Need advice purchasing speakers or monitors

[Christowfur]

I'm looking for a cheap set of active monitors to be used for home DJ setup and perhaps music production in the future.

I play mainly EDM music through a Hercules RMX controller and at the moment I am just using a home hifi system that I have borrowed from my brother which is fine but I find it really heavy on the bass even at low volumes and with bass turned down low. The bass does sound good but I'm not sure the neighbours appreciate it!

I have seen the following active monitors and just wanted an experienced opinion on what I have found;

For £50 reduced from £70/80 I think are these Edifer monitors - http://www.edifier-international.com...io/r1600t-plus

For £70 are these Kurzweil monitors - http://www.whybuynew.co.uk/speakers/...itors-pair.htm

I have also seen the Behringer MS20's and the Numark NPM5's, M-Audio AV30/40 all knocking about in the same price range between £50-£85

Spec wise I can't see much difference between all of them but then again I don't really know what I am looking at? I figure an Active set would be better suited to me than buying a separate Amp with passive speakers too? and is there a notable difference in sound quality between passive and active?

Sorry for the noob-ish questions!

Thanks, Chris

[fullenglishpint]

There's no SQ difference between passive and active monitors, but you do tend to get what you pay for. From my experience, whatever you do don't buy the Numark NP-M5s. I had a pair and they were diabolical.

[Christowfur]

Cheers fullenglishpint, do you have any recommendations?

I am struggling as to what to go for...

[HighTopFade]

We have a pair of M-Audio AV40s that go through hip hop abuse daily. Little 40 watters are loud and sound pretty clean. Going strong for about 3 years now. Nice build quality too.

[Christowfur]

Cheers HighTopFade, do you find the bass alright on the AV40's? Most of the reviews I have read for these seem highly positive so they might be a go-er.

I just wanted to know if anyone had used or heard of these; http://www.edifier-international.com...io/r1600t-plus

They have a slightly better frequency response than the AV40's but are only 16w x2 output.

[HighTopFade]

I think the bass is very good for small speakers. I can't see going wrong for the money. If I was in the market for new computer speakers, I'd pick up another pair.

[Emery]

one thing I learned about speakers -> specs. dont mean ish.

you have the right idea asking for opinions, just thought I'd give you my 2cents.
I can't say on any of them. I know KRK's are considered overrated, but if you can get them for a good deal, and your mainly djing, not producing (spastically), go for it.

[brocklambert]

I would suggest also getting an external soundcard like an Audio 2, because the internal soundcard of the Hercules sounds like complete garbage. Upgrading would make a world of difference.

[Christowfur]

Thanks for your replies, however I think KRK's are a little bit out of my budget!

In response to the Hercules sound card, my friend has the same controller running through a Cambridge AM5 amp and Gale Silver monitors and it sounds quite good given the price of it.

Thanks for the input anyway. When you say Audio 2 soundcard I assume you mean the NI Traktor card?

Chris

[Christowfur]

Hi, so for £80 new are the M-Audio AV-40's a safe bet?

I have priced up a passive system at Richer Sounds (Gale speakers at 49.99 and Cambridge Audio AM5 amp at 119.99) and it comes to around £170 without speaker stands so over double the cost...

Any ideas, opinions welcome!