Reliability and sound: KRK RP5 vs M-Audio BX5, other cheapos

[HipHoppalous]

Hi everyone,

I was basically all set to go for the KRK RP5s, which to me sound quite similar to the M-Audio BX5s, but:

The guy at GC, who seemed to be well enough informed told me that the RP5s are returned almost weekly after blowing out. Can anyone fill me in on the reliability of low priced monitors?

Also, I have a read a sound on sound article about poor bass extension and accurary from the BX5s. What do yall think of these speakers? How bout in comparison with the RP5s?

Thank you!

 

[AudioGaff]

RP5 and BX5 are both in the crap catagory. But I have heard that RP5's do get returned to GC all the time for various reasons including being defective.

 

[HipHoppalous]

I've heard fairly good things about the RP5's, and my budget is severely limited. Is the $200 jump up to the Yamaha MSP5s really worth it?

Also, these speakers seems right to me because I will be traveling a lot and living in small rooms. I suppose I could pay more money for the higher KRK models (which are also small), but I don't know if it would be worth it.

 

[AudioGaff]

Well, it really depends pn what you will be using them for. If you are recording and mixing and require an accurate monitor to really hear what you are doing, you are not likely going to get there with cheap crapy monitors. If you just need something for portable monitoring, then it doesn't really matter and I'd keep in mind to choose something that I know GC has in stock so that when it does go bad, there is likely a nearby GC to exchange it with another.

Whether the MSP5's are worth it or not is subjective. Most 5-6 inch monitors of any brad are crap that's why they are cheap. With that in mind, I would prefer the MSP5's over the BX5 or RP5.

 

[JesterMasque]

I actually was just in the market for the BX5's and noticed the RP5's. I honestly can say that the KRK's are way too concentrated in the low-end and make mixes sound muddy. I'm not sure what the deal is with the "MSP5" name, but I assume you are talking about the HS50M's. When comparing to the BX5's, you can not even begin to compare how much more flat the sound is coming out of the Yamaha's. The only thing that I can say about all of these is to get a woofer DEFINITELY. But do not default to the KRK's because of this. The low end boost in them actually washes out a lot of the low-md and high end.

In my non-expert, however experienced opinion, if you are in this price range, the HS50's are the best deal and worth the extra $50 a piece.

 

[AudioGaff]

Ok sorry for the mixup, I'm not familiar with the current Yamaha monitor names, but I was referring to Yamaha as being a better choice.

 

[Halifaxsoundguy]

I have KRK Rokit 8's, I am getting good results with them. I am very happy with them. The bass is there but not overwhelming. They don't add any mud for me. I really like the imaging and definition i get. They were affordable @ around $600.

 

[mikey77]

The Event ALP5s are worth checking out. They are now owned by RODE who have very good warranty and service backup credentials. Nice monitors at that size and price.