Active monitors or HiFi ?

[keith]

I recently upgraded my pc, and am now looking to the sound system. I work on the pc alot, especially when working on covers, so I'd like a sound system which easily fills the room (quite small) for my music listening pleasure, yet still has the qualities of a good monitor to allow me to listen properly to tracks so I can easily pick out every note whenever needed.

I guess monitors would be quite good at this, but how will they perform when used just to enjoy listening to music on a daily basis? I listen to alot of heavy rock including brutal death, so bass response is a must

[Kev Brigden]

the REVEAL 5.1 surround system may well be right up your street... that is one cool as f*ck setup...

[keith]

Ouch...while I admit it looks to be the stuff, I was thinking about a much cheaper route, maybe around Stg 400 (cant find the sterling symbol on my kboard). The M-Audio BX5 and BX8 look nice, and have seen another couple of nice systems, like the Fostex PM 2. But, again, they are monitors. How will they perform as hifi speakers and for movie sound? (I dont need surround)

[Kev Brigden]

well, as a high-fi speaker, they probably won't be much good, depending on how much EQ you use on your system...

Recording monitors aim more for crystal clear, totally flat sound reproduction, which is what your aiming for when recording. Hi-fi speakers would not give you anywhere near as much clarity I would imagine... unless you were talking real hi-end speaker systems in which case they could possibly be used in both aplications... doubt it tho...

I have a feeling that Reveal do quite a few different options with their systems tho, so it may be an idea to keep scanning through to see what else they offer...

kev

[Artist]

Monitors as HiFi speakers will vary.
No monitor gives a truly flat sound, the most famous of all monitors (Yamaha NS-10s) create the need for the "disco smile" (they have strong mids, weaker treble and bass, so you end up creating a smooth "smile", boosting the treble and bass and reducing mids).
Practically every pop song you have ever heard was mastered on those monitors.

TBH I think it depends on how much your "audiophile" ear is developed. If you were to get some monitors like the Mackie 824s, I think they would function well as both mons and hifis.

The main idea behind monitors is to be able to create a mix that will sound good on every kind of audio setup. All masterers will check their mixes on hifi speakers, car stereos etc.
I would either go with a pair of good (not amazing) monitors. You will be able to mix on them, and they _ARE_ still good listening speakers, they just may not be as good as some hifi speakers for reproducing the intended mix.
You can always get a 10 band EQ (preferably with 2 channels/presets) with settings for your monitoring (bypass) and for listening (adjusted to taste).


(ignore me i are drunk)

[Kev Brigden]

DRINK!