.

What do you have now?

zimv20

Apr 10, 2009, 08:36 PM

What do you have now?

Focal Solo 6.

sadly, the a7's didn't work out (i went through 7 of them!!!!), each with various crackling and volume instability issues. these problems weren't unheard of with the a7, but based on a thread i put up at gearslutz, it seems most people had no problems with theirs.

then i had a pair of Adam p11's shipped to me, which i hated. funny, my studio partner didn't care for the a7's, but loved the p11's.

then i had the Focal's shipped to me and we both loved them. so i returned all 9 Adam monitors I had and kept the Focal's.

despite the issues, i'm a big fan of the a7. I would love to try out the s2.5 or s3 some day, or whatever they just released to replace them.

clownjuggles

Apr 11, 2009, 11:14 AM

i'm in the same position as the op, but find the majority of the speakers don't cover the bass frequencies too well. is it worth buying some then upgrading with a sub when i've got the cash? or just blowing it all on some bigger speakers to start with?

also, those genelec 6010a's are a little over my budget, but is it worth going for them?

I'd say you need to start auditioning speakers. You can not buy based on online recommendations alone. I started with my Genelec 8240's and I am building up to the full twin sub for a stereo setup soon. I find that you spend less if you buy good stuff right off.

clownjuggles

Apr 11, 2009, 11:18 AM

If you're going to go over budget, go over budget in a big way. Those bad boys are what to aim for.

He can't afford genelecs either, or Adams.

The Genelec 6010A are $267.00 they are about 100 dollars more over all. That is in the range of work another week and get the 100 bux kinda line of thinking.

Mackie MR5 ($360/pr)
Fostex PM0.5MKII ($300/pr)
M-Audio BX5a deluxe ($300/pr)
Yamaha HS50M ($400/pr)

clownjuggles

Apr 11, 2009, 11:20 AM

imho, the adam a7's are highly affordable. i had them in my room for a while, and they are exceptional for the money. my mixes went faster and translated better almost immediately.

That's why I liked the Genelecs. I didn't care for Adams but I generally work with instrumental music versus pop music. Not to say that I haven't had some excellent sound out fo them in the other side of work ;)

VirtualRain

Apr 22, 2009, 07:39 PM

Try looking at KRK.

I'm finally getting around to making a decision after a hiatus from this thread...

I'm getting serious now and considering KRK as well as all the previously mentioned monitors.

I heard a DJ at a retail store the other day spinning some tunes on a pair of Rokit 5's and they sounded mighty impressive. In addition, they seem to be highly regarded by a few folks at Gearslutz some of whom say they sound better than monitors much more costly.

I'm going to listen to them again today at the local music shop.

Anyone else have any experience with KRK?

VirtualRain

Apr 23, 2009, 07:18 PM

I'm finally getting around to making a decision after a hiatus from this thread...

I'm getting serious now and considering KRK as well as all the previously mentioned monitors.

I heard a DJ at a retail store the other day spinning some tunes on a pair of Rokit 5's and they sounded mighty impressive. In addition, they seem to be highly regarded by a few folks at Gearslutz some of whom say they sound better than monitors much more costly.

I'm going to listen to them again today at the local music shop.

Anyone else have any experience with KRK?

Had another listen yesterday...

KRK Rokit5... Good balanced sound... could listen to these for hours
Mackie 5"... A bit more bass but I give the edge to KRK over the full spectrum and they have a narrower sweet spot than the KRK
Yamaha 5"... Just can't stand the sound from these... gives me a headache
Adam A5... Sound great but not worth their premium price to me... I couldn't really pick out enough difference from the KRK in a casual listening session

I really need to track down a listen to the Fostex. Although they didn't have them plugged in, the sales rep said the Fostex 0.4's were amazing for the price and he would love to hear the 0.5's for himself (which they carry but were out of stock).

zimv20

Apr 23, 2009, 07:28 PM

just keep in mind that listening to monitors at a store has very little to do with what they'll sound like in your space.

VirtualRain

Apr 23, 2009, 09:53 PM

just keep in mind that listening to monitors at a store has very little to do with what they'll sound like in your space.

LOL... Admittedly, but how the hell is one supposed to make a buying decision then? It's not like these guys are going to let me borrow half a dozen pairs of studio monitors to try in my room. I guess at some point you just make a choice and live with it or hope they have a reasonable return policy if you can't.

zimv20

Apr 23, 2009, 10:35 PM

LOL... Admittedly, but how the hell is one supposed to make a buying decision then? It's not like these guys are going to let me borrow half a dozen pairs of studio monitors to try in my room. I guess at some point you just make a choice and live with it or hope they have a reasonable return policy if you can't.

some places are better than others about letting you check things out at home. at guitar center, you have to buy it first, but most items are returnable.

djm042

Apr 24, 2009, 09:48 PM

Had another listen yesterday...
KRK Rokit5... Good balanced sound... could listen to these for hours

I recently picked up a pair of Rokit 5 G2 monitors. I've been very happy with them. They're definitely an improvement over the cheaper M-Audio speakers I had been using before. They have a very nice sound that's great for mixing - I'm hearing stuff in old mixes that I had never heard before. They also have way more volume than I could ever need in my office.

However, I did notice that my workspace seems to have a lot of electrical noise (likely bad grounding; this is an old building), and my monitors picked up a lot of hum when I was using the unbalanced (RCA) audio connection with my Macbook. Balanced cables fixed that for me.

fireshot91

Apr 26, 2009, 07:13 PM

I've got a question (Sorry for going a little off topic):

How do you run monitors on your computers? Like, do (they) make a receiver to convert the red/black cables to a 3.5mm jack?

VirtualRain

Apr 27, 2009, 03:00 AM

I've got a question (Sorry for going a little off topic):

How do you run monitors on your computers? Like, do (they) make a receiver to convert the red/black cables to a 3.5mm jack?

You would most likely use a USB or Firewire audio interface that handles the A/D and D/A for your inputs and outputs... and connect the monitors to the outputs on this device.

djm042

Apr 27, 2009, 12:27 PM

How do you run monitors on your computers? Like, do (they) make a receiver to convert the red/black cables to a 3.5mm jack?

Virtualrain's idea is what I do when I need the highest quality sound, as my interface (Presonus Firepod) has balanced outputs. This helps to eliminate audio issues such as hum or having your cables pick up radio signals. I've been fighting a bit with using the regular 1/8" stereo output on my Mac. I get some odd audio artifacts every now and then, but these are eliminated when I use the balanced outputs on my Firepod.

In a pinch, however, I've made an adapter cable that connects my Mac's 1/8" output jack to two pseudo-balanced 1/4" TRS cables. If you are interested in building your own, see wiring diagram "2.1" on the top of page 2 in this document: http://www.jensentransformers.com/an/an003.pdf

Music stores should also have proper adapter cables on hand (and probably of higher quality than the quick one I made!).

That solution does reduce radio frequency interference, but I still get weird artifacts (especially humming) at different times, usually depending on what else is plugged into nearby electrical outlets. My house's electrical system obviously has some minor grounding issues. My cell phone charger in particular is pretty bad if I plug it into a certain electrical outlet... I hear tons of hum with that thing plugged into a nearby outlet and my speakers plugged into my Mac. If I was just using my Mac's audio out jack (instead of my Presonus interface) and wanted to eliminate all the hum, I'd need to pick up a couple of audio transformers and wire them in (or use special direct input (DI) boxes that you can buy for this purpose).

In short, if you are using your Mac's output and you are getting hum or other audio artifacts (I've even picked up AM radio signals with a bad cable!), you might need to get an adapter cable or some transformers / DI boxes, or on an audio interface. These things can be really really difficult to diagnose, unfortunately. :(

Hopefully you won't have any of these issues with a simple adapter cable and can completely ignore most of this post! :rolleyes:

(And now I've gone way off topic.. heh... umm, so, yeah... the KRKs are awesome speakers!)

gotzero

Apr 28, 2009, 12:07 AM

I think that the KRKs are hard to beat in the low dollar range. If you can, grab the old model V-series on the cheap.

VirtualRain

May 17, 2009, 02:48 AM

While on vacation in LA, I went to the Hollywood Guitar Center and listened to a bunch of 5-6" monitors across a spectrum of price points... Yamaha, KRK, Adam, Mackie, Dynaudio and Blue Sky.

I would put the KRK and Mackie in a group that sounds good but has a less defined top end despite the much better bottom end. Both provide great value for the money with the edge going to the KRK in my opinion. A listening test with the KRK's and matching sub was just too much bass. The KRK's actually offer amazing bottom-end without a sub!

The Adam and Dynaudio had the best top end and very clear mid range with respectable bottom end for their size. Definitely the better monitors.

The Yamaha's continue to give me a headache every time I hear them.

Amazingly, the Blue Sky Pro Desk 2.1 had the best of all worlds (not surprisingly I suppose given it's 2.1 capability vs. the 2.0 configuration of the other setups). The Pro Desk Sat 5's could hang with the Adam's and Dynaudio's for the top end and mid-range while the sub added anything that was missing down low.

Normally the Adam's, Dynaudio's and the Blue Sky Pro Desk would be way out of my price range, but I was able to get the Blue Sky Pro Desk 2.1 on sale at the Hollywood Guitar Center for just $700 (about half price!) and couldn't refuse.

I'll post a full review on them later. Thanks to all who contributed to this thread even though in the end, I seriously violated my own contraints by buying something nearly twice as expensive as I set out to do.

xparaparafreakx

May 17, 2009, 08:07 AM

I've got a question (Sorry for going a little off topic):

How do you run monitors on your computers? Like, do (they) make a receiver to convert the red/black cables to a 3.5mm jack?

Since im a DJ, USB to a NI Audio 8 DJ. Then the outputs to a mixer then mixer to my speakers.

ashjamben

May 17, 2009, 05:46 PM

just thought i'd chime in on this one.

after being in the same position as the OP for about 2 months i've decided to go with the KRK rokit 5 g2's. i managed to find them, in a apple mac premium seller of all places, to test them out and i was thoroughly impressed. the only other stuff i've been able to find and try out is the edirol stuff in a local music store and some tannoy reveals at uni (my uni has alot more speakers in the studios, but most cost way out of my rice range) i was also impressed with the price, £115 each. i'm about to go and blow the rest of my student loan on them in the next couple of days.

Paul Ashton

May 18, 2009, 04:39 AM

I recently bought the KRK Rokit 5 and am very happy with them. They are in the same budget range

VirtualRain

May 24, 2009, 02:01 AM

After initial setup and listening to the Blue Sky ProDesk 2.1 all I can say is... HOLY ****!!! :eek: These speakers absolutely rock! :D

The whole spectrum is so clear, I'm now listening to all my favorite music over again just to hear what I've been missing.

The sub transitions so smoothly with the 5" monitors that you truly can't tell there's a sub in the system... it sounds like the bass is coming from the satellite monitors.

Everything sounds absolutely stunning... rock, acoustic, rap and pop... I'm just getting started though... Just ***** amazing is all I can say at this point. More to come. :p

Sir Cecil

May 26, 2009, 12:40 AM

I have the Focal CSM65. There is also a CMS50 for around the same price as the Adam A7.
The Focal CSM65 exceeds all my expectations. After auditioning them in the store I was very impressed, but at home they sound even better. Wonderful solid build and outstanding finish. The CMS50 is similarly well-made, though I consider the extra spent on the CMS65 to be well worthwhile. The A7 and CMS50 are very close in performance, though I'd go for the CMS50 for the far superior build.
These Focal monitors work beautifully with the Apogee Duet. I couldn't be happier with these CMS65 speakers. Indeed, I prefer their immediacy of sound and sparkle to my B&W805 speakers with Musical Fidelity A5 amplifier and very expensive Nordost biwire cables.

http://www.focalprofessional.com/

thegoldenmackid

May 26, 2009, 05:22 PM

You would most likely use a USB or Firewire audio interface that handles the A/D and D/A for your inputs and outputs... and connect the monitors to the outputs on this device.

You can pick up a USB or Firewire interface fairly cheap (say $100, or do the other suggested method.

I think that the KRKs are hard to beat in the low dollar range. If you can, grab the old model V-series on the cheap.
+1 love my V8 Series 1 and V88s