Looking at purchasing a new pair of studio grade speakers

[T0mmy2o]

Am soon going to be purchasing a new pair of studio grade speakers. Budget is around $550/$600. Going to be used mainly on my Audio Techinca LP120 Record Player but sometimes used on my computer/laptop for music, tv shows/movie and games. Currently looking at the KRK Rokit 5 or 6 and the Audioengiene A5. Help deciding between those few models of speaker or suggestions for other speakers would be great. Thanks

 

[hbarcat]

Adam Audio F5

JBL Control 30

 

[Al T.]

I have Definitive Technology SM-65's that are stunning and the smaller DefTech speakers don't give up much sound quality. Audition these before you buy if you can.

 

[Pacman]

Why don't we put this in Recording Gear, where it belongs?

 

[Timi]

I've heard and/or worked on a lot of monitors from all sorts of price ranges. Some of the entry level stuff is pretty impressive these days but I don't understand the popularity of the cheap KRKs, weirdly hyped bass and a muffled upper midrange. In that price range I think the Yamahas or JBLs are much "better", or in the next bracket up the entry models by Adam or Focal.

However, you can read opinions on the internet all you want but you really have to hear them. Find a shop that has a bunch that you can compare and listen to a handful of songs you know really well, or even better try them in your own space.

 

[sissy kathy]

Why don't we put this in Recording Gear, where it belongs?

Well go ahead; you're a mod.

 

[lokikallas]

Genelecs, And PMC are the industry standard.

 

[old spice]

I have Mackie HR624 mk 1's and they sound great.
Cost me $400 for a pair of store demos.
Replaced Yamaha msp3's which were poor.

 

[silky smoove]

For that budget I would grab a pair of Adam F5s, and an Avantone Mixcube. Use the F5s as your primary monitor, and a Mixcube in mono as your alternate "crappy/is the reverb in the right place/how will it sound on a laptop or iPhone speaker" reference.

I'd skip a sub unless you've already correctly treated the space where all of this will live.

EDIT: My recommendation overshoots your budget a bit. Find a used Mixcube or omit it and you'll be good to go.

Further edit: Or go with Equator Audio D5s and a Mixcube!

 

[MatronMother]

I use Blue Sky System One 2.1. Found it for $450 used in Canada from a studio that never took off. Was once valued over $2000 new. If you search used you can find some pretty high end deals used. I also have a pair of Fostex PM0.5ns and Yamaha NS10's but the Blue Sky's rule the roost.

 

[SirMjac28]

I have a pair of Tannoy 802's best money I've ever spent on monitors it's a pretty big monitor though.

 

[thudfromafar]

JBL 305

 

[Pudge Fish]

I have a pair of Tannoy 802's best money I've ever spent on monitors it's a pretty big monitor though.

 

[Jim Nazium]

Well, I happen to have a pair of Mackie 624 MK II for sale ...
For Sale - Mackie HR624 MKII monitors (pair) | TalkBass.com

 

[Ender_rpm]

Been very happy with my Equator D5s for a while now. They are putting out a new model soon, $400 for the pair direct.

 

[DirkP]

Among the budget speakers the most recommended on Gearslutz seem to be: JBL 305, Focal Alpha 50 and Yamaha HS5. KRK Rokits seem to be the most disliked speakers. But if you don't want them for mixing or recording, you might have other requirements.

 

[silky smoove]

KRK Rokits seem to be the most disliked speakers. But if you don't want them for mixing or recording, you might have other requirements.

Quoted for truth. I've owned Rokits. For mixing they're awful. Significant upper bass/lower midrange bump followed by a similarl upper midrange cut. Not a true reproduction of what's being played in the mix. On the plus side they work great for playing bass through or listening to music. Very nice and polite sounding speakers, just not very critical for mix applications.