John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum Archive

Aloha,

I am looking to replace my Mackie HR824's with something with a little more (well okay...a lot more) definition and clarity. However, being out in the middle of the ocean sometimes has its shortcomings, as in there are not a lot of places to A/B studio monitors, as in nadas. If I may inquire what y'all are using and how they perform, please?

I work with mostly acoustic/rock type music and am looking for a set monitors that do well in translating the upper harmonic complexities of stringed instruments without being overly harsh, yet offer a tight bottom end with a lot of punch. Right!

I am looking at a $3000 - $5000 (for the pair) bracket.

Finally, I have been referred to the Adams S series and Dynaudio BM series, had also been considering the K&H O 300, but have no way to preview any of them.

The lines are open and operators are standing by to hear your thoughts, please.

Mahalo!

I don't think you can go wrong with the ADAM line or Dynaudio. I would probably say the ADAM line over the latter...but that's just a matter of taste. Have you looked into Mercenary audio? they have a fair return policy and may be able to answer your questions a little better for what your needs are. The only thing that would stink is returning and paying the return shipping costs.

Mickey

Don't just buy something on faith....

Plan a trip of the island....maybe go to LA, or NewYork. Sure, it'll cost a bit, but it could save you money in the end if you find something that you really like.

Or, take a trip around the island to some of the bigger studios, and see what they're using. Buy an hour of time, or sweet talk them into just listening to their monitors....

Me, I use ATC SMC-50A active triamps, and they are everything that you are looking for, except the price range. Try and audition a pari if you get the chance....and keep your eyes open for a used set.

Cheers,

Kris

I like the Klein + Hummel 0300D. 3-way monitors Great Detail.

PMC AML-1's Around 5K a pair. Active.

I use the original LB-1 with a Bryston Amp. They replaced my Mackies, thank god....

The best speaker I've heard. No more guessing on the bottom and the highs are open and non-fatiguing.

The ATC's are great as well but pricey!

-bassman

My favourite monitors around that price range are the ADAM S2.5 A's, which provide a nice balanced sound, without the harshness usualy expected from ribbon tweeters... or the Focal S8's, which for imaging are fantastic.

I Love both monitors due to their innovation in different tweeter design, the adam using the folded ribbon, and the Focal using the inverted berillium dome.

As has been said though, final choice should be down to taste, so audition before you purchase.

Aloha,

Thanks guys for your suggestions. I'll try to arrange a couple of demo sessions next time I'm stateside (hopefully in the Fall of '07.

Aloha

I use Dynaudio 6As at work and they are drastically more clear compared to the Mackie 824s that we use in another room in our facility. I love the Mackies, but it seems they color everything to sound too good. They're great for getting quick drum sounds to impress clients!

My Yorkville YSM2Ps at home are better than the Mackies as well, though no where near the Dyns. We're lucky enough to run the Dyns for our 5.1 setup as well. Great speakers, but ot quite loud enough for big rock sessions.

Aloha LoudChris,

Hey, thanks for the hands on report. I just got an unexpected audition set up at the end of the month for some Genelecs. I dont know if there'll be some Dyn's available but I'll be looking for them.

Aloha

I'm really happy my pair of BM6As , but I must say that adding DYN's BX-30A sub to my set-up as put a serious grin on my face, and a mean dent in my wallet.


If I could afford it, I would look at the ATCs ( although I've never heard them) .


Oldfart
PS Kris, I'm in your neighboorhood, any way I could go listen to yours???

I'm in about the same position as you. I just had a demo in my studio of a set of Adam P33a's along side my HR 824s. I think I have a good ear but I honestly could not detect a big difference. I think I heard a bit more detail in the Adam's but not enough to go "wow what a difference". So now what? I want to hear the Genelec 1032a's...

jason

hi kendale

did you made your decision? i'll upgrade my event ps8 to something more midfieldy...

greez
roman

Aloha roman,

Thanks for stopping by.

did you made your decision? i'll upgrade my event ps8 to something more midfieldy...

Not yet. I have an audition set up for the end of the month to check out some Genelecs, but I have been spending most of my time & $$$ lately treating my room. If you care to, you can read about the process and journey here:

http://johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic ... ght=#15598
http://johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=4091

I have to say that when I first got the Mackies I was a bit disappointed in how they sounded, but after soffit mounting them and treating the rest of the room, they are sounding much better. So now that I've heard them in a better light, I believe I have a much better ploint of reference to make comparisons when I begin the auditions, provided the room they are auditioned in is decent.

Aloha

aloha kendale

i'm impressed! just went through your thread -ehm- journey you must be crazy (in a positive way of course)!!

hope you don't have to move in the near future

big cheerz from switzerland
roman

Aloha roman,

hope you don't have to move in the near future

Actually, there is one move I would really like to make in the near future, that being to a stand alone, purpose built structure for a recording studio.
http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/viewt ... ght=#16716

Aloha