Reference Monitors..which ones are right for me?

[Hunter33]

I have decided that I need to get a decent pair of Reference monitors if I'm gonna be serious about my audio especially as I can't seem to compensate for the lack of top end in my current setup which aren't reference monitors anyway.

I'm looking for suggestions on where to start looking based on the following factors;

1> Budget of 200-250 pounds ($400-$450).
2> Will be used to monitor at home.
3> Must be suitable for most types of audio including live & special effect editing (all rounder).

Feel free to post links and or your experience with the product you are suggesting or advising against even.
I'm fairly new to the 'doing it properly' side of things & have always up till now improvised with whats available so any help appreciated.
I know the Yamaha Ns10's are fairly standard in most industry studios but finding a pair thats within budget and not knackered may be tough.
Maybe there are better things available now.

Thanks.

[brandondrury]

Well, your budget puts you in the bottom of the studio monitor lines, but this doesn't mean you can't put together an accurate system.

I wish I had more experience with other studio monitors as the only monitors I've used are the Mackie HR 824 studio monitors.

I know quite a few people have been impressed with the M-Audio BX8a Powered Studio Monitors.

Buy M-Audio BX8a Powered Studio Monitors online at Musician's Friend

[Hunter33]

Thats a start thanks and under budget too. (btw your links broken).
M-Audio BX8A at Music Village Education (uk link)

[richiebee]

I think the BX8A's are great value - I have a pair at home (with a BX10 sub which to be honest rarely gets turned on). If you produce music with a significant low end, I think I'd find the KRK Rokits (biggest you can afford) to be a better buy than the BX8A's on their own. They don't hype the bottom significantly, but it does seem to be a little more available when it's in your mix. We use KRK Rokit 6's for non-critical listening tasks (video conferenced music lessons, music listening exercises for students, etc) and I think they're pretty good for their money.

[Hunter33]

Thanks, heres a review link I found covering both the Rokit 5 & 8 models.
KRK Rokit 5 & Rokit 8
Looks like I could only afford the 5's.

I am also thinking about a surround sound setup (5.1 max) but having not used one before I'm not entirely sure of the workings of it. I'm guessing I'd just have to utilise more outputs from my soundcard...or there would be some channel splitting device. Not really for music but more for the game audio side of things.

[Hunter33]

Theres also these that I found just in my price range.

Turnkey - Europe's Leading Music Technology Supplier: Carillon AM08 Active Studio Monitor (Pair)