Studio monitors upgrade advice

eric12

eric12

Member
Hey all,

I'm in the market for new studio monitors and would love some input from others here who work with similar gear and styles.
I’ve been using the Kali IN‑5 monitors for a while and honestly like them a lot, especially for the price. But one of mine developed a defect (a vibration/resonance issue), and instead of just replacing it, I’m considering using this opportunity to upgrade.

My setup:
  • Playing using Axe-FX III(and Quad Cortex)
  • I play mostly djent and modern metal, but also play a lot of ambient material with big reverbs and delays.
  • I do some mixing and production as well — mostly guitar-focused, but not exclusively.

I’m looking at options like the Adam A7X, Focal, Neumann KH 120A, Genelec, etc. Not looking only at specific models since I may look for them used.
Part of me thinks I should just grab a new pair of IN‑5s and stick with what I know and like, especially since they’re such great value and translate pretty well.

Would love to hear your thoughts, especially if you’ve used any of the monitors above with the Axe FX or for mixing heavy music. Is the upgrade worth it in terms of accuracy, translation, or just inspiration?

Thanks in advance!
 
Audiosciencereview.com is indeed very helpful! Heed MSS's advice! (Helped me to hone in on my Genelec 1032Cs. Very happy.)
 
Peavey Herman said:
"Genelec" is a very non-specific. They got affordable, mid-priced, expensive and "Aaaaaaaargh!". What's your budget?
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I guess the budget won't translate well since I'm not from the US or Europe. But consider something around A7X or even a bit more expensive if the monitors worth it.
Looking at the used market in my area I can see the 8130, 8030C, 8040B and 8330A in my budget(I don't really understand the differences between the Genelec models).
 
I've been using Kali IN-5's for years and love them to death. Also into super duper heavy music. My understanding is that 3-way speakers are especially good at conveying midrange which is where the br00talz live.

Also do yourself a favor RIGHT NOW and buy this room correction software that's on sale. Has made a GIANT difference in my mixing abilities almost overnight.

https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/3-Studio-Tools/95-Referencing-Tools/12943-ARC-4-

Requires an ARC microphone as well but those are cheap and worth every penny.
 
deathbyguitar said:
I've been using Kali IN-5's for years and love them to death. Also into super duper heavy music. My understanding is that 3-way speakers are especially good at conveying midrange which is where the br00talz live.

Also do yourself a favor RIGHT NOW and buy this room correction software that's on sale. Has made a GIANT difference in my mixing abilities almost overnight.

https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/3-Studio-Tools/95-Referencing-Tools/12943-ARC-4-

Requires an ARC microphone as well but those are cheap and worth every penny.
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Yap couldn't agree more! I'm usually all for investing in the best product but with how I know the Kali and their excellent tone due to the 3-way speaker, I'm a bit hesitate to upgrade haha

I'm actually considering the Sonarworks for the room correction.
 
R.D. said:
Not sure what your budget is ..., but you need to seriously consider these ! https://barefootsound.com/footprint03/

$ 2,295 @ Vintage King Audio - https://vintageking.com/barefoot-sound-footprint03-3-way-active-studio-monitor-pair

Same Price @ Sweetwater - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...t03-6.5-inch-3-way-active-studio-monitor-pair

I know he's not a Djent "guy" ..., but Pete Thorn is using them now and he swears by them !
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I've got a pair and they're seriously impressive.
 
Hedd just released the analog versions of their type 05 and 07 monitors for a cheaper price than their DSP counterparts. Combined with an IK ARC (and hopefully some acoustic treatment), this will be a ridiculous value. I have the type 07 mk2, big upgrade from the more entry level stuff (yamaha HS7, focal alpha, Kali, etc, all of which I've owned and worked on).

Hedd is owned by the German guy who originally designed the Adam A7X monitors and they dramatically outperform them.

Also even though they are a German company they have a US distributor that takes care of repairs, etc. I bought the monitors secondhand, one of my DSP modules went out and instead of asking me to pay to ship the whole monitor across the country and waiting weeks/months for repair, for no charge they simply sent me two DSP modules (one for each monitor, in case the other one failed too), and a video on how to do the replacement myself in a few minutes. And I didn't even have the original purchase receipt because I bought them secondhand.

When I had Focal monitors that needed a repair their closest repair facility was 4 hours away in Los Angeles and it took a month to get it repaired. Luckily I had rehearsals/gigs there so I didn't have to ship it or drive for no reason but I'll never buy Focal again for this reason.
 
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R.D. said:
Not sure what your budget is ..., but you need to seriously consider these ! https://barefootsound.com/footprint03/

$ 2,295 @ Vintage King Audio - https://vintageking.com/barefoot-sound-footprint03-3-way-active-studio-monitor-pair

Same Price @ Sweetwater - https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...t03-6.5-inch-3-way-active-studio-monitor-pair

I know he's not a Djent "guy" ..., but Pete Thorn is using them now and he swears by them !
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Yap... that outside of my budget. Thanks!

strabes said:
Hedd just released the analog versions of their type 05 and 07 monitors for a cheaper price than their DSP counterparts. Combined with an IK ARC (and hopefully some acoustic treatment), this will be a ridiculous value. I have the type 07 mk2, big upgrade from the more entry level stuff (yamaha HS7, focal alpha, Kali, etc, all of which I've owned and worked on).

Hedd is owned by the German guy who originally designed the Adam A7X monitors and they dramatically outperform them.

Also even though they are a German company they have a US distributor that takes care of repairs, etc. I bought the monitors secondhand, one of my DSP modules went out and instead of asking me to pay to ship the whole monitor across the country and waiting weeks/months for repair, for no charge they simply sent me two DSP modules (one for each monitor, in case the other one failed too), and a video on how to do the replacement myself in a few minutes. And I didn't even have the original purchase receipt because I bought them secondhand.

When I had Focal monitors that needed a repair their closest repair facility was 4 hours away in Los Angeles and it took a month to get it repaired. Luckily I had rehearsals/gigs there so I didn't have to ship it or drive for no reason but I'll never buy Focal again for this reason.
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There is no supplier in my area and shipping it to my country + taxes would probably be much above my budget.
Looking very interesting indeed!

Eliju said:
I have a pair of A7Vs which I love especially since you can load a correction curve from measuring you room.
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Are the A7V actually a better series than the A7X?
Someone is selling here an used A7V for a price in my budget.
 
eric12 said:
Yap... that outside of my budget. Thanks!


There is no supplier in my area and shipping it to my country + taxes would probably be much above my budget.
Looking very interesting indeed!


Are the A7V actually a better series than the A7X?
Someone is selling here an used A7V for a price in my budget.
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I'm pretty sure the A7V is just the new model in that product line. They should be very similar to the A7Xs, but with more features like the correction curves. Buying used you won't get the free trial of sonarworks to analyze your room and create a correction curve, but you might be able to do it with Room EQ wizard which is free. If not, there might be a free trial of the sonar works software.
 
eric12 said:
Hey all,

I'm in the market for new studio monitors and would love some input from others here who work with similar gear and styles.
I’ve been using the Kali IN‑5 monitors for a while and honestly like them a lot, especially for the price. But one of mine developed a defect (a vibration/resonance issue), and instead of just replacing it, I’m considering using this opportunity to upgrade.

My setup:
  • Playing using Axe-FX III(and Quad Cortex)
  • I play mostly djent and modern metal, but also play a lot of ambient material with big reverbs and delays.
  • I do some mixing and production as well — mostly guitar-focused, but not exclusively.

I’m looking at options like the Adam A7X, Focal, Neumann KH 120A, Genelec, etc. Not looking only at specific models since I may look for them used.
Part of me thinks I should just grab a new pair of IN‑5s and stick with what I know and like, especially since they’re such great value and translate pretty well.

Would love to hear your thoughts, especially if you’ve used any of the monitors above with the Axe FX or for mixing heavy music. Is the upgrade worth it in terms of accuracy, translation, or just inspiration?

Thanks in advance!
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You should try fixing it first before buying anything. You could even try tightening up the screws on the back just to start with. My JBL 308's had a bad resonant frequency when the amplifier's PCB loosened from the MDF, a toothpick and a bit of super glue and it was back to sounding how it should. Your set of Kali's are the ones I got stuck on before deciding on the JBL 308 MKIIs (I got a stupidly good deal on them at Guitar Center).
 
If I were in the market for new monitors, especially in the US, I would certainly consider the new Barefoot Footprint 03s, the price is very attractive, although they have ported design which isn’t as great as their normal models. Or even a pair of 02s if I felt adventurous.
 
eric12 said:
Yap... that outside of my budget. Thanks!


There is no supplier in my area and shipping it to my country + taxes would probably be much above my budget.
Looking very interesting indeed!


Are the A7V actually a better series than the A7X?
Someone is selling here an used A7V for a price in my budget.
Click to expand...
I also have a pair of A7X's that I've had for 5 or 6 years. I haven't played through the new A7V's, but you might just find a good deal for some of the A7X's, and have some danged good monitors. Of course, if I already gelled with monitors, like it sounds is your case, I'd absolutely try making sure all of the screws et al were as tight as they were meant. If you can resolve the resonance issue with general care, and it wouldn't seem to cost you anything but a few moments of your time, I'd be all over that, first. If the bug already has ya, and new monitors are gonna follow you home no matter what, then absolutely check out the cost differential of the previous edition of Adam monitors, the A7X.

Best of luck,
Lee
 
I rock a pair of focal shape 50 for about 6 years. If you bother treating your room you can get radio ready mixes as they translate very well. They are on the warm side so working for a lot of hours is still enjoyable with no ear fatigue. You will still need a monitor controller or a soundcard with digital stepping volume control as they have no control of their own. They always work full scale.
 
Hi Eric,
1. If you can go to a shop that has a monitor room like Guitar Center(if you're stateside), bring you're own music and pick an off-day so you can listen more privately. They won't have everything but might have something in your price range.

2. Check the return policy especially if you have to get what you want online(don't get screwed with with customs like I did once) Adam has a 2 year warranty, and up to 5 year if you register on their site.

3. If you buy second hand you might still be able to give a listen at a local shop or store.

Good luck. Would like to know how things work out.
 
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