Budget Active Monitor Speakers

dynamiccoins

dynamiccoins

dynamiccoins

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16 Nov 2011
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52
Hi

I have a DJ setup with 2 x technics 1210s and a Pioneer djm 350 mixer. I want to connect some active monitor speakers to the setup connected straight to the mixer.

Now I don't have a lot of spare cash atm and I know there are some great speakers out there if I wanted to pay more, but I can't so wondered if anyone has any budget ones they can recommend (say less than £100 for the pair).

The other option is to go second hand of course.

Any help much appreciated.
Thanks
 
It depends how seriously you are taking the quality really! If you want to mix professionally I guess you'll need the best but if I was using them just to DJ for fun I'd probably buy a pair of Edifiers.

The R1600T III can be had for £99.95 on OcUk and they'll have enough oomph and a lively sound depending on what you mix. :)
 
Thanks for replying. I already have the thing connected to my main hi-fi which is an Arcam Alpha 9 with Acoustic energy floor standers (all purchased 25 years ago along with the decks and still going strong) but they are quite far away so although great for banging out the tunes....not so great when the wife is in as it "dominates" the house somewhat.

So I need something which is acceptable and right next to my setup for when I'm just messing about.

I mix oldskool dance stuff from the early 90's (garage/house/breakbeat/italian/techno etc). If that's your bag here's one of my mixes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQcgiWGZe3g (assuming self promotion is ok!).

I'll have a look at the R1600T III's - thanks.
 
Eris Presonus 4.5 if you can get them 2nd hand like I did (under £100). They do a 3.5 version which are cheaper but might not be suitable for your needs.

Could also take a look at the M-Audio series. Mackie CR3 if you can put up with the green trim.
 
Edifier R1600T or R1280T are good speakers. R1600T III angle upwards whereas the 1280's are traditional orientation. They aren't specifically labelled as being studio monitor speakers, but I don't see why they can't be used for that purpose.

Of the speakers that are specifically labelled as being studio monitor speakers, Presonus Eris (mentioned above) are likely the best of the budget ones for £150 or less. 4.5's are larger and offer a few more options for placement, but the 3.5 should be a good choice for those not wanting to spend more than £100.

There are a few other studio monitor speakers for £100 or under, but many skimp too much to meet a price point. Mackie CR range is a good example of this. While Mackie do make some decent more expensive monitor speakers, their CR range gets too many 1* user reviews.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

Now after all that I'm pondering whether to pick up a second hand amp to drive some passive speakers. Taking into account my own Arcam setup and how its still amazing after so may years, I'm wondering if I could get a deal second hand for something a few years old. Of course I appreciate there is a risk to buying second hand.
 
dynamiccoins said:
Thanks for all the replies.

Now after all that I'm pondering whether to pick up a second hand amp to drive some passive speakers. Taking into account my own Arcam setup and how its still amazing after so may years, I'm wondering if I could get a deal second hand for something a few years old. Of course I appreciate there is a risk to buying second hand.
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Unless an amp is really old, then if it's been cared for, no reason why there should be a problem. I bought an earlier Audiolab 8000A some years ago which is still going strong.

Many really old amps still work fine; but with old amps that have that kind of age, wear to some of the components can be a factor. They can be replaced of course, but unless you can do that yourself, it might not be cheap to find someone else to do it. There are many well known brands that are solidly built though, so last a lot longer than many of the electronics that are made today as cheaply as possible.
 
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