Speakers vs Studio Monitors

[maynardguy13]

I am looking to set up either a 2.0 or 2.1 channel stereo system. I was thinking about getting some B&W bookshelf plus sub or tower speakers, but then came upon studio monitors (JBL, yamaha etc.) What is the difference between regular speakers and studio monitors? Which will give me the best sound quality for listening?

I like to play music on the louder side, and will be about 8ft away from speakers.

What would you recommend for a $500 budget (2 towers or 2 bookshelf + sub), (new & used)

All info is appreciated.Thanks

 

[j_garcia]

True studio monitors are sort of intended to be used in a near field setup, meaning you sit fairly close to them and they are voiced to be more neutral in overall sound. That does not mean they won't work for a music system.

$500 with the sub or just for the pair of speakers? If total: a pair of these: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3381565 and this sub: http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The biggest difference is the cosmetic IMO. For example, most pro monitors don't even have speaker grilles to cover the drivers. Other than aesthetic, I doubt there is a clear advantage.

I would go for bookshelf/ monitor + subwoofer.

So the $500 is for speakers + sub?

 

[maynardguy13]

Yes $500 for everything whether it is bookshelf + sub or 2 tower speakers. I am willing to buy used if it will get be better quality for the money.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yes $500 for everything whether it is bookshelf + sub or 2 tower speakers. I am willing to buy used if it will get be better quality for the money.

Well, that's pretty tight for something great. But maybe the NHT SuperZero x 2 + NHT Super8 sub for $495 (normal is $550, 10% off sale ends today).

High End Speakers & Stereo Equipment | Subwoofers, Home Theater Systems

 

[maynardguy13]

I know $500 is tight that's why i was thinking used, ebay has some B&W towers and bookshelfs for pretty cheap, some older B&W bookshelf speakers for $200 or so.

 

[maynardguy13]

DM 610 Speakers | eBay something like these maybe? how's the quality compared to those pioneers or the NHT?

 

[maynardguy13]

or something like these, any idea if these are good Bowers and Wilkins DM620I Hi Fi Stereo Main Floor Standing Speakers DM 620 I | eBay

 

[j_garcia]

The Pioneers are very good speakers for the price (under $100/pr) which allows for a bit better sub, that's why I recommended that combo.

Those DM610s should be a decent speaker too, coupled with a sub.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The Pioneers are very good speakers for the price (under $100/pr) which allows for a bit better sub, that's why I recommended that combo.

Those DM610s should be a decent speaker too, coupled with a sub.

I agree. Allowing for a better sub is the key.

The question is, which is the better sub for $400 delivered?

Personally I would get the SVS PB-1000 for $475 in their outlet store, which means $75 over budget.

 

[bikemig]

If you really want to keep within your budget for speakers and sub, the Kanto Yaro runs $550 and has a headphone jack and digital and analog inputs: Kanto Speakers - YARO. It's a pretty nice system for the price. Or you could shop around for some sales and refurbished gear. I'd pick up this refurbished denon stereo receiver (with a manufacturer's warranty) for $149: DENON DRA-397 AM/FM Multi Source/Zone Stereo Receiver | Accessories4less. That leaves you $350 for a pair of bookshelf speakers, a sub, and cables (which is tough to do). Audio Advisor is selling the NAD Viso Twenty Monitor/Subwoofer package for $299: NAD - Viso Twenty - Compact Monitor/Subwoofer Package-Audio Advisor. These are, I believe, PSB speakers that are NAD branded since they're sister companies. PSB makes very fine speakers.

 

[maynardguy13]

I just read the audioholics review of the pioneer system. Should i go for the Sp-FS52 towers instead of the bookshelf speakers?

 

[j_garcia]

If you don't need the bass to extend as deep as with a sub, then the towers should be fine. They appear to be good to around the mid 40s, which is good but isn't going to get you to the 25Hz range of something like the STF-2 or lower with the PB-1000.

 

[lsiberian]

I'd spend 500 on a pair of speakers and not worry about a sub at this point.

 

[j_garcia]

I don't know, at this price ($69/pr at the time of this post) they will be basically impossible to beat.

Amazon.com: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed Bookshelf Loudspeakers: Electronics

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I don't know, at this price ($69/pr at the time of this post) they will be basically impossible to beat.

Amazon.com: Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Designed Bookshelf Loudspeakers: Electronics

There you go, $69 Pioneer speakers, $475 SVS sub, now it's only $44 over budget.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Sorry, I don't see PB1000 in SVS outlet only SB1000, besides $25 discount for refub product ....
At this budget I think HSU STF-2 is a better value especially for smaller spaces. Plus +1 to Pioneer bookshelf recommendation.

ps: What do you mean by "Louder side"? Does this mean a college party of 100+ people in a Walmart size warehouse of just a bit louder for few people in regular sized room?

 

[shadyJ]

For $500, you can get a nice set of monitors with 8" woofers that has decent bass response. Look at the Mackie MR8 mk2 or Behringer 2031a monitors, and also the Rokit 8 Monitors. Are they going to deep as deep as a setup with a sub- no, but they will have very tight and controlled bass within their range, much more so than any equivalently priced setup with a subwoofer. And they mids and high will almost certainly be better in that they will be more neutral with good off-axis response. It also spares the expense of buying a receiver. No 5.1 setup is going to sound as good, especially when you throw in the cost of a receiver. Quality over quantity.

 

[maynardguy13]

okay so i just went to bestbuy to take a listen to B&W's newest bookshelf and towers both with a sub and without. So far i am leaning towards the towers with a sub. The bookshelf speakers just sounded closed in to me. I already have a denon receiver so $500 is for just the speakers (with or without sub).

 

[afterlife2]

BB is not a great place to audition speakers. Get the Pioneers 22's and HSU sub like J_garcia said. You won't be disappointed when you get them home.
Here is another sub to consider. Read Member here Jim Wilson's review: http://www.outdoorspeakerdepot.com/10-inch-premium-powered-subwoofer-ps10.html