Seeking Expert Advice for New Studio Monitors Around $400 Price Range

Hey guys, can you help me out?

I’m no expert when it comes to audio gear. In fact the whole audio thing is still rather new to me and I’m learning a lot. But I’m more of an expert with drum gear… I know my limits, so I need your help.

I have a budget around $400 (could possibly go to $500). What advice could you give me for new studio monitors at that range? I’m afraid I would be compromising my low-end frequencies at that price point. Would it be better to hold off until my budget is around $1000 or so?

I found this deal – Two KRK Rokit 8’s WITH stands and free shipping for $500 ($250 each):
http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-KRK-RP8G2-LIST?src=Y0802G00SRCHCAPN&gclid=CMTVhJDe_rQCFckWMgodR0oAmQ

Good idea? Bad idea? I have a close friend who is a producer at Sweetwater Studios who suggested I save up for the KRK VXT6’s and the 10” KRK sub. All together that would be about $1,300. Worth the wait?

What do you recommend? Any advice is welcome! Thank you!

Phil

I have learned to just buy the exact set up I want, cause I just end up wasting money later when I sell used to get the thing I really wanted in the first place. Even though sometimes it might be overkill for what we need, mentally it feels better.

I think you would be just fine with the 8’s and a sub if it can be added.

I got KRK Rokit 6’s and I love them, although I don’t have much to compare them to, they have been my first and only studio monitors. I see more and more KRK monitors in peoples studio pictures all the time, they seem to be taking over the lower budget studio world.

I am also using KRK Rokit 8s. Before I bought them I was choosing between KRKs Rokit and Adam7, both I new from forums, reviews etc. that they are very good monitors for its price.

Finaly I took KRKs and I am glad I did. I had M-Audio monitors before that, and KRKs are much more clear and better sounding.

Hope it helps a bit

How large is your room and do you have any treatment in the room? If none, I wouldn’t suggest getting larger monitors and especially not a sub. You’ll turn that room into a giant bass bin and your projects will suffer from a lack of low end. Definitely get some treatment in the room and buy some monitors after you’ve done that. Head over to gearslutz and check out their studio building forum, they’ll be happy to help you get started. You can also check out John Sayer’s forum. It’s dedicated to such things.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, I know. But getting that bit squared away is extremely important.

I too have KRK Rokit 6’s like Sophonic and love them. They sound great! But also like Sophonic, they were my first real monitors. I do have to add a sub though, because when mastering I always have to test my recordings on other systems with more bass response to make sure I don’t have too much low end (that’s a good idea anyway…to test on other systems). But the 8’s probably have a bit more bass response than the 6’s.

Thanks for the replies, guys!

@Sophonic and @Zdenek, Do you guys have the sub with your monitors? Do you think it’s worth investing in the sub? Some reviews I’ve read is the the 8’s do have pretty good low-end already.

@Buddha, Thanks for the good info. I have foam to put on the walls and a rug to cover the wood floor. It’s a rather small room tho. It’s about 6.5 feet by 9 feet. It’s this too small to even consider a sub in the first place?

Thanks again, guys!

Thanks for the info as well Jason. This is all very helpful!

It’s a great deal! Just take them! They are the best in this price range. I’m with Rokit 5’s btw

I don’t think subs are that necessary, I don’t have them. I think for stock audio and in your style of writing you really need them. I think the 8’s will be enough bass for you. Maybe if you start writing hip hop club bangers or something.

I would go for a Adam monitor (Like the A7). I use Adams and love them. OR try the Dynaudio Acoustics BM 5A’s. They are nice as well. You can always get the speakers and add the sub woofer later.