Reddit reviews Mackie Creative Reference Multimedia Monitor (Set of 2), Black w/green trim, 4-inch (CR4 (Pair))

U-Turn Orbit Plus w/pre-amp = $380
https://www.amazon.com/U-Turn-Audio-Turntable-built-preamp/dp/B01F9NE5IA/ref=pd_lpo_468_tr_t_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XN508YTVNDWSVDR3YSM4

Mackie CR4 Powered Speakers = $150
https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1467666368&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=mackie+cr4

Total = $520.

This is essentially the setup I have and find it a fine starter setup. It also takes up very little space as the speakers are powered so no need for a receiver.

Alternate tables to consider:

LP120 = https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT-LP120-USB-Direct-Drive-Professional-Turntable/dp/B002S1CJ2Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1467666443&sr=1-1&keywords=LP+120

Teac TN300 = https://www.amazon.com/TN-300-Analog-Turntable-Pre-amplifier-Digital/dp/B00P9WK1BW/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1467666461&sr=1-2&keywords=Denon+turntable

Denon DP300 = https://www.amazon.com/Denon-DP-300F-Automatic-Analog-Turntable/dp/B000FMNBXG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467666492&sr=8-1&keywords=Denon+turntable

mackie cr4's

Check out the suggested product list


Personally, I would go for these, which are not on the list and just recently entered the market and include all the cables and whatnot you will need - no additional purchases. THAT SAID, caveat emptor:

• Mackie usually makes really good equipment, but every company occasionally makes something that goes bad with time. It has excellent reviews now, but that may wane with time.
  
• Flat response. Your music will probably sound "Bad" to you at first because these are not calibrated like other speakers
  
• Bass is not going to be massive. It will be more than enough for most computer desks, but if you want really loud bass, you are both in the wrong subreddit, and have the wrong budget. That said, coming from your previous speakers, these will be much better.
  
  
  If this fiddling and whatnot sounds like something you're not up for, or not the kind of performance you want from your equipment, you probably need to get a set of bookshelf speakers, a sub, and an amp as per the suggested product list, which will likely cost more for a decent set ($200-$400.)

Micca PB42X

https://www.amazon.com/Micca-PB42X-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00NXAEPDC

Edifier 1010

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1010BT-Bluetooth-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B071YV97LK

Mackie CR3, CR4

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Studio-Monitor-3-inch-CR3/dp/B00KVEIY4E

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Reference-Multimedia-CR4-Pair/dp/B00KVEIY4O

Or Spend some Coin n get Kanto - Quality, built in DAC, amp, sub out

https://www.amazon.com/Kanto-Powered-Speakers-Bluetooth-Preamp/dp/B01N1ZTJJK

My setup is M-Audio bx5s and a $5 thrift store subwoofer w/ a chinese $30 amp.

I hear good things about these though

Get a pair of studio monitors. You can add a dedicated subwoofer later if the bass response is not deep enough for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O

In that price range for a 2.1 setup, you are not going to be getting the best quality. Heres what you can get for around that price with decent reviews:
https://www.amazon.com/Thonet-Vander-Multimedia-Speakers-Engineering/dp/B00Z792296/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1469841393&sr=1-7&keywords=2.1+pc+speakers

https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Sonar-Subwoofers-Headphone-Microphone/dp/B00U7HQWU8/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1469841350&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=2.1+pc+speakers&psc=1

Honestly, you would probably be better off losing some bass and going with a set of powered monitors like theses:

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KVEIY4O&linkCode=as2&linkId=ZEZ6OTJAND4GB26R&redirect=true&ref_=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl&tag=wwwpuresimula-20

Look at the size of the bass drivers, and the rated bass response.

The Mackie CR3 have 3" bass drivers with rated bass down to 80hz. I had speakers on my computer that were rated down to 80hz, and they sounded OK. But 3" Speakers are not going to rock the house.

On Amazon, these speaker are $100/pr. Is that the limit of your budget?

The Mackie CD4 at 4" only give you another 10hz, response down to 70hz, and the price is $150/pr -

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468956016&sr=8-1&keywords=Mackie+CR4

The Mackie MR5 MK3 are 5" speakers with response down to 45hz though the price is about $240/pr -

http://mackie.com/products/mrmk3-series

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-MR5mk3-5-Inch-Powered-Monitors/dp/B00EUISUGE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468955775&sr=8-2&keywords=Mackie+MR5

These are very good speakers.

So, the conclusion is that the Mackie CR3 and CR4 will not have excess bass.

I put some more time into researching a solution for you:

• Speakers: [Mackie CR4 - $149.99](https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-* Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O)
  
  
• Subwoofer: Polk Audio PSW505 - $179.99
  
  Explanation:
  
  There are a wide variety of quality active monitors for $149.99. I don't have experience with the Mackie's myself, but it is a trusted brand, and they are well reviewed.
  
  Finding a good subwoofer in this price bracket is very challenging. You already have a halfway decent sub with your Logitech system, so I needed to find something that would be worth the upgrade. Many subs in this price range have under powered amplifiers, or use misleading marketing to make them seem better than they are.
  
  Polk makes quality products, I used to own an entire Polk home theater system. The Polk sub offers a large 12" driver (important for hitting low bass, which is the whole point). It is capable of playing without distortion at lower frequencies than just about everything in it's class, and it has a more powerful amplifier than most other subs in it's class.

Thanks! http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454101203&sr=8-1&keywords=mackie+cr4

A pair of studio monitors are what you probably want, they are bookshelf speakers so they're quite small, and they have a fairly flat output which is good for sound work and music.

Here's a good option, they are sold individually.

Cheaper option, these are a pair.

Bose are anything but flat, they modify the sound quite heavily so they're not that good for any kind of sound work or music.

IMO, the best 2.0 speaker set for under $100 are the Mackie CR3:

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Studio-Monitor-3-inch-CR3/dp/B00KVEIY4E/

If you don't mind something larger and more expensive, the Mackie CR4 fills in the bass a bit better:

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Reference-Multimedia-CR4-Pair/dp/B00KVEIY4O/

If you want to go with 2.1 instead, you can't go wrong with the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1. These speakers have been around for 15 years and are still one of best 2.1 computer speaker sets:

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Pro-Media-Certified-Speakers/dp/B009L1NY0M/

You can also just buy powered speakers as such

If you are talking about this Vizio model, then it will be adequate. Vizio also sells it with a wireless subwoofer and two wired surrounds for $230.

If you want true bookshelf speakers (much better quality sound), you can get these Micca's for $120 or these Mackie's for $150. Those are powered monitors, meaning they have an amp inside so you just plug and play (you need speaker wire to connect the two speakers together). It also allows future upgradability to a subwoofer if you use RCA splitters from the tv. These will sound much better than any soundbar in the price range and will give you better stereo seperarion. However, if you want sub-bass (bass you feel), you will need a subwoofer. So, you could always get one down the road.

To summarize:

A. $150 for better than tv speakers.

B. $230 for decent 5.1 .

C. ~$120-$150 for much better than tv speakers. Subwoofer addition also possible.

EDIT: If you normally have people sitting at a large angle from the tv (say 45° and lower, 90° being directly in front), the soundbar option is more suited for that, as it has a center channel speaker (stereo would have dialogue coming from both, obviously, so if you are at an angle, the closer speaker will hit you sooner and louder).

Here's a menu for you: budget, modest, and fun!

Mackie CR4
http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O

Big fan of the Mackie CR4 desktop monitors. Very affordable, pretty detailed, only complaint is the bass is a bit more quantity over quality but it kicks the ass out of any cheap computer speakers out there. Headphone-wise, currently only own Sennheiser HD 595s for that nice, warm neutral sound and Etymotic HF5s for on the go.

Here's a few solid choices:

Presonus 3.5"

Mackie 3" (I have these and love them, though I kind of wish I got the 4" version)

Mackie 4"

Also keep in mind there is a bluetooth version of each of the Mackie's if that appeals to you. Mackie's customer service was good to me too. My CR3's started going out randomly around the time the 1-year warranty was about to expire and they sent me new ones for free. I've had the new ones for over a year and they're still going strong.

These would work very well for you. They are powered speakers so all you need to do is connect them to your tv with a cable and enjoy.

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O/

I suggest the Pro-ject pre amp

For speakers I don't know, I have a pair of Audio Pro addon t8's but they seem to be way pricier in US. Basically anything that fits your budget and has gotten favorable review usually is enough to get a nice sound out of your TT.

If you want to save a bit on the pre amp then you might wanna take a look at TCC TC-750, that would also do the trick, it is now for a pretty reasonable reduced price so be quick.

Speakers that I can recommend without a reservation would be these audio engine A2+. They are solid small powered speakers that would do your vinyls justice.

All together the TCC 750 with the A2+ now add up just shy of 300. This would be setup that with your TT will go a long way before a need to upgrade although I would add a sub when you get the chance.

If you want to save more, you could go for these Mackie CR4 but you can't add a powered sub to these, use them for your PC trough USB and don't have an option to add wireless support later. So it comes with a lack of features.

If you can up your budget, these would all be better options:

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B000IKSIOM/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1454238924&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=Behringer+monitor&dpPl=1&dpID=51uLRTW7amL&ref=plSrch

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00KVEIY4O/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1454239003&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=Studio+monitor&dpPl=1&dpID=41y8TITPHmL&ref=plSrch

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B00DIGC5NS/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?qid=1454239060&sr=8-15&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=Studio+monitor&dpPl=1&dpID=41%2Bh-s3qpXL&ref=plSrch

You could also Google "desktop hifi on a budget" there is an article about pairing one of those tiny Asian made leapai amps with a decent pair of cheap speakers (mono price models are under a hundo and get good reviews).

If you don’t want to have to deal with amps you can try:
Hivi Swan-D1010IV(B)


Mackie CR3

Mackie CR4

Edifier R1280T

Definitely an unpopular opinion, but The Bose Companion II Series III aren’t terrible if you’re really pressed for space and aren’t too picky..I received a pair as a gift and they’ve suited me fine since I don’t use speakers for much anyway.

Sounds like you want Chromecast Audio plugged into some nice powered speakers, like these or these or these or these.
Edit: I'm not commenting on how well it'll work. I don't own a Chromecast. It just seems to work on paper for what you're asking.

I'm looking for some studio monitors for DJing + production and cannot decide between these two:

Mackie CR4

Monoprice 5" Studio Monitors

I'm just looking for bedroom practice and I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you.

Noob with a unique situation. I'm in an efficiency apartment somewhere in the realm of 13'x22'. I'm looking to get my first budget monitors. I had a question in particular about them. I read earlier this week that using larger monitors can cause undesired results. Is there a max monitor size for my room? How badly will the other things in my apartment (kitchen area, bed and dresser) mess with the monitors?

I've been looking at the Presonus Eris 4.5 and the Mackie CR4 sets. Are either one of these sets ok for my situation? Something else entirely? Also taking budget interface suggestions. I'd prefer something with MIDI I/O.

Speaking of MIDI, I have a MIDI guitar that I found while spring cleaning. I was very much into rhythm games back in the day, and I bought the Rock Band 3 Stratocaster Pro Guitar. What can I do with it, recording wise?

Thanks!

You can get powered speakers and run an RCA cable (red and white plugs) from the cable box to the speakers. You could also use a speaker that has a 3.5mm jack and use an RCA to 3.5mm converter.

Cheap option $13 http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-portable-wireless-speaker-blue/5496203.p?skuId=5496203

Great sounding speakers $150
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVEIY4O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vu3vybQVXKZGZ

RCA to 3.5mm converter
3.5mm Male to 2 RCA Left & Right Audio Female Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LVDWOQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9D3vybWVAMH6J

Do you guys think the Mackie CR4 worth it?

http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1450191619&sr=1-1&keywords=B00KVEIY4O

I'm thinking of ordering that since that's "around" the max I want to spend. I also like the small footprint as my desk doesn't have any room too.

I don't really know much about speakers and it's going to replace my really old garbage speakers. My only good IEMs is my brainwavz b2, which made me realize how bad the sound is for my old stuff. I really like the neutral sound.

Thanks in advance for any info!

I use the Mackie CR4 during post and my show ends up sounding very consistent on speakers, in the car, and on headphones.

If you can spend a wee bit more, get these

https://www.amazon.in/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?keywords=mackie+cr3&qid=1570159989&sr=8-2-fkmr0

or these

https://www.amazon.in/Artesia-M200-Professional-Monitor-Speaker/dp/B07T3R9VDB/ref=pd_sbs_267_4/259-0362024-4948818?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07T3R9VDB&pd_rd_r=a9f0ff27-c7fd-469d-9512-d62d2a3802c5&pd_rd_w=s25Lw&pd_rd_wg=oJ8N7&pf_rd_p=b5c4df7b-dc8c-47a6-947a-01271326b67b&pf_rd_r=5TGCA86QY5EBG6J4YZH9&psc=1&refRID=5TGCA86QY5EBG6J4YZH9

They are far better than what you are considering. I have the former and they are really really good for casual listening.

Moving out of my small bedroom suite soon and will have my desktop PC in a separate room from the rest of my home theater system and am looking for some speakers for my desktop. Currently have a set of Focal Chorus 716V tower speakers and Klipsch KW100B subwoofer hooked up with a HK 3490 receiver that I've been using for my desktop PC and gaming consoles.

Was looking into a pair of self powered bookshelves and Have been eyeing a few basic pairs. Just saw the JBL LSR305 in the sticky and have been also looking at the [Mackie CR4] (http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Creative-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O) mainly because I like the look of the speakers. Does anyone here have any experience with the Mackie ones? What other speakers below $400 CAD would be worth checking out?

What's a good (mildly cheap) PC peripheral upgrade? I'm looking to upgrade something in my setup, either the mouse pad, audio setup, or monitor.

I'm thinking of selling my current monitor, as it's a decent 1080p monitor, but has absolutely no adjustment to anything, and is too small of a screen for me (21.5"). I'd probably go with this

I'm also considering upgrading my audio setup, with some better speakers and a DAC.

Maybe I'm just overthinking this. any thoughts?

I just purchased a pair of Mackie CR4 4-Inch studio monitors and a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M50s.

My goals in mind:

1. Listen to music
   
2. be able to play my USB midi keyboard monitors/headphone
   
3. play guitar through through the monitors/headphone
   
   I was wondering what a good DAC setup would be for this?
   
   Would something like the Desktop Konnekt 6 be a good recommendation as a 2in1 setup ? Because I have no clue where to begin if I were to have to seperate the two.
   
   Would I just need an external DAC for the monitors and a headphone amp for the headphones? How/Would I need to connect those two together to make them run smoother?
   
   So this is what I'm considering:
   
   Desktop Konnect 6
   
   And these are the two pieces of equipment I am trying to find the DAC setup for.
   
   Mackie CR4 monitors
   
   Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
   
   Thank you so much if anyone here is able to help!
   
   Would like to keep the budget in the Price range of the DAC I listed above

I am looking at powered speakers. I will be using these mainly for listening to music in my office. Source will be my PC, and hopefully, eventually a vinyl setup. I have max $150 to spend. I am looking at a powered setup for simplicity. I could probably be swayed into an amp/non powered combo, but I think it's a stretch at $150. I need something good for all genres of music, good bass, I understand a 2.0 bookshelf setup won't be like have a separate subwoofer. I have been going back and forth among about 10 pair of speakers and I just can't make a decision.

Here's the list:

Thonet and Vander Kurbis BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers, Hi-Fi Wooden Bluetooth Stereo Speakers with Enhanced Bass, 300 Watt Peak Power, Integrated Amplifier and RCA Input, 1 Pair, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HG1JOVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_DSHAzb60E38WB

Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Active Near Field Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker - Wooden Enclosure - 42 Watts RMS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016P9HJIA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kTHAzb4S1S3GF

PreSonus Eris E4.5 2-Way Powered Studio Monitors (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GP56OYA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_YTHAzbJ09ARQC

Mackie CR4 (Pair) Creative Reference Multimedia Monitor - Set of 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVEIY4O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iUHAzbAVD4RB0

Edifier R1010BT - 4" Bluetooth Wireless Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors - Studio Monitor Speaker (Pair) 24 Watts RMS - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071YV97LK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zUHAzbNHTFE9G

Plugable 4" Subwoofer Bluetooth 2-Channel Powered Bookshelf Studio Monitor Speakers - Optical & RCA Aux Inputs, 55W Output Power https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KGPEW70/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2UHAzb0R24FK0

Presonus Ceres C3.5BT 2-Way Powered Speakers with Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N55NS4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uVHAzbATXGVCP


Pair Rockville APM5B 5.25" 2-Way 250W Powered USB Studio Monitor Speakers+Pads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01D3Z3FGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MVHAzbKMSC2QP


Please help me stop going in circles. I know some of these are more than $150...just hoping to catch a sale.

We had these in Uni for the video editing rigs, can't say I was a huge fan. They generally sounded OK but seemed to be super unreliable, in 2 years 6 of 8 pairs broke.

Personally I really like these for compact monitors: http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1458340902&sr=1-1&keywords=mackie+cr4

Nice suggestion! I love the looks of the orbit special but I think I might just go for the plus. If you have personal experience with this turntable, I'm thinking of getting the Orbit Plus with the built in Preamp.

For those with similar requests: U-turn Orbit and Mackie cr4s .

Im pretty illiterate when it comes so I maybe unclear but how do you attach a sub to powered speakers like the A2's or these Mackie ones I have [1]? Do you need a receiver?

[1] https://www.amazon.ca/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O

Did you Paint It Black? or what style did you choose to fit your set up?
Ahh, well they look like they'll do the job. Do you know if the pair compliment that turntable?
Also, would the two (for the size) resonate/echo softly/smoothly around a room?
Last Q: what's the difference between the Mackie CR4 Pair and the Mackie CR3, 3"?

What would you guys recommend between these two powered speakers?

Mackie CR4

Micca PB42X

you can get really nice monitor speakers in that budget. For starters: https://www.amazon.com/Micca-PB42X-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00NXAEPDC

https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-CR4-Pair-Reference-Multimedia/dp/B00KVEIY4O

I have the Mackies and think they are awesome but people in similar situations to us prefer the Miccas.