Have big mass with no class and want opinions on studio monitors.

[CajunLB]

I currently have Klipsch f30s for fronts and a 3 way infinity 362 i may have the model wrong but my main problem is that they are large speakers that probably are not flat frequency responses speakers, I rarely listen over 80 average from 9 feet away.
Im liking the idea of studio monitors because of there flat response and under reference volumes.
Has anyone did this and did you think you made the proper decision or should I look for flatter passive offerings.
I’ve got subwoofers so I don’t need speakers that play extremely deep. I know some don’t like subwoofers but I can’t and won’t buy a full range speaker, im disabled on a budget
I also have a Dennon 3600 processor/reciever so I can use rca preouts to power the speaker preamps with or without Audessey.
Do you think this is worth pursuing.
I like different options so let’s see what y’all think. Thanks

 

[TLS Guy]

I currently have Klipsch f30s for fronts and a 3 way infinity 362 i may have the model wrong but my main problem is that they are large speakers that probably are not flat frequency responses speakers, I rarely listen over 80 average from 9 feet away.
Im liking the idea of studio monitors because of there flat response and under reference volumes.
Has anyone did this and did you think you made the proper decision or should I look for flatter passive offerings.
I’ve got subwoofers so I don’t need speakers that play extremely deep. I know some don’t like subwoofers but I can’t and won’t buy a full range speaker, im disabled on a budget
I also have a Dennon 3600 processor/reciever so I can use rca preouts to power the speaker preamps with or without Audessey.
Do you think this is worth pursuing.
I like different options so let’s see what y’all think. Thanks

As in all things it depends on which ones you are considering.

Active speakers are actually the way to go. It depends on which ones.

 

[Kingnoob]

Your Klipsch got good reviews here, I don’t have rew but you can use that to measure your system .

Klipsch Synergy F-30 Speaker System Review

Klipsch is one of the top-selling brands in America. So are Klipsch's new Synergy Series F-30 Home Theater Speakers really something to get excited about, or not? We test this 5.1 system and report.

www.audioholics.com

There are many flatter speakers that are not studio monitors. But brands like revel can get really expensive.
these look good although I haven’t heard them yet.

AsciLab C6B Looks Good.....No, they Look Great !

Never seen Erin praise a speaker this much. Maybe Shady can request a pair to confirm ?

forums.audioholics.com

These might work but I didn’t read the review for them .
jbl 308p mkii 8 inch powered studio monitors

 

[shadyJ]

I currently have Klipsch f30s for fronts and a 3 way infinity 362 i may have the model wrong but my main problem is that they are large speakers that probably are not flat frequency responses speakers, I rarely listen over 80 average from 9 feet away.
Im liking the idea of studio monitors because of there flat response and under reference volumes.
Has anyone did this and did you think you made the proper decision or should I look for flatter passive offerings.
I’ve got subwoofers so I don’t need speakers that play extremely deep. I know some don’t like subwoofers but I can’t and won’t buy a full range speaker, im disabled on a budget
I also have a Dennon 3600 processor/reciever so I can use rca preouts to power the speaker preamps with or without Audessey.
Do you think this is worth pursuing.
I like different options so let’s see what y’all think. Thanks

Many of the affordable studio monitors have a pretty high noise floor, especially when using the unbalanced RCA inputs. At a distance, you might not be able to hear it, but up close, you will. How much of a tolerance do you have for a hiss? If it is zero, I would just look for some passive speakers. Also keep in mind, these speakers don't have remote controls and typically must be turned on from the back panels. That might be a real inconvenience for some people.

If you want some affordable passive speakers that have a nice flat response, look at the Polk Reserve R200 speakers. They are pretty neutral and shouldn't break your bank.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Far from 1st time this discussion comes up. Here are few links for you:

Active Monitors for Home Theater?

Hey! I'm wondering if Active Monitors are better for Home Theater. Advantages Since active monitors are already EQ'd and properly configured to work with a specific amplifier, these kinds of speakers have many advantages compared to passive speakers. They also have little switches on the back...

forums.audioholics.com

Kali Audio IN-5 Studio Monitor Review | Excellent 3-way monitors for $700

I posted my review of the Kali IN-5 last night. Bottom line? Incredible midbass and great soundstage depth. You can read my full review here and watch the video linked below. https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/kali_in-5/ As always, if you have specific questions that I...

forums.audioholics.com

Kali Audio LP-6v2 (Second Wave) 2-Way Studio Monitor Review

Kali Audio LP-6v2 2-Way Studio Monitor Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

Kali Audio IN-5 3-Way Studio Monitor Review

Kali Audio IN-5 3-Way Studio Monitor Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Yeah, R200 street price around $500/pair.

 

[CajunLB]

Thank everyone for the opinions and suggestions.The community came through for me. For some reason I thought I was on the verge of having a flat/acurate system if I used flat measuring dsp studio monitors for the front channels.
Any suggestions on the front 3 that are under 500/ peaice that have a flat frequency respons. I’m wanting answers from knowledgeable guys who can help when o need

 

[Eppie]

Thank everyone for the opinions and suggestions.The community came through for me. For some reason I thought I was on the verge of having a flat/acurate system if I used flat measuring dsp studio monitors for the front channels.
Any suggestions on the front 3 that are under 500/ peaice that have a flat frequency respons. I’m wanting answers from knowledgeable guys who can help when o need

ShadyJ is about as knowledgeable as you will find anywhere. The Polk R200 are in your price range but a good center speaker can cost as much as a pair of bookshelves, so getting 3 good speakers for $500 will be a challenge. Maybe consider getting a pair of R200 for now and saving up for a good matching center later.

 

[everettT]

I currently have Klipsch f30s for fronts and a 3 way infinity 362 i may have the model wrong but my main problem is that they are large speakers that probably are not flat frequency responses speakers, I rarely listen over 80 average from 9 feet away.
Im liking the idea of studio monitors because of there flat response and under reference volumes.
Has anyone did this and did you think you made the proper decision or should I look for flatter passive offerings.
I’ve got subwoofers so I don’t need speakers that play extremely deep. I know some don’t like subwoofers but I can’t and won’t buy a full range speaker, im disabled on a budget
I also have a Dennon 3600 processor/reciever so I can use rca preouts to power the speaker preamps with or without Audessey.
Do you think this is worth pursuing.
I like different options so let’s see what y’all think. Thanks

There are a few passive speakers with an excellent design worth considering if this is a main system. The AsciLabs seem to fit the bill of textbook design, especially when used with a subwoofer. If you're going active the Kali offerings, especially with the 8" woofer, for use in HT setup and a sub are nice.

I'd start here for passive

Ascilab – Precision Redefined in Sound

Ascilab,C6B, F6B, A6B

ascilab.com

 

[lovinthehd]

Thank everyone for the opinions and suggestions.The community came through for me. For some reason I thought I was on the verge of having a flat/acurate system if I used flat measuring dsp studio monitors for the front channels.
Any suggestions on the front 3 that are under 500/ peaice that have a flat frequency respons. I’m wanting answers from knowledgeable guys who can help when o need

Flat response would be mostly dictated by your room with either type of speaker, perhaps some application of eq. Backing up a bit, what do you not like about your current speakers particularly? Is that perhaps the RC263C center from Infinity?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Flat response would be mostly dictated by your room with either type of speaker, perhaps some application of eq. Backing up a bit, what do you not like about your current speakers particularly? Is that perhaps the RC263C center from Infinity?

True. I think most of us just assumed the OP’s room acoustic was already optimal.

But if the setup (acoustic, placement) is suboptimal, what’s the point of spending more money?

Unless it’s just another case of the upgrade itch. We gotta spend more or maybe have better pride of ownership?

Sometimes it’s not just about significantly improving SQ, but rather improving pride of ownership.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thank everyone for the opinions and suggestions.The community came through for me. For some reason I thought I was on the verge of having a flat/acurate system if I used flat measuring dsp studio monitors for the front channels.
Any suggestions on the front 3 that are under 500/ peaice that have a flat frequency respons. I’m wanting answers from knowledgeable guys who can help when o need

Do you have access to the UMIK-1 microphone ($120)?

This is really the only way to know for sure if any speaker is really FLAT in your own room since the room acoustic will change the FR.

The NHT SuperZero had a flat FR +/-0.9dB on Home Theater Magazine or Sound & Vision Magazine like 30 years ago. But I noticed a different 3rd party measurement got a much different FR like +/-3dB, which is still good, but the point being all rooms are different.

 

[CajunLB]

I was thinking Kali IN5 In8 Three way studio monitors or JBL studio monitors. But i will get passive speakers. I'll probably get the Polk 200,s. Unless someone has a different pAssive speaker that may have a flatter response.

 

[everettT]

I was thinking Kali IN5 In8 Three way studio monitors or JBL studio monitors. But i will get passive speakers. I'll probably get the Polk 200,s. Unless someone has a different pAssive speaker that may have a flatter response.

The In8 would make a great midfield monitor, FWIW

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I was thinking Kali IN5 In8 Three way studio monitors or JBL studio monitors. But i will get passive speakers. I'll probably get the Polk 200,s. Unless someone has a different pAssive speaker that may have a flatter response.

Personally I hate any speaker with amps inside it.

But what's your reason for "thinking" about powered speakers and then deciding on passive speakers?

Is it cost?

Or is it brand name since I've never even heard of the brand "Kali"?

Or is it that you can buy the Kali at Guitar Center and other PRO stores, which makes it seem like a "Pro" type speaker?

Or is it the thought that maybe the amp inside the Kali will die one day?

 

[everettT]

Or is it brand name since I've never even heard of the brand "Kali"?

John Melikyan from Harmon and Charles Sprinkle from JBL are key players at Kali. Their stated goals are producing studio monitors that are high performance at lower costs.

There current offerings measure very well (see James', Erin's, and Armir's reviews) and are a great solution as to say a soundbar or a simplified setup. They're not for large listening distances, but their 3 way offerings can go past midfield. I use them in a bedroom setup with a DAC, sub, and that's all.

 

[Kingnoob]

Yeah, R200 street price around $500/pair.

Looks $140 higher just in a few days? Or is that used price?
it says there hi res Audio Certification so what’s that mean higher end ?
prob better then synergy I have the icons which are similar can be too bright occasionally. Prob lose some bass extension and spl ,sensitivity but worth a try. With subs it doesn’t matter. 9 feet away books are fine.
This would be closer to the same size as ops towers but out of budget . Unfortunately not 3 way like the 700.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107R600BWN/Polk-Audio-Reserve-R600-Brown.html?tp=185

 

[MrBoat]

I currently have Klipsch f30s for fronts and a 3 way infinity 362 i may have the model wrong but my main problem is that they are large speakers that probably are not flat frequency responses speakers, I rarely listen over 80 average from 9 feet away.
Im liking the idea of studio monitors because of there flat response and under reference volumes.
Has anyone did this and did you think you made the proper decision or should I look for flatter passive offerings.
I’ve got subwoofers so I don’t need speakers that play extremely deep. I know some don’t like subwoofers but I can’t and won’t buy a full range speaker, im disabled on a budget
I also have a Dennon 3600 processor/reciever so I can use rca preouts to power the speaker preamps with or without Audessey.
Do you think this is worth pursuing.
I like different options so let’s see what y’all think. Thanks

I lean towards monitor type speakers but it's not for flatter response, but more of the dispersion characteristic so that they function well in the immediate near field. Otherwise, getting a traditional, large sweet spot tamed, that is typically fashioned for a 'group' of listeners that need to be back far enough to see a large screen, can be frustrating and fraught with compromises and great expense, especially if the room is challenging to begin with.

I mostly listen to music and play video games and watch whatever few movies on a computer monitor. I am the only one in this house who cares about sound quality. Therefore, I can be stingy with my resources. I don't need the whole room to accommodate for. This also allows me to have multiple systems around the home, that behave as predictably.

 

[MrBoat]

John Melikyan from Harmon and Charles Sprinkle from JBL are key players at Kali. Their stated goals are producing studio monitors that are high performance at lower costs.

There current offerings measure very well (see James', Erin's, and Armir's reviews) and are a great solution as to say a soundbar or a simplified setup. They're not for large listening distances, but their 3 way offerings can go past midfield. I use them in a bedroom setup with a DAC, sub, and that's all.

Must be why I like the Kali speakers that I have heard. Damn near dropped the wallet on a pair of Kali IN-8s. If I didn't have a dozen pairs of speakers already, I surely would have.

 

[MrBoat]

Personally I hate any speaker with amps inside it.

But what's your reason for "thinking" about powered speakers and then deciding on passive speakers?

Is it cost?

Or is it brand name since I've never even heard of the brand "Kali"?

Or is it that you can buy the Kali at Guitar Center and other PRO stores, which makes it seem like a "Pro" type speaker?

Or is it the thought that maybe the amp inside the Kali will die one day?

While I don't hate the sound of active speakers and own a couple pair, I don't like the finality of it, and the thought of them lasting just long enough for said proprietary amps/dsp to be obsolete or NLA. And I do like seeing the amps and that layout scheme.