New monitors

[boguz]

Hey...
Well, i guess this post will also serve as some kind of "Hello" from me.

I am a musician coming from classical training who is just now getting into "computer music technology" (also in a kind of classical style).
I am a composer and always composed sitting on the piano and writting things down by hand.
But i guess it is more than time to move on and try new things...

I have now computer with Sibelius 6 software and a m-audio ProKeys Sono 88 keyboard, and they both work great (and actually make the composing process faster and simpler).

But now comes my question...
The sound from my laptop speakers isn't so good. So i have been thinking about getting some good speakers.
Of course i thought first about "normal" desktop multimedia speakers, but then i also took a look to studio monitors.
WOW...   there are soooo many, so many different prices, so many different specs that say absolutely NOTHING to me!
But, in the end, i thought that some not so expensive studio speakers would do a muche better job.

So, bottom line:
What would be some good, not so expensive, studio monitors for classical music, with good clear sound quality?
(i will spend some hours everyday composing and also listening and analyzing classical music coming from them...)

I saw from internet some KRK ROKIT5, some m-Audio Audiophile AV30 or even some Eden EM3.
But i am really lost!!!

Thank you so much in advance for you help

[stainless]

Welcome-

You want monitors that have as flat response across the frequency spectrum as you can afford so they do not 'color' the sound.  Acive monitors have the advantage of nor requiring a power amp to drive them, and most active studio type monitors are 'bi-amped' meaning they have separate internal amps for the mid-to low frequencies (and typically) higher power, and a lower powered amp for the high freqs.

You'll want to set them up so they are at your 'hearing' height when your working (even with your ears)-(which may require stands)  and spaced such that the monitors and your head form an equilateral triangle... and 5 - 6 feet seems to be a typical spacing.  some  folks think its better to have  both speakers in the same plain as your ears , which for some monitors means turning them on their sides- and the HF drivers (smaller speaker) is on the outside

there should also be a pad between the speaker and the desk/stand (mouse pads work great for this)

as to what kind- that's like asking what kind of car is best-  lots of people have lots of opinions, but have actually drive alllt he different kinds of cars to be truly objective, so to with monitors.  There is a reason for the broad price range, and quality does vary widely. Many music stores that offer recording equipment have an acoustically treated room to listen to the- this is both a plus and con.  You will be able to hear them, and should be able to hear the differences between various models/brands, but because the room is acoustically treated, they will not sound exactly the same in your room.

...and acoustic treatment is a subject unto itself, but it does make a difference (if done properly)

Take a couple of CD's that your very familiar with specific songs and have a listen at the store.  I'd ask if they'd allow you to hook up a keyboard and play it with the monitors

Good luck!

[boguz]

hey thanks for your answer
Well, i really have to see how it goes. I wanted to buy them for Xmas, but i think i will have to wait a little longer.
In the music shops here they don't have so much monitors, so i think i will have to go to a bigger shop (maybe in helsinki) and see if i can "test" some there.
Choosing from internet is like shooting in the dark.
So, just need to buy a train ticket to helsinki one of these days...   

ahhh, another question?
Is it "reliable" to buy second hand monitors or is it most likely to get "scammed" and buy some old broken ones not working properly?
Any experiences?

[stainless]

ahhh, another question?
Is it "reliable" to buy second hand monitors or is it most likely to get "scammed" and buy some old broken ones not working properly?
Any experiences?

I have bought 1 pair of Monitors on e_Bay (Tannoys) and a pair of Yamaha NS-10 on CraigsList without problems, and i have sold both pars, one on e-Bay (Tannoys) and locally (CL) the Yamaha's with no complaints.

If the deal seems too good to be true, it most often is, on the other hand there's always those lucky individuals who find some treasure at a garage sale....

just do your homework