Searching for the best studio monitor out of the options available out there in the market will not be an easy thing to do. That’s because you will need to focus on a variety of factors. On the other hand, many different types of studio monitors will also be available in the market for your purchase. That’s why it is important for you to have a clear understanding of how to go ahead with the best product out of them.

How to buy the best studio monitors?

Before taking a look at the best studio monitors available for your purchase, it is important to have a basic understanding on how to spend your money and go ahead with the best option that is available in the market.

Below mentioned are some of the most important factors, which you must consider before you purchase the best studio monitor.

Type of monitor

First of all, you need to focus on the type of studio monitor. In fact, there are two different types of studio monitors, which you can purchase. They are called active studio monitors and passive studio monitors. The active studio monitors come along with amplifiers, whereas the passive studio monitors aren’t. Due to this reason, you will be able to use an active studio monitor right after taking it out of the box. You don’t need to purchase any additional accessories to use it.

Speaker size

Secondly, you need to focus on the speaker size. If the speaker or the woofer is bigger, you will be provided with a better sound output with enhanced bass. However, the studio monitors that come along with such speakers are large in dimensions as well. Therefore, you will have a lot of space in your studio to accommodate such a monitor as well.

Budget

Next, you should take a look at how much you are willing to spend on your studio monitor. It is possible for you to purchase an affordable studio monitor for around $300. However, you can also purchase studio monitors by spending a couple of thousand dollars. The expensive studio monitors come along with better specs and more features. Therefore, you can think about getting your hands on such a studio monitor without keeping any doubts in mind. It is up to you to take a look at the nature of mixes and recordings. Then you can easily determine

The best studio monitors you can purchase

Now you have a basic understanding of how to select the best studio monitors. With that in mind, here is a list of 10 of the best studio monitors that are available for your purchase in the market. You can go through these options and settle down with the best one out of them.

Yamaha HS8

Yamaha is one of the most reputed brands in manufacturing studio monitors. If you are planning to get one of them, Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor is the ideal option to purchase. This studio monitor delivers an impressive experience to you, along with an improved accuracy.

Inside the Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor, you will be able to discover an 8-inch cone. In addition, it has a 1-inch dome tweeter. Hence, the sound quality offered by the product is guaranteed. The frequency response of Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor ranges in between 38Hz to 30 kHz. Therefore, you will be provided with a flat frequency response.

In Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor, you can discover a built-in amplifier as well. It can guarantee a maximum sound resolution to you at all times. Therefore, you will be impressed with your purchase and you will not get the need to look for an alternative option available in the market. It delivers almost everything that you need to get out of a studio monitor.

Price on Amazon: US

 

Features:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 9.8'' x 15.4'' x 13.1" (250 x 390 x 334 mm)
• Weight: 22.5 lb (10.2 kg)
• Frequency: 38Hz - 30kHz
• 2-way bass-reflex bi-amplified
• 120W power amplification
• cone woofer 8''
• dome tweeter 1''
• XLR and TRS phone jack inputs

 

Genelec M040 Active 2-Way Monitor

 

Any person who wants to purchase a 2-way studio monitor will be able to go ahead with Genelec M040 studio Monitor. This product is designed and manufactured by Genelec. Hence, the overall quality of it is guaranteed and people who use the monitor will be able to get an exceptional experience. You will be able to get impressive results when you are using this studio monitor for both mixing applications and studio recording purposes.

One of the most impressive features about Genelec M040 Active 2-Way Monitor is that it is a near-field studio monitor. Hence, you will be provided with the chance to use it for rear uses. The extended frequency response is another prominent factor, which has contributed to the success of this studio monitor. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get your hands on this studio monitor. In fact, you will be able to purchase it at an affordable price tag. The benefits you get are totally worth when compared to the amount you spend!

Price on Sweetwater: US 

 

Features:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 9.25 '' x 13.27'' x 9.02" (235  x 337 x 229 mm)
• Weight: 15.4 lb (7.4 kg)
• Frequency: 44 Hz - 21 kHz
• 130W power amplification
• cone woofer 6.5''
• metal dome tweeter 1''
• Combo XLR + ¼" plug + RCA analog input

 

Dynaudio Acoustics BM6A mkIII

If you are familiar with mkII, but looking for an upgraded version of it, Dynaudio Acoustics BM6 mkIII Studio Monitor will be a great option available for purchase. It comes along with upgraded drivers and it backed up with an advanced technology. Hence, it will be possible for the people who use this studio monitor to get the ultimate experience. Any person who expects to receive precision out of studio monitors will be able to invest money in purchasing the Dynaudio Acoustics BM6 mkIII Studio Monitor.

The Dynaudio Acoustics BM6 mkIII Studio Monitor comes along with a 7-inch woofer. It is an extended excursion woofer. As a result, this studio monitor has got the ability to deliver a precise sound output to you, along with reduced distortion. On the other hand, you can find a soft dome tweeter, which improves the overall sound quality offered. Any person who loves music would be interested in spending time with this studio monitor due to the enhanced experience offered.

Price on Amazon: US

 Features:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 8 '' x 13.2'' x 12.9" (203 x 335 x 327 mm)
• Weight: 23.12 lb (10.5 kg)
• Frequency: 40 Hz - 21 kHz
• 2-way active nearfield monitor
• 230W power amplification
• cone woofer 7''
• soft aluminum dome tweeter 1.1''
• Analogue XLR Input

 

Mackie HR824mk2, 8-inch

Mackie is another well-known brand in the manufacturing of audio equipment. Therefore, you can also take a look at the impressive studio monitor that they release into the market. By purchasing this studio monitor, you will be provided with a high quality and a clear audio output. Hence, you will not regret the money that you spend in order to go ahead with it.

In Mackie HR824mk2 8-inch2-Way Studio Monitor, you will be able to discover Class A and B amplifiers. Hence, it is possible for you to experience both highs as well as lows simultaneously. The Mackie HR824mkii 8-inch2-Way Studio Monitor is powered by an 8.75” woofer. With that, you will be provided with a low distortion and a highly precise sound output. One of the most outstanding features about Mackie HR824mkii 8-inch2-Way Studio Monitor is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get your hands on it. You will absolutely love what is being provided to you, for the amount you spend.

Price on Amazon: US | UK

 

Features:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 16.8'' x 15.4'' x 13.8" (427 x 274 x 351 mm)
• Weight: 34.6 lb (15.7 kg)
• Frequency: 37Hz - 20kHz
• 2-way active studio monitor with THX pm3
• 250W power amplification
• Die-Cast Magnesium woofer 8.75''
• titanium dome tweeter 1''
• 1 x AC Power Input
  1 x XLR Input
  1 x 1/4" TRS Input 1 x RCA Phono Input

 

KRK RP5G3-NA Rokit 5

KRK RP5G3-NA Rokit 5 is a third generation studio monitor that you will be able to purchase from the market. It has got the ability to provide an excellent support to you with getting all your in-studio requirements catered. The level of accuracy that this studio monitor can provide you with is impressive. At this price tag, it would not be possible for you to get hold of another studio monitor, which delivers the same level of accuracy.

This studio monitor has earned an excellent reputation for the low level of distortion offered. In addition, you will be able to discover a large headroom in it as well. Due to the availability of a soft dome tweeter, KRK RP5G3-NA Rokit 5 Genera provides an excellent sound clarity to you. You will love this clarify of sound and you will come across the need to get it to your studio without keeping any doubts or second thoughts in mind.

Price on Amazon: US | UK

 

Features:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 7.28'' x 11.10'' x 9.06" (185 x 282 x 230 mm)
• Weight: 14.1 lb (6.4 kg)
• Frequency: 45Hz - 35kHz
• 2-way active nearfield studio monitor
• 50W power amplification
• aramid glass composite woofer 5''
• dome tweeter 1''
• 1 x XLR Input
  1 x 1/4" TRS Input 1 x RCA Phono Input

 

Neumann KH 120 A

Neumann is a brand, which has been able to maintain a solid reputation throughout the past with the production of the best quality microphones. They have been able to set their standards high with the assistance of Neumann KH 120 A - Active Studio Monitor as well. The unique design and sonic character offered to you by Neumann KH 120 A - Active Studio Monitor have contributed a lot towards its popularity.

Neumann KH 120 A - Active Studio Monitor is a bi-amplified studio monitor. It delivers a flat frequency response, which ranges from 52 Hz to 21 kHz. You are provided with the opportunity to go ahead and use this studio monitor in two different applications as well. They include rear and near field. Hence, Neumann KH 120 A - Active Studio Monitor is a versatile product available for all individuals who want to purchase the best studio monitor out there in the market.

Price on Amazon: US | UK

 

Features:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 7.12'' x 10.87'' x 8.62" (180 x 278 x 219 mm)
• Weight: 14.3 lb (6.4 kg)
• Frequency: 52Hz - 21kHz
• compact bi-amplified nearfield studio monitor
• 100W power amplification
• composite cone woofer 5.25''
• titanium dome tweeter 1''
• 1 x XLR Input
  
  

Focal Solo6 Be 6.5" 

Focal Solo6 be 6.5" Powered Studio Monitor is a three-way powered product. It has also become one of the best-selling studio monitors that you will be able to find in the market. This studio monitor has got the ability to cater to the requirements of professionals as well as audiophiles. In other words, you will be able to use this product and proceed with mastering, recording or mixing without any hassle. This versatility has played a major role behind the overall popularity of Focal Solo6 Be 6.5" Powered Studio Monitor among people.

In this studio monitor, you can discover a W composite sandwich cone. It delivers an outstanding frequency response, which you would love. On the other hand, it comes along with a potentiometer. With that, you will be able to adjust the woofer and tweeter levels easily, without going through a lot of discomforts. Hence, a personalized output can be received from Focal Solo6 Be 6.5" Powered Studio Monitor.

Price on Amazon: US | UK

 

Features:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 9.44'' x 13'' x 11.44" (240 x 330 x 290 mm)
• Weight: 24.2 lb (11 kg)
• Frequency: 40Hz - 40kHz
• 2-way active studio monitor
• 250W power amplification
• composite sandwich cone speaker 6.5''
• Beryllium dome tweeter 1''
• 1 x XLR Input
   

JBL 305PMkII

If you want to purchase a studio monitor that comes to the market under a reputed brand, JBL 305PMKII Professional Studio Monitor would be a great option available to purchase. You will be able to receive an unmatched studio performance with the assistance of this studio monitor. Even though this studio monitor is manufactured under one of the most reputed brands out there in the world, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get your hands on it. The product is marked at an affordable price tag and any person will be able to buy it.

Out of the features that you can find in JBL 305PMKII (Old Model JBL LSR305) Professional Studio Monitor, Image Control Waveguide is the most impressive feature. It will be possible for you to hear every single detail of your recordings with the assistance of this feature. You can get JBL 305PMKII Professional Studio Monitor along with Class D amplifiers. On the other hand, it provides increased HF detail to you as well.

Price on Amazon: US

 

Features:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 7.28'' x 11.75'' x 9.88" (185 x 298 x 251 mm)
• Weight: 10.43 lb (4.73 kg)
• Frequency: 43Hz - 24kHz
• 2-way active studio monitor
• 82W power amplification
• cone woofer 5''
• soft dome tweeter 1''
• 1 x XLR, 1 x TRS Balanced

 

Adam Audio A7X

The improved sound quality offered by Adam Audio A7X Powered Studio Monitor has played a major role behind the popularity of it. In fact, this can be considered as an award-winning studio monitor that you will be able to purchase from the market. That’s because it offers a large number of advanced features to the users. High-quality highs and lows, extended frequency response and improved speaker design are some of the advanced features that you will be able to get from it. Hence, you can receive a perfect control over your sound with the assistance of Adam Audio A7X Powered Studio Monitor.

Another great feature about Adam Audio A7X Powered Studio Monitor is that it comes along with an X-ART tweeter. It delivers an enhanced frequency response to you. On the other hand, you can find Extended Accelerating Ribbon (X-ART) technology in it. You can also find controls on the front panel as well as on the rear panel of the studio monitor. Hence, operating this product will be a breeze and a hassle-free experience to you.

Price on Amazon: US | UK

 

Features:

• Dimensions (WxHxD): 8'' x 13.5'' x 11" (201 x 337 x 280 mm)
• Weight: 20.3 lb (9.2 kg)
• Frequency: 40Hz - 50kHz
• 2-way active studio monitor
• 15W power amplification
• carbon fiber/rohacell/glass fiber midwoofer 7''
• x-art dome tweeter 1''
• 1 x XLR , 1 x / RCA

 

Studio Monitor Buying Guide – FAQs

What things should you look at when purchasing a studio monitor?

There are a few factors, which you must consider at the time of purchasing a studio monitor. Then you will be able to end up with the best product, which matches perfectly well with the specific requirements that you have in your mind. Following are few such factors, which you should not ignore.

• Active monitors vs passive monitors

As mentioned earlier, the studio monitors available for your purchase in the market can be divided into two main categories as active studio monitors and passive studio monitors. The passive studio monitors will just come with speakers. Hence, there will be no power to power them up. You will have to purchase external amplifiers to power them up. But on the other hand, you will be able to discover built-in amplifiers in the active studio monitors. Based on your personal preferences and requirements, you will be able to go ahead with the best option out of them.

• Size and dimensions of the speaker

Next, you need to take a look at the size and dimensions of the speaker. If the woofer is bigger in size, you will be provided with a better bass response. If you are specifically looking for the bass response, you are encouraged to go ahead with a studio monitor, which has a woofer of at least 8 inches. But you will have to prepare a lot of space to allocate such a studio monitor. If space is a concern for you, you are encouraged to go ahead with a studio monitor that offers a 5-inch woofer.

• Frequency response

Out of the studio monitors, you should be provided with a flat frequency response. This will provide you with the chance to hear the recordings in an accurate manner. In fact, it is important for the frequency response to be flatter as much as possible. Then you will be able to get an uncolored and a clear sound output. You will love to receive this kind of a sound output from the studio monitor that you purchase.

• Wattage

Wattage can simply be defined as the power rating that you will be able to get from the studio monitor. You will need to pay special attention towards the wattage as well. If the wattage rating is high, you will be provided with more volume and more headroom on the studio monitor. On the other hand, it has got the ability to minimize the distortion in the recordings as well.

If you focus on these tips, you will be able to purchase the best studio monitor, which will not leave you with any regrets. In other words, you will be able to spend your money in a wise manner to get your hands on the best studio monitor.

• Supporting equipment

Along with the studio monitor, a variety of supporting equipment are available for your purchase as well. It would be great to invest your money on those supporting equipment. Then you will be able to get a complete and an immersive experience with the investment as well.

Some of the supporting equipment that you will be able to purchase along with your studio monitor include cables, a good audio interface, stands, a subwoofer and any other product, which can complement your purchase. You can do your own research to figure out what tools can complement your efforts to purchase a studio monitor. If you can bundle them up at the time of purchasing a studio monitor, you will be provided with the opportunity to go for a better deal as well. With that, you will not have to look for any other product to get a perfect experience.

 

Conclusion

If you are engaged with music production, or if you are learning to become a music producer, it is important to get your hands on the best studio monitor available in the market. The time and effort you spend to purchase the best studio monitor can deliver amazing results to you in the long run. On the other hand, it can create a massive difference in your production as well.

For a music producer, a studio monitor is one of the most valuable tools available. Hence, you should take your time and carefully look at the options available. Then you will be able to go ahead with the best option, which you will be able to add to your studio.

Apart from going through the above-mentioned reviews, you are encouraged to look more on other websites on the internet. For example, you can take a look at the YouTube reviews. This will help you to enhance the knowledge you have and end up purchasing the best studio monitor. In addition, you are encouraged to visit a local music store and get your hands on some of the studio monitors.