Monitors for less than $200

[Chris Z]

I have to upgrade my monitors and I'm looking for something relatively inexpensive, I will be using it for playing through my pc and recording, this is seriously just bedroom pass the time requirements. I'm not sold on monitors smaller than 5" because I need some bass response, but it seems like the jump from 5 - 8 inch monitors for a pair is too much for what I will need. I don't care if they are active or passive, and I'll be upgrading to a Focusrite Scarlett soon as well.

For now, I have seen these :


https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... o-monitors

and Also :
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... io-monitor


Which one would you go for, would the 5 inch have better bass response than 4? Is M Audio a better product, I would love to get some JBLs, but they are out of my price range.

[Ry Manchu]

I just bought monitors. I considered both of the two that you linked. I ended up with the AudioEngine A5+ in white.

I got them for $320 with a 20% off coupon. They are awesome. Now I just need to upgrade everything else.

[Kardula]

I've been looking into this stuff as well, some people even say to use headphones until you can afford $500 monitors. From the lists that I've seen and the monitors you've posted, I'd go with the M-Audio as their brand shows up more on more lists (that being said of course each manufacturer will have varying models so I can't specifically say that those are the right call). Worst case, order one set and if you don't like them you can send them back.

[newholland]

i used a pair of mackie mr5s for a coupla years and found 'em pretty adequate for a LOT of stuff- but bass below 60hz definitely needs checking 'cause you just can't get the lowest octave on 'em. they run about $119 a piece and they really treated my ears pretty well! not perfect, but for what you're willing to pay, they really are a cost effective and usable monitor! if you end up wanting more bass, you could probably add a sub later if that's how you wanted to go.. i can't mix that way myself-- but it's an option.

[Chris Z]

I have to add, that I do have a sub from an old speaker system. My desk is in the corner of my room, up against the wall so I get alot of woofiness(?), I want to just have the two monitors so that its even out sonically.

I'm using Sony headphones right now and they sound great, no problems. But I like the option to take them off so I don't get tied to the desk.

Oh, and Native and Bias 2 told me I need a new interface.

[Chris Z]

and all things being equal, is there a huge difference between 4 and 5 inch monitors? I don't need like bass heavy, just enough that it doesn't sound thin and trebly.

[newholland]

There will be a frequency handling difference- but also a volume handling difference as well.

Ultimately, you can mix on anything if you're used to it.. but objectively speaking, a more agile monitor over a broader spectrum'll give you better data.