Active (Powered) Monitors in $500 Range

[slipperybidness]

I'm really wanting to try out a pair of those Emotiva Pro Airmotive 5 studio monitors.

Anything else out there in the price range (or less) that could really beat those?

I am aware of the Audioengine A5+, how would those compare. I really want the Adam Audion monitors, but a bit more expensive than the emos. I'm thinking the emos are the "poor man's Adam". Does that sound like a fair evaluation?

 

[alphaiii]

I'm really wanting to try out a pair of those Emotiva Pro Airmotive 5 studio monitors.

Anything else out there in the price range (or less) that could really beat those?

I am aware of the Audioengine A5+, how would those compare. I really want the Adam Audion monitors, but a bit more expensive than the emos. I'm thinking the emos are the "poor man's Adam". Does that sound like a fair evaluation?

Well, for what it's worth... Steve Guttenberg of CNET/The Audiophiliac thinks the Airmotiv 4 is all around better than the A5+... with the Audioengine really only better in overall bass output (but not quality).

Emotiva's astonishing desktop speaker | The Audiophiliac - CNET News

 

[shadyJ]

I haven't heard the Emotiva Monitors, but I would just go with a proven good one rather than an import Emotiva just rebadged. Check out this KRK Rokit, it has 8" woofers so you get decent bass, and the Rokit line is pretty well respected. Spend a bit more and get these JBL LSR2328P Monitors, which would no doubt be fantastic, and I would guess would absolutely kill the tiny Emotiva and Audioengine speakers. The JBLs would be my first pick. Those JBLs will have real bass, and despite the claims of Emotiva, there is no way those little things are digging down to the 50 hz range. I think that would have trouble in the 70s. The only problem with the KRKs and JBLs is they are pretty large and heavy.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

This phrase

The airmotiv 4 also has a 4.5-inch woofer, and both drivers are made exclusively for Emotiva.

somewhat annoys me as it in conflict with information I had earlier: Emotiva confirmed they "tweaked" existing 3rd party design to their specs ...

That still doesn't say anything bad about these speakers...

There is only so much bass you could expect from 4.5" woofer...

Ps: I heard Adam A7X monitor in store not long ago - I did like them, but was not blow away compared to my LSR2325p which I still think is one of better monitors I ever heard ... but alas except Emotiva speakers, the rest is relatively easy to audition in nearest pro-audio store

My 2c: Skip KRKs and smaller Tannoy


p.s: Haven't heard Behringer TRUTH B3030A - but it's under your budget and has ribbon tweeter - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/497324-REG/Behringer_TRUTH_B3030A_TRUTH_B3030A_110W_Active.html

OR B3031 if you have room for them and need the extra bass

 

[jcl]

Are you looking for powered bookshelves or active near field studio monitors?

If the former

Paradigm Shift - Powered Speakers | Paradigm SHIFT™ Series
and
NHT Super Power - Super Power | High End Desktop Powered Monitor
or perhaps something like this focal system -
Focal XS 2.1 | Sweetwater.com

might be worth checking out. I have no experience with any of the products themselves, just a respect for the brands.

You've already gotten some good suggestions for studio monitors. I'd add Dynaudio & Focal to your list but I think they're over budget. Blue Sky is a possibility.

 

[slipperybidness]

This phrase
somewhat annoys me as it in conflict with information I had earlier: Emotiva confirmed they "tweaked" existing 3rd party design to their specs ...

That still doesn't say anything bad about these speakers...

There is only so much bass you could expect from 4.5" woofer...

Ps: I heard Adam A7X monitor in store not long ago - I did like them, but was not blow away compared to my LSR2325p which I still think is one of better monitors I ever heard ... but alas except Emotiva speakers, the rest is relatively easy to audition in nearest pro-audio store

My 2c: Skip KRKs and smaller Tannoy


p.s: Haven't heard Behringer TRUTH B3030A - but it's under your budget and has ribbon tweeter - Behringer TRUTH B3030A 110W Active Two-Way Nearfield TRUTH

OR B3031 if you have room for them and need the extra bass

I forgot about the JBLs and how well-liked those always are, but a bit pricy.

And, for these, I was leaning towards the ribbon tweeters, thus the ADAM and EMO choices.

 

[zieglj01]

And, for these, I was leaning towards the ribbon tweeters, thus the ADAM and EMO choices.

With a return policy - the Emo 5, would be worth an in-home audition.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'm fairly confident you could listen to lsr2325 and B3030/B3031 in local pro store ...

 

[Matt34]

KRK RP8G2 or PR6G2
JBL LSR2325p
Mackie MR8mk2
Emotiva Airmotiv 5

The Emo's are pretty good from what I remember hearing at RMAF last year.

The first three should be readily available at any guitar center for demo.

 

[djreef]

I love my 6es, even more than the Dynaudios I had before. I'm jamming to them listening to Mullmuzzler right now.

DJ