Looking for some $200 (CAD) or under Studio Monitors
Aug 17, 2015 at 4:41 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 25
domino584

domino584

100+ Head-Fier
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Posts
200
Likes
29
For a moment I thought the JBL LSR305s came in a pair for ~200 bucks, but that was for each monitor.
 
I'm currently looking at either the Kanto YU2s or the M-Audio AV40s.  The Audioengine A2+ are just out of my budget.  Any suggestions?  Bass extension is not as important as the quality.
 
The M-Audios are about 160 here in Canada.  I'm on a university budget, and it's tight.  I also lost a lot of my audio gear recently.  :frowning2:
 
Or maybe it's worth it to just get a single JBL for the time being, run it in mono from the PC, and get a second one later?  Unless there are better alternatives in my price range.
 
Aug 17, 2015 at 6:31 PM Post #2 of 25
I'd probably go out listening to monitors at your local pro audio shops. If you were in the US, I'd say Guitar Center and George's Music. No idea if they're up in Canada, but I'm sure there's someone similar.
 
Aug 17, 2015 at 8:39 PM Post #3 of 25
In your budget range, best quality sound can likely be had by buying a Lepai t-amp: http://www.amazon.ca/Version-Upgraded-Lepy-LP-2020A-Amplifier/dp/B00V9AYMZ4/. Then get a used pair of passive bookshelf speakers. Look for some older Paraound, PSB, or Energy speakers (all originally Canadian manufactured brands).
 
Aug 18, 2015 at 12:23 AM Post #4 of 25
You could get a Fostex PM0.3 within your budget, maaaaybe the 0.5 on sale or used. I used to have the AV40's, I liked them more than the A2 (haven't heard the + version), but the Audioengines are smaller at least.
 
Also check kijiji for whatever people are selling. Chances are there will be a few Yorkville and Yamaha monitors available.
 
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:21 AM Post #5 of 25
nomadsoul said:
  I'd probably go out listening to monitors at your local pro audio shops. If you were in the US, I'd say Guitar Center and George's Music. No idea if they're up in Canada, but I'm sure there's someone similar.
Click to expand...

 
Best place I know here is AxeMusic.  I'll see if I can take a look.
 
cel4145 said:
In your budget range, best quality sound can likely be had by buying a Lepai t-amp: http://www.amazon.ca/Version-Upgraded-Lepy-LP-2020A-Amplifier/dp/B00V9AYMZ4/. Then get a used pair of passive bookshelf speakers. Look for some older Paraound, PSB, or Energy speakers (all originally Canadian manufactured brands).
Click to expand...

 
I'm thinking of going this route, but now I'm trying to lower the budget as much as possible.  I'm looking at the Monoprice 5 inch speakers but thinking I might want something better.  It's much more expensive here.
 
armaegis said:
  You could get a Fostex PM0.3 within your budget, maaaaybe the 0.5 on sale or used. I used to have the AV40's, I liked them more than the A2 (haven't heard the + version), but the Audioengines are smaller at least.
 
Also check kijiji for whatever people are selling. Chances are there will be a few Yorkville and Yamaha monitors available.
Click to expand...

 
Thanks, I'll see if I can find those Fostex speakers anywhere on Amazon or similar.
 
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:29 AM Post #6 of 25
Do you have a Long & McQuade in town?
 
Also check my thread here for Canadian retailers... http://www.head-fi.org/t/548624/listing-canadian-companies-retailers
 
Aug 18, 2015 at 9:40 AM Post #7 of 25
armaegis said:
  Do you have a Long & McQuade in town?
 
Also check my thread here for Canadian retailers... http://www.head-fi.org/t/548624/listing-canadian-companies-retailers
Click to expand...

We do!  Looks like we have 4 of them.  And the website is awesome, they have a lot of stock.
 
 
 
 
 
I found a Fostex PM0.4d that falls within budget.  It is an open box.  Should I jump on it once my loans come in?
 
Aug 18, 2015 at 11:47 AM Post #8 of 25
Seems pretty good if it comes with warranty etc. You'll have to check online for reviews.
 
Aug 18, 2015 at 12:22 PM Post #9 of 25
domino584 said:
   
.I'm thinking of going this route, but now I'm trying to lower the budget as much as possible.  I'm looking at the Monoprice 5 inch speakers but thinking I might want something better.  It's much more expensive here.
Click to expand...

 
Sometimes the $170 Monoprice 5" studio monitors go on sale, check their website once a day.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150401&p_id=605500&seq=1&format=2
 
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:05 PM Post #11 of 25
I haven't heard them, but have read they're decent for the price. Just keep in mind the exchange rate and shipping costs (and kinda pooched for warranty).
 
Aug 18, 2015 at 1:47 PM Post #13 of 25
I still think you could probably do better with passive speakers on the used market. For instance these Paradigm Titans would probably be better than anything new in your budget range: http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649216207-paradigm-titan-vintage-bookshelf-speakers/
 
Aug 18, 2015 at 2:13 PM Post #14 of 25
cel4145 said:
I still think you could probably do better with passive speakers on the used market. For instance these Paradigm Titans would probably be better than anything new in your budget range: http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649216207-paradigm-titan-vintage-bookshelf-speakers/
Click to expand...

I bet as well, I'm only issue is that I am a little iffy on used products if I don't get to see them in person.  If they are used from a retailer, I'm alright, but from a person, it bothers my OCD.  Those speakers look incredible though, and it friggen sucks that I can't just get those with a simple Lepy.  :|
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top