Apparently my monitors suck ... recommendations please

[ratherdashing]

I have a pair of decent Samson monitors, but I recently realized they are noisy. I hear a mild "hisssss" when they are on, even when I turn their levels down to zero. I probably never heard it before because my old computer's fan was loud. The iMac barely makes any noise at all.

So ... please recommend some active monitors for me. My budget is small (under $500). I keep seeing KRK monitors show up at good prices both new and used, but I'm concerned I'll end up with something just as lame as these Samson's.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Apparently my monitors suck ... recommendations please

The KRK VXT series is good (specifically the 6"), the cheaper ones aren't really anything to speak of. A pair will be around $700.

The best bang for the buck are the (It's rare that I suggest this) Behringer 2031Aa.

http://www.audiolines.com/Studio-Re...e-Studio-Monitors/Behringer-TRUTH-B2031P-Pair

They have good clarity, power, and imaging. They really aren't too bad. They can be a little under hyped in the low mids, which can gives your ears a little bit of a work out getting the bass guitar mixed just right. They go down to 50 Hhz (accurately), though you may have to sit back about 8 feet from the monitors for the proper balance. Up close the low end is a little weaker.

I would get these (I have a pair), or just say screw it, and spend a few grand on Genelecs. Everything else in the sub $1000 range just isn't going to perform much better than the Behringers.

 

[everdrone]

Re: Apparently my monitors suck ... recommendations please

I gotz my active maudio studiopro 3s for $80...no hiss...not much bass out of the 3.5 speakerz either, so good for apt. neighborz

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Apparently my monitors suck ... recommendations please

I like the HS series from Yamaha. I have the 80's and they work really well for me. Mix magazine has good things to say about the smaller 50's.

http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_yamaha_hsm_monitor/

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Apparently my monitors suck ... recommendations please

That hiss is normal; it's just excess energy dissipating as heat.

You should check out Focal XS speakers; they are amazing for the money!

http://www.focal-fr.com/

 

[Petrovsk Mizinski]

Re: Apparently my monitors suck ... recommendations please

The room is FAR more important than the monitors to be honest.
Buying lower mid range/mid range monitors and having a good acoustic environment will positively destroy buying the most top of the line studio monitors.
think about investing in room treatment before anything else