Ah ok, I figured since yourself and others linked to non-active speakers, that another link wouldn't hurt... :)
I've heard the some of the Equator monitors, and I think they are pretty good for the money. They are probably made by some chinese company but I've found in my own dealings with chinese companies that the "direct" product isn't nearly as good quality as the "same" product from the name brand. This is because the manufacturers specify all of the parts and quality that goes into their products usually, so when their quota is done for the day, the chinese simply use the same molds, machinery and plans to build more "generic" versions of the product but will cheapen the parts considerably and try to pass it off as "the same" to the grey market. I run into this all the time dealing with chinese manufacturers unfortunately. It's a real hassle.
It is topic for active speakers.
good information...
you would need some kind of small amp to drive these MINIMUS-7 speakers. also i see that most of them in metal enclosure and there are a few in wood the older version.
found that people grabbing these sets an alternative to Audioengine 5+ and in USA they are even cheaper. http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=567_602&products_id=20188
The OP didn't really describe what "small" was and what kind of actual quality they wanted. Since I do a lot of studio work, I've used a bunch of studio monitors.
A single driver won't have the highs and lows of a multi-driver system even if they claim "full range". You'll get much better midrange due to the lack of crossover distortion though. If you went this route, I'd find a paper driver with a heavy wood box. The plastic boxes always sound like plastic boxes no matter what.
Small 2-way units can sound pretty good but usually lack the lows unless it's an active speaker with aggressive crossovers that can really move the mid-woofer but not have a lot of midrange gain. You'll start running into crossover distortion or null points in the frequency response if the drivers aren't matched in time. This is the biggest issue in cheap 2-way speakers I think.
You probably aren't going to find a small 3 way system or a cheap and good coaxial system.
The mixcubes are OK but they are built for midrange sensitivity and lack highs and lows as I explained before.
I think the best bang you can get in small speakers are the old Minimus 7(or 77) from Realistic/RCA/Radioshack. They aren't made anymore but you can find them all online although the prices are starting to go up as they get older. Like these (not my auction):
Make sure you get the metal shell version. Once you do, line the inside with a bit of heavy felt to reduce resonance and you'll be highly pleased with the sound.
Where can i get those SV-500 speakers?
I am working on it. If all will be well you could get it here :-)
Small Swans, is for audiophiles, not for monitoring :-)
here is another popular item on ebay: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/330407911877?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_4657wt_1397
their frequency response:50HZ to 25kHZ where as SV M5 :90Hz to 20kHz only.
they use the HiVi satelites of swan speakers, the same as in this set: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20881&cPath=571#myshopping&utm_source=myshopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Speakers+and+Subwoofers&utm_term=Swan+T200B+Reference+Studio+Monitors
but I agree SV M5 could be very nice set of speakers for a computer desk!!! they also have S880 model, a little bigger but with better low end response. 35Hz-20KHz
You can also check out the Avantone MixCubes:
http://www.avantonepro.com/Avantone-Active-MixCube-Powered-Full-Range-Mini-Reference-Monitors.html
Where can i get those SV-500 speakers?
and actually as far as I know SV is the best selling brand in China.
Yep, I checked, btw they wrote too much useless marketing fuss, ala super DSP that fixes speakers. Only pluses of coaxial design (forgetting to tell you about minuses), etc.
In fact I talking that they do not make coaxial speaker itself, it must be some chinese speaker, hence I referenced speakers, most possible made by same company.
Well, sure, they're built in China - what isn't these days? But these are not re-branded generic speakers. Read this:
Also, if you check around at various forums, most people who have bought them, love them and are throwing out their old speakers.
Just remember that peoples ears and audio perception are very different (and change with age).
Equator is the manufacturer. In fact, they're selling the D5 manufacturer direct to keep the cost down.
I just doubt that they make speakers used. Manufacturer of good coaxial speakers are counted.
Plus speakers manufacturing in EU or US/CA is almost dead, all transferred to China, even if manufacturer claim otherwise.
And speakers I referenced (early and above) are made by same chinese company who also makes coaxial speakers for them.
Equator is the manufacturer. In fact, they're selling the D5 manufacturer direct to keep the cost down.
I briefly heard their 12 inch monitor in a noisy music store. It sounded promising, but under the conditions it was hard to make any real judgement.
Take a look at the D5. It has some very interesting technology in it.
Also, if you check around at various forums, most people who have bought them, love them and are throwing out their old speakers.
Btw, here is one of Chinese products (coaxial + ribbon tweeter), active monitors
Compare materials and design :-) Plus note that they are quite cheaper than Equator :-)
Nope, did not saw them. But may be actual manufacturer is the same as one making coaxial speakers referenced on top.
Has anyone tried the Equator co-axial monitors? They seem to be getting rave notices.
http://www.equatoraudio.com/D5_Studio_Monitors_with_DSP_p/d5.htm
@Vitaliy, yes I also have a pair of Behringer B3030As with ribbons and they're good for the price. I recently compared them to the RCF Ayra Six and to my ears the ribbons were sharper and clearer. But this is getting off topic.
Adam's are good but not that cheap. I think that's the price for 1 speaker.
I don't recommend the 'Superlux BES5A' however. The sound is thin and the amps are a bit noisy. http://www.thomann.de/gb/superlux_bes5a.htm
There are some decent and affordable reference monitors these days.
Yep, I fully agree. yet suggest to check this Energy RC speakers, I very much like Energy RC line.
Btw, more suitable for this topic is
Seems very cheap and small.
http://www.thomann.de/gb/behringer_ms16.htm
Or this one, as I like ribbon tweeters
http://www.thomann.de/gb/adam_artist_3_glossy_white_bstock.htm
Both, of course, require subwoofer added.
There are some decent and affordable reference monitors these days. I have a pair of ESI NEAR 05s that I've used for years with satisfaction. Now there's a smaller and cheaper version the ESI uniK 04 http://www.esi-audio.com/products/?m=16
I see them for €137 a pair in Europe which is pretty good for what you get: http://www.thomann.de/gb/esi_unik_04.htm
Btw, while it is not active speakers, small Energy RC are very good option with small USB amplifier
Manufacturing quality and speakers used are top notch, as well as sound.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pair-Energy-RC-Mini-R-1-satellite-surround-speakers-/111023868254
Thanks VK. Must try it .
For this thing small subs exist :-)
Like this one
They have larger one - M8 also.
I would also like to have a pair of small size speakers, but physics come along, and i have just not hear any small size speakers that can really handell the low end. Eaven my Genelecs are in problem with low freqfenses.
I'm very interested in the So-Voioe M5, has anybody heard them?
I think they must be good.
Any chance of a discount buy?
LOL :-)
@Bueller So-Voioe M5 are quite cheap already
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