John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum Archive

hey there, I am in the market for some new near field monitors, but with other money my wife has let me spend my budget for the pair of monitors is around 300-500 US $.

I record mostly acoustic guitar and vocals along with a handfull of other instruments tracked individually and listen to music at a soft to moderate level. The monitors that are right for me are a pair that are easy on the ears and pleasant to listen to regular music on in a bedroom sized studio (beatles, zepplin, pink floyd, etc.) I will mix with them about 25% of the time ... (I also mix a little on sennhauser hd 280 pro cans) and listen to music the rest of the time.

I am not dying for monster bass or anything and the two models I have looked at have been: the YAMAHA HS50M and the KRK RP-6 (Rokit 6)

I have A-B'd these and the yamaha's seemed a lot harsher but more accurate.... The rockit's seemed more pleasing to the ear, but in a store i can't tell anything about what they are like to mix on.

I am leaning toward the KRK rockit 6's because they seem nicer to listen too and less tinny or harsh. I can only assume that they are at least half decent to use for near field monitering. I realize the yamahas are flatter and that nothing in this price range is all that great. ANYWAY.... thought somebody here might have a little experience!!! ALso if you have any other models that you swear by go ahead and throw them out there!

If you can go to the upper-end of your budget, I'd step up to the RP-8's (about $249 each). I have RP-5's and really like them. I'm planning on the RP-8's for my completed studio.

- Andy

I would recommend the Wharfedale Diamond 8.2 http://www.zzounds.com/item--WHADP82A

Getting a pair of used B&W 601 or 602 speakers. They sound great, and I think your mixes will translate better on either of those.

If you're dead set on one of those two, get the KRKs.

I got a pair of RP8's 2 weeks ago. Love them.

Sound On Sound Magazine recently reviewed the JBLs and liked them, but said they were a little forward. They cited the KRKs as one of the best values for the money.

Monitors are a very personal thing, If you can, listen to them then decide. Don't buy on spec or name. Just Listen.

I use some good old passive alesis monitor 1's i recently upgraded to version 2 .. i use them with a bryston 4b power amp.. never ever had a problem with my mixes translating. im lucky if my mastering guy adds any more than +2db of anything.
G