So what exactly are the differences between regular speakers that usually plug into the output of a stereo with a 3.5mm connection vs a pair of studio monitors that use all of RCA, XLR and TRS connections as the input?
First, Studio monitors are usually "flatter" in Frequency response compared to a regular "Hi-fi" speakers, which is a lot better than tiny 2.1 "PC" speakers. Even the best 2.1 "PC" speakers won't stand a chance compared to a relatively cheap Studio monitors (Yamaha MSP3 is one of the "cheaper" ones).
Second, studio monitors are full of connectivity options (the cheaper ones will contain all the plug you can plug to a speaker system, except digital inputs like USB or AES/EBU or S/PDIF which is only reserved for the high[er/est] series). As for the difference between connectors, especially between balanced (XLR or TRS) vs unbalanced(3.5mm mini stereo jacks or RCA connectors) there's a whole bunch of reasons - but I'll give you several of the best reasons:
- Unbalanced lines are (a lot more) susceptible to external noise, compared to balanced lines which are naturally rejects noise.
- Balanced lines have more voltage which in turn equals to more signal to noise ratio compared to unbalanced.
- The connectors on XLR/TRS are a lot more sturdier compared to RCA. The connectors it self have very small metal part visible (visually/mechanically) when making the connection compared to RCA's ground/shield "pin", which is always exposed. Exposed metal = radio antenna. Better noise rejection for XLR/TRS.
- Because the heftier connector, XLR/TRS can use a lot more heftier (better shielded) cable (even if you don't have to) without affecting the chassis's contacts.
For me, the balanced lines are the best way-to-go in my audio world, especially if you run your cables near your computer, which is a HUGE EMI/RFI generator.
Third, studio monitors usually designed with protection circuits, so you won't as easily blown a tweeter or a woofer because of a feedback loop signal.
Fourth, and the last one (in my book), audio engineers uses these speakers to mix and master their records, so these speakers are in fact a measurement instrument. But as we all know, the rule of the world is "you get what you paid for", don't expect a cheap ~300 bucks studio monitors to compete with a Barefoot Sound's MicroMain 12, a $20K Mixing / Mastering studio monitors (fun fact: Foo Fighters uses Barefoot Sound's Micro Main 27 to mix their records several times) or ADAM AUDIO's S3X-H monitors (this is one of ADAM's best sellers).
I, my self is a user of ADAM AUDIO studio monitors. I use it for casual/serious listening, simply because of the simplicity of the system, the accuracy of the speakers, and the quality of the sound it produces (with minimum noise). Studio monitors, IMHO, is simply the best-bang-for-your-buck class of speakers of today...
Very informative! Thank you zzz2496 because I just recently step foot into the world of audio and I'm amazed as well as confused by all the terms and specs that come along with it. I myself am looking for a nicer pair of speakers at the moment instead of my regular junkie ones and my Audioengine A2s. But do you have a recommendation as to a pair that would be sub $300 [pair](recently I came across two brands that I've come to see as potential buys)?
I personally love ADAM Audio's Studio Monitors, but those are on the pricier level. The entry level for ADAM AUDIO is the F-series. I personally have listened to a pair of F-series. For their price, the sound is quite good, but not earth-shattering. I personally recommends you to have a listen to ADAM's AX series (either A5X or A7X), don't buy it just yet. For your budget, ADAM F5 will fit just fine, and it will sound WAAAAAAYYYY better than your Audioengine A2s, but F5s will require quite sometime to burn-in.
I personally use ADAM's S3X-H, their small-ish flagship, paired with ADAM Sub24 (a discontinued series). For me, ADAM shatters my personal view of what to find in a [good] speaker system (for the budget).
If you can, look for a demo unit of ADAM A7X, have a listen in your own space if you can. It will change your view of what is good sounding speaker system, I personally URGE you to have a listen !!! :D But the down side is that you need to use "better" DAC or Audio Interface to get the maximum effect. The price for a "better" sounding Audio Interface isn't that expensive (relatively). I personally use one Focusrite's Saffire PRO 24 DSP for my Mac Pro (2009), and Focusrite's Saffire PRO 40 for my serious system. Both are relatively inexpensive, and are the better sounding (compared to my $2K DAC, it's not embarrassing if you compare them head to head). But the down side is the same as ADAM F5, it takes A LONG TIME to burn-in. My Saffire PRO 40 requires almost one FULL week of nonstop burn-in. I put mine in a room, plugged it to a cheap Logitech active speakers [IIRC it was a Logitech Z-5500] and plug an FM radio tuner not tuned to ANY radio station (so you get that static noise, close to pink noise) and powered it using an IBM UPS, and left it alone for close to 7 days before it started to sound "better".
Another relatively good alternative are KRK Rokit 5 G3. I have a pair of KRK Rokit 8 G2, they sound good for the price. Another alternative is GENELEC 6010B. Both are good sounding studio monitors for around 300 bucks. Or another alternative, a new entry in studio monitor world, Monkey Banana, the Turbo 5, also around 300 bucks.
I suppose that's my [relatively] "ideal" system. Have fun in the world of AUDIO !! :D
Actually what you listed below were the two that I was looking at, both the Monkey Banana Turbo 5's and the KRK Rokit 5 G2/G3 [depending if there are any MAJOR differences], just recently though I read about the monkey banana turbo 5s and they are said to be good versus the KRK Rokits of the same size. But have you actually had an experience with the Monkey Bananas, if so I would be interested to hear about your opinion on them at their price. Thank you again I hope I'm not tiring your fingers to much.
To be honest, my current "sweet spot" is ADAM A7X. I will not recommend anything below that simply because ADAM A7X blows my mind every single time I listen to them. The price/performance ratio is INSANE. It's a pair of speakers that [if you listen to the for the first time] is the closest thing I could find to hearing the detail of a headphone from a set of speakers. The problem is, a pair costs [close to] $1500. Anything lower sounds "normal" to me.
My serious system uses a pair S3X-H, the stereo image is [IMHO] holographic. You can sense the depth is different for EACH instruments/singer(s) in a good recording. A7X is like that, but a little "thin" to my taste. F-series, I don't even want to listen to them at first :( But after listening to them (brand new, not properly burned-in), they sound "not-bad" - yet I personally WILL NOT buy them, simply because my line stops at A7X.
As for Monkey Banan Turbo 5, I just saw them sat at a desk of a friend of mine. I'm not interested to speakers with woofer(s) lower than 7", their mid to mid bass frequency response is not good enough, add a subwoofer to them = adds headache, unless you plan to use Speaker Management, and properly calibrate them (both in Frequency domain, and Time domain)... I've listened to the Turbo 8, they were okay (well, closer to "good" in my book) - but honestly, nothing of special. The sub was thumping though :P, REALLY good for day-to-day computer audio usage. I guess if you play games on it, you will be thoroughly pleased (compared to your current system that is). But IMHO is no where near ADAM A7X for serious music listening, and so faaaaaaar away from ADAM S3X-H.
Once again very helpful, but what would you say about any KRK Rokit set of speakers?
They are GREAT for the money !!!
OHHH rrr, Im really pulling myself apart between the KRK's or the Monkey Bananas
Construction wise, Monkey Banana is a bit sturdier than KRK, but KRK is the older player in Studio monitor world (between the two). I'd go with KRK simply because I have ROKIT 8 G2. Go to a musical instrument store, have a listen - then you can decide.
While you're at it - look/have a listen to ADAM AUDIO's monitor, see if it suits your taste.
I have a set of rocket 5's and m-audio bx5's, I found the rockets to be too heavy on lower mid to bottom end. The m-audio however are a nice balance throughout.
Best to go to a dj store and try out a wide selection of models. If you can stretch your budget find some yamaha h80's either new or second hand. They offer jaw dropping quality. They really do.
THANK YOU ALL, through most of your opinions I think the KRK will be my choice unless I happen to find a pair of Monkey Banana speakers for around the same price [which I doubt]
not to mention the KRKs are built like tanks