The Best Studio Monitors For Personal And Professional Use
Audiophiles are growing in numbers from one year to another, and with the advancements in the manufacturing processes of audio equipment, it is now easier than ever to set up a high-quality audio system in your home, or even a fully-fledged audio studio. Furthermore, with more and more emerging technologies becoming part of our lives, audio equipment manufacturers are constantly looking for new ways to integrate more features into their products.
Unlike a simple system as the one composed of basic computer speakers, a proper home audio system needs a few vital components in order to produce crystal clear sounds. These come in all shapes and sizes and it is important to identify the one that best fits your needs before making a purchase.
More than speakers
Of all the essential components of a great-sounding audio system, the most important in terms of output quality is the monitor. While these pieces of equipment look like regular speakers, their internals and the quality of the materials that they are made from ensure that every sound the monitors produce will be deep, dynamic, and clear.
For example, monitors like the PreSonus Eris E4.5 are able to balance the output of each channel so that the music produced sounds full, accurate, and is distortion-free. Studio monitors are generally high-quality, durable pieces of audio equipment that have been designed to portray music as it is, in order to serve as a reference point for our ears.
In other words, these are not simple bookshelf speakers, they have a more active role in an audio system and should be chosen more carefully.
Choice matters
Studio monitors promise a lot, and a lot is expected of them. This is why everything from the materials that the equipment is made from, to the features integrated into it matters. Performers and music-lovers understand that the monitor can basically make or break a listening session.
The fact that there are so in-demand has lead to an increasingly larger number of companies producing and selling studio monitors, which in turn has created a lot of confusion regarding what the best systems are, or how to choose one for a particular purpose.
Informed decisions are life-savers
With so many models on the market, it is fairly easy to get stuck with an underperforming piece of equipment. The golden rule is that every time you are looking to purchase a studio monitor you should take the time to consider the following things:
- What do you need the monitors for? – There are monitors that are designed for professional use in studios such as the Yamaha HS8, and there are models that are better suited for those looking to set up a great audio system in their living room;
- What free room and what existing equipment you have to work with – Consider what devices you want to connect the monitor to. Some models have been built for increased compatibility with Smart TVs, or to serve as part of home cinema system. These usually have an increased number of ports and are smaller than others, such as the R1280DB from Edifier;
- What features are important to you? – Various models come with various features, and it is important to establish what capabilities you want the monitor to have in order to avoid wasting money. Audiophile-oriented studio monitors like the R1700BT from Edifier come with many advanced features such as two auxiliary inputs, remote control, and also the ability to seamlessly connect to smartphones, tablets, and laptops through Bluetooth;
- Build and Budget – Lastly, think about how much you want to spend on this type of equipment. Keep in mind that more features and a better build quality also means higher prices. However, while a pair of speakers may not require a large amount of money due to the fact that not much is expected from them, it is usually a good idea to spend a bit more on a monitor. Mid-range models like the Yamaha HS5 are small, powerful, and extremely durable;
The Heart of a Home Audio System
Quality studio monitors are essential to a great listening experience. These are much more than simple speakers. They are designed to portray songs with perfect accuracy and clarity. Models like the Yamaha HS7 are designed for those who want professional-grade levels of quality, and lack more personal features such as remote control or the ability to connect wirelessly to other devices.
This having been said, there are also many studio monitors that are no bigger than bookshelf speakers and will fit perfectly in any and every living room. Also important to remember is the fact that most models are made from quality natural materials such as wood, which enhance both their look and the quality of music that they produce.
