Computer Speakers vs. Small Monitors

[rentadrummer]

I wanted to find some relatively inexpensive, but decent sounding speakers (if that's possible) for my computer, and started to look at "computer speakers". While I find it difficult to listen through the built-in speakers in my iMac, I wasn't necessarily looking for studio quality, or at least didn't think I was when I began the search. I just wanted something that I can use to listen to an occasional mix or track that I come across, without having to forward everything to the computer in my studio.

I did a quick google search, and came across this article on computer speakers:
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-pc-speakers/

While I didn't have a budget in mind, I initially thought I could get something for about $100 or less, but maybe that's not realistic after seeing some of these prices. While I said I didn't need studio quality, I'd rather spend a little more money for a lot better quality. All of those listed in the article look like "computer speakers", except for the M-Audio AV 40s, and for slightly more money, they look like a step up.
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/Studiophile

And then there's something on the low end like this:
http://dealmac.com/Logitech-Z-4-2-1-Cha ... 51410.html

To me, the best feature about a speaker like the M-Audios, is that they could be used in other situations if necessary, although they are a little larger than many of the computer speakers and take up more desk space. A friend suggested these powered monitors as well:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M1Active520/

There's an older review of the M1s in SOS, with some other monitors mentioned at the bottom of the article:
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug06/a ... esism1.htm

Is anyone familiar with any of these, and have some suggestions or recommendations for a "computer speaker" vs a small monitor?

[Phil O]

While I didn't have a budget in mind, I initially thought I could get something for about $100 or less, but maybe that's not realistic after seeing some of these prices.

In that price range there's these:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MA7A/

or these:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/StudioPro3/

They aren't great studio monitors, but anything is better than the computer's built in speakers, and for 100 bucks they ain't bad.

Phil

[rentadrummer]

Thanks Phil.

At this point I'm still thinking I might be better off spending a little more and getting better sound, but unless I can hear the speakers someplace, it's hard to know how much better the sound is going to be for twice the price.

[Pappy725]

Isn't there a Guitar Center anywhere in Dallas? There's bound to be some kind of music store that stocks the models your looking at and will let you have a listen. Seems reasonable enough if they want to sell gear.
My 2¢.
Pappy

[1nput0utput]

A friend suggested these powered monitors as well:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M1Active520/

There's an older review of the M1s in SOS, with some other monitors mentioned at the bottom of the article:
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug06/a ... esism1.htm

Is anyone familiar with any of these, and have some suggestions or recommendations for a "computer speaker" vs a small monitor?

I have a pair of M1 Active 520s, and I'm very satisfied with them. Overall they are pretty accurate for monitors in that price range. I would agree with the SOS reviewer: The low end is a bit exaggerated, but not so much that it becomes problematic. Listen to a few albums that you know well through the M1 Active 520s and you'll learn how they affect the low end. The mids and highs are clear and crisp, and I am very impressed with the stereo imaging. They are way more powerful then I could ever need in my current workspace. I think I have the input trim controls set at about 10 or 11 o'clock, which produces the absolute loudest volume that I would ever want to use for monitoring when my UltraLite's master volume control is at 0dB.

Other models that you may want to check out are the Yamaha HS-50M and HS-80M. I've used the HS-80Ms for mixing in the studio, and I was very happy with the frequency response and the overall clarity. I don't have much experience with the smaller HS-50Ms but a friend of mine has them at home, and he likes them a lot.

[rentadrummer]

Thanks for the review and the additional suggestions. More to consider.....

[nick danger]

If you choose to go the "computer monitor" route, check out this company. Good prices, and their stuff sounds great.

http://www.cambridgesoundworks.com

[Pappy725]

+1 on Cambridge Sound. I've had a set of their speakers w/ sub for over 10 years. They still sound great. (on my wife's iMac) I've got Alesis Active MK2s.

[rentadrummer]

If you choose to go the "computer monitor" route, check out this company. Good prices, and their stuff sounds great.

+1 on Cambridge Sound. I've had a set of their speakers w/ sub for over 10 years. They still sound great. (on my wife's iMac) I've got Alesis Active MK2s.

Thanks for another tip. It would be great if there was someplace to go and audition them, but it looks like they are only sold directly from Cambridge.

[nick danger]

It's not exactly as convenient as auditioning, but they have a pretty flexible return policy if you don't like them, and the couple of items I've got from them both sound great, especially for the money.

[Matt Searles]

Kind of a contrarian thing but.. its sorta what I'm thinking about.. that having some somewhat crappy, unflattering speakers, that are on a par with.. what someone might be listening to music with.. might be of value.. you know, make your mix sound good in the crappy speakers... and stuff will be good in other situations.

So I mean, if you're stuck in the lower end of the speaker market to begin with, why not? I mean it doesn't have to be unpleasantly crappy after all... Just something that your inner Thurston Howl the 3rd musical snob looks down his nose at...