[Necrolic]

Need powered monitors under $500. The only 2 options I've really looked at are KRK RP-5 and Mackie MR5, but I hear those are both very neutral and kind of boring with rock.

What I'm looking for is a euphonic, musical speaker. Something similar to my headphone setup (not necessarily identical just not the complete opposite). Any speakers that fit the bill?

 

[BoseFan]

I think the whole neutral = boring thing might not be entirely true. Well obviously to me it's not, and apparently to some people it is, but it mostly sounds like another propagated internet myth where one concept or idea gets passed around as truth by those that have not heard for themselves, or those perceptions influence our own listening when they don't have to. I wouldn't give up with either of those speakers based simply on that notion if you have the option of testing them out. If you can't try them before you buy them, then you could probably use a little bit of cognitive dissonance. But if you can, you might end up being surprised, you shouldn't let someone else's idea neutral being boring get in your way

. I think it will get you closer to what the musicians had in mind when choosing their settings or style.

 

[1UP]

Have a look at the Yamaha HS50M - pretty fun sounding; good compromise between euphony without ridiculous colouration. If you want more neutrality, there's the MSP-5.

I found the MR5s quite fatiguing and KRKs too coloured.

I'm not sure where I stand on the neutrality/euphony fence, but bear in mind these are all aimed at the pro recording market, where monitoring implying strict neutrality is the value proposition. Put another way, the HS50Ms get many reports on Gearslutz of 1. not being the ultimate monitor but 2. able to translate most any type of music

 

[Uncle Erik]

Just pick up an inexpensive receiver or old amp then run the passive speakers of your choice. I'd recommend going used with the speakers, too. If you get an old receiver for $20-$50 or so (and no, you won't compromise the sound over what's in the monitors) you can spend almost $500 on speakers. With things the way they are, $500 should get you speakers that retailed for $1,000-$1,500. You'd be much better off.

 

[1UP]

No debate that used separates and passives offer great potential, but when nearfield listening and convenience/space are factored in, monitors make a lot of sense. Plus most of them offer balanced inputs.

 

[Necrolic]

Uncle Erik, as much as I'd like to do that, this is for desktop use, no room for a receiver and full-size speakers.

 

[mlantinen]

I auditioned the Yamaha HS50M's for about two weeks. Nice sounding speakers and they look pretty nice. Got mine from Guitar Center for about $130 each after they price matched Amazon. They're really good about price matching any online retailer. Problem with powered speakers is you have to reach around back to turn each of them on/off separately and also adjust volume (but usually you set the volume for each speaker and leave it, adjusting the volume through your computer, etc.). Also they each have heavy duty power cords that each eat up an wall jack. Too many wires. These things are fargin heavy too.

Brought mine back though as I really wanted to go with passive speakers. So I went with a Ming Da MC84-C07. Great headphone amp and passive speaker amp. Still haven't purchased speakers for it yet, but I'm loving headphones with it for the time being.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrolic /img/forum/go_quote.gif Uncle Erik, as much as I'd like to do that, this is for desktop use, no room for a receiver and full-size speakers.

Then get passive bookshelf speakers. There are some really good ones. An amp/receiver can be put on a shelf across the room if needed.

I just think that separates are a much better value, sound better, offer more opportunities to upgrade and add components, and usually have a higher resale value. All-in-one gear usually is compromised somewhere along the line. Why not spend the same or less for something that isn't compromised?

 

[Guidostrunk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Then get passive bookshelf speakers. There are some really good ones. An amp/receiver can be put on a shelf across the room if needed. I just think that separates are a much better value, sound better, offer more opportunities to upgrade and add components, and usually have a higher resale value. All-in-one gear usually is compromised somewhere along the line. Why not spend the same or less for something that isn't compromised?

Agreed separates are better, if you into a project check out billfitzmaurice.com its a diy speaker, i built the dj/pa speakers about 3 years ago and the sound qualiy is awesome. I sold my EAW speakers because bills were that much better.

 

[Guidostrunk]

Scrap that, doesnt have small speakers anymore.

 

[Mad Max]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1UP /img/forum/go_quote.gif Have a look at the Yamaha HS50M - pretty fun sounding; good compromise between euphony without ridiculous colouration. If you want more neutrality, there's the MSP-5. I found the MR5s quite fatiguing and KRKs too coloured. I'm not sure where I stand on the neutrality/euphony fence, but bear in mind these are all aimed at the pro recording market, where monitoring implying strict neutrality is the value proposition. Put another way, the HS50Ms get many reports on Gearslutz of 1. not being the ultimate monitor but 2. able to translate most any type of music

KRKs? How coloured? I'm considering these as well.

 

[Mad Max]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif Then get passive bookshelf speakers. There are some really good ones. An amp/receiver can be put on a shelf across the room if needed. I just think that separates are a much better value, sound better, offer more opportunities to upgrade and add components, and usually have a higher resale value. All-in-one gear usually is compromised somewhere along the line. Why not spend the same or less for something that isn't compromised?

Recommendations on those speakers, please. =]

 

[Bmac]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif I just think that separates are a much better value, sound better, offer more opportunities to upgrade and add components, and usually have a higher resale value. All-in-one gear usually is compromised somewhere along the line. Why not spend the same or less for something that isn't compromised?

If active speakers were so compromised, the recording engineers that make the vast majority of music you listen to wouldn't be using them.

 

[Drag0n]

If youre gonna use MONITORS, you may find theyre on the neutral side because theyre supposed to be accurate monitors. If that bothers you, then use home bookshelf speakers with an amp, or use an EQ to taylor them the way you want.