Perhaps this is futile, but I'd like to hear from anyone who has compared these two monitors head to head. And I'd also like to open up the contest / discussion to any other ACTIVE / POWERED studio monitors. But, because I'm really only interested in their use in a larg-ish to large space, I'd ask that only "high powered" monitors be included. (Behringer B2031 are 225 watts combined, LF/HF - Mackie HR824 are 250 watts combined LF/HF) So let's say each monitor must be more than 200 watts combined LF/HF, and have 8" (-ish) plus woofer, not 6".
The Behringer B2031A can be found, new retail, for as little as $300 to a high of $360 per pair. Interestingly B&H Photo has consistantly had the lowest price of 300 over the years, but now suddenly today their price is 393.99. So I'm not sure what is going on there. There was previously talk about the B2031A going away, but it is still listed as a current product on Behringer's website, and I see no shortages of them in the market.
The Mackie HR824MK2 are generally about $650 each (for the sake of comparison lets assume buying a pair for $1300). Let's please leave out discussions of older American made HR824 vs. HR824MK2 - and assume we are buying brand new, in box, current production, etc.
I only have experience with the Behringers, and I am impressed. Takes a little tweeking of the the hi frequency input level pot, etc. to get them right. And they sound best when coupled with a good sub to take some of the load off the 50-80 Hz range.
So my question is - just how good must the Mackie's be to justify spending $1300 per pair verses $300-360 per pair, especially considering if one feels they need 12-24 [each] of them ?
The Behringer B2031A can be found, new retail, for as little as $300 to a high of $360 per pair. Interestingly B&H Photo has consistantly had the lowest price of 300 over the years, but now suddenly today their price is 393.99. So I'm not sure what is going on there. There was previously talk about the B2031A going away, but it is still listed as a current product on Behringer's website, and I see no shortages of them in the market.
The Mackie HR824MK2 are generally about $650 each (for the sake of comparison lets assume buying a pair for $1300). Let's please leave out discussions of older American made HR824 vs. HR824MK2 - and assume we are buying brand new, in box, current production, etc.
I only have experience with the Behringers, and I am impressed. Takes a little tweeking of the the hi frequency input level pot, etc. to get them right. And they sound best when coupled with a good sub to take some of the load off the 50-80 Hz range.
So my question is - just how good must the Mackie's be to justify spending $1300 per pair verses $300-360 per pair, especially considering if one feels they need 12-24 [each] of them ?
Bob Collins