High-end monitors

[Uncle E]

This is an OT discussion from the "Getting Started" forum that I'm moving here where it's more appropriate:

Are they comparable to a reference monitor?

Many mastering engineers use B&W's, particularly the 802's. The 602's sound very much like the 802's and I think they were a better choice for my current small room. Again, I wouldn't have these be my only reference but, when I switch to my PMC's and Tekton's to tell me the absolute truth, there usually isn't much that needs to be done.

Regarding passive speakers, all my speakers are passive and I use them with a single amp and a speaker switcher.

[ClubHo]

Hey Uncle E,

I have a few questions.

Do you have a preference between passive or active speakers? If so , why?

Do you have any experiences with ATC SCM25A Pro or the Barefoot Micromain35s that you could share?

http://www.atcloudspeakers.co.uk/scm25apro.php

http://www.barefootsound.com/micromain35.html

Thanks,

Club Ho

[Aiynzahev]

This is an OT discussion from the "Getting Started" forum that I'm moving here where it's more appropriate:

Are they comparable to a reference monitor?

Many mastering engineers use B&W's, particularly the 802's. The 602's sound very much like the 802's and I think they were a better choice for my current small room. Again, I wouldn't have these be my only reference but, when I switch to my PMC's and Tekton's to tell me the absolute truth, there usually isn't much that needs to be done.

Regarding passive speakers, all my speakers are passive and I use them with a single amp and a speaker switcher.

Interesting, thanks! I've seen plenty of pictures of the largo B&W's in high-end studio's and ME houses, but didn't know if the quality remained in the cheaper models.

The 685's look nice and not too expensive.

The last time I got passives it took me a while to find a good amp. That is one thing that puts me off them, although in theory I prefer selecting my own amp. I've also heard that active speakers sometimes used poorer amps than they should.

[camsr]

The amplifier is really the key to the sound, as is well matched drivers. "Truth" is rather hard to achieve without very esoteric components and a lot of money.

[Uncle E]

Do you have a preference between passive or active speakers? If so , why?

It depends on the speakers. If I had the money or the room for ADAM S3A's, I'd happily use them active because their amps are phenomenal. However, compared to what's in most active speakers, my Adcom and Hafler amps are probably better.

Do you have any experiences with ATC SCM25A Pro or the Barefoot Micromain35s that you could share?

Sorry, I don't, I only know that everybody either loves them or lusts after them.

Do check out the Focal SM9's. Those are incredible.