Reddit mentions of M-Audio BX5 D2 5" Active 2-Way Studio Monitor Speakers (Pair)

Please for the love of god don't get those over priced knowledge take advantage of's.

If you want a really good pair of cheap speakers, get a pair of [these.] (https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B005F3H6Q8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491911392&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=m+audio+bx5+d2&dpPl=1&dpID=41HtDPIa19L&ref=plSrch)

> Looking for the best sound $400 can buy, for music.

If you want the best sound money can buy, you're not looking for 2.1. I can't stress this enough - even if you DIY it, getting a good sub is easily going to cost $400 alone. And even if you do stretch your budget, to accomodate for a sub, a 2.0 system will sound more coherent, and be far easier to live with. Plus, with good speakers, you are not really going to miss a sub.

In your price bracket, and with active speakers as a requirement, you are effectively looking at studio monitors.

I am curious about your intended use - is it primarily when seated in front of a computer?

First Emotiva AirMotiv 4 - Review here - you will need stands for these, bringing the total up to about $400 - stands can either be DIY-ed from a bit of PVC pipe and a few pieces of wood in about an afternoon for about $40, or bought from anything between $50-80.

What kind of stands you will need, and their height will vary with the answer to the question above about intended use. If you primarily intend to use it in front of a computer, then a pair of stands placed on the desk (10-12 in), or taller floor stands (40-45 in) is the correct height. If you plan on enjoying music from the couch, then floor stands of 28-32 inches are the right option. Assuming what you need is for near-field office desk use, here is a decent pair of stands (And are the same stands as in my next item

KRK Rokit RP6 - bundle with stands. If you hang around any music or producer forum, many authors will have these as their go-to budget recommendation, and they are well-liked across the board.

If you don't already have it, both proposals need a 2xRCA to 2x1/4 TS cable, like this

For reference, I use neither of my two recommendations as my near-field budget monitors - the M-Audio BX5 D2 are what I use, and if you would rather get away with less than $400, they are pretty terrific. Also, differing prices in Norway, and in the case of the Emotivas, prohibitive shipping costs, makes the value propositions somewhat different - a kit with the KRK's and floor stands are $650 here, while I got my BX-5's for $300. With this being my secondary system, I'm personally not willing to spend much more than I did, until I feel I can splurge and get myself a pair of Genelec 8040A.

Final note: Yes, these are all classified as "studio monitors", and there is an ages-old misconception that studio monitors aren't good for casual listening. As noted, that is a misconception - studio monitors work exceptionally well, even for casual listening.

I wouldn't go so far as to call them "really good"... just ok compared to other computer speakers they get a pass. The satellites are ok but the sub really sucks; for example, it has a strong peak around 60-70Hz meaning that overpowers other bass notes.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/pc-speaker-2.1-channel-subwoofer,2835-9.html

I've heard it and it sounds like a fart box. Also the crossover to the satellites is (necessarily) too high.

I haven't looked into upgrade-ability but at first thought I'm not sure how it makes sense. The sub has a fixed crossover so you can't change that to something more reasonable (and the sub is in need of upgrading anyway), don't really know about the included amplifier....

If you want quality let's look at real speakers.

For simplicity (but lack of upgrade-ability), you can get studio monitors (essentially powered speakers like the klipsch) e.g:

M-Audio BX5 D2

Mackie CR4.

For flexibility, you'd want separate amplifier and passive speakers (that way you can upgrade either one whenever you want). Something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/2OZ9RXCA6L2KS (note that I didn't search too hard for best deals/value on speaker wire, wire stripper, banana plugs)

ooh oooh now we are in bizness!

• Pro-ject Elemental $199 : http://www.analogplanet.com/content/pro-jects-199-crosley-killer
  
  
• M-audio Bx powered monitors [these are popular with video editors where i work, but I have a pair at home ] : http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Active-Studio-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B005F3H6Q8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381643547&sr=8-1&keywords=m+audio+bx5+d2
  
  
• ssome kind of preamp. I use this , but there are may similar-performing models in the price range: http://www.amazon.com/TC-400G-Phono-Preamp-Pre-amp-Preamplifier/dp/B000J46TFW/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1381643645&sr=1-7&keywords=tcc+preamp

Found two speakers that might suit you.
https://www.amazon.it/gp/aw/d/B00GBN50SC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?__mk_it_IT=%C3%85M%C3%85Z%C3%95%C3%91&qid=1493628052&sr=1-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=edifier&dpPl=1&dpID=41MfDx9zhjL&ref=plSrch
And
https://www.amazon.it/gp/aw/d/B005F3H6Q8/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?__mk_it_IT=%C3%85M%C3%85Z%C3%95%C3%91&qid=1493628052&sr=1-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=edifier&dpPl=1&dpID=41HtDPIa19L&ref=plSrch

The edifiers are incredible value, but will sound strained on high volumes.
The m-audio are a bit over your budget, but will give you exactly what you are looking for.

I have these which have proved excellent value for money and were closer to $300 when they came out, but now basically in your price range. These are great for practise session and maybe ok if 5 of you are sitting around having a drink or something.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005F3H6Q8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1420487773&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

Quality PC speakers are fine as well - but its the same story with Monitors - they aren't going to cope well with hours and hours at high volumes and you run the risk of blowing them up.

Thanks for the reply. There is so much information out there but I was also recommended these https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005F3H6Q8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 which I have now purchased :)

Yes, they're a good sub 100 option. As are these....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00GBN50SC/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1497118393&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=powered+speakers&dpPl=1&dpID=41MfDx9zhjL&ref=plSrch

Or my personal recommendation would be to save another 50 and get these...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B005F3H6Q8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497118449&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=studio+monitors&dpPl=1&dpID=41HtDPIa19L&ref=plSrch

They will be much better than any of these.

I'm going to assume the £150ish budget includes the cost of an amplifier which you don't already own right?

Check out the M-Audio BX5. They already have an amp built-in. If your souce is your computer, pick up a 3.5mm to dual 1/4" cable.

Without knowing where you are located, Amazon UK is your best bet.

These 3 would be good starting points.

M-Audio-BX5-D2 £138.00

M-Audio AV 40 £89.00

Presonus Ceres 4.5 £119.00

if you can stretch the budget a little bit these JBL's will be great.

JBL-LSR305 £116.63 each

BX5a D2 Pair for $250. Cant go wrong with these.

I'd recommend in that price range that you get both headphones, speakers and an external DAC and AMP.

You can get DAC and amp: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/monoprice-desktop-amp-dac for €67 and shipping

Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro for €152: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beyerdynamic-DT990-PRO-Headset-250/dp/B0011UB9CQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406576575&sr=8-1&keywords=dt+990+pro

And a good pair of speakers in m-audio b5x d2 for €161: http://www.amazon.co.uk/M-Audio-BX5-D2-Powered-Monitor/dp/B005F3H6Q8/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406576687&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=m-audio+b5x+d2

No reason to limit yourself, when you can get the best of both worlds :)

These are by far the best thing for that money if you want new. They hold their own against many speakers up to the £250-£300 range easily. You wont need a sub and the are active so no amp required. No brainer if you ask me.

I could use some help finding the proper cable for connecting the following devices.


M-Audio BX5 D2
Focusrite Scarlett 6i6

For around £150 you can get these. You'll need this cable.

But my preferred choice would be a pair of Monitor Audio MR1s (or possibly the larger MR2s if you care to add another 40 quid) and a small amp. Don't forget to buy some speaker wire and an RCA cable in this case.

I'm working on a small budget audio system, and I recently got a monoprice amp which takes RCA for the preamp and I plan on getting the m-audio bx5-d2's for a speakers which takes TRS or XLR. Since the amp takes a single rca for preamp and I need two TRS or XLR cables to set up each monitor I was wondering what would be the best way to go about setting it up. I saw TRS splitters and things like 2 TSR going to 2 RCA cables or RCA splitting into 2, but I don't know what's the best way of going about this while retaining quality. Keep in mind I don't know a lot about general sound equipment.

Amp:
https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=16154&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9afOBRDWARIsAJW4nvzPMhp8HPOuiD52v4bgSou3Wy01F_P6e8aPBCc28Zg32rzu89_jh2EaAo8GEALw_wcB

Speakers:
https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-BX5-D2-Speakers-Pair/dp/B005F3H6Q8

Cable Example
http://www.zzounds.com/item--HOSHPRX2?siid=134234

I have these & love them:: http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-BX5-D2-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B005F3H6Q8 but pretty much any of those listed will do just fine, if you get the 8s though you'll hear more lows, which would be good if you're making bass heavy music. The rokit5 that I tested seem to have boosted bass which I didn't like personally, but a lot of people love those monitors.

Speakers are M-Audio BX5a (except these are the 2nd gen) and the stands are Auralex MOPADs

As far as the computer case being a dust magnet, it only attracts dust in the front of the case where the filters for my fans are located. However, there is high airflow within the case which helps with cooling and performance.

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-BX5-D2-Monitor-Speakers/dp/B005F3H6Q8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416431900&sr=8-2&keywords=bx5a+m-audio&pebp=1416439075272

a dude above us there posted a cable that should work it seems.

Hey guys. I want to get some good speakers with good audio quality and base, because currently the ones I have are not great. I don't want to spend much more than $200. I listen to a lot of music, but mostly EDM, and stuff like that, so sharp base is important to me. I also want something I can turn up loud and not fear blowing out or sacrificing audio quality.

I would like a set of 2, because I am sorta obsessed with symmetry and having just one throws the room off balance for me...

Anyways, here is what I was looking at:

Alesis Monitor1 MKII Channel Studio Monitor (passive)

or buying 2x Gemini DJ SR-8 - 8-Inch Bi-Amped Active Channel Studio Monitor, although that is a little bit more than I want to spend, if it is worth it I will.

And then on the much higher end, where I really am not willing to go unless someone can make the best argument ever to buy them, are the M-Audio BX5 D2 5" Active 2-Way Studio Monitor Speakers.

I would love some advice.

Thanks!

> Yamaha HS5

I have these and like them

https://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-BX5-D2-Speakers-Pair/dp/B005F3H6Q8

Bought these for a 16 hour flight. I needed good quality cans that could tune out babies and flight attendants.

Also replacing my shitty pseudo-5.1 Triton's for streaming/recording. With MXL 550 as my new mic.

The sound so far is excellent. I hooked it up to my Denon AVR1612 receiver and watched the first part of a Game of Thrones episode and listened to some music. For entertainment, they sound great. I have yet to test them as reference cans with video and sound editing, but will soon. I'd like to see how they compare the my M-AUDIO BX5 D2 reference monitors, as having cans similar to monitors is important.

The only negative I've found so far is that they're a little more flexible than I'd like. When I first saw them I thought they'd be nice and rigid, but they do not seem poorly built. I suppose their flexibility (about 1" give in either direction) is meant for consumers who may toss them in a laptop case. I did buy a rigid case for travel so I'm not worried about damage.

Anyone else own these? Thoughts?