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Difference between bookshelves speakers & studio monitors & loudspeakers?

post #1 of 17
4/3/07 at 5:42pm
Thread Starter 
Hey head-fiers,

Quick question, what are the main differences between bookshelves speakers, studio monitors, & loudspeakers? I'm looking to upgrade my computer speakers to something with a more audiophile taste. I've heard recommendations from av123 (x-ls) to b&w (300series) to KRP-Rokit 5's etc.
If anyone has a great link where I can research into, that would be very helpful.

Thanks!!
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post #2 of 17
4/3/07 at 6:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by audiophile01 View Post
Hey head-fiers,

Quick question, what are the main differences between bookshelves speakers, studio monitors, & loudspeakers? I'm looking to upgrade my computer speakers to something with a more audiophile taste. I've heard recommendations from av123 (x-ls) to b&w (300series) to KRP-Rokit 5's etc.
If anyone has a great link where I can research into, that would be very helpful.

Thanks!!
Loudspeakers or Speakers for short come in many shapes and sizes and purposes.

The following is a rather broad generalization.

Bookshelf speakers are typically quite small and designed to be used near walls , this sometimes reinforces bass response. Generally small bookshelf type speakers cannot produce very low bass i.e frequences less than 60hz.

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 to studio monitors. For monitor work engineers are generally intersted in accuracy i.e the speaker playback does not deviate much from the live or recorded signal.

Speakers can also be stand-mounted , floorstanding or fixed to or in walls, in the 80s some speakers were suspended between ceilings and floors by cables, I kid you not.

Generally bigger speakers have a better ability to produce lower bass tones.

Bookshelf speakers may also be accompanied by a specialist low frequency speaker called a subwoofer to make up for their low end deficiences.

Generally traditional (non computer based) hifi speakers are not powered so external amplification is necessary. Though some are, these are sometimes called active speakers.

I have just invested in a set of JBL E20 bookshelf speakers ($27 from ebay) that I plan to connect to a vintage Nikko Amp and use for my office system.

EDIT: Knowing your budget would be useful, speakers can get very very expensive
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post #3 of 17
4/3/07 at 8:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by hciman77 View Post
Loudspeakers or Speakers for short come in many shapes and sizes and purposes.

The following is a rather broad generalization.

Bookshelf speakers are typically quite small and designed to be used near walls , this sometimes reinforces bass response. Generally small bookshelf type speakers cannot produce very low bass i.e frequences less than 60hz.

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 to studio monitors. For monitor work engineers are generally intersted in accuracy i.e the speaker playback does not deviate much from the live or recorded signal.

Speakers can also be stand-mounted , floorstanding or fixed to o
r in walls, in the 80s some speakers were suspended between ceilings and floors by cables, I kid you not.

Generally bigger speakers have a better ability to produce lower bass tones.

Bookshelf speakers may also be accompanied by a specialist low frequency speaker called a subwoofer to make up for their low end deficiences.

Generally traditional (non computer based) hifi speakers are not powered so external amplification is necessary. Though some are, these are sometimes called active speakers.

I have just invested in a set of JBL E20 bookshelf speakers ($27 from ebay) that I plan to connect to a vintage Nikko Amp and use for my office system.

EDIT: Knowing your budget would be useful, speakers can get very very expensive
Ahhh, thanks for the enlightenment!
My budget for the speakers would be around 300$ !!
And judging by the definition of bookshelves, I definitely might want to go that route.
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post #4 of 17
4/5/07 at 12:32am
Thread Starter 
bump
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post #5 of 17
4/5/07 at 3:24am
Let's separate the speakers you listed by power differences:

Bookshelves and floorstanders ("loudspeakers") are almost all passive, meaning they require external amplification by an integrated amplifier (which contains a preamplifier and a power amplifier) or a receiver (same features as integrated amp plus surround sound capability).

Monitors and computer speakers are usually active, meaning they have their own built-in amplifiers and need to plug into the wall. Studio monitors ideally use a "balanced" connection (via XLR or TRS), which a card like the AV-710 isn't capable of supplying. All normal "consumer" speakers (i.e. bookshelves, floorstanders, and computer speakers) are considered "unbalanced," which is probably what you're seeking.

So, if you don't have the budget for a receiver or integrated amplifier, computer speakers are probably the way to go.
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post #6 of 17
4/5/07 at 4:24am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by infinitesymphony View Post
Let's separate the speakers you listed by power differences:

Bookshelves and floorstanders ("loudspeakers") are almost all passive, meaning they require external amplification by an integrated amplifier (which contains a preamplifier and a power amplifier) or a receiver (same features as integrated amp plus surround sound capability).

Monitors and computer speakers are usually active, meaning they have their own built-in amplifiers and need to plug into the wall. Studio monitors ideally use a "balanced" connection (via XLR or TRS), which a card like the AV-710 isn't capable of supplying. All normal "consumer" speakers (i.e. bookshelves, floorstanders, and computer speakers) are considered "unbalanced," which is probably what you're seeking.

So, if you don't have the budget for a receiver or integrated amplifier, computer speakers are probably the way to go.
Ooh, what i meant was 300$ budget for speakers alone. I got money set aside for a receiver(around 200) & a emu 0404 usb soundcard.

Anymore recommendations on speakers head-fiers?
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post #7 of 17
4/5/07 at 9:59am
If you're seriously considering the E-MU 0404 USB, you should definitely take advantage of its balanced outputs, especially since it has that handy Direct Monitor knob for adjusting volume.

The $200 for the receiver could go toward better monitors, so you're essentially looking at a $500 price point. That would net you a very nice set of speakers, especially if you're willing to buy used. Studios go out of business all the time and sell their like-new equipment on-the-cheap to make quick cash.

If you're set on getting the receiver and running an unbalanced setup, you'll probably be recommended something like the AV123 X-Series. You might also consider looking for used unbalanced speakers.
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post #8 of 17
4/5/07 at 1:23pm
Take a look at the following link:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showt...10#post1182910
I was originally referred to it by LLoyd 297.
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post #9 of 17
4/5/07 at 1:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by infinitesymphony View Post
If you're seriously considering the E-MU 0404 USB, you should definitely take advantage of its balanced outputs, especially since it has that handy Direct Monitor knob for adjusting volume.

The $200 for the receiver could go toward better monitors, so you're essentially looking at a $500 price point. That would net you a very nice set of speakers, especially if you're willing to buy used. Studios go out of business all the time and sell their like-new equipment on-the-cheap to make quick cash.

If you're set on getting the receiver and running an unbalanced setup, you'll probably be recommended something like the AV123 X-Series. You might also consider looking for used unbalanced speakers.
Ohhh, Just curious what recommendations come for the 400-500$ mark?
Also, I've been seeing a lot of recommendations for the av123.
I heard you can try it out for 30days & if you don't like it you can return it!
Sounds tempting.

Quote:
mikeg Take a look at the following link:
http://www.gearslutz.com/board/showt...10#post1182910
I was originally referred to it by LLoyd 297.
Looking into that right now
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post #10 of 17
4/5/07 at 2:16pm
What's your location? You should definitely head toward your nearest pro audio shop (or even Guitar Center) to see what's available in your price range. Listening is really the only way to know what you'll like. Different monitors can sound very, very different; brands tend to have a "house sound."

The Sweetwater Sound website is usually pretty up-to-date in terms of popular monitors. See what's in your price range, and don't forget about buying used.

Active Monitor listing at Sweetwater Sound (sorted by Price Low to High). Also notice that some are priced individually (ea) and some are sold in pairs (pr).
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post #11 of 17
4/5/07 at 2:27pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by infinitesymphony View Post
What's your location? You should definitely head toward your nearest pro audio shop (or even Guitar Center) to see what's available in your price range. Listening is really the only way to know what you'll like. Different monitors can sound very, very different; brands tend to have a "house sound."

The Sweetwater Sound website is usually pretty up-to-date in terms of popular monitors. See what's in your price range, and don't forget about buying used.

Active Monitor listing at Sweetwater Sound (sorted by Price Low to High). Also notice that some are priced individually (ea) and some are sold in pairs (pr).
Thanks Infinite I'll be sure to look into it
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post #12 of 17
4/5/07 at 4:36pm
What size? If you are looking for bookshelf speakers, I suggest some Polks. The RT-55i are great and sell for around $225 a pair. The SDACRS+ are around $325, the Rt-35i are around $130 and the RT-25i around #100. All are great speakers. Search CL with Crazedlist and visit the Polk Audio Forums.

The SDACRS+ and RT-55i are some really good speakers that are not made any longer but still sound super. I have a pair of 25+ year old Monitor 7b that sound really great. No need to worry about refoaming Polks.
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post #13 of 17
4/6/07 at 9:26pm
hi

Here is a nice little read from Sound on Sound mag which compares Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 and B&W 303 speakers against Dyanaudio and KRK monitor speakers:

"Loudspeakers are traditionally designed for either monitor or hi-fi applications, but is there actually any difference? And just how suitable are hi-fi speakers for nearfield monitoring in the project studio? In part one this month, we examine measured responses."

Part1 :
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Jun0...s/monitors.asp

Part 2 :
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov0...andingmons.htm
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post #14 of 17
4/6/07 at 9:33pm
heard good things about these http://www.av123.com/products_produc...s&product=82.1
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post #15 of 17
4/6/07 at 11:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by musicmind View Post
hi

Here is a nice little read from Sound on Sound mag which compares Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 and B&W 303 speakers against Dyanaudio and KRK monitor speakers:

"Loudspeakers are traditionally designed for either monitor or hi-fi applications, but is there actually any difference? And just how suitable are hi-fi speakers for nearfield monitoring in the project studio? In part one this month, we examine measured responses."

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Jun0...s/monitors.asp
Thanks for the link
Quote:
Originally Posted by AudioNoob View Post
Yeah, I keep getting recommendations for those monitors, & I'm actually tempted to order those because of their great return policy. Do you know if X-LS are good for hiphop?
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