M-Audio StudioPro 3 Desktop Monitors

[MDS]

I've decided that I no longer care to have 5.1 or more speakers for my computers. I want to simplify and go back to 2.0 or 2.1. I do rip cds and edit audio alot and occasionally record when I find old music that I want that is not available on CD. I just want a decent set of speakers for the occasions where I don't feel like wearing headphones when editing.

Does anyone have any experience with the M-Audio StudioPro 3 or thoughts on near field monitors for editing audio in general? Here is a link to the speakers: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836127107

They are only 10 watts/channel but that should be sufficient for nearfield listening. I am a little concerned that they only go down to 100 Hz. The frequency response chart in the manual indicates that they can go lower but naturally the response rolls off quickly below 100 Hz. This set definitely meets my criteria for simplicity and the price is right at under $100.

It's either those or stick with the traditional computer speakers from Logitech or Altec Lansing. I had the Logitech Z-540 4.1 speakers and the bass is definitely boomy and overpowering. I wonder if the 2.1 models will be any better or if I should just go for the m-audio monitors (without a sub).

 

[jaxvon]

I've heard lots of good things about these.

Here they are on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16836136102

Edit: A Review...

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_9_4/swans-edirol-computer-speakers-12-2002.html

 

[anamorphic96]

Im not sure if you have looked at Klipsch but they make some fantastic computer speakers at very reasonable prices. Plus they dont have that typical in your face sound that there home speakers do. Im not a big fan of there home speakers but these are different. At least to my ears.

The Pro Media 2.0's sound great for 99.00 and have a bass response to around 60 to 70 hz. They are rated at 15 watts a piece as well. Which is pretty good for inexpensive computer speakers.

To my ears they have pretty smooth sound and get the midrange correct for the most part. The bass is pretty impressive as well.

Definitely worth a listen if you have a Best Buy around or an Apple store.

http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=876

 

[MDS]

Those Swans are beautiful. I didn't see them on NewEgg, probably because I only looked in the computer speaker section. They appear to be powered because the picture shows a power button on the back, but the description makes no mention of whether or not they are powered. I'll read the review and see - those do look nicer than the M-Audio.

I had thought about Klipsch too, but the 2.1 ProMedia I saw at BestBuy was over $300. Kind of blows my 'simplicity' and low cost goal. But...it's only money...

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Duffinator]

I had thought about Klipsch too, but the 2.1 ProMedia I saw at BestBuy was over $300. Kind of blows my 'simplicity' and low cost goal. But...it's only money...

Thanks for the suggestions.

You want the ProMedia ULTRA 2.0 the link from anamorphic is the correct one. I recently saw them for $79 but I can't remember where. I have added a Yamaha 215 8" sub and together they sound great. There are several favorable reviews of these speakers and are worth checking out.

 

[MDS]

Does the line out from the soundcard connect to the back of the Klipsch or do you have to use the aux input on the front of the speaker? There are no pictures of the back on the Klipsch site.

In a very Bose like manner, the manual doesn't mention frequency response or power either.

Edit: My local BestBuy appears to have them in stock. It's funny that the BestBuy site lists the power and frequency response and the manual direct from the Klipsch site does not.

 

[Sheep]

I recommed the Klipsch promedia 2.1's

For music, your going to want a subwoofer, and all the logitech speakers are for loud gaming only.

Creative has decent sounding speakers, but no good 2.1 sets anymore. If only the Gigaworks were in 2.1.....

SheepStar

 

[jaxvon]

Those Swans are beautiful. I didn't see them on NewEgg, probably because I only looked in the computer speaker section. They appear to be powered because the picture shows a power button on the back, but the description makes no mention of whether or not they are powered. I'll read the review and see - those do look nicer than the M-Audio.

I had thought about Klipsch too, but the 2.1 ProMedia I saw at BestBuy was over $300. Kind of blows my 'simplicity' and low cost goal. But...it's only money...

Thanks for the suggestions.

The Swans are powered. I belive the amplifier is 35wpc (!).

 

[Duffinator]

Does the line out from the soundcard connect to the back of the Klipsch or do you have to use the aux input on the front of the speaker? There are no pictures of the back on the Klipsch site.

There is an input cable at the back of the speaker. The input on the front is for use with and external input device like an iPod.

 

[anamorphic96]

The Pro Media 2.1 which is the next step up should only run you 149.00 if not cheaper depending on where you go.

One note though. The sub is a little boomy with the 2.1 if you dont isolate it from the floor.

 

[Duffinator]

The Pro Media 2.1 which is the next step up should only run you 149.00 if not cheaper depending on where you go.

One note though. The sub is a little boomy with the 2.1 if you dont isolate it from the floor.

The ProMedia 2.1 is completely different from the ProMedia ULTRA 2.0. I suggest you check out the PM Ultra 2.0's and look at adding a different sub if needed. I agree the sub is a bit boomy with the 2.1's.

ProMedia Ultra 2.0
http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=876

ProMedia 2.1
http://www.klipsch.com/product/product.aspx?cid=103

Yamaha sub:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product_Code=YAM+YSTSW215&JRSource=DealTime.datafeed.YAM+YSTSW215

 

[MDS]

I just came back from Best Buy. They have the Ultra 2.0 and I liked them. I think those will be the winner. They also have the ProMedia 2.1 for about $160 and it was ok too but I'm not sure if I really want a sub for the computer anymore.

 

[Duffinator]

I just came back from Best Buy. They have the Ultra 2.0 and I liked them. I think those will be the winner. They also have the ProMedia 2.1 for about $160 and it was ok too but I'm not sure if I really want a sub for the computer anymore.

Let us know what you think of them if you get 'em.

 

[MDS]

I was going to buy them on the spot but I'm leaving for vacation in a week or so and decided to pick them up when I get back.

 

[Sheep]

I was going to buy them on the spot but I'm leaving for vacation in a week or so and decided to pick them up when I get back.

How was the bass response? Sufficient? Seems like a waste.

SheepStar

 

[MDS]

The bass was sufficient but not overpowering. Even with the bass control turned up all the way it seemed to still blend well. When you turn the bass control up on the sub that comes with the ProMedia 2.1, it gets boomy - just like my Logitech z-540, although at least you could turn it down low enough to smooth it (unlike the logitech).

I know it sounds strange that I actually want less capability in a computer speaker system but its because I don't use it for much other than casual listening when I'm working or when editing audio and I don't feel like wearing headphones.

 

[Sheep]

The bass was sufficient but not overpowering. Even with the bass control turned up all the way it seemed to still blend well. When you turn the bass control up on the sub that comes with the ProMedia 2.1, it gets boomy - just like my Logitech z-540, although at least you could turn it down low enough to smooth it (unlike the logitech).

I know it sounds strange that I actually want less capability in a computer speaker system but its because I don't use it for much other than casual listening when I'm working or when editing audio and I don't feel like wearing headphones.

Ahhh the old 540's. People on Computer forums loved em becuase of there bass response. They thought the more the marrier.

I like the sound of the new budget logitech speakers. Its very laid back, and the bass its fairly clean. My 2200's are very boomy, and shrilly. What I'd give for Gigaworks....

SheepStar

 

[gellor]

I don't know much about it, but there's the Sib&Co iCub. Its a sub that seems to allow either optical or headphone jack in. (its designed to work with the iPod/pc/etc) ... and you pick your own speakers to plug into it.

(Clicky ... then click the Products link on the left, then the iCub link)

 

[anamorphic96]

The bass was sufficient but not overpowering. Even with the bass control turned up all the way it seemed to still blend well. When you turn the bass control up on the sub that comes with the ProMedia 2.1, it gets boomy - just like my Logitech z-540, although at least you could turn it down low enough to smooth it (unlike the logitech).

I know it sounds strange that I actually want less capability in a computer speaker system but its because I don't use it for much other than casual listening when I'm working or when editing audio and I don't feel like wearing headphones.

I think you will find once you get them home they will sound much better without all the noise from the store being around you.

I only have my bass control at a little less then half and the bass is tight and full sounding. I had previously passed these over unitl I brought them home. Boy was I surprised.