Anyone here use studio monitors for a 2.1 multi-purpose setup?

[GTaudiophile]

I think when I build a "decent system" it will be more of a 2.1 system with an emphasis on music than on home theater (but it would pretty good for this as well, minus the surround sound).

A DJ friend of mine has a really sweet 2.1 Mackie system that he mainly uses for composing mixes. I have always been blown away by its power and clarity.

I am just curious if anyone here has used monitors for a multipurpose 2.1 home setup? Probably more of the bookshelf variety.

If I do something like this, it would probably with a $2k-3k budget (for the 2.1 speakers and sub only).

I like powerful, crisp, clear sound, more towards the neutral side. I want to be on stage with no cotton in my ears. I like crisp clean highs but nothing fatiguing. (I have been fatigued by Klipsch horns before.) Maybe a slightly warm bias but not too warm. I like my bass strong but with a nice smooth roll off. Nothing terribly boomy and plasticy and no port noise.

In addition to Mackie, I have thought of several other brands (despite them not being strictly studio monitors). These brands include Dynaudio, Boston, and B&W. (I have not auditioned anything from these brands for years, so I know I will need to do that.)

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[moonboy403]

I'm currently using the Adam S3As for my 2 channel setup. It extends down to 32hz (+/-3db) so I don't use a sub when I listen to muisc. On the other hand, my 5.1 setup are composed of all studio monitors (2 Adam S3As, 2 Adam A7s, 1 Adam A5) with the exception of my sub. You can probably find a used pair of S3As for under 3 grand.

On a side note, I don't recommend getting a subwoofer unless your room is treated. Bass traps are very important to get good bass out of any system especially a system with a subwoofer.

What model of Mackie's your friend using?

 

[sdifox]

Distance is key when you are using studio monitors. They are designed for near field application, so on your computer desk, sure. Home theatre 10 -12 ft away, not so much.

 

[JAG87]

Currently I am using Paradigm Studio 40 monitors amped with a Pioneer Elite SX-A9-J.

They produce some of the best sound quality I have ever heard.

 

[sdifox]

Currently I am using Paradigm Studio 40 monitors amped with a Pioneer Elite SX-A9-J.

They produce some of the best sound quality I have ever heard.

I think they are just called Studio 40 as opposed to being studio monitors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_monitor

 

[JAG87]

I think they are just called Studio 40 as opposed to being studio monitors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_monitor

The current Studio line is a descendant of what used to be called the Studio Monitor line, and both lines have been engineered with transparency in mind, which is what a monitor speaker aims for.

I didn't mean to include the monitor word as part of the name, in fact as you can see it's not capitalized. It's more of an adjective.

 

[sdifox]

The current Studio line is a descendant of what used to be called the Studio Monitor line, and both lines have been engineered with transparency in mind, which is what a monitor speaker aims for.

I didn't mean to include the monitor word as part of the name, in fact as you can see it's not capitalized. It's more of an adjective.

I was just trying to make the distinction between studio monitors and speaker lines with Studio and or Monitor in the name

I am sure your Studio 40s sound very good.

 

[0roo0roo]

you don't like harshness...and dont' sit close, so no

 

[moonboy403]

you don't like harshness...and dont' sit close, so no

Are you saying that sitting close means your speakers will sound harsh??

 

[sdifox]

Are you saying that sitting close means your speakers will sound harsh??

no. Studio monitors are made to sound as neutral as possible and they are designed for near field application. So you have to sit close and have to like neutral sound. Neutral sound tend to end up being harsh due to the material played.

 

[alcoholbob]

I was just trying to make the distinction between studio monitors and speaker lines with Studio and or Monitor in the name

I am sure your Studio 40s sound very good.

Bookshelf speakers are also known as stand-mount monitors. Calling them monitors is not a misuse of the word. "Studio" monitor would be a specific distinction.

no. Studio monitors are made to sound as neutral as possible and they are designed for near field application. So you have to sit close and have to like neutral sound. Neutral sound tend to end up being harsh due to the material played.

That's an interesting definition. The vast majority of all records has either been mixed on Yamaha or B&W monitors. They both have very specific sound signatures that veer a fair amount from neutral.

 

[MJinZ]

I think when I build a "decent system" it will be more of a 2.1 system with an emphasis on music than on home theater (but it would pretty good for this as well, minus the surround sound).

A DJ friend of mine has a really sweet 2.1 Mackie system that he mainly uses for composing mixes. I have always been blown away by its power and clarity.

I am just curious if anyone here has used monitors for a multipurpose 2.1 home setup? Probably more of the bookshelf variety.

If I do something like this, it would probably with a $2k-3k budget (for the 2.1 speakers and sub only).

I like powerful, crisp, clear sound, more towards the neutral side. I want to be on stage with no cotton in my ears. I like crisp clean highs but nothing fatiguing. (I have been fatigued by Klipsch horns before.) Maybe a slightly warm bias but not too warm. I like my bass strong but with a nice smooth roll off. Nothing terribly boomy and plasticy and no port noise.

In addition to Mackie, I have thought of several other brands (despite them not being strictly studio monitors). These brands include Dynaudio, Boston, and B&W. (I have not auditioned anything from these brands for years, so I know I will need to do that.)

Thanks for any suggestions.

I use Studio Monitors for my 2.0 set up.

Retarded levels of bass kills music. Say no to subwoofers.

 

[alcoholbob]

I use Studio Monitors for my 2.0 set up.

Retarded levels of bass kills music. Say no to subwoofers.

The original purpose of a satellite-subwoofer design was the split off the woofers from floorstanding speakers with more flexible placement. Jacking up the bass is definitely a very "80s" thing to do, and not the primary design of a subwoofer.

If you are using them properly, they play back a necessary component of the music. If you have reasonably full-range speakers (-3dB at 40Hz or better @1Wrms input) then a subwoofer is not required for speakers.

If you don't like listening to the full range of music including the lower registers, that's a different topic.

 

[MJinZ]

The original purpose of a satellite-subwoofer design was the split off the woofers from floorstanding speakers with more flexible placement. Jacking up the bass is definitely a very "80s" thing to do, and not the primary design of a subwoofer.

If you are using them properly, they play back a necessary component of the music. If you have reasonably full-range speakers (-3dB at 40Hz or better @1Wrms input) then a subwoofer is not required for speakers.

If you don't like listening to the full range of music including the lower registers, that's a different topic.

Dunno, I have M-Audio AV40s.

Bass is fine, as long as it plays its rightful role, which is NEVER to be focus of a song.

 

[alcoholbob]

^

Which is why you bought the AV40s, correct?

You believe bass is never to be the focus of the a song, so you decided to buy speakers that roll off before you can hear the bass. Nothing wrong with that, it's a listening choice.

I have speakers that roll off -3 dB at 70 Hz (-10 dB at 48 Hz), which to me isn't enough. I level match my speakers and sub so they are within 2db of each other. I personally want to hear the bass if it's there--I am a musical purist.

 

[GTaudiophile]

I'm currently using the Adam S3As for my 2 channel setup. It extends down to 32hz (+/-3db) so I don't use a sub when I listen to muisc. On the other hand, my 5.1 setup are composed of all studio monitors (2 Adam S3As, 2 Adam A7s, 1 Adam A5) with the exception of my sub. You can probably find a used pair of S3As for under 3 grand.

On a side note, I don't recommend getting a subwoofer unless your room is treated. Bass traps are very important to get good bass out of any system especially a system with a subwoofer.

What model of Mackie's your friend using?

I had never heard of Adam GmbH before, but now I see they are made in Germany. That's cool.

As for his Mackie's, I am not sure. He bought them a good decade ago, so they are older models.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Distance is key when you are using studio monitors. They are designed for near field application, so on your computer desk, sure. Home theatre 10 -12 ft away, not so much.

Distance for me (in an 1100 sq-ft apartment) would be about 5-10 feet.

 

[moonboy403]

I had never heard of Adam GmbH before, but now I see they are made in Germany. That's cool.

As for his Mackie's, I am not sure. He bought them a good decade ago, so they are older models.

Here are some of the names that are often mentioned (but aren't well known unless you often read up on studio monitors) once you start looking for relatively higher end studio monitors: Adam, Klein & Hummel, Barefoot, and Genelac. But they also offer lower end models.

 

[sdifox]

I had never heard of Adam GmbH before, but now I see they are made in Germany. That's cool.

As for his Mackie's, I am not sure. He bought them a good decade ago, so they are older models.

Adams are very nice. I would have bought them for computer speakers if I still had my job

 

[GTaudiophile]

I wish I could afford the B&W 805 Diamonds, but I can't...so what is the consensus on the B&W 685s?

 

[sdifox]

Distance for me (in an 1100 sq-ft apartment) would be about 5-10 feet.

got any music shop near by? Go listen to some studio monitors at the distances you will listen at. You may or may not like the sound.

For the economical side, check out KRKs.

 

[Chronoshock]

I'm using Adam A5s for my computer setup right now, I've ordered a sub (eD A3S-250), just waiting on it to be built. I'm really happy with the A5 monitors, I was using a Klipsch Promedia 5.1 setup previously.

 

[sdifox]

I'm using Adam A5s for my computer setup right now, I've ordered a sub (eD A3S-250), just waiting on it to be built. I'm really happy with the A5 monitors, I was using a Klipsch Promedia 5.1 setup previously.

I think a deaf man would be happy going from Promedia to Adam A5

However, I consider A7 and up as Adam speakers :biggrin:

 

[GTaudiophile]

I'm using Adam A5s for my computer setup right now, I've ordered a sub (eD A3S-250), just waiting on it to be built. I'm really happy with the A5 monitors, I was using a Klipsch Promedia 5.1 setup previously.

What do you pay for an Adam setup like that?

As for my current PC setup, I use the Boston Acoustics BA7800 system:

It has been going strong for about 8 years now.

Best sound in the world? For a PC it's not bad but I definitely want something different/more if I spend big bucks on a 2.0/2.1 system.

 

[sdifox]

What do you pay for an Adam setup like that?

As for my current PC setup, I use the Boston Acoustics BA7800 system:


It has been going strong for about 8 years now.

Best sound in the world? For a PC it's not bad but I definitely want something different/more if I spend big bucks on a 2.0/2.1 system.

A5

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.co...ia-Studio-Monitor-Matte-Black-Pair?sku=135249


A7
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/ADAM-Audio-A7-Powered-Studio-Monitors-Pair?sku=135246


I would highly recommend you go with A7s. Get 5 of them :biggrin: