the mackie mr series sucks. hr series is ok, but do yourself a favor and do NOT get the MR5s or MR8s.

rokits are ok, but there's a huge improvement with the VXT series.

I want to try my hardest to keep it under $900. Maybe I can con them into the Adam 7's for that much. :)

In your price range are the Yamaha MSP5s, MSP7s, I'm not sure if they still make the 10?
I use the 5s for portable monitors and trust them enough to make critical mic placement for classical recordings.
They're at least worth a listen in your price range.

http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/ModelSeriesDetail/0,,CNTID%25253D543310%252526CTID%25253D560744,00.html

I plan on listening to all I can. Hopefully they have some Yamaha monitors too

Adam is a nice monitor but it would not be my first choice for a main monitor. I find them very hyped in the upper mids.

It makes them great to hear the small details like reverb tails and breath sounds, however it makes it hard for me to mix on.

I tried the SA2.5's for a month before I went with Dynaudio.

My mixes on the adams are all weak in the upper mids.

Everyone's ear is different, but when you listen to a monitor ask yourself how will this work for you when tracking and mixing?.

Oh the monitors you listed I would go with the KRK's. But check them all out for as long as can. Go armed with 30-40 cd's that you know very well...

Thanks. Ive heard that while the Adams are great. That they cause ear fatigue quicker than most. I also heard the KRK's are great for Rock. Thats me !!!

The last thing you want to do when buying monitors after listening to a certain sound for a length of time is to go sideways with your choice.

I realize you are on a budget, but remember these are what your going to be mixing on and if you get the right set for you, you can mix on them for lots of years.

Look at it in an investment way. The longer you use them, the cheaper they become.

Buying something now as a stop-gap until you get an even higher level of quality is a sideways move.

Buy the absolute best you can. If this means later then save and get the best.

Start with listening to the Genelecs. I looked at the Sam Ash site and they carry these as well as some other high-end monitors. If they have these in stock, then take your CD's with you and listen to the best in the store.

Then step down a little at a time until you find a pair that will do what you want them to do.

Choosing monitors also involves the size of your mix area, the type of sound control you have, the style of music you mainly mix and how loud you want to mix to

This will determine the size of monitors you need. If you have a small area, then nearfields are probably all you'll need. If you have a large area and it is fairly dead or at least controlled then nothing more than a midfield would be needed.

Active vs. passive. I like the engineering that goes into most active monitors. The amps are well suited to the materials of the cabinet and the drivers as well as the size of the box. Chances are you get a better sounding more efficient unit. However, the price of passive units as well as being able to tap into a LOT of great used monitors for low prices kinda balances this out. But you'll need a great amp for this.

FYI....A pair of nicely conditioned used JBL studio monitors with a non-abused Crown DC300A is about the same outlay as a pair of higher end active monitors . And if you do rock....JBL=rock. Look for 4311, 4312....ect.

Thanks Dave. I will definately start with the expensive units when testing. My control room is around 11 x 12 with 10' ceilings. The room is treated. I had thaught about getting say 6" speakers and a sub also instead of 8" units. Alot of choices :)

Good luck!

Once you hear a set of Genelec 8040 or 8050's or maybe they will still have a set 1031 or 1032's....also hear the little 1029's if they have a set...8020 is the new equivalent....Anyway, after hearing these, you will want to save your money until you can get them. Also the Tannoys. Not the little ones, the 8 or 10 inch models. As far asa the Mackies, the 624 is a better tighter sounding box than the 824's. I dont personally like passive radiators for bass response and the 824 has this. Muddy. YMMV

I ended up getting two sets. I got KRK RP8 G2 Rokits and KRK RP5 G2 Rokits. I listened to the Mackies (MR's and 624's and 824's and Yamahas and a few others. They didnt have any Adams A7, but the KRK's I liked the best. I think I drove the guy nuts, but when I said I'll take both sets of the KRK's he was happy. Plus I had my 20% off coupon. Now I need to score a Mackie Big Knob on ebay. Thanks again for the help.