Are there differences between Studio Monitors and Home speakers?

Question

When they are of the same calibur, and price range, is there any internal or sound differences between a studio monitor and a general home or bookshelf speaker?

Answer 1

A lot of manufacturers are claiming studio monitor status where it is undeserved. Usually, they are powered these days, but sometimes the engineering is not there. JBL makes excellent studio monitors. The LSR series is incredibly flat and neutral for professional applications, and I have yet to hear any of the standard names you hear of come close to these in sound. They are expensive though, you will be looking at around $5-7K for a full home theater setup.

Answer 2

Robert P has the only real answer,so far. I would like to add to that, though. If you go to a high-end audio/video store, and ask to see some 'home speakers', they might send you to Walmart. A high-end store will use terms like "loudspeaker", or "monitor". The monitor or loudspeaker will contain 'drivers' what we used to call the 'speakers'. If you are looking for 'surround sound' loudspeakers, the drivers in the cabinet will be arranged straight up and down. These also sound great for music, especially if you are sitting in the 'sweet spot" (center of the room). A 'studio monitor' will sound 'muddy' if used for surround sound, and will sound OK for most music. If you want some great sound for music and movies, and don't want to spend an arm and a leg, look at 'Klipsch', 'Boston Acoustics', & Mirage' loudspeakers. If you are setting up a 'Garage Band', the studio monitors are fine. I hope this helps.
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Answer 3

Hi there. Studio monitors are loudspeakers designed for Recording Studios,TV and Radio Stations who require speakers with a very flat frequency response ,robust construction and high power handling.For example The B.BC. commissioned Rogers Loudspeakers to design a monitor for their studio in the 1980's.The Studio One became the monitor for them and as a result this speaker with minor alterations became available for sale. I was lucky to purchase them in 1984 and i still use them today as i have not heard any other speaker surpass them in quality.

Answer 4

Off the top of my head, monitors are only designed for very close listening, distance wise from the speaker. So the dispersion, diffraction and imaging wouldn't be ideal for a home theater/listening room unless it was very small in size, similar to a recording studio.