AIV

So, I need a good pair of monitors for my Korg Krome 88. Is a pair of Yamaha HS80M for $550 good?

Mr. Charlie

The HS80M are good monitors by many accounts but $550 is expensive. They're available for just over £200 in the UK (around $330) and seldom is it cheaper to buy electronic gear in the UK compared to the States. I'd search around for a better price.

LoathsomePete

I have a pair of Numark NPM5 Studio Monitors and they do the job just fine for just under $120 USD.

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duga

I'm a die hard Sennheiser fanatic. I just got a pair of HD380 pro's and I currently pair it with a Fiio Mont Blanc portable amp. It sounds heavenly. They are roughly $150-175 depending on where you get them so if you need to go cheaper the HD280's are just fine (a little light in the bass, though).

I'm assuming since you are asking specifically for monitors you already know this, but the profile is going to be pretty flat for accuracy (which I tend to like...it's how the music is "supposed" to sound I guess). If you want something a little more dynamic you might want different phones.

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Freebase Dali

If you're just looking for playback speakers, try not to spend too much money on "reference" monitors, which are generally flat freq response and used for mixing and mastering in an isolated environment, and generally cost a lot more if they're marketed as such.

If you're just looking for something that sounds good for playback and maybe monitoring at a live gig, go to a local store and see if you can audition some speakers with good amps in them that can drive the kind of volume you're looking for without sacrificing quality or screeching your ears out. It really all depends on your application of it that will prompt the appropriate considerations.

I'm not sure what you're planning to actually do with the monitors and what your situation is, so that's the best I can offer.

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AIV

I'm looking for something to pair with my Korg Krome so that I can hear the best sound possible from those monitors

MattHaagMusic

If you're on a budget, KRK Rokit's are good for the price.

jorby

I personally run the Alesis M1 MK II's in my jam room and the Yamahas in question in my mixdown room.The Yamaha HS series are great for referencing, but they are reference monitors and mostly intended for that use. For general listening, jamming and instrument playback, you might find them lacking in bass without the sub which is sold separately. Surprisingly, the Alesis M1 MKII have a really nice, clear sound and provide plenty of low end at a cost that wont break the bank (I believe you can get a new set for around $200). Unless you are doing studio mixing and mastering, you likely will get more out of something like that or the Rokits which were suggested.

Moss

OMarraMusic

Yamaha HS80M - $550 (Pair)

-8" white polypropylene cone, 1" dome tweeter
-Affordable high-quality reference monitoring for all types of studios
-Clean, tight low frequencies and smooth highs
-Quality enclosures with distinctive "white cone" appearance

Yamaha's HS80M powered monitors were designed to be true studio reference monitors in the tradition of the famous NS10Ms.I have tried other products in the similar price range, including Mackie, Event, M-Audio, JBL. I am truly happy with my combination of HS80M monitors. It handles all types of music beautifully. It is brutally honest in terms of revealing a bad mix. But when you have a well mixed piece of music coming through this set, it is simply gorgeous. Clarity and the Imaging is outstanding.