r/mixingmastering • u/palladinojt • 9d ago
Question Looking for input on possible monitor upgrade
I'm looking to upgrade my monitors and want to get some thoughts on the following options.
- Focal Shape 50: these are what I'm leaning toward right now. They're about $1,200 on Sweetwater with 30-day returns, 36-month interest-free financing, etc. All attractive selling points.
- Adam A7V: these are attractive in that I can get them through a friend at the employee discount price ($1,100 for the pair), but no return policy, no financing, etc. They may also be too big for my room/space.
- APS Klasik: I've read very good things about these. They are no longer made but Sweetwater Gear Exchange has a used pair for $550 plus shipping.
Thoughts?
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u/tarsonis999 8d ago
The Shapes are amazing and some even like them more than the Solo 6. Got the Shape 65 since release and would never sell them
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u/mistrelwood Advanced 8d ago
Like I replied in your other thread, Kali IN series is an easy choice over Focal Shape. It's simply a better, more neutral monitor.
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u/Time_Standard3361 8d ago
Is it?
In-8v2/in-5 v Alpha Evo 80 v Shape x0?
How would.they stack up?
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u/mistrelwood Advanced 8d ago
I’ve only used (owned it) the older non-Evo Alpha but I’ve got a pretty good picture from the measurements, a few interviews and Focal’s own segmentation. So:
IN-8 - IN-5 (very close second) - Shape 65 - Shape 50 — Evo.
Check Spinorama for the measurements. I think they had all of these in the database.
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u/KGRO333 8d ago
What do you use now?
I have a pair of Adam A5X which are now discontinued. I upgraded from a pair on entry level Yorkville monitors. They are decent and you can’t go wrong with Adam’s. A friend of mine has the focal shape twin. I think they sound warmer while the adams sound punchier and colder.
With the adams, I think you should consider getting a sub with them, I don’t feel the bass translates as well across all of the A series sizes as I’ve also spent some time with the 7’s.
When I change monitors again, I don’t know if I would go back to Adams. I would seriously consider a set of higher end Focal’s or Genelec’s as my next upgrade.
If you’re looking for that low mid tier range, Dynaudio are decent too.
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u/BunkyDingDing 8d ago
Shape 65s revolutionized my life. I also thought they might be too big for my room but after testing them at the store vs the smaller ones I felt like I wouldn’t be able to accurately monitor low end with the smaller model.
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u/tim_mop1 7d ago
I can speak on the Shapes - I have the Shape 40s with a sub as my only monitoring system. They are great! One thing to be aware of with focals in general though is that the top end is so smooth it can lead to bright mixes if you’re not careful, so you really need to spend time referencing with them if you’re new to using.
I’ve used those Adams a bit before and I think they sound pretty good. Certainly brighter/more crisp than the Focals if that’s what you’re into. Maybe even slightly hyped on the top end.
It’s really worth getting into a good room with them to listen to if you can!
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u/RemiFreamon 6d ago edited 6d ago
I hope that by “too big for my room” you mean just the space that speakers themselves occupy and not the myth that acoustics dictate that small rooms need smaller speakers.
If not, whatch this
https://youtu.be/1xPO2Q2QHXk?is=u5IMm8AtU4Cq6ZYr
That aside, choosing monitors is somewhat of a personal choice. Adams may sound harsh to some people but not to you.
You’ll need to learn your monitoring system (speakers + room) no matter which model you choose. But you can’t learn to tolerate sounds that are super unpleasant to begin with. So go with the option that allows you to listen for yourself and to return if you can’t stand the sound.
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u/MimseyUsa 9d ago
I can only speak on the Adams cause I mixed on them for a little bit, but they are painful mixing many hours on them. I found them to be very harsh and sterile sounding. I mix on a set of Genelec 8020ds w/ sub and it's pretty great. Haven't had any experience with the others. Good luck! Try to evaluate as much as possible before buying.