Budget: 150€-200€
Wanting: Pair of active studio monitors to plug into my E-MU USB 0202 sound card
Why: Because **** you, thats why


As far as my knowledge about studio monitors goes, you could sell headphones to me saying those are actually speakers. But I've done some research and so far I've got these 2 on my mind:

M-AUDIO STUDIOPHILE AV 40

Specifications:

Type: two-way desktop reference monitor
Low-frequency Driver: 4" diameter, magnetically shielded and curved cone with high-temperature voice coil
High-frequency Driver: 3/4" diameter, magnetically shielded silk dome tweeter
Frequency Response: 85Hz - 20kHz
Crossover Frequency: 2.7kHz
RMS SPL: 101.5dB at 1 meter
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: > 90dB (typical, A-weighted)
Input Connectors: left and right RCA line input, left and right 1/4" TRS input and 1/8" aux input
Polarity: positive signal at "+" input produces outward low-frequency cone displacement
Dynamic Power: 20 watts continuous, per channel into 4 ohms
Input Impedance: 10 kOhms unbalanced, 20 kOhms balanced
Input Sensitivity: 100 mV pink noise input produces 90dBA output SPL at 1 meter with volume control at maximum
Protection: RF interference, output current limiting, over temperature, turn on/off transient, subsonic filter
Indicator: Blue power LED ring around volume knob on front panel
Power Requirements: 100-120V/~50/60Hz, 220-240V/~50/60Hz; powered via detachable 2-conductor line cord
Cabinet: vinyl-laminated MDF




JB SYSTEMS AM-50 SET

Specifications:

* Active studio monitor set equipped with 2x35Wrms amplifier * Stylish black design: fits in any modern interior * Solid wooden enclosure with black satin finish * Perfect for recording studio, home DJ booth, PC-speaker, I-Pod , ... * Shielded magnet design (can be used next to a TV/PC Monitor) * Crystal clear sound with powerful bass response! * Flat frequency response from 65 to 20.000Hz * Uses 3/4' dome tweeter + 5' Kevlar woofer * Can be connected to any line-level audio output Technical Information:
Power Supply: AC230V, 50Hz Fuse: 20mm glass fuse 250V 800mA slow Frequency response: 65-20.000Hz (+/-5dB) Line input: 750mV @ 10k&OmegaImpedance passive cabinet: 4&OmegaCrossover freq: 2500Hz @ 12dB/oct Woofer: D= 5' (13cm) Kevlar cone Tweeter: D= 3/4' (2cm) soft dome type Dimensions: 180(W) x 258(H) x 209(D) mm Weight: 6,3kg"



But thats what's on my mind, what's on yours?

You'll get a better frequency response from headphones and will have more accurate mixes. Mixing entirely on monitors would be tough imo. But they are useful nonetheless. I think they are best used for gauging how your stuff sounds overall, but not great for mixing. Plus they look badass.

whhhhat?

The M-Audio ones are alright. Never heard of the JBs.

You really want at least 6" woofers for studio monitors. Don't bother with smaller ones if you want a remotely accurate sound. You'll probably only end up regreting it and upgrading again. I have some Samson Resolv A8s just to get some non-strenuous low end that I got for around, or just over, your budget (crazy ass special offer).

http://www.equatoraudio.com/D_Series...itors_s/43.htm

D5

Thank me later.

If you want more bass to mix reggae or edm or something add a sub imo. If you are looking for cheap but very good quality powered monitors, the D5s are the way to go. 60 day money back guarantee, at least they did when I ordered them last spring.