Reference monitors for mixing

[BradLyons]

I was amazed at how much bottom-end is in the CMS50, it really sounded like a larger speaker. I've never used an inverted dome tweeter before, but it makes sense in the design. So far, in my limited use on them, they appear to be quite linear, smooth, excellent on transients, but still revealing in the mids and surprisingly powerful on the lows. As to the CMS65 and the Solo6Be's, not a fair comparison there....but at the same time the price isn't that far off. I don't have enough experience between them to give a full report just yet---but I will say this. The latest Alecia Keys album was actually mastered on the Solo6Be monitors---not bad!

[Radiogal]

What about the great Genelecs? I just love them, I´d buy them again, and again... and again..
I´ve worked with about every Genelec monitor model and range by now, in many studio, music and broadcasting situations.
They are, without any doubt, the most common monitors over here in Sweden.
One can´t do wrong with these babies!

[airtime]

+1 on the genelecs! yes, they're pricey, but they really do work well.

[Basst]

Residenting in the EU, you are in the luky position to be able to buy KS Digital Speakers.

If you are searching for something really not coloring an revealing it is the best choice.
And the are far cheaper than K+H. The C8 would be the perfekt choice for you.
I listened to nearly every speaker listed here so far. And some way more expensive models as K+H 0 300 D
My dealer made it possible for me, to have all of them in my studio for some days
My List

Focal Solo 6
Dynaudio BM5A, BM6A
Adam P33A, S2.5A, S3A
Genelec 8030
K+H O 300 D
KRK Rockit 6
KS Digital C88

The KS was definitly the best speaker of all.
It ist true, that is everything you can say. It just shows what is there. No coloring at all!
perfect stereo resolution and perfect room resolution.
I never heard something similar before, and still working everyday with them. It is the best monitor ever!

Sebastian

[mhschmieder]

Believe it or not, the local pro audio store is now recommending a new pro line from M-Audio, the DSM's, as being highly competitive with all of the loudspeakers on that list:

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/S ... eDSM1.html

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/S ... eDSM2.html

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/S ... eDSM3.html

I really must overcome my prejudice and give these a serious look. I am so used to dismissing products from certain manufacturers.

Here is a compelling review from Mix Magazine:

http://mixonline.com/gear/reviews/revie ... -monitors/

And a Gearslutz discussion that goes along with what the local pro audio store told me today when comparing to Dynaudio BM5a's/BM6a's:

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/so-much- ... -dsm2.html

I wasn't familiar with the KS digital speakers, but looked them up:

http://www.ksdigital.de/english/index.html

The ones I've become curious about lately are the PMC's:

http://www.pmc-speakers.com/product.php ... iew&pid=18

http://bryston.com/reviews/pp60/gram.html

I have used Bryston gear for almost twenty five years, so am intrigued by that partnership.

Most of the ones on your list are not available to try around here. Based on reviews and discussions, I'm guessing the Focals may not be right for me (coloured?).

Remember that the room makes a big difference for any monitor choice, as well as treatment of the room. It is easy to forget that and to rate speakers in absolute terms, when much of speaker selection is about room-matching.

[mhschmieder]

So I did a shootout this morning at the local pro audio store, using the ones they had set up (but ignoring JBL and Mackie as I consider their stuff hyped and not good for classical/jazz).

The M-Audio DSM's are quite impressive and excellent bang-for-buck. They will now be my automatic recommendation to anyone on a budget -- although their prices may not be quite as "budget" territory as I perceive them, since they're on sale this month at my favourite pro audio store.

The DSM-1 is slightly faster than the DSM-2, as would be expected of a smaller monitor. It doesn't reveal as much detail or depth, but doesn't have any problematic frequency ranges like other smaller speakers. The DSM-2 is not overpowering in a small room or difficult to find a good listening position, even though 8". Both speakers are like lifting a veil when compared to my current KRK Rokit 6's (also great bang-for-buck, and el cheapo).

Nevertheless, the Dynaudio BM5a's are more three-dimensional, even less veiled, crisper, and more detailed and natural sounding. And I prefer the BM6a's to the BM5a's, as there is a slightly annoying muddiness in the BM5a's low-mids (which I noticed in a previous shootout vs. the ADAM 7's). This became more evident during a solo piano performance of Chopin than during cello playing, symphony, or chorus.

I am rather stymied in my own search and thus may default back to my original choice of Dynaudio BM6a's -- and probably the original vs. Mach II, even though I can't A/B them. I like both, but pros seem to prefer the original and I suspect in an A/B situation I would too.

The ones still in contention at my end, each have their flaws and/or caveats or are becoming pricier as time goes by:

1. K+H 0300 -- my top choice without question, but a three-way may not work in a small setting (placement issues, listening position)
2. PMC TB2SA -- nervous about digitally activated, and they are revising them soon to go back to Bryston amps so might be best to wait
3. Focal Twin6 -- as a three-way, might not work in my studio
4. Focal Solo6 -- opinions are polarised, but Mercenary is low-risk as they allow returns if you don't like them
5. K+H 0110 -- the biggest negative is that these would probably need a sub-woofer, which I'd rather avoid next time around
6. Dynaudio BM6a -- really wish I could compare originals vs. Mach II vs. going on distant memories of each one
7. Dynaudio BM5a -- really, these are just a budget option as a step up from KRK Rokit 6's if BM6a's become elusive or too pricey
8. M-Audio DSM2 -- better than Rokit 6's by a long shot, but only worth it as a stop-gap if bought this month during the special sale

Those are ranked in my current order of preference. But bear in mind I've only heard the last three on the list, which is sort of ironic.

In my world, transparency rules above all else, as I cover almost every possible genre. As my preferred genre is classical, that further accentuates the preference for transparency vs. hyped response. My next most important criteria is stereo imaging, and depth.

[Basst]

In my world, transparency rules above all else, as I cover almost every possible genre. As my preferred genre is classical, that further accentuates the preference for transparency vs. hyped response. My next most important criteria is stereo imaging, and depth.

If that is what you are looking for, than I can just repeat it:

KS Digital C 8 or better C 88 is the best choice if it comes to transperancy, stereo imaging and depth.

It is perfect for "difficult" rooms, cause of it coax desing.

If you have the possibility try to get hands on them.

I'm not in any kind conncted to these guys, it is just by far the best monitor I ever listened to. Even better than the K+H O300, which was my first choice, before I got to listen the the KS Digitals.

Sebastian

[mhschmieder]

I've yet to hear a digital loudspeaker that is transparent, but I always keep an open mind -- that's why I went ahead and tried the new M-Audio series. But it's a moot point as the mentioned speakers are not available here. My interest might pick up if someone carried them.