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Speakers

Unfortunately, the search function is disabled, so I figured I'd just post a new thread since I haven't seen one in a while anyway.
I'm looking to get some new monitors, nothing real fancy, but something better than the $50 Gemini's I have.

This is strictly for bedroom DJ'n, so I don't need anything that pumps out an insane amount of power. Just a pair of speakers that will have a nice clear sound and rich bass. Preferably $300-$500 for the pair, or recommend something more expensive if you feel it's not worth upgrading just that amount.

Appreciate any and all suggestions!

I could use some help on this topic too, I've got LOTS of speakers kicking around and Im wondering what would be considered too much?

I got me a nice stereo set with nice (200W) speakers for about 400$

Re: Speakers

quote:

Originally posted by Omegasox Unfortunately, the search function is disabled, so I figured I'd just post a new thread since I haven't seen one in a while anyway. I'm looking to get some new monitors, nothing real fancy, but something better than the $50 Gemini's I have. This is strictly for bedroom DJ'n, so I don't need anything that pumps out an insane amount of power. Just a pair of speakers that will have a nice clear sound and rich bass. Preferably $300-$500 for the pair, or recommend something more expensive if you feel it's not worth upgrading just that amount. Appreciate any and all suggestions!

you forgot to mention whether you want active or passive monitors so I'll answer for both, and judging by your location, I'll assume you meant $300-$500.00 USD:

Passive(Non amplified) Monitors:

Alesis M1 Mk2 which retail for $200.00 for a pair


Specifications
-Drivers: Magnetically shielded, 6.5" low frequency drivers with a mineral filled polypropylene cone and a damped linear rubber surround; magnetically shielded, 1" silk-dome tweeter
-Crossover: 2 kHz, 2nd-order fillers, (12dB per octave)
-Frequency Response: 45 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 3dB
-Power Handling: 120 watts program, 200 watts peak (using EI4-426A method)
-Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
-Sensitivity: 88 dB SPL @ 1 watt and 1 meter on axis
-Construction: Front baffle: powder coating on 1� MDF. Cabinet: Vinyl laminate on 5/8� MDF
-Connectors: 5-way binding posts on 0.75" centers - can accept heavy-gauge speaker wire, banana plugs, spade plugs
-Dimensions: 8.5"W x15"H x10"D
-Weight: 15 lbs each.

JBL 4208 High Performance Studio monitors:retail for 217.00 each


2-way monitor with shielded 8� woofer and titanium dome tweeter
Key features of the 4200 series:
Multi-radial baffle aligns the acoustic centers of the high and low frequency transducers
Transducers are magnetically shielded to allow placement near tape recorders and video monitors
Frequency Response: 65Hz-20kHz (+/- 2dB)
Frequency Range: 42 Hz - 21kHz (-10dB)
Sensitivity: 87 dB SPL (1W, 2.83V @ 1m)
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
Crossover Frequency: 2.8 kHz
Transducer Complement: 165 mm (6.5 in ) LF, 25 mm (1 in) pure titanium dome
Power Capacity: Cont. Pink Noise: 75 watts
Peak Pink Noise: 300 watts
Finish: Gray Matte Vinyl enclosure
Net Weight: 6.8 kg (15 lb)
Dimensions (HxWxD): 390 x 229 x 241 mm, (15 3/4 x 9 x 9 1/2 in)

Hafler Pro M5 retail for 98.00 each


5.25" Vented 2-way Professional Passive Monitor
Features
Frequency Response: 70Hz � 21kHz plus or minus 3dB.
TRM6 Tweeter/Waveguide: Smooth response on and off axis.
TRM6 Woofer Motor Assembly: Greater control of woofer at high output levels.
Shielded Woofer Magnet: Allows use near computer monitors.
Tweeter Level Control: User selectable front panel 3dB L-Pad.
Crossover: 4th order Linkwitz-Riley at 3.2kHz, Zobels, tweeter overload protection.
Versatile Inputs: 5-way binding posts.
1 Year Warranty
M5 Specifications:
Frequency Response 70Hz - 21kHz +/- 3dB
Power Handling 20 - 200 Watts
Nominal Impedance 6 Ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), 90dB @ 1 meter, on axis <3% 70-150Hz <1% above 150Hz
High Frequency Driver 1" (25mm) silk dome/waveguide
Low Frequency Driver 5.25" (133mm) polypropylene/rolled nitrile rubber surround
Cabinet 5.3 liter, 4th order Butterworth vented, 5/8"
MDF
Inputs 5-Way gold plated binding posts
Dimensions 12.25"H x 6.75"W x 7"D
Net Weight 12 lbs. (5.45kg.) net
Crossover
Filter Type 4th order Linkwitz-Riley
Tweeter Overload Protection 3.2kHz Zobel network


ACTIVE(Amplifier built in)

Alesis M1 Mk2 Pro Active Studio pair for 400.00


Specifications
Low Frequency Driver: 6.5" non-woven carbon fiber with Santoprene surround and dual magnet shielded configuration
High Frequency Driver: 1" silk dome with medium viscosity ferrofluid coolant and dual magnet shielded configuration
Crossover: 1500Hz, 8th-order, 48dB/octave filters
Input Impedance: 20k_ balanced, 10k_ unbalanced
LF Filter: 2nd order, "optimal Q" high pass, +1dB boost@50Hz
LF Amplifier: 75 watts, 8_ load
LF Amp Distortion:less than 0.03% thd @ 30w lf amp slew rate:<>19V/�sec
LF Amp S/N Ratio: >110dB, ref. 60W @ 8_, A-wtg., 1kHz
HF Amplifier: 25 watts, 4_ load
HF Amp Distortion:less than 0.06% thd @ rated power
lf amp slew rate less than 9V/�sec
HF Amp S/N Ratio: >112dB @ rated output
Frequency Range: 38 Hz - 23.5 kHz (-10dB point)
Connectors: Combination XLR-1/4" jack with input level control
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 8.5"x15"x9.75" (381mm x 216mm x 248mm)
Weight: 19.5 lbs. (8.9kg) each.

M-Audio Studio Reference Monitors Pair for $479.00


Studiophile Standard Features:
Active design with integral crossover and amplification
Silk high-frequency drivers incorporate ferrofluid cooling and internal damping technologies to minimize resonance
Low-frequency drivers feature mineral-filled polypropylene cones with high-temperature tolerant voice coils and damped rubber surrounds
Electronic time alignment of drivers delivers controlled dispersion for superior three-dimensional imaging
All drivers are magnetically shielded for desktop music production
Tooled rear Sub-Frequency Ports reduce low-frequency turbulence and optimize driver excursion for amazing bass in a small footprint
Acoustic Space Control adapts monitors to your needs Your monitors should be able to adapt to any changes in placement or work environment. That�s just what Acoustic Space Control does in the BX8s and BX5s. Since a monitor�s bass response can change depending upon proximity to walls, this control section allows you to optimize performance�no matter whether you need to put your Studiophiles on stands, on a bookshelf or in the corners. You can also adjust the high-frequency response to compensate for reflective surfaces like glass. The presence control gives you an automatic mid-range boost for added flexibility. There�s even a variable low-frequency roll-off to optimize response at crossover points when adding a subwoofer like the Studiophile SP-8S.
BX8 Specs:
Type: Two-way near-field studio reference monitors
Low-frequency drivers: 8-inch magnetically shielded mineral-filled polypropylene cones, high-temperature tolerant voice coils and damped rubber surrounds
High-frequency drivers: 1-inch swivel-mounted natural silk domes incorporating magnetic shielding, ferrofluid and internal damping technologies
LF Amplifier Power: 65W (EIA RS-490 dynamic power)
HF Amplifier Power: 65W (EIA RS-490 dynamic power)
Crossovers: 4th-order Linkwitz Riley for smooth frequency response
Crossover Frequency: 1.25kHz
Low-frequency rolloff: 6th-order filter optimizes maximum driver excursion
Input Connectors: XLR balanced, TRS balanced/ unbalanced
Input Sensitivity: 85 mV pink noise input produces 90dBA output SPL at one meter with volume control at maximum
Input Impedance: 20k ohms balanced, 10K ohms unbalanced
Protection: RF interference, output current limiting, over temperature, transient on/off, subsonic filter, external main fuse
S/N Ratio: > 100dB below full output, �A� weighted
Frequency Response: 37Hz - 20kHz
Power indicator: Power on/off indicator on front panel
Power Requirements: 115V/~60Hz or 230V/~50Hz (selectable); power via detachable 3-conductor line cord
Dimension: 14.97 in. (h) x 9.85 in. (w) x 11.82 in. (d)
Weight: 20.32 lbs./unit (without packing)

JBL LSR25P Studio Monitor for $300.00 each


LSR25P Key Features:
5.25" woofer
1" Titanium composite diaphragm tweeter
Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) Waveguide with 50� x 100� dispersion
Bi-amplified design with 100 watts of low frequency power and 50 watts of high frequency power
Front Panel Volume and Power Controls.
Integrated mounting points for horizontal or vertical orientation.
Shielded for use next to Video Monitors.
Built in high pass for use with optional subwoofer.

Specifications:
Frequency Response (+1, -2 dB): 70 Hz - 20kHz
Low Frequency Extension: -3 dB: 65 Hz, -6 dB: 56 Hz, -10 dB: 48 Hz (User controls set to default)
Crossover Frequency: 2.3 kHz, 4th-Order Electroacoustic Linkwitz-Riley
Input Connectors: XLR Balanced (+4 dBu), RCA unbalanced (-10 dBV)
User Controls: High frequency control, workstation boundary compensation, low frequency alignment, 80 Hz high pass filter (for use with subwoofer)
Variable input attenuation: 0 to 26 dB
Low Frequency Transducer: 134 mm (5.25 in.) diameter, 38 mm (1.5 in.) diameter voice coil, Ferrite magnet with
Integral Shielding, Tempered Paper cone with Butyl Rubber Surround, 8 ohms impedance
High Frequency Transducer: 25 mm (1 in.) diaphragm, 25 mm (1 in.) diameter voice coil, Ferrite magnet with
Integral Shielding, Damped Titanium Composite diaphragm, 4 ohms impedance
High Frequency Waveguide: Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) Waveguide, 50� x 100� dispersion
Low Frequency Amplifier: Bridged Class A-B Monolithic, 100 Watts Sine Wave Rating (<0.1% THD into rated impedance), THD+N < 0.05% (1/2 power)
High Frequency Amplifier: Class A-B Monolithic, 50 Watts Sine Wave Rating (< 0.1% THD into rated impedance),
THD+N < 0.05% (1/2 power)
Baffle and Cabinet Material/Finish: Powder Coat Diecast Aluminum
AC Input Voltage: 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz (User Selectable)
Net Weight: 7.7 kg (17 lbs)
Dimensions (WxHxD): 17.3 x 26.9 x 24.1 cm (6.8 x 10.6 x 9.5 in)

Visit my friend's website for a better look at them.

www.djmart.com

Hit me up by email and I'll let you know about better pricing if you are interested.

what would you recommend between the Alesis M1 Mk2 and the Hafler Pro M5???

Darn, Ironically, that's a pretty tuff question, 'cause both speakers are really great. I guess it would come down to the size, Alesis is a bit bigger speaker, and what you want more, bass response(Alesis) or cleaner mid range and highs(Hafler). Personally, I'd want more and cleaner mid-range and highs, 'cause I get enough bass coming out of my main floor speakers(Enough that I keep looking at my cell phone lots of times, 'cause I think someone is calling me, it's set on vibrate...lol!!!) I actually had police show up at my house once, 'cause a neighbor who's backyard runs into far back corner of my backyard, corner away from my room, and it wasn't the loudness at all, that neighbor was tired of feeling the bass in his front living room. As police officer said that, both of us burst out laughing, lol!!!!

I got a 2x350W (8 ohms) amp, and a pair of 12" 500W (8 ohms) speakers (12" woofers, 12" horn tweeters)

cost me about 400$ (second hand)
but I only got them cause I used to be a mobile DJ..... so I needed the high power.....
I suggest you get a decent stereo system and connect it to your gear
you don't really need those fancy suberb quality studio monitors...

quote:

Originally posted by HyPeRSoNiC 12" horn tweeters

Are you sure about that? I've never seen a 12" 2 way floor speaker with 12" horn!

quote:

I suggest you get a decent stereo system and connect it to your gear you don't really need those fancy suberb quality studio monitors...

He already has speakers and is ready to move up to something MUCH better than what he already has, thus the question in the first place. Even for a bedroom DJ, it is much better to have better and clearer speakers than a mid priced decent stereo system, and besides, he wasn't asking for a stereo system. I suggested entry to mid level active/passive monitor speakers that are able to handle enough power and are very clear in sound. It's not like I suggested these:
Tannoy system 800A Active Studio Reference Monitors at 1900.00/pair

or
Tannoy system 1200 Passive Studio Reference Monitors at 2500.00/pair for non shielded or 2700.00 for shielded(magnetic shielding)

or
Hafler TrM8.1 Nova Professional Active Studio Monitor at 750.00/each

or
JBL LSR32 Linear Spatial Active Studio Monitor at 950.00/each

or
if you got a few thousand dollars for each monitor, go for the gold and get Turbosound speakers...lol!!!

Thanks for the replies, DJ Tranz!

I have my monitors connected directly to my mixer, does that mean I should go for Active Speakers?

I have a Pioneer reciever and a pair of JBL's hooked up to my TV/DVD, should I just run my mixer through my reciever and ditch the Gemini monitors I have?

I'm a noob when it comes to electronics. =\

If you have to plug in your speakers into a wall socket(ac power) then they are active and I would suggest going with another active pair. Home receivers work poorly, 'cause they don't have a cross-over built in. Internal cross over unit built into the active speakers is a unit that separates highs, mids, and lows, and makes sure that only lows go into the woofer and mids and highs go into the horn or mids into the horn and highs into a tweeter if you have a 3 way speaker, but generally they are two way speakers. Plus home receivers aren't really good on amplification part itself, unless you have a really expensive unit like Onkyo, Yamaha, high end Denon, Harmon Kardon, etc, 'cause whatever wattage they say on the unit, it is only 25% of that is the actual or RMS power. If you want to go amp and passive speakers then get a Crown Amp like the XLS402 and passive monitors:

Crown XLS402 400watts RMS per channel at 4ohms or 260watts RMS/channel at 8ohms for retail price around 299.00

and the Alesis M1 Mk2 passive monitors at 200.00 for a pair, and for a around 500.00 you've got a great set up, and later when you get floor speakers(If) that amp is enough power to drive those. I have the Crown XLS602 and they are amazing. Crown builds the best and cleanest DJ amps in their price range. You can also go for the less power XLS 202 at 145watts RMS/Channel at 8ohms with Alesis M1 Mk2 monitors on special for 399.99 as a package,that's one hell of a deal 'cause it saves you 50.00 USD, amp alone retails for 250.00.
oh yeah, and both these amps are 110/230volts...

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Tranz Home receivers work poorly, 'cause they don't have a cross-over built in. Internal cross over unit built into the active speakers is a unit that separates highs, mids, and lows, and makes sure that only lows go into the woofer and mids and highs go into the horn or mids into the horn and highs into a tweeter if you have a 3 way speaker, but generally they are two way speakers.

This is not why normal recievers suck, any passive speaker is going to have a crossover in it (i guess active ones the amp could have the crossover and go directly to the correct driver). But you are absoultly right about most consumer level recievers do not market there Wattage very well (most of the time they do not advertise the RMS power which is what is important). For example, I use an AudioSource AmpOne, which is a decent (and cheap) poweramp (not a reciever, I use my mixer to select inputs and such). This thing powers my passive bookshelfs. The amp is only 80W/ch but has a really low THD.

quote:

Originally posted by auujay This is not why normal recievers suck, any passive speaker is going to have a crossover in it (i guess active ones the amp could have the crossover and go directly to the correct driver).

Not so, passive speakers don't have anything but the skeletal structure(woofer and cone or woofer, mid-range, and tweeter) and enclosure. Unless specifically stated that an electronic crossover is built in, passive speaker won't have, 'cause crossovers are electronic. My floor(main DJ speakers) standing speakers are passive but they do have a built in 3 way crossover with a fuse(which prevents anything from blowing up the speaker, fuse will pop first and speaker will stop working immediately) but I paid the price for them 400.00 each.

I've got an older set of speakers, if I took a picture of em would you guys be able to say if they are good or not?

Sure, I'll give it a world, also post brand and model# take a closer picture of the serial# plate that has the manufacturing date as well.

Nice bro, that looks like a great set-up. One other question, now. 8)

You said you suggest going with active speakers, should I get a decent pair of active speakers for about the same price that I could get an amp and a pair of passive speakers? I don't plan on adding any floor speakers at this point, so I'd be going overboard with the amp?

Cheers bro, appreciate the help!

I plan on painting them, I like em cause they are big and solid!

Good looking speaker, can you get a close up of that plate that has the brand name, I couldn't quite make out what it said. Also get a picture of the binding posts.

quote:

Originally posted by Omegasox Nice bro, that looks like a great set-up. One other question, now. 8) You said you suggest going with active speakers, should I get a decent pair of active speakers for about the same price that I could get an amp and a pair of passive speakers? I don't plan on adding any floor speakers at this point, so I'd be going overboard with the amp? Cheers bro, appreciate the help!

I'd go with an amp and separate passive monitors, 'cause the less things you have in one unit, the less chance of break downs. What happens if you blow out a horn or the woofer, with active speakers it will either cost you arm and a legg to fix it, or you'll have to buy a new one and most likely it will be the one that is sold only in pairs. With passive speakers, it will be much cheaper to replace 'em. Or the opposite supoose your active monitors short out the built in amp? well now you'll have to replace the whole thing, but if an amp is separate, less chances of it shortening out or breaking and it will be much cheaper to replace. How big of a room do you have, that is how much clear sound do you want? Put it this way, studio in my house is 22' by 17' thus I have monitors and two big floor speakers and two amps. Just something for you to ponder about.

dang, that plate picture turned out bad, I can get you a new one if you wish!

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Tranz Not so, passive speakers don't have anything but the skeletal structure(woofer and cone or woofer, mid-range, and tweeter) and enclosure. Unless specifically stated that an electronic crossover is built in, passive speaker won't have, 'cause crossovers are electronic. My floor(main DJ speakers) standing speakers are passive but they do have a built in 3 way crossover with a fuse(which prevents anything from blowing up the speaker, fuse will pop first and speaker will stop working immediately) but I paid the price for them 400.00 each.

Well, my BIC America DV62si passive bookshelf speakers (seen here http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_124289_4290crx.aspx they are not as shitty looking as the pic looks ) have crossovers. I know because I sent them to some dude to make my speakers sound a whole lot better. My little speaker do not have a fuse in them tho (at least I don't think they do).

BTW, these speakers sound great (after the mod). They only cost about 125 USD then another $25 to mod the x-overs. Some other passive speakers I almost got were the Acoustic Research AR-15 or AR-17 and Wharfedale Diamond 8.1 and Diamond 8.2, but in the end the BICs were the cheapest so that is what I got.

Obviously not all bookshelf speakers will have crossovers, but I think any decent speaker (either 3-way floorstander or 2-way bookshelf) should have them.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Tom dang, that plate picture turned out bad, I can get you a new one if you wish!

Those look like a very nice speakers and looks like they have adjustable cross-over frequency range(the two knobs on the front plate) and looks like the are fused(above the binding posts). Get yourself some nice 10gauge speaker cable and some banana plugs for best connection.

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