Decent cheap studio monitors?

[dreamcat4]

Hi.

There's a number of very lesser-known or small name brands of studio monitor around. I'm talking about the active ones. Which often start in the £200-£300 range.

So being price-concious, what's the best deal to be had? It's hard to know what to get if you've never had one before.

The cheaper the better... but it really has to be a step up from something like a regular stereo or £100 ish surround package. Or would that be a better option < £200? If so then which ones?

Ideall I'd like to see a head-to-head. Between the best < £200 surround package, vs the best < £300 active studio monitors (they usually have a stereo phono input).

 

[lucid]

I doubt you'll find that kind of head-to-head comparison because the products are aimed at very different markets.

Also, what job do you want the monitors to do? Is this for music production, or simply PC/gaming use on a desk top, or music replay, or something else?

 

[dreamcat4]

Yeah, all of those tasks.

I know there isn't any comparison. I just though it would be nice to see one of each kind. Because it's about the same spend (the budget is within distance of each other). And ultimately you can only really have one or the other connected up in a single room.

The problem for me is how to get some solid and narrow-enough shortlist (not too many options) it's few enough to actually evaluate them, and feel some level of consifence that you're making the best choice. And without missing out on the best products either.

Last time I looked at either category I just came away very confused. There were far too many to choose from.

 

[hellarda]

Have a look at the KRK Rockits if you're looking for reference studio monitors.

I have a pair of the RP8's which are a bit out of your budget (~£200 each) but I have heard great things about the 6's and 5's

 

[dreamcat4]

Ok great. I will add them to my shortlist for a closer scrutiny.

 

[dreamcat4]

I remember seeing ones like those before... they are very nice.

Actually 4x RP8s would probably make an excellent surround-style home theatre system. As well as being good for music production too. Too bad it because would cost about £800 though.

But that's what you could do for yourself... go get 2 more RP8s.

 

[easyrider]

Krk Rokit 5 G 3

I'm getting these I think for here

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18692623

 

[visibleman]

I have a pair of the RP8's...

Have a pair as well and whilst they're reasonably OK (price vs sound) for music production, i do find that they are a bit too sterile for long periods of listening and ear fatigue sets in quite quickly.

Certainly it'd be worth listening to a pair of RP5/8's but i would add Adam's (if you can stretch to £500-ish then A5X's would be well worth looking at), Tannoy, Mackie (MR6's perhaps) and M-Audio to the list.

 

[dreamcat4]

add Adam's (if you can stretch to £500-ish then A5X's would be well worth looking at), Tannoy, Mackie (MR6's perhaps) and M-Audio to the list.

Great. Thanks for this advice... could you please give me specific product name(s) ? e.g. for the Tannoy & M-Audio. It would be a big help. Thank you.