[Syan25]

Please recommend some quality  reference monitors that are small and usable for music editing - small enough to be the size of bookends on a shelf...
 
Audioengine make small ones like the one's on Jude's desk - but I am not sure if they are for audiophile usage or mixing usage...
 
I was originally interesed in the Mr5's from Mackie...
 
Anyway please advise...

 

[iamthecheese]

I'm quite happy with my Tannoy 501a's

 

[Syan25]

Cool - what DAW and sound card do you use them with? I will check them online now

 

[iamthecheese]

I really don't mix any(atleast right now), so right now they are run from my modded zero dac(soon to be loaded dual mono opus), with a behringer MON800 to switch between inputs, control volume, and control my sub as well(alison AL8).

 

[Syan25]

Got it - what is the sound sig like? Strengths - weaknesses?

 

[iamthecheese]

Quote:

Got it - what is the sound sig like? Strengths - weaknesses?

I don't have a whole lot to compare too, but I can say I found them a bit sharp in the treble range, but they have a switch on the rear to adjust that. Overall they come off as fairly balanced, as studio monitors should. I just added the sub mainly for when I'm listening to electronic music with some weight down low.
 

 

[Syan25]

Cool - I am looking for something rather neutral, flat in the sound sig. Basically a detailed, clean, transparent monitor which is what they are made for...

 

[129207]

Adam A3x's sound like the thing you're looking for. Check out the reviews and impressions around the 'net. They're very small but sound big! Neutral and transparant. They're ideal for a small home studio. 

 

[Syan25]

Tks, mate I will look into it!!

 

[john57]

I wanted to add that I also have the Tannoy 501A also. I had a hard time finding a near field monitor that is clear and smooth  in the lower mid-range which seems to be the  failing in many speakers that I listen to. With the Tannoy it is easier to hear details with many instruments in the mix. I am partial to soft dome tweeters.  The Adam A3x has the advantage of the power switch and volume control on the front instead of the back like the Tannoy's

 

[129207]

Just checked out the Tannoy 501A and, from memory, the Adam A3x are in a whole other league. The Adams are more expensive as well ofcourse. The Tannoy sounds great for the money though and if I only had $250 to kill I'd probably get either them or the Boston Acoustics A25 (passive).  

 

[Syan25]

I see - lots of ideas running round. I had no idea the Tannoy were so cheap. I never thought of Tannoy as making monitor quality speakers before - so I am surprised but pleased. I will check out the Adams and Boston Acoustics. I'm wanting a very flat sound - and I guess I may have to pay for it too...

 

[garysohn]

Quote:

I see - lots of ideas running round. I had no idea the Tannoy were so cheap. I never thought of Tannoy as making monitor quality speakers before - so I am surprised but pleased. I will check out the Adams and Boston Acoustics. I'm wanting a very flat sound - and I guess I may have to pay for it too...

Down through the years Tannoy made many of the monitor speakers used in UK studios. Perhaps even most.
 
 

 

[Syan25]

yeah - sounds like I ought to invest in a pair - if I can find some to audition first...

 

[Rat Salad]

 
NHT M-00 they come in 115v and 230v.   But they will not be making more than couple hundred more so get em while you can.    They sell a  passive Volume control with it that's real nice as well.. Cuts ground loop noise. 
 
 
From their facebook page

 

"M-00's. We're sorry to say we're only going to be able to produce another couple of hundred M-00 powered mini monitors. After 14 years and several thousand M-00's, the tool that molds the aluminum alloy cabinet is reaching end of life. We're unlikely to invest another $60K or so into a new one so it appears the end is coming... If you are a serious musician, you might want to break the piggy.