MONITORS: For a number of reasons, I have several monitor systems that I use. My main stereo environment uses a pair of large full-range electrostatics driven by custom solid-state power amps. These are time aligned and matched to a pair of M&K subs and the room (which is 26 ft. or 8m long), using FFT and real-time analysis. This setup is very flat in frequency response and exhibits Doppler distortion much lower than box speakers. These are my primary reference because they are higher in resolution at low to moderate listening levels than anything else I have tried. (The music has to sound good at low levels if it is going to sound good on many different systems.) Electrostatics can be a real bear to set up properly, but when you succeed, the resulting clarity can be staggering. It is possible to listen for hours without tiring.

The secondary stereo monitor I use the most is the Mackie HR824. It is verifiably more accurate than most speakers at ten times its price, THX certified, with excellent bass for a small system. It is widely used in studios, so it is a common point of reference. I have other near field options also, driven by custom tube amps.

M&K Sub-woofer Mackie HR824 Monitor

Vintage 1975 Custom Designed Benson StudioStat 598 Monitors