[rec.audio.high-end] Used/New studio euip & CD Mastering Monitors

robert@osf.org (09/21/90)

[It only LOOKS like a for sale message. Read it all. -tjk]

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For Sale - Used/new studio equipment:
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TEAC Tascam 40-4 recorder/reproducer with original packing.
7 1/2, 15 ips, 7 1/2 10 1/2 in reels, 1/4 in. tape (Ampex
456 or Maxell UDXL-I), 3 - head monitoring, tape-release
switch for rocking/editing splice, 4 VU's with peak LED.
heads, electronics, and transport in excellent condition 
weight = 80lbs, - asking $525 (new was $1500). 

JBL monitors - L166/4300 family, 3 - way,  open port baffles,
aluminum dome tweeters, 12-inch woofers, presence control, 
for midrange, removable grilles, real walnut cabinet finish.
weight = 60 lbs apiece (big magnets), 
- asking $500 (new the pair were ~$1400).

Selling/demoing new KRK studio monitors:
Model 20's:	3-way, open port-baffle, ~$2300
Model 10's:	2-way, "", ~$1350
Model  5's:	2-way, near filed monitor, ~$800 

call Rob, days (617) 621-8897
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KRK Plug:
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For those of you interested in monitor speaker technology,
I would like to plug my recent acquisition of KRK monitors.
These speakers are currently the reference for many CD mastering
and recording studios in California (L.A.) and New York.
A&M records has ordered over 30 pairs for their CA studios. The
Record Plant in NY, and many notable producers use the high-end
version of these monitors (e.g., remix of Pink Floyd's Dark
side of the moon). The complete credit list is somewhat
overwhelming, but I believe Keith R. Klawitter (KRK) still runs
the tests/curves on each pair, and is selling these
units as fast as he can make them by word of mouth.
(Actually I think he has just started running a tiny add
in MIX magazine).

Part of the innovative design is his method of building one
of the most finely tuned, open-ported, cabinets. I'm not
sure what material he uses for his tweeters, but I don't think
they are either aluminum or titanium dome. Anyway I can email 
the specs on all 3 models (Model 5's, 2-way near-field monitors
~$800, Model 10's 2-way ~$1350, Model 20's, 3-way ~$2300), but
listening to them is of course the real test. 

My budget only allowed me to purchase the Model 10's, but I am truly 
impressed at how good this 2-way system can sound (using Bryston amps).
I am getting rid of my JBL studio monitors (see above)- the KRK's make 
them sound muddy! JBL is in fact buying some to take apart and
run analysis test on. I like to shy away from using those
over-worked adjectives, but truly the sharpness of definition
and clarity - especially of the midrange rivals that of much more
expensive monitors (even in the very imperfect acoustical 
environment of my home). To be fair I must say that
I demoed these at Northeastern Digital Recording for Dr. Toby
Mountain - who does alot of the digital remastering for Ryko, e.g.,
the Zappa catalogue , the (continuing) Bowie project, 
Arlo Guthrie, etc..) We compared them for several hours against 
Snell Type C's with Perreux (sic?) electronics, using both
popular and classical CD source material. With proper placement 
relative to the walls and diffusors, the KRK's did a great job of 
rivaling the Snell's (which are a more expensive 3-way system, and
I believe employ some reflective sound). Dr. Mountain's assessment
was that the KRK's are much more revealing than the Snell's,
especially in the midrange, whereas the Snell's tend to smooth
out the sound (and go a little further down in the bass). It will
be interesting to see how the 3-way KRK's compare.

Other popular CD-mastering monitors in use are made by Meyer Sound
(small rectangular, - can't reall model #, but they are about
$5000/pair). I expect to see more developments at the AES show
this weekend in L.A. However, for the money, even the mid-
priced KRK's are one of the best new monitors I've heard period.  

If anyone in the Boston area is interested in hearing the mid-
priced KRK's, you can return call/email to me. I am trying to get
Keith some exposure on the east coast, so I'm selling
the units at no additional mark-up to interested buyers. They
are perfect for small studios on a budget (like mine).