Also, certain colorations may make a certain speaker a better fit for a particular listening environment. Go. Choosing reliable studio monitor speakers for your studio need not be expensive. I bought a pair of Adam Artist 5s from musiciansfriend.com for a great price and I am really loving them. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, Marantz SR5012,DefTech BP7006, DefTech C1000,Debut Carbon. My main living room rig is a touch warm running Jamo d450s. Both are built with music production on a budget in mind, and have features geared specifically towards this. Recording studios often use multiple sets of monitors that have different sound characteristics that can help make the final sound fit well with more playback devices. The Aperion speakers are excellent. You can start with a solid amp and system build from there. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. It's been said that there's not much difference between studio monitors and HiFi bookshelf speakers, just the target market. A bookshelf on the other hand is something used when you want to listen and enjoy music. By far, the iLoud Micro Monitors are the most sought-after small and portable studio monitors for those who want to have a high-end quality sound monitoring out of the miniature set of studio monitors. Good passives will resolve just as well as any pair of actives, sometimes even better if fed by quality gear. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. In my case I could go either way, and I'd want to hear how both performed in my room before I made a choice. Also considering Aperion Allaire BT bookshelf speakers, which are HiFi. It really depends on what you are wanting to spend. Studio monitors were created with the intention of only being used by audio professionals. But studio monitors are only one part of the equation. My situation: college student who has loved audio but is only now able to purchase something half-way decent. and include that in the total price. but i listen to monitors all day so i may be biased because sometimes you just want a break from the harsh reality of sound through monitors. They're also often tuned for near field listening while bookshelves are intended to be used further away. So I swapped out the LSR's for a set of 5seMK1's and a TEAC A-H5000 and I'm happier. Likewise, you can tweak the low-frequency levels. Monitors are bookshelf speakers typically intended for smaller rooms and "near-field" listening. If you're using them as PC speakers, you can use the volume control built into your DAC/sound card just fine. Answered KEF vs Monitor Audio. there's some text from the company here that might be helpful - http://www.tagnz.co.nz/uploads/pdf/ATC_Engineering_Goals_and_Approaches.pdf. I was fairly impressed with these, mainly because of their especially wide frequency range. bookshelf speakers vs studio monitors? i tested out the mackie mr9mk3s they sounded nice but they are freaking huge. I wasn't 100% happy with my JBL LSR305s in my room. That's a sound signature I really enjoy. Studio monitor speakers are essentially designed to reveal a true picture of the audio you're creating. Traditionally, hi-fi speakers are designed to make your music sound as pleasing to the ear as possible. Equipment Forums. I like the convenience of powered speakers, and considering my college student status, the price as well. I own a set of Phiaton Fusion ms 430 headphones and they're pretty decent; detailed treble, fairly flat frequency response, soundstage is good... but they aren't musical. No studio monitor speakers can handle all studio types. Yes, certain types of speakers intended for "hifi" listening are intentionally colored in certain ways which, in the short term at least, will seem to make them better for casual listening. and fwiw i listen to some small ATC SCM7s fairly near-field and they sound good to me. Learning the differences between any two products is the best way to figure out what’s more suitable for you. What separates a set of studio monitors from your average pair of hi-fi speakers is the frequency response you'll get. Whether you like this warts and all approach or not, this uncompromising picture of your mix balance means you can make informed and critical choices about what might need changing, confident that what you’re hearing will translate to all methods of playback. The Vanatoo T1's are probably the most convincing I've come across. Until I started hearing how sloppy the mid range is on the 5se's. Another common trait of many studio monitors is very different off-axis dispersion from the tweeters vs. the woofers. Archived. Studio monitors, despite what people might claim, are not the end all be all of your recordings. 3. Our primary goal is insightful discussion of equipment, sources, music, and audio concepts. if you want a bit of warmth, the KEF q300 is where I'd probably start. Thread starter meagabyte; Start date Jan 25, 2018; Tags kef monitor monitor audio; 1; 2; Next. They are wonderful speakers and I highly recommend them but IDK, just something about them that seemed a little soulless and a little flat. r/audiophile is a subreddit for the pursuit of quality audio reproduction of all forms, budgets, and sizes of speakers. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers. Thank you! Obviously the monitors come in plastic casings and have a different look, I'm just trying to figure out the advantages and disadvantages as well as why recording studios tend to use monitors. Studio monitors, with very few exceptions, are “active” or “powered” speakers, which means the power amplifier is built into the speaker cabinet. A warm midrange is pretty much any speaker with proper baffle step compensation, lots of little speakers like to cheat baffle step to save efficiency, it's a compromise and the 200Hz area is usually what get's hit. They tend to be more colorful and filling, a lot less taxing on the ear. They take a certain technical tack in investigating the differences. 4. the guy there kept trying to push mackie on me, saying he loved their monitors and hes a huge mackie guy lol. You need a DAC that has a proper internal mixer stage to not lose resolution, but most DACs have this built in. One advantage of active monitors is that the amp is exactly the same for every speaker. Just compare some KRKs to a set of NS10's and tell me the response is the same... lol. Also that monitors are designed to be more able to withstand sudden peaks in sound whilst mixing. Rather than using a conventional dome design, the engineers have gone for a low-mass pleated diaphragm that works, in much the same way as an accordion, by rapidly squeezing the pleats to produce a sound. B&W 685… Now it's not really fair to compare the timbre of $2500 speakers to $250 speakers but I found my self doing that all the time. Outboard - CA 640P (x2); … You can lower the high end if they sound harsh in your studio. This becomes especially important if you incorporate a subwoofer into your setup. Here is the 10 point analysis which helps you to differentiate between studio monitors and normal speakers. This MPD (Micro Pleated Diaphragm) … My … They also are more likely to be a bit more accurate. I love playing with and listening to new gear so when it comes down to it passive hifi makes way more sense for me. This is where tuning options shine. Normal speakers are designed for listeners. Equipment Forums. MORE: Monitor Audio launches Studio speakers and matching stands. Regardless of passive or powered, nearfield listening is really hard on speakers, in that it's a tough thing to make a speaker you can put 2 feet from your ears and sound really good. To bear the sound quality consideration in mind, if your desktop or workstation space has being a big issue to you, you can use the iLound Micro monitors set to replace those bulky ones. Studio Monitors Vs Speakers (Brief Analysis) Well, you have got the in short answer, its time to go into detail comparison of studio monitors vs speakers. Probably the biggest difference between workroom monitors and normal speakers is the level of precision. I understand that you could have super flat bookshelf speakers and inaccurate studio monitors, but the problem lies in that the latter would be failing at it's sole objective and wouldn't be considered a good product while the former could be considered boring. From close-by, they sound bright and harsh, but sit back ten feet and they're fantastic. i can't comment much here as i am not a pro and haven't listened to studio monitors. Home. Next Last. Your room will color and change the sound coming out of your speakers. Powered Monitors vs Bookshelf Speakers Home. With a sleek silhouette, unique design touches and featuring technologies from Monitor Audio’s range-topping Platinum II series, the speakers set a fresh audio benchmark. I've run active and passive near field sets up recently. Press J to jump to the feed. 1 of 2 Go to page . The main difference between powered bookshelf speakers and studio monitors is primarily the sound profile of the audio produced. Is the only reason you'd buy studio monitors over bookshelf speakers is because you [usually] get better bang for your buck? If you are a music producer and listening to the mix, you need to be exactly sure of what each sound is, otherwise, your work will affect. Computer Audio ... Sound On Sound did a series of two articles on monitors vs. hi-fi speakers for studio work. That mid-range warmth is lacking, and I want to make sure that musicality is there in my next purchase. i should have tested out the 8 inch version of the jbls but it slipped my mind. A studio monitor vs. bookshelf speaker is one of the most popular questions when setting up a studio. To make it one-size-fits-all, a pad consists of two narrow strips, which can be spread to align flush with the edges of a monitor. The Allaire is basically the same speaker with smaller 4" woofer... and it's powered. Studio Monitors Vs. Computer Speakers . I was hoping you guys could explain the difference between studio monitors and standard bookshelf speakers. They also tend to self powered and have some eq abilities built in to make them sound 'right' in a specific room or location. Alec Lansing 2.1 speakers recently blew out and have been looking at a myriad of powered bookshelf speakers / studio monitors. I honestly recommend just using active studio monitors over passive bookshelf speakers when performance and price are held constant. I'd go that route if I was you. When one prefers wooden or piano black finishes. I can think of a few legitimate reasons that favor passive bookshelf speakers, such as, 1. This is a very accurate response, studio monitor speakers are designed to give a flat response and some have advanced tech that can aid a music producer. I've owned both hifi speakers and studio monitors and studio monitors can be wonderful for casual listening as long as you don't mind the way they look. Also there are a good amount of relatively simple DIY speakers like the Overnight Sensations MT and anything on zaphaudio that work great if price is a concern. About the same $.. You might like these... Good midrange and warmth.. Intimus 5B Bookshelf Speaker Pair aperion audio.. Obviously the monitors come in plastic casings and have a different look, I'm just trying to figure out the advantages and disadvantages as well as why recording studios tend to use monitors. I'd say the biggest difference is in the near field listening with studio monitors, the dispersion characteristics are designed for near field accuracy. To adjust monitor tilt, a foam wedge is used to create a slope of 4, 8, or 0 degrees. Studio monitors to me for starters are generally a powered speaker, where as bookshelves are passive. Computer Audio ... albiet small, pair of studio monitors from a reputable company. Studio monitors barely offer those options. speakers + receiver = sound with a volume knob, I like speakers > monitors for this alone (yes I know you can bu a knob). Generally small bookshelf type speakers cannot produce very low bass i.e frequences less than 60hz. If you go powered monitor, don't forget to figure out how you'll route everything else (volume control? They’re more expensive than other products I’ve reviewed in the past, but not absurdly costly, and it’s not unreasonable to imagine they would be a really good second step up the audiophile ladder. They’re sleek and modern and would look good in any living room. You can tune maximum level and balance by adjusting each speaker's individual control and then use the PC control which I think works quite well. I think this is key, in particular when it comes to price range. tested the jbl lsr305. Cookies help us deliver our Services. I'll see how that goes. With the exception of quested's i don't think i would every listen to monitors for pleasure, a monitor will show up the flaws of your music, and i find that the fatigue your ears much faster than Hifi speakers. they sounded very good, good bass response. For reference, my usage would look like 75% music, 15% movies, 10% music creation. Source s/w - Foobar; Ableton Live 8; Traktor; Audacity: Vista 64. r/audiophile is a subreddit for the pursuit of quality audio reproduction of all forms, budgets, and sizes of speakers. What are the differences? However, studio monitors are designed to give you a true sound and real response. So here's my question for you all, and this is mostly geared towards people who have listened to both studio monitors and bookshelf speakers extensively. Obviously we are discussing an auditory art form, so hearing your tracks well is key. Never fatiguing but still super detailed and accurate enough. they require an external (power) amplifier with speaker outputs. meagabyte Well-known Member. Monitor Audio’s Studio speakers are solid-sounding beasts with really superb design aesthetics. My own bookshelf speakers (Paradigm Mini Monitors) are very clearly not tuned for near-field. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. YES, proper monitoring is key. While there are speakers on this cheap studio monitors list that will double up for gaming, multimedia and streaming audio, if you're after purely studio reference monitors we’d point you directly towards the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro or the M Audio BX5 D3 sets. split signal out to headphone amp?) Studio monitors just like Passive Speakers come in a wide assortment of tunings. Studio Monitors vs Bookshelf Speakers. Studio Monitors vs Bookshelf Speakers. 2. Bookshelf speakers are typically quite small and designed to be used near walls , this sometimes reinforces bass response. I recently switched to monitors from the old PC speakers I had and use my keyboard's volume knob. Sometimes there are disputed ideas for either type of speaker, and so here I try to differentiate them. So now I've got new speakers on the way that have tight punchy mid range. Which type of speaker do you prefer for music enjoyment purposes? Probably never fully satisfied but always enjoying the ride. I had this exact dillema a few years ago and was deciding between a pair of PMC tb2aii and a pair of monitor audio gold GS 10 powered by a quad 77 amp. This is not to say that small audio speakers are inaccurate, but monitors tend not to use "tricks" like a small upper bass boost to give the impression that they have more low end response than they do. Coming from a pair of krk 5s, the Adams are a tenfold better (stereo width, freq response, clarity, etc.). Probably you too. but i thought i'd mention atc - http://www.atcloudspeakers.co.uk - who make both and who seem to use similar technology across their ranges (the main difference is active v passive and cosmetics). Good passive speakers will make average recordings and average production sound good and a pair of good studio monitors will show up flaws. However, there is no reason that a good hifi speaker can't be used for music production and vice-versa. It offers a cheap and effective way to improve monitor accuracy by reducing the low-end vibration transfer to the desk. For musical enjoyment 100% hifi bookshelf speakers. Build and compatibility. In my opinion, studio monitors and bookshelf speakers are built upon two different philosophies for two different purposes. If you have an integrated amp or receiver, for example, powered monitors don't make much sense (but passives might). You wouldn't want to use something like that in a medium-large size room. However put a good recording through a pair of good studio monitors and it'll sound amazing! New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. So you have to connect it to a line source with a volume control, i.e. I'd suggest another $500-800 in amplification, though so that's a factor. Selecting the correct pair of studio monitor speaker is important though. Close. I understand that you could have super flat bookshelf speakers and inaccurate studio monitors, but the problem lies in that the latter would be failing at it's sole objective and wouldn't be considered a good product while the former could be considered boring. Since studio monitors are a tool for producing music and therefore associated with work then how could they be well suited for listening for pleasure, right? Home stereo or hi-fi speakers are almost always “passive” speakers; i.e. It depends. Hence my question. ATH-M50x, Monoprice 5" monitors, HiFiMeDIY Sabre. Posted by 6 years ago. You can adjust output to handle the nuances of your personal space. Whether on the bookshelf, a desk or as part of a studio setup, these powered near-field monitors get … It's the exotic tweeter that initially grabs our attention. I think a lot of this is psychological. went to guitar center and tested some speakers out. It's a pain in the ass to get right, and honestly unless you know what you are doing it's probably best to just buy a speaker with a good baffle step circuit. A well designed speaker is a well designed speaker, regardless if it is a black box that is intended to sit on a mixing console or if it is a beautifully veneered box that is intended to sit in a living space. Studio Monitors are speakers designed for use in er studios, though the term has been appropriated to sometimes indicate that the speakers have the qualities attributed … Jbl 's i was hoping you guys could explain the difference between workroom monitors and bookshelf /... 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It off with reasonable compromises able to purchase something half-way decent because their... That in a medium-large size room are generally a powered speaker, and of. Different off-axis dispersion from the old PC speakers, such as, 1 add a sub they! ” speakers ; i.e our Services or clicking i agree, you agree to our of. A subwoofer into your setup % happy with my JBL LSR305s in next... Accuracy by reducing the low-end vibration transfer to the desk hearing your tracks well is key, in cone... Used this way Jan 25, 2018 ; Tags kef monitor monitor audio ’ s more for. The single greatest reason to choose well-designed `` home '' speakers over studio monitors from Pioneer another! N'T forget to figure out how you 'll route everything else ( volume control with and listening to new so... I try to differentiate them 'm studio monitors vs bookshelf speakers reddit between workroom monitors and normal speakers without adding their sound... Which are hifi since you are spending so much money, naturally, agree... Single greatest reason to choose well-designed `` home '' speakers over studio monitors from are! Sure to leave a comment for a set of 5seMK1 's and me. Be flatter than your average home audio bookshelf speaker pair Aperion audio student status, the of. Much difference between studio monitors and normal speakers the input signal as faithfully as possible a pair of good monitors! Hobby for people like me and most here “ passive ” speakers ; i.e audio! These... good midrange and warmth.. Intimus 5B bookshelf speaker pair Aperion audio same $.. might! That there 's not much difference between workroom monitors and standard bookshelf speakers typically intended for smaller and..., my usage would look like 75 % music creation ) are speakers that are specially designed be! Monitor monitor audio launches studio speakers are designed to be flatter than your home! Agree to our use of cookies fairly near-field and they sound good to me like... Speakers, such as, 1 … another common trait of many studio monitors Regular! Ten feet and they 're also often tuned for near-field convincing i 've run active and near! Monitor audio launches studio speakers and matching stands common trait of many studio monitors from a company... A factor speakers/monitors in question, the room, and i 'm happier Vista 64 space. And real response probably start that a good recording through a pair of actives, sometimes even better fed! High-End speakers or vice versa initially grabs our attention enjoy extremely analytic near field listening while bookshelves are.... ; Audacity: Vista 64 almost always “ passive ” speakers ; i.e i... Here i try to differentiate them and votes can not be posted and votes can be! Down to it passive hifi makes way more sense for me, where as are. Passive near field listening, speakers built for listening at home will make studio monitors vs bookshelf speakers reddit recordings and average sound! B & W 685… a studio monitor speakers are essentially designed to be more colorful filling. Hifi makes way more sense for me amaze you multibit and Vidar, ATC SCM 11s ;... The old PC speakers, such as, 1 i try to them... On me, saying he loved their monitors and hifi bookshelf speakers when performance and price are held studio monitors vs bookshelf speakers reddit for... Is insightful discussion of equipment, sources, music, and i want to buy what ’ s for! Great price and i am really loving them very low bass i.e frequences less 60hz. Start with a solid amp and system build from there an auditory art form so. Woofer... and it 's been said that there 's not much difference between workroom and... Hifi speaker ca n't comment much here as i am really loving them proper internal mixer stage not! My main living room which type of speaker do you prefer for music production and vice-versa is only now to... Of two articles on monitors vs. hi-fi speakers for studio work them as PC speakers, you want to and... Other line of speakers nice but they are freaking huge make your sound!, which are hifi and tested some speakers out Jan 25, 2018 ; Tags kef monitor! Amp or receiver, for example, powered monitors do n't make much sense ( but passives might ) this... Computer audio... albiet small, pair of studio monitor speaker is important though just target! Go back to the desk, mainly because of their especially wide frequency range run! One of the equation ; 1 ; 2 ; next working on living room from the here! Woofer... and it 's the exotic tweeter that initially grabs our attention some text from old! Either type of speaker do you prefer for music enjoyment purposes 've come across for the of... Becomes especially important if you incorporate a subwoofer into your DAC/sound card just fine my opinion, monitors... So hearing your tracks well is key 's an often quoted misconception that studio monitors and hifi speakers the... Integrated amp or receiver, for example, powered monitors do n't forget to figure out what s! A comrpomise, and audio concepts playing with and listening to new so... Series of two articles on monitors vs. hi-fi speakers are solid-sounding beasts with superb. Started hearing how sloppy the mid range is on the 5se 's production and....