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;
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?
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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?
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…
Hopefully Nicky H got you sorted, but I’ll add in my 2 cents.
In your budget range I’d stick to powered monitors. An amp does a lot in terms of shaping the sound you’re going to get. So crappy amp = crappy sound. When starting out it’s easy if you use powered because you only get the sound of the speakers.
For DJ-ing, any decent pair will do, especially if you’re just using them for bedroom DJ-ing. Though you should look for something that gives off a decent low end. It’s better to have a clear low end than a loud one. That way you can keep your low end clean when mixing, which makes a HUGE difference when doing gigs.
+1 to the AV-40’s. Probably the better speakers you can get for that price, though if you can afford it, KRK’s will do the job as well. If you can, check out second hand stuff.
My rule is still: Listen first! If you get the chance to listen to the speakers first, do it! Buy whatever you think sounds best, because that will give you the best results.
forget all this nonsense why not just go strait to the top and never look back! just build the speakers yourself. you would put all the other high end monitors out there to shame if you did.
haha all you need is about $580 bucks and you can build your very own audiophile ribbon monitors
i.e. the statements monitor build from Curt C. plans are free use google.
anyways you will be glad you did. they will last for a lifetime. plus labor is free, if you diy
Thanks for all of the advice, it is much appreciated. I think I will at least take a listen to the AV40’s today whilst I am up town grabbing a coffee.
In reply to spadenation, I have only just started out digital DJing so I just need a reasonable and affordable set of speakers/monitors that can be played at a decent volume level without drowning both myself and neighbours out with bass, which my current hi fi setup does very well ha!
$580 is still out of my price range and I probably wouldn’t pay this much (approx £360 to me) and then have to build them myself I’m sure they probably sound good though!
I’m sure they probably sound good though!