2.1 Monitor Setup. KRK? Heard they're not too good. Adam A7!

[chuckles]

Right I've browsed the monitor recommendation threads and I see KRK are often mentioned, but from what I've read in other audio tech forums like Gearslutz, soundonsound, the KRK aren;t too great. I'd rather spend money on a 2.1 system that will last year years and years, that I'll never feel i need to replace them. I'm thinking of getting some A7s, they seem to be the hottest monitors in 2007 for my price range from what I've read, and with a sub, should be all good. Or noT?

any one here in the know? will A7s with their detailed top end be less musically inspiring for dubstep production or is it really the better choice?

I'm also considering Genelec 8030 + a sub, anyone use these?

[newnumbertwo]

I've owned a pair of KRK V8s and an S10 subwoofer for years, and I can tell you that they are absolutely the opposite of "not great". Very flat and uncolored response, and with the subwoofer, highly accurate on lower-end frequencies (even before the sub, they had great low-end but the sub just breathes a whole new dimension into my monitoring). I can monitor with these things all day long and ear fatigue is very minimal. I have used these monitors day in day out for 6+ years, and they still sound as good as the day I bought them. It's interesting that you would mention SoundOnSound, as their most recent review of the VXT4s is quite positive, and in fact, if you search the review archives, the SOS reviewers almost universally praise KRK, even the low-end Rockits which I must admit I don't care much for.

I know these kinds of things are very subjective, and I would say that the best kind of monitor for dubstep production is anything that allows you to hear your compositions accurately, but allow me to quote the final paragraph from SOS's KRK V-series review:

KRK have established themselves as builders of serious studio monitors which, while not always cheap, are always sensibly priced for what you get. As you may have gathered from this review, my feeling is that they are voiced in what might best be described as an American way, which should appeal to the JBL/Genelec/NS10 school of monitoring, but will probably appeal less to the ATC/AVI/PMC school of users. These new models combine classic KRK styling and build quality with a consistent family sound, so if you need an active monitor and you want something with a slightly 'in your face' sound, there should be something in this range to suit just about any size of home or project studio.

I've heard the "in your face" description before, and I would say that's an accurate assesment, although it's not detrimental when monitoring quieter sections.

I can't speak to the Adams, as I haven't heard them but as far as I'm concerned, my KRKs have been the best studio investment I've ever made.

-n#2

[misk]

KRKs fucking ROCK. i've had my V6s for years. i love em. gotta play tunes at a reasonable volume to get a really accurate description of the overall tone and character of a track, but if your just producing, and not mixing down, then any volume is great.

this is kind of true with all monitors tho. all of em have a volume "sweet spot".

[unempty]

KRK's are alright, but Adam and genelecs are in a different league (and price range) altogether.

Answer is, try them before you buy. Remember, you're not looking for what "sounds good", but what you can mix on so it translates to other systems - that's always subjective.

Cheers,

[wasteman]

I'm currently saving for some Adam P22's, from what ive read with each model up you go (i.e A7, P11, P22) you get another octave of bass. I think with the A7's you would probably want a sub.

[misk]

good point unempty, that the adams and genelecs are in another league. fwiw, the krk v series rocks for what you pay for. their really solid.

[dlx]

Genelecs are amazing! I highly recomened them.

[__________]

yeah, well my monitors have got wheels and excellent bass response

[thinking]

seriously, don't bother trying to make a decision about monitors by reading about them - you're going about it the wrong way.

take some music you think is mixed well, and some of your own music, and go and listen to a bunch of monitors in a shop. There's just no other way to make your mind up.