I have received so many questions on monitors here is a bit of info for the lot that needs to know...

First off, don't take my word for it (or anyone else’s!) go and listen to some yourselves. Best bit of advice there is. If you walk into a store and they say, get those, you know you’re being blagged. I understand that there are TONS of options out there, so here's some I’ve bumped into in my time as a music geek

First off, let’s get the terminology out of the way.

Near field - This is a speaker designed for close monitoring in a relatively small area. This is the type of monitor you probably need.

Mid/Far field - No surprises here. Bigger monitors for larger rooms.

Passive - These monitors require amplification. So if you are buying some, you need to look carefully into what amp exactly matches the spec. Also remember, a decent amp is going to set you back at least whatever the speakers did.

Active (Powered) - These are monitors that have self contained amplifiers that are specifically matched to the speakers individual characteristics. Plug them in and you’re away. These are the best bet when buying monitors first off.

Ok so you need a pair of 'Near field' 'Active' monitors. Don't ask me what’s better between active and passive, it’s all about personal preference. Here are some ranging between £100 and £1000. Remember, it's all about what they sound like. You need to learn a speaker like you do a genre of music. You want a speaker that sounds flat and clear. You do not want any 'sexed up' frequencies that may put you off course.

All monitors below are active and priced in pairs

ES1 nEar 05 - £119.00 - Recently have come down in price. A very good starting point with a good frequency response

M-Audio BX5 - £189.99 - Roughly same spec as above. Small cabs with optional sub - woofer.

Tapco S5 - £259.00 - Engineered by Mackie. Seem 'boxy' but are very good value for money. Low Freq boost & High Freq Boost/Cut to adjust to your room acoustics.

Fostex PM1 - £350.00 - Very well engineered speaker. Excellent clarity and low end. Only bad thing is there is no Sub available as of yet.

Tannoy Reveal- £328.00 - Also a very good speaker. Personally I don’t think they perform quite as well as the PM1's but a matched Sub is available.

Genelec 1030A- £935.00 - These are set up at my Uni in 5.1 and sound incredible. If you can afford it that is.... Sub available

And here's one just to prove that you’re not actually spending that much.....

PMC BB5 XBD-A £17999.99 - Mid field monitors. If you see a pair, smash and grab. Heh