MASantos Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 My brother just moved and needs some speakers. He's not really deep into audio, but does like to listen to music. Budget is around 500 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asr Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 I heard the A5 at last year's RMAF - it's a decent speaker, I don't see how one could go wrong with it for the price. There are lots of bookshelf/mini-monitor speakers in that price range though. I've read good things about Energy, Epos, and Monitor Audio to start with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penger Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Do they have to be self powered like the A5's? If so, I think Asr's suggestions might be for naught. =/ I think NHT has a self powered bookshelf speaker, the M-00? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Asr Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 If they have to be self-powered monitors, I've read good things about M-Audio's speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Voltron Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 blessingx has had my M-Audio Bx5a speakers for awhile and then bought Audioengine 5s with a deal code from Macworld. He thought that they had a more balanced sound with better low end over the M-Audio. He thought the M-Audio *might* image better but the a5s were good at that too. The additional features with iPod integration, USB, AC plug and so forth also add value to the a5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopstretch Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 You can get Quad actives on the grey market here within that price range. Don't know if that is also true in Europe. The 11Ls would probably boot the A5s sound wise, but are also a lot more fiddly/tweaky for good or ill. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
postjack Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Quad 12LA is a great powered monitor, popular around these parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hopstretch Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 The 12s are damn huge compared to the A5s, though. Only a few complete nuts would consider them suitable for a desktop rig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherwood Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Genelec makes great stuff -- no doubt. If he can use them effectively at work, I'd say go that route. They are professional gear, true, but for a long time the only use for small, nearfield monitors was in a professional setting. Nothing wrong with hearing a recording the way it was mastered Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jinp6301 Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Mackie HR624/824 are great powered monitors. Sounds less like a pro audio monitor and more like an audiophile speaker. LFF has a pair iirc. and the Audioengine 5s are great speakers for the price. I definitely recommend them over the M-Audio bx5a that I had before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aardvark baguette Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 The 12s are damn huge compared to the A5s, though. Only a few complete nuts would consider them suitable for a desktop rig. Thats why you get a 37" monitor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penger Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 And a desk the size of a pool table. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icarium Posted February 5, 2009 Report Share Posted February 5, 2009 Hrmmm I might be in the market for something... my M-Audio LX4 2.1s are crapping out after two years on the job I love them for the money and convenience, but I need something built to last a little longer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted February 6, 2009 Report Share Posted February 6, 2009 The 12s are damn huge compared to the A5s, though. Only a few complete nuts would consider them suitable for a desktop rig. Whut? I think they're quite reasonable, but then again, I'm only using a 22" monitor. Oh, and get something with ribbons. Ribbons rule. Or perhaps the new mini-Magnepans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icarium Posted February 6, 2009 Report Share Posted February 6, 2009 Oh shit mini magnepans? fuck i gotta check that out even if they are passive MMG W Planar - Magnetic 100-16 kHz 88 dB 5 Ohm 10 x 38 x 1 Maybe... bass cut off is a little bit vicious but... Oh never mind it's these huh: http://www.soundstage2.com/lasvegas2009/df_jan11mm.html Yeah when those come out I'll get them if they aren't insane pricey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MASantos Posted February 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2009 Thanks for all the replies. They don't have to be powered speakers, but I guess that in the price range it will be hard to find a combo of speakers and amp that beats a pair of powered speakers. These will be used in the living room, probably for one or two years until he can afford a better setup (then yes, separate amplifier and speakers, probably floor mounts with a nice amp.) then they'll move to the office or bedroom. I'll check those brands you recomend and also used gear in Lisbon. Might find a good deal. I also saw these: Vifa Speaker Kit at 59$ for the kit it looks like a killer deal. I have woodshop at home so I have tools and enough knowledge to build these. Paired with a gainclone could be a great budget speaker. Must check into that as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indikator Posted February 6, 2009 Report Share Posted February 6, 2009 can anyone describe how quad 11la sound? is it lush? and immerse one into the music? how does it compare to its passive sibling with an adequate amping? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
naamanf Posted February 6, 2009 Report Share Posted February 6, 2009 Also don't count out the Dyn BM5A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morphsci Posted February 6, 2009 Report Share Posted February 6, 2009 I currently use the Audioengine A5's in my work setup. I originally bought them as a stop-gap until I get something better. As it is they will be staying until I get the baby Harbeths and an amp worthy of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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