If you only had $500-$1000 to spend on your only monitors...

[jamesbong]

I have a small tracking spot where we do mostly vocal tracking, mostly hip-hop. We also do the best mixes we can on the little system we have. The room isnt treated and the monitors we were using just gave out.

I have between $500 and $1000 to spend on a pair of monitors... any suggestions?

I have looked at the Tannoy 800s and the Event PSP8(?) but I am undecided... these will be the only monitors we have for a while, so I want them not to suck...

[Scodiddly]

I've got a pair of the Event "Project Studio 8" monitors, and I like them. The only thing that's a little off is that vocals tend to sound a bit quieter than they really are.

[MASSIVE Mastering]

B&W DM602-SIII's and a used Bryston 2. That'll run you about $1,000 and blow your mind.

[Slider]

My home computer speakers are event 20/20's
Sometimes I'll take a project home to edit and I'll do a rough mix.
They've been surprisingly good for how cheap they were..
They're sort of thin on the bottom like NS-10's, but they really work pretty good once you get used to them.
I'd look at Tannoys too.
I've always liked most of their speaker designs.
I also like the Mackie 824's that I have at the studio, but they might be a little more than you want to spend.

[bobulatorm]

i love my active reveals. they are a little flattering in the top end, but they translate really well. a bit like the big mackie 824 (i think thats the number) with less bass. they dont go below 63hz though so that might be a problem for hip hop...

[Punkity]

My own first choice is the KRK V8. While they do make things sound a bit "nice," they are pretty accurate, powerful, and are not as fatiguing at high volumes. I compared them with the Mackie 824 for a bit (which I almost got, but found me ears were screaming for relief after about 2 hours of use). I do have a pair of 5" Event "Tuned Reference" for a bit of perspective.

In any event, for just under $1000 (usually go for $998), the V8 will probably fit the bill for it's power and bass aspects. For just a bit more you could get the KRK V88 which has 2 8" speakers per monitor. That may be just what you need.

Just a suggestion.

[analogcabin]

New NS-10?

[kcrusher]

B&W DM602-SIII's and a used Bryston 2. That'll run you about $1,000 and blow your mind.

While I may not agree with John's political bent, his suggestion for monitors is right on the money.

If you're sticking to your list, I suggest the dynaudio.

HOWEVER - monitoring is a very, very personal thing and you need to get whatever pleases your ear the most, since you're the one that will have to listen to them day in, day out. All monitors have their quirks, so no matter what you get you'll have to learn them to get a good mix.

[pk]

This just in...

Dynaudio BM5A - $999/pr. Yumm...........

[JES]

Don't forget the used market. I paid $800 for my pair of Mackie 824s. Lots of other monitors in the $1200 plus category can be had used for less.

As usual, you'll need to get out and listen to know what you like.

[cgarges]

If you have sufficient power, I'd say get a used set of B&W Matrix 805s or the Tannoy 800s. If not, get a set of Active Reveals and spend the rest on room treatment.

Chris Garges
Charlotte, NC

[monoverb]

See if you can find some BBC issue Rogers...
I use LS6a home speakers (bi-amplified)
and they are perfect for me, but i have had them 10+ years and know them better than myself.

the spendor BC11's cedric listed are pretty much the same thing.

As I suggested in an earlier post, I believe the loudspeaker is the most important part of the chain becasue ultimately that is what the sound comes out of....seems simple enough, but you want them to be as accurate as possible... because they will reveal any weaknessees in your mix..some might suggest TOO revealing, and i can see that being the case sometimes, but you cant really go wrong with a true hiFi loudspeaker. The amp, i would say should also be a consideration.

[hollywood_steve]

This should be obvious, but......

If you only have $500, the Reveals are a great choice.
But if you have $1k, the Tannoy 800 series are a big step up.