M-Audio BX5a Reviews

[uab9253]

Sorry to be so presumptous as to start my own thread, but I didn't see the 5's listed. Maybe b/c they only cost $299 a pair and are not considered a real studio monitor. But they are what I have. Here is the tech info:

Featuring refinements on the highly acclaimed BX5 monitors, the M-Audio BX5a Active Studio Monitors are the ideal wallet-friendly solution for high-end monitoring in your home studio. Kevlar 5" low frequency drivers produce amazingly full bass from a curved cone design with damped rubber surrounds and high-temperature voice coils. The tweeters are 1" natural silk domes that minimize ear fatigue while delivering crisp, accurate highs. Integral cab and electronic engineering work together to further enhance the bass response. 70W bi-amped power and expertly tuned crossovers.

M-Audio BX5a 70-Watt Active Studio Monitors Specifications:

56Hz-22kHz frequency response
3kHz crossover frequency
40W LF power amp
30W HF power amp
>100dB S/N ratio (typical A-weighted)
Polarity: positive signal at + input produces outward LF cone displacement
Input impedance: 20k ohms balanced, 10k ohms unbalanced
Input sensitivity: 85mV pink noise input produced 90dBA output SPL at one meter with volume control at maximum
Power: factory programmed for either 115V ~50/60Hz or 230V~50/60Hz
Protection: RF interference, output current limiting, over temperature, turn-on/off transient, subsonic filter, external mains fuse
Cabinet: vanyl laminted MDF
6-1/2"W x 9-5/6"H x 7-5/6"D
11 lbs.
M-Audio BX5a 70-Watt Active Studio Monitors Features:

2-way studio reference monitors
Stylish design
70W self-powered
5" LF drivers with curved Kevlar cones, damped rubber surrounds, and high-temperature voice coils
1" natural silk HF drivers
Magnetically shielded
XLR balanced and 1/4" balanced/unbalanced inputs
Power indicator
Volume control

[uab9253]

And now here is my review. Bear in mind that I have had these monitors for just 24 hours. In that time I can tell you that I really, like them, sound wise. I had been monitoring on just headphones and/or pc speakers with a subwoofer and these have given me the ability to get a mix that translates well to other systems. At 70w total, they are not super loud, but loud enough and the ported design provides a surprisingly adequate amount of bass.

I did find the inputs to be a bit of a pain for my setup. I am running them out of a Presonus Inspire 1394 and the outs on that are either 1/8 stereo mini jack or L/R RCA jacks. The ins to these monitors are XLR or TRS 1/4 inch. So that meant adapter for me either way. That also means the damn RCA to 1/4 adapter sticks out an inch and a half in the back and is prone to beating up against the back of something or getting whacked. I am never happy having to Frankenstein a cable, but that is probably more the fault of my interface than M Audios. Would love to be able to feed them straight XLR, but not with my current setup.

These speakers are quite heavy and feel real well made. The included power cables for each speaker could have been a bit longer though. It was a stretch to get them to reach the power strip behind my pc at the height I want/have to have them at. I also like the clean look, but I'm not a fan of the volume on the back. Again, that is a pain with my set up. I have solved that by cranking them and controlling volume at my PC.

So far, and especially since I got mine for $199, these are making me real happy. It is my first experience with real monitors though.