Budget Studio Monitors Advice Please

jtcnj

jtcnj

Ambassador of the Crossroad
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Most of you know my gear budget is tight, and its just middle aged me frittering away the moments that make up the dull day...... wait.. me in my basement.
I am looking for studio monitors to run into a Focusrite scarlett 2i2 to PC to mainly - play songs from PC loud enough to play along to with guitar>pedals>amp.
So, loudish TV volume for both.

I will eventually use them as studio monitors for getting started in recording to DAW - Audacity or maybe Reaper.

I have read all the "best budget studio Monitors in the $100/$200/$300 range articles.
I keep arriving at a pair of JBL 305P Mk II for about $200 shipped, no cables.

But, being the necessary cheapskate that I am, am wondering if some of the other $100 - $150 range choices will be adequate.

What say you?

1607545876050.jpg
 
JBL's get a lot of good pub.

My last two sets have benn KRK's, they bagged on, always done the job for me.
Without coloration, nice flat response. Has contour/ e.q. controls to compensate for the room.

The recording forums i frequent recommend those JBL's quite often.
 
JBL was on my shortlist. I went with the Yamahas in the end though...8 inch models...in a 24 X 26 foot space. I’m very happy with them. I probably would have been happy with the 8 inch JBL model too.
If you have a smaller space, you may do well with a 6.5 inch driver, but watch your low end spec. You will want something that doesn’t drop off too much at 40hZ....or you will find yourself wanting a subwoofer to hear the kick drum beat. Monitors are a very personal and subjective choice. A guitar-denter is a handy place to give a listen to the candidates.
 
This is what I use...



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Just kidding. :victoire:
 
Let a dummy ask this question.

What are the differences between say regular stereo speakers and what Monitor Speakers are? I never did understand why stereo speakers weren't just used on a computer instead of the computer kind other than the plug ends wires etc.

I can think of a few possible reasons, one is a Stereo puts out the signal to the drivers differently than a computer does?
And are these monitor things you guys are discussing, going to a mixer board, or software the computer uses for mixing/recording or what? Sorry, clue me in, thanks.
 
chilipeppermaniac said:
Let a dummy ask this question.

What are the differences between say regular stereo speakers and what Monitor Speakers are? I never did understand why stereo speakers weren't just used on a computer instead of the computer kind other than the plug ends wires etc.

I can think of a few possible reasons, one is a Stereo puts out the signal to the drivers differently than a computer does?
And are these monitor things you guys are discussing, going to a mixer board, or software the computer uses for mixing/recording or what? Sorry, clue me in, thanks.
Click to expand...


Studio monitors and regular speakers: the technical differences

While both categories share common ground in many cases, you’ll generally find a few disparities across the board. Here’s a selection of the main technical differences:


  • Active/passive – studio monitors tend to be active i.e. they have built-in power amplifiers. Hi-fi and other home speakers are generally passive, receiving power from a dedicated standalone amplifier.
  • Individual power amplifiers – with active speakers, particularly studio monitors, you tend to have multiple power amps in one unit. This means that woofer (bass), midrange and tweeter (treble) cones are each powered individually, making for a more precise sound.
  • Crossovers – an extension of the previous point, a crossover splits frequencies to ensure they go to the right driver (speaker). This again adds clarity and precision, so that you can hear every detail across the EQ range.
  • Sound – kinda covered in the points above, but studio monitors are designed to have a flat, precise sound for nearfield use. This means they don’t emphasise any one frequency, giving you the most accurate impression of your mix so you can easily pick out imperfections.

Basically you can hear everything in details with studio monitors where's normal one ads bass and changes sound of the mix.
 
I'm trying to stay in the $100-$150 range for decent quality and bang per buck or I will likely go with the JBL305 pair I posted for $200.
I am considering the Mackie pair as well.
 
jtcnj said:
Most of you know my gear budget is tight, and its just middle aged me frittering away the moments that make up the dull day...... wait.. me in my basement.
I am looking for studio monitors to run into a Focusrite scarlett 2i2 to PC to mainly - play songs from PC loud enough to play along to with guitar>pedals>amp.
So, loudish TV volume for both.

I will eventually use them as studio monitors for getting started in recording to DAW - Audacity or maybe Reaper.

I have read all the "best budget studio Monitors in the $100/$200/$300 range articles.
I keep arriving at a pair of JBL 305P Mk II for about $200 shipped, no cables.

But, being the necessary cheapskate that I am, am wondering if some of the other $100 - $150 range choices will be adequate.

What say you?

View attachment 53883
Click to expand...

The choice is powered or UN-powered monitors...
But I like Yorkville Sound from Canada. I am impressed with the design and quality.

One philosophy is to use (basically) car speakers.
This way, you have a better idea of what it really sounds like on an average car stereo or home stereo.
(Auratone speakers are used quite a bit to test the "car mix")

I mean it might sound quite a bit different on studio monitors than it does in the real world.

JBL is been the industry standard but it's also made in China.
I would probably buy a product from Canada or USA instead, just because it supports our economy and jobs.
 
chilipeppermaniac said:
I knew of these type speaker monitor things, are they able to do what the OP was asking or is it different still?

www.klipsch.com

Powered Speakers

Powered speakers and powered Bluetooth speakers deliver room-filling sound without the need for an AV receiver. Shop powered speakers now.
www.klipsch.com www.klipsch.com
Click to expand...
I know Klipsch very well. While those speakers would be nice to listen to, they aren't a studio monitor. Like Ramo's post points out, Monitors are there for precise playback, where home speakers try to sound the best to all mixes and will 'color' the sound.
 
I run Denon Pro monitors, which are the same as the Mackie's just branded differently. The only reason I chose these ones is that my company is a Denon Pro Dealer so I got them super cheap. Lovely to know that Speakers have the highest markup in consumer electronics besides accessories.

They've done me well since I've owned them, and sound much more neutral than the Klipsch powered I tried briefly. I've heard the JBL's which are great especially considering the price.

My vote: JBL's
 
Amp Mad Scientist said:
The choice is powered or UN-powered monitors...
But I like Yorkville Sound from Canada. I am impressed with the design and quality.

One philosophy is to use (basically) car speakers.
This way, you have a better idea of what it really sounds like on an average car stereo or home stereo.
(Auratone speakers are used quite a bit to test the "car mix")

I mean it might sound quite a bit different on studio monitors than it does in the real world.

JBL is been the industry standard but it's also made in China.
I would probably buy a product from Canada or USA instead, just because it supports our economy and jobs.
Click to expand...
For PA gear here in Canada, Yorkville rules! Made jn Canada, really solid well made stuff. More money than Chinese cheap platic speakers and they are worth it. We can rent them very cheaply here to try out plus rent to own. Studio monitors I know not. P A gear - awesome!!
 
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