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Studio Monitors or Computer Speakers ($500 budget)

post #1 of 24
8/19/11 at 11:52pm
Thread Starter 
So I have decided to get new computer speakers... After purchasing the FA-002w and spending a month stuck to them, switching to the logitech z2300 was so painful I sold them the next day. Anyways now a few months later I have realized that I cannot deal with headphones anymore (stuck in head sound and can't deal with iMac speakers) and will be selling my headphones soon.

So... I definitely do not want logitech crap but don't really know whether to get studio monitors (yamaha hs50m look appealing) or computer speakers (audioengine a2/a5 very good reviews). I listen to many genres, but especially classic rock and techno/dubstep, so I will be needing to get a subwoofer in the future. Please point to alternatives within my budget and keep in mind I will be getting a sub so I don't want massive bookshelf speakers. And one more thing, they must be powered I don't want to deal with buying receivers and what not.

Thanks!
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post #2 of 24
8/20/11 at 2:48am

Hmm which part of the world u @ cos that would determine what is available and shipping possibly tongue_smile.gif

 

I think looking at your needs pro/industry studio monitors aren't a fit so active speakers i recalled or have heard are

 

 

Audioengine A2/A5

KRK Rockit series

ESI Near Series

Edifier R Series (highest end 1900TIII/2000T)

Microlab Solo Series (highest end 6C/7C)

M-Audio AV40 and better

 

for simplicity sakes pick out a sub with RCA out i guess beerchug.gif


Edited by trog - 8/20/11 at 2:55am
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post #3 of 24
8/20/11 at 8:30am
Thread Starter 
If I got studio monitors, how would I connect them to my iMac without an audio interface?

Anyways I live in England but will be in DC for the next month so I want to take advantage of the prices here.
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post #4 of 24
8/20/11 at 11:28am

Err IMACs have onboard sound and simplest way is 3.5mm/RCA to the input of a powered speaker. Else use a USB/External DAC L3000.gif

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post #5 of 24
8/20/11 at 1:47pm

+1 for the Edifier R Series for budget active speakers , or Prodipe pro 5 if you want to spend a bit more.

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post #6 of 24
8/20/11 at 4:43pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by trog View Post

Err IMACs have onboard sound and simplest way is 3.5mm/RCA to the input of a powered speaker. Else use a USB/External DAC L3000.gif



I know that but for example Yamaha hs50m have xlr and 1/4 inputs how do I connect that without a dac...
Edited by Masqmotumbo - 8/20/11 at 5:00pm
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post #7 of 24
8/20/11 at 6:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Masqmotumbo View Post




I know that but for example Yamaha hs50m have xlr and 1/4 inputs how do I connect that without a dac...


Your computer has a dac.  You simply run a cable from the audio out to the powered speakers.  You can do better with an outboard dac but it is not necessary.  I like the A-5s a lot and it is easy enough to attach a sub later if you wish.

 

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post #8 of 24
8/21/11 at 4:35am

Hmm something like these?

 

http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CMP159-Cable-Inch-Dual/dp/B000068O3C/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

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post #9 of 24
8/21/11 at 6:07am

The M-Audio CX5 and CX8 are both in your price range, and have gotten wonderful reviews. I have the CX5s and absolutely love them. 

 

Here is a review of the CX5:

 

http://magazine.dv247.com/2010/04/22/maudio-cx5-active-monitor-review-part-1/

 


Edited by tmars78 - 8/21/11 at 6:09am
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post #10 of 24
8/21/11 at 10:10am

I can recommend the KRK Rokit series for sure.

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post #11 of 24
8/21/11 at 12:18pm
Thread Starter 
So I decided to go to guitar center and audition some of these monitors and I have ended up really liking the yamaha hs50m, they just seem more neutral than the m-audio or the Krk. Also I don't really need a bigger monitor for the bass reproduction as I will get a subwoofer. Anyways I was told that using the 1/4 inputs will create a humming noise in the back ground and that I should use xlr cables and an audio interface. Now is there any cheap audio interface that does nothing fancy but let me plug in the xlrs to my computer? Less than a $100, thanks
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post #12 of 24
8/21/11 at 1:26pm

i used the adam a7 ,it sounds great.sometime it show on the used market around 550 to 600.

just my 2 cent

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post #13 of 24
8/21/11 at 1:38pm
Thread Starter 

hey i did audition the adam a7s and they did sound really nice but they are over my budget as i don't want to buy used gear... anyone with recommendations of a dec/audio interface with xlr inputs under $100 if there is such a thing...

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post #14 of 24
8/22/11 at 2:41pm

i don't think there is such thing under $100,a trs to xlr cable will do the job too.

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post #15 of 24
8/22/11 at 4:24pm
Thread Starter 
So I ended up getting the yamahas hs50m's a $100 alesis audio interface and some cheap xlr to 1/4. They sound amazing, however speakers distort at the highs... Could this be the cables? Or crappy interface? Or even the speakers :s
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