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Front ported speakers $200-300?

post #1 of 17
12/4/10 at 2:34pm
Thread Starter 

Hey guys,

 

I'm looking to get new speakers (upgrade from my HK Soundsticks II) for xmas but due to fairly limited space it'd be best if they're front ported. Originally I was looking at getting A5's or Bx5a's, but those are obviously ported in the back. I'd also like them to be active since I'll be using them on my desk with my speakers.  I listen to rock/jazz and unfortunately still have a large majority of mp3 files, so I don't really need "reference" or studio quality.

 

Suggestions?

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post #2 of 17
12/5/10 at 6:19pm
Thread Starter 

Alright I've been doing some more research and have found a few that fit, but could still really use some opinions.

 

 

Wharfedale DP8.2A

 

  •  

Behringer TRUTH B2030A

 

Alesis M1 Active MKii

 

KRK RP5 G2

 

Honestly, I keep looking back at the Audioengine A5s. I really love how they're "musical" speakers and not so neutral of some of the true monitors. I also like the ability to add a sub and airport express. They're also cheaper than others I've found.

 

I'll have "some" room behind the speakers, but not a full 6" as ideally specified. Will this really make a huge difference? I'll also be moving to a new place next year so I can better plan and have room for the speakers. 


Edited by Lazerboy2000 - 12/7/10 at 11:56am
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post #3 of 17
12/5/10 at 9:37pm

In this price range, the KRK Rokit 5s have to be on your short list.  I have a pair of the Rokit 6s that I got form a package deal at zzounds.  I have to say, the silk dome tweeters are incredibly detailed, and the glass composite woofers have solid bass extension for a 6 inch speaker.  Definitely check them out.

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post #4 of 17
12/5/10 at 9:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazerboy2000 View Post
Honestly, I keep looking back at the Audioengine A5s. I really love how they're "musical" speakers and not so neutral of some of the true monitors. I also like the ability to add a sub and airport express. They're also cheaper than others I've found.

 

I'll have "some" room behind the speakers, but not a full 6" as ideally specified. Will this really make a huge difference?


I have used A5s for nearfield listening for several years.  I listen to them several hours a day.  They have about 5" between speakers and wall on a shelf.  I angled them to provide a bit more room.

 

I find them to be quite enjoyable.  A very few recordings sound a bit boomy because of the proximity of the wall to the rear port.

 

Bill

 

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post #5 of 17
12/7/10 at 1:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazerboy2000 View Post

Alright I've been doing some more research and have found a few that fit, but could still really use some opinions.

 

 

Wharfedale DP8.2A

 

  •  

Behringer TRUTH B2030A

 

Alesis M1 Active MKii

 

KRK RP5 G2

Anybody have more opinions about these?

 

They're all about the same price, same features and specs. My top picks would be the Wharfedales or KRKs but could some more help deciding. Unfortunaetly there isn't a Hi-fi store in the area which I could listen to these, so I have to base off reviews. There is a best buy close that carries the KRK RP5s, but I'd have to order Wharfedales online.

 

The Alesis are probably lowest on the list unless somebody can convince me otherwise since they have limited inputs and controls. I've also read reviews about Behringer's reliability and how they copy their models from other companies. 

 

So Wharfedale 8.2A vs KRK RP5 G2, what is "better"? Thanks
 

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post #6 of 17
12/7/10 at 4:37pm

the A5's sounded awesome when I heard them, I think you will be fine even with the rear port as they don't have THAT much low end....

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post #7 of 17
3/31/11 at 6:26pm
Thread Starter 

Alright so I've finally saved up enough cash to spend on new speakers and also did well on exams so I'm gonna reward myself with some KRK RP6G2s. My source will be itunes>>Maverick D1 (tube out)>>RCA cables>>KRKs.  I may eventually get a NHT PVC PC volume control since the Maverick doesn't have anyway to mute the speaker output if I only wanna use headphones.  I feel like having to turn on/off the speakers manually will get old and I don't want to damage any circuits or fuses. 

 

I just gotta sell off my Soundsticks II first but that shouldn't be a problem. I'm excited!

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post #8 of 17
4/1/11 at 9:42am

Man, congrats on your KRKs. Moving up from the RCA to a TRS or XLR connection will be your next step via an audio interface, HOWEVER, I think you'll be very satisfied with the awesomeness of these monitors until you're ready for that.

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post #9 of 17
4/1/11 at 10:38am
Thread Starter 

Thanks! I gotta sell off my current speakers first before I can make the plunge on these but I think it'll be a great investment.  My DAC that I'm using doesn't have balanced outputs so going XLR wouldn't help me too much, and the cables won't be very long (6') so I shouldn't have any problems.  

 

How wide apart should the speakers be? My current setup they'll be placed on the sides of my monitor only 19" apart.  Next year I'll be moving to a new apt and will have much more space to spread them out. My main attraction to the KRKs is that they're professional grade speakers yet they're perfect for casual listening or cranking some rock.  I had my old Soundsticks II for the past 4 years so I imagine the KRKs ought to last me a decade! As you can see from my initial post, I wanted to get new speakers for a long time so this is much anticipated!


Edited by Lazerboy2000 - 4/1/11 at 10:39am
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post #10 of 17
4/1/11 at 11:24am

Nearfield monitors should be about 3-5 feet apart (mine aren't, they're about 2 feet apart flanking my monitor) angled in towards the listener (A must) in a equilateral triangle on stands or isolation pads with about 3-5 feet of wall clearance around them (mine aren't any of those; tho i am looking into stands) to prevent excess bass resonance. But all that is for proper monitoring set up for mixing and mastering tracks. They really sound amazing, even with the suboptimal placing I subject mine to, just for listening to music. You will absolutely be blown away, especially comparing them to your old Soundsticks!
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lazerboy2000 View Post

Thanks! I gotta sell off my current speakers first before I can make the plunge on these but I think it'll be a great investment.  My DAC that I'm using doesn't have balanced outputs so going XLR wouldn't help me too much, and the cables won't be very long (6') so I shouldn't have any problems.  

 

How wide apart should the speakers be? My current setup they'll be placed on the sides of my monitor only 19" apart.  Next year I'll be moving to a new apt and will have much more space to spread them out. My main attraction to the KRKs is that they're professional grade speakers yet they're perfect for casual listening or cranking some rock.  I had my old Soundsticks II for the past 4 years so I imagine the KRKs ought to last me a decade! As you can see from my initial post, I wanted to get new speakers for a long time so this is much anticipated!



 

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post #11 of 17
4/6/11 at 7:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Live42 View Post

In this price range, the KRK Rokit 5s have to be on your short list.  I have a pair of the Rokit 6s that I got form a package deal at zzounds.  I have to say, the silk dome tweeters are incredibly detailed, and the glass composite woofers have solid bass extension for a 6 inch speaker.  Definitely check them out.



I second that!

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post #12 of 17
4/6/11 at 10:00am
studio monitor sounds flat and neutral, is it ok to add tube buffer in the system? to have some tube flavor?
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post #13 of 17
4/6/11 at 10:21am

Ive done it, and it sounds fine

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post #14 of 17
4/6/11 at 11:11am
sound noticeable change? mind to list ur setup?
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post #15 of 17
4/6/11 at 12:07pm

Cakewalk monitors, ibasso D1, and little dot I+. I didn't notice too much of a change, but it still sounded better. 

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