Monitors for my office..

[adk highlander]

Ok as the thread name implies I'm going to buy some small monitors for my office. I'm tired of the crap speakers I have and with as much time as I spend here I should have something better.

So I'm looking at both powered models and passive. I'm looking for those that have owned any of these to chime in and any comments on the powered vs. passive. I have a Integra ADM 2.1 that I will use if I go with passive. The source will be a computer to feed internet radio and iTunes.

Oh my budget is under $250 (cheap I know)

So for the passive:

NHT Zero
PSB Alpha B1
AV123 ELT525M
BEHRINGER B2030P
Polk Monitor 40

Powered:

Wharfedale 8.2
BEHRINGER B2030A
KRK Rokit 5

So help me spend some money. Oh and I'm open to other models within my budget. Thanks.

 

[lsiberian]

Ok as the thread name implies I'm going to buy some small monitors for my office. I'm tired of the crap speakers I have and with as much time as I spend here I should have something better.

So I'm looking at both powered models and passive. I'm looking for those that have owned any of these to chime in and any comments on the powered vs. passive. I have a Integra ADM 2.1 that I will use if I go with passive. The source will be a computer to feed internet radio and iTunes.

Oh my budget is under $250 (cheap I know)

So for the passive:

NHT Zero
PSB Alpha B1
AV123 ELT525M
BEHRINGER B2030P
Polk Monitor 40

Powered:

Wharfedale 8.2
BEHRINGER B2030A
KRK Rokit 5

So help me spend some money. Oh and I'm open to other models within my budget. Thanks.

This is a no brainer IMO. A pair of Behringer 2030p's cost around $150 and probably sound better than the other speakers mentioned.

For 250 I wouldn't buy anything active unless it's used and even then you are just asking for trouble.

 

[adk highlander]

This is a no brainer IMO. A pair of Behringer 2030p's cost around $150 and probably sound better than the other speakers mentioned.

That is what I'm leaning toward I'm just looking for confirmation. Do you know what the difference is moving to the 2031?

For 250 I wouldn't buy anything active unless it's used and even then you are just asking for trouble.

I've found the powered 2030's for 250 shipped and the Wharfedales are used but in very good condition.

 

[lsiberian]

That is what I'm leaning toward I'm just looking for confirmation. Do you know what the difference is moving to the 2031?



I've found the powered 2030's for 250 shipped and the Wharfedales are used but in very good condition.

2031 has more extension, but gives up some midrange. I'd just avoid the sub in an office and get the 2031s myself.

The amps have issues in the active behringers. Buying them is a sketchy proposition.

Instead get an Audiosource amp. http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-2-Channel-Bridgeable-Amplifier/dp/B00026BQJ6.

A stereo y-cable with RCA cable Extenders is what I use to hookup a computer to that amp.

 

[adk highlander]

Cool. I just found the 2031's for only 10 bucks more than the 2030's. Wow an 8.5 inch woofer in near field should be nice. I was considering bringing my old LFM 1 in just for fun but with these it won't be neccessary for what I need.

I have an amp already that will do the trick. (Integra ADM-2.1)

Oh I just found the best price at B&H with free shipping.

 

[lsiberian]

Cool. I just found the 2031's for only 10 bucks more than the 2030's. Wow an 8.5 inch woofer in near field should be nice. I was considering bringing my old LFM 1 in just for fun but with these it won't be neccessary for what I need.

I have an amp already that will do the trick. (Integra ADM-2.1)

Oh I just found the best price at B&H with free shipping.

Use the price match trick from zzounds and they'll make it cheaper.

I always pricematch off B&H and then buy with zzounds.

Yeah avoid a sub if you can't place it properly.

 

[adwilk]

Cool. I just found the 2031's for only 10 bucks more than the 2030's. Wow an 8.5 inch woofer in near field should be nice. I was considering bringing my old LFM 1 in just for fun but with these it won't be neccessary for what I need.

I have an amp already that will do the trick. (Integra ADM-2.1)

Oh I just found the best price at B&H with free shipping.

Craig, Depending on what you listen to or how loud, I'd imagine that sub will find its way to your office. The extension is just so so on even that bigger monitor. It left me wanting more bass for sure and I'm not a basshead by any stretch.

Those aren't small either... how much room you have?

 

[adk highlander]

Cool. I just did the price match at zzsounds so I'll see what happens.

Thanks.

 

[Matt34]

What about those active Mackie's that Sheep got? I think they are around $350.

 

[adk highlander]

Craig, Depending on what you listen to or how loud, I'd imagine that sub will find its way to your office. The extension is just so so on even that bigger monitor. It left me wanting more bass for sure and I'm not a basshead by any stretch.

Those aren't small either... how much room you have?

I can't listen to them too loud when others are in the offices next to me. Mainly it is for quality then outright volume. As far as the sub if I cannot sell it to a local friend then it may end up here. (anyone in upstae NY want a sub cheap!?)

If I move my monitors a little bit I can get them to fit on my desk. on either side of my monitors. I'll stick the amp behind the monitors. They will look big but hey that is cool with me. It will give people something to talk about when they come in my office.

 

[adk highlander]

What about those active Mackie's that Sheep got? I think they are around $350.

Oh I really would like those but I just cannot part with that much. That is $100 more than I want to spend and if I get the price match on the 2031's it is $200 more. Besides he must have gotten one heck of a deal for 350. I cannot find a pair for under 500. Does he have the 624?

 

[adwilk]

I can't listen to them too loud when others are in the offices next to me. Mainly it is for quality then outright volume. As far as the sub if I cannot sell it to a local friend then it may end up here. (anyone in upstae NY want a sub cheap!?)

If I move my monitors a little bit I can get them to fit on my desk. on either side of my monitors. I'll stick the amp behind the monitors. They will look big but hey that is cool with me. It will give people something to talk about when they come in my office.

Coolio... you shouldn't have any trouble gettin rid of that sub... Outlaw makes good stuff. We're gonna need to see some photos...

 

[adk highlander]

Coolio... you shouldn't have any trouble gettin rid of that sub... Outlaw makes good stuff. We're gonna need to see some photos...

I know I just need to get off my duff and try and sell it.

I just ordered the 2031's and thanks to lsiberian's suggestion of zzounds I got them for under 150 shipped.

They will be here by then end of the week and I will post photo's.

 

[Patrick_Wolf]

I did the price match thing with zzsounds and B&H too. Got my 1st pair of 2030's for $120. Now I'm trying to see if either musician.com or guitarcenter will price match with B&H + 4% bing cashback which would bring the total to $115.15. ZZ and BH are out of stock atm.

 

[Matt34]

Oh I really would like those but I just cannot part with that much. That is $100 more than I want to spend and if I get the price match on the 2031's it is $200 more. Besides he must have gotten one heck of a deal for 350. I cannot find a pair for under 500. Does he have the 624?

Mackie MR5

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=584255&postcount=12

http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-MR5-Reference-Monitor-Speaker/dp/B0012PTJAE

I think you made a good choice with the 2030p too.

 

[adk highlander]

Mackie MR5

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showpost.php?p=584255&postcount=12

http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-MR5-Reference-Monitor-Speaker/dp/B0012PTJAE

I think you made a good choice with the 2030p too.

Oh MR5's I did not look at that model. Looks like a good buy but it is too late now. If I would have not had the amp and needed the powered ones I would have felt like I missed out.

 

[adk highlander]

My new 2031's came in just as I was going home last night so I've opened the box this morning and I should have looked a the size of these things. They are HUGE on my desk.

What I can say so far is these things are solid. Heavy and the rap test gives no echo.

 

[Matt34]

My new 2031's came in just as I was going home last night so I've opened the box this morning and I should have looked a the size of these things. They are HUGE on my desk.

What I can say so far is these things are solid. Heavy and the rap test gives no echo.

I wanna see!!

 

[jamie2112]

Nice Craig,post some pics buddy........

 

[adk highlander]

Ok here are the pics. Sorry for the delay I had to go to a meeting. Dam them for making me work.

This is my desk. Jeesh to do this I had to clean.

Pseudo artsy pic

Left speaker

I have the amp place behind the monitors on the desk. I've only played a few songs so far but I really like them so far. I cannot turn them up too loud with as many people in the office. I'm listening to the new Dave Mathews in flac format.

I honestly cannot image there is a better deal out there for speakers in this price range. I would say they are worth twice their price.