Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Best neutral speakers for Ivory 2?

I wish to buy some neutral speakers but it can be somewhat challenging.

After reading a review of the Definitive Technology SM45 speakers by somebody on this msg board, I bought them only to find that they have quite the uneven tones, especially in the midrange. They sound fantastic for rock music but not for piano playback where humps in certain frequency ranges make it an unappealing listen.

I need some neutral speakers that would cost about 300$ CDN new. Since there is a bass shortage in these types of bookshelf speakers, I plan on using a Klipsch subwoofer (tuned to its minimum in volume) to fill out the bass frequencies more.

What are some suggestions?

Where you have the speakers positioned in your room can cause the effect you're describing, as well as EQing. How do you have them set up? What amp are you using to drive them?
What piano are you using?

That's right. These speakers will deliver a very different sound if you get them away from a wall behind them, get them off of furniture...like a desk will resonate and ad unwanted boosts in all sorts of mid too low end frequencies. Get them on stands with rubber footings. And if you can splurge a little, pick up some Aurelex speaker cushioning material to lesson these vibration issues from contact with surfaces.

I have the JBL 3-series monitors (LSR305). They are about $150 USD each or less on sale, and have 3 position bass and treble selectors. With the bass on High, it is too much bass for a piano/keyboard.

http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/recording-broadcast/3-series#.VNF5F53F-So

I compared about 7 different speakers in the music store using a CD of piano performances, and found that the JBL had the most neutral sound. They are not super high end speakers, but I am picky and I do like them a lot (everything I play through them sounds amazing - jazz, electronic, or my DP).

I need passive speakers since I'll be using a sub and would want the ability to adjust volume without having to put my hand behind the speaker.

As far as the aforementioned speakers are concerned, I've tried them in numerous settings. They're just not a neutral speaker, period. Otherwise, I'd simply change the placement as it would certainly be cheaper than buying a new set of speakers.

KRK seems to be a good choice, but again, I've never actually heard them for myself. Any other brands/models I should really look for?

How do you intend to power the passive speakers?

I know you probably feel that you are not getting your question through or the responses you want.

The complaint you have about the 45's doesn't seem quite right. A speaker like that has a smaller sonic character and typically should be at ear level and near field.
One of the problems I use to have with dp's is I would turn up the master volume but play with a light touch(I find myself still doing that). The piano sounds really warm and nice that way but the sound can really jump out and overload just from a 'little' lack of control.

Just a thought, not saying you do that.

Typically a real 6" 2-way or 8" 2-way has an overall tonal balance that 5" 2-ways tend to lack, however 5" 2-ways with subs are very popular.
PRESONUS makes a 5" 2-way self powered that is very popular for $225.00.

JBL LSR308

No need for a sub with these. You can adjust the volume via your computer or better yet get a small mixer.

My friend has them in his studio, he has a great pro tools setup with several pianos to choose from, Ivory, Pianoteq stage and Komplete.

I love playing through them.

By using the amp that's inside the Klipsch ProMedia Ultra 5.1's sub.

People love their Klipsch, reminds me of the bumper sticker about giving up your guns by prying 'dead fingers off the trigger'.
A good first step, as Idina Menzel sang 'Let It Go'.

I think the amp in the sub is going to color the sound of the speakers, no matter how flat of a response they have. In that kind of situation the only way to know what will sound good is to try it.

The JBL's come in a passive 6" speaker:
http://www.jblpro.com/www/products/recording-broadcast/lsr6300-series/lsr6332

Personally I think you would be better off with the 5" or 8" powered JBL's - there is more than enough bass for a keyboard, even for the electronic pianos and organs and effects. There is a 'stupid' amount of bass with mine turned up and the bass EQ on the piano any higher than 40%. It sounds very unrealistic to me with a lot of bass. But that's my opinion, your ears may disagree.