Modartt user forum - active monitors, 6'' or 8''

Re: active monitors, 6'' or 8''

2014-08-08T22:30:19Z

i have a hp 201 which has a line-in but horrible one-way speakers built-in. they get a lower-level input; also i have notch filters at the nasty resonances of the built-in speakers -- i imagine this would be less of a problem on a hp507.
the bulk of the sound comes from 4'' satellite monitors on the piano + 8'' sub (blue sky mediadesk - they are just out of production and may be available for a good price). this combination is very nice, the piano speakers do add some extra space, and the bass is plenty for my needs. 25m^2 room.

Re: active monitors, 6'' or 8''

2014-08-06T00:34:13Z

I've always been told that, for piano, the bigger the better.

On the other hand, the Sam Ash store here often hooks up two relatively small monitors (those ubiquitous Yamaha MP5's or something similar) with a piano amp acting as a subwoofer, and I must say that the sound is good. The combination of the 5" cones, the tweeters, and the 10" or 12" piano amp lets you cover a wide range of piano sounds.

I have to admit that I like the sound of those MP5's. Yamaha claims that they disperse all of the freqs evenly in all directions. And the separate piano amp usually has its own EQ or filters.

In any case, my suggestion would be to go to a music store and just explain that you want to hear both setups. Or all three, including the 8" cones. Most of the chain stores in the US will match online prices if you print out a copy of the web page with the price.

EDIT: And to complicate things further, I now see that Yamaha also makes an MP7, with 7" cones.

Re: active monitors, 6'' or 8''

2014-08-04T18:57:27Z

in short: 6" + sub, or 8" without :-)

Re: active monitors, 6'' or 8''

2014-08-03T19:58:50Z

Thank you for your replies.
In fact I am thinking to get a pair of active monitors to complete my Roland hp507. I pass Pianoteq thru Roland's speakers system which is 2x70 watts. The sound is (very) good but I would like to complete the setup for 2 reasons:
- a better "in the face" sensation by using 2 more speakers
- have more reserve, headroom and using the Roland's system at a lower volume level, as a preventive approach for the Roland.

What do you think?

Edit: I am thinking to a pair of Yamaha Hs7 or Krk 6pr. My budget is 400 to max 500 euros.

Re: active monitors, 6'' or 8''

2014-08-03T19:05:24Z

I've used 6" in the past and currently 8". 6" are powerful enough for a smallish room, 8" monitors tend to have a bit more 'reserve' if needed. Also the additional headroom allows for a higher dynamics setting in Pianoteq, and the larger bass speakers tend to transport low frequencies better, which is not unimportant as the bass register of a piano reaches well below 50 Hertz. That said, I was not unsatisfied with my 6" Behringer 2030A; easily better than any 'hifi' or computer speakers, and quite low on noise. My current 8" monitors (Neusonik NE08) tend to be a bit less linear, but that's not strictly a problem.

Re: active monitors, 6'' or 8''

2014-08-03T18:14:52Z

stamkorg wrote:

For those who own active monitors to play their piano software, what do you think? Are 6'' monitors enough to play at home?
Thank
sk

Yes but I think it depends which ones and on the room too. You can always add a subwoofer. I use 4 M-Audio BX5s and an SBX10 and the sound is wonderful in my tiny studio treated with acoustic foam.

active monitors, 6'' or 8''

2014-08-03T17:37:31Z

For those who own active monitors to play their piano software, what do you think? Are 6'' monitors enough to play at home?
Thank
sk