Monitor upgrade from Genelec 8040's?

[jono_3]

Just starting to look around for replacements for my Genelec 8040a's, Im not unhappy with them, but feel that my mixes are turning out a certain way as a result of their seemingly hollow middle and want to upgrade.

Budget ~$4K-$7K, currently looking at Barefoot MM35's and the yet to be released Focal SM9's. Any input from Genelec users switching to the Barefoot or Focal camp would be very useful. Thanks.

[kraku]

Don't change the Genelecs. Most monitors benefit from being used in conjunction with a second pair of monitors which sound very different. A perfect pair for Genelecs are the Avantone Active Mixcubes. They cost only a few hundred and take your mixes to a new level.

Avantone Active MixCube

I have Genelec 8250A's + Avantones and I'm very happy with this pair.

[mherrane]

I had Genelecs for 10 years, first 1030s then (the last 3 years) 8040s.

My mixes didn't translate that well, they always sounded better in Genelecs. problems with the very low end, problems with low mids, reverbs somehow "disappeared" in Gens. The thing is I was satisfied with my mixes "too soon". I changed them to Focal Twins. My mixes got better, then changed the Focals to Adam S3Xs, my mixes got MUCH better. Now I've had Adams for 1,5 years, I'm very happy with them. They "speak the truth", Gens always make the truth more beautiful than it really is (IMO). I know that Adams freq response is not truly linear but it doesn't bother me. I also have Avantones and use them quite a lot as a second monitor pair.

-- Mikko

[jono_3]

I actually did pair my Genelec's with some Mixcubes last year and was very happy with the gap they filled in the mids. I still feel like Im missing something in the Genelec's though. My bottom end always seems out of whack no matter what I do (and where the tracks are sourced) and I think I always mix everything to far back compared to a quality commercial release, although it sounds correct on the Genelec's.

I havent looked at Adam stuff at all, are you using the S3X V's?

[Jomox]

Most users use the S3X-H.

Check this thread out, there's allot of reading about the S3X, mainly all positive. They seem like amazing monitors, much better then the twins and most others in this price region so people say.

******//www.gearslutz.com/board/so-mu...-series-7.html

For me personally I would get the S3X-V's, actually dreaming about getting a set!

[superama]

I was super impressed with MM27s. I currently have 8050s. I will be replacing them soon. I find the Barefoots to be simultaneously more flattering and more critical than the Genelecs.

As far as alternate speakers are concerned I use Auratones, which to my ear sound rather sweet. A pair of passive Avantones sit boxed up in my office. I have also used the active Avantones which IMHO are even less useful.

[mherrane]

I have S3X-Hs. I heard the Vs as well and for my taste the Hs sounded better, somehow tighter in the lowend.

-- Mikko

[Jomox]

Originally Posted by mherrane

I have S3X-Hs. I heard the Vs as well and for my taste the Hs sounded better, somehow tighter in the lowend.

-- Mikko

I guess it's a personal thing, some on SX thread prefer the V's.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by superama

I was super impressed with MM27s. I find the Barefoots to be simultaneously more flattering and more critical than the Genelecs.

My experience exactly. I used to work in a small studio with 8040a's and while I can't say I disliked them, I felt there was always a bit of guess work going on.

After spending a year or so on them, I got the chance to work in a friends studio with MM27's and was absolutely amazed at how fast I can work on these monitors. Anything that isn't happening is quickly exposed. I'd love a chance to hear the (more affordable) MM35's if given the chance.

[tomdarude]

look for a used pair of ATC scm50a´s or scm100a if you can afford them.

Thank me later.

[jcc449]

Every speakers upgrade required the same amount of acoustic treatment upgrade.
the better speakers you get will result in more critical issues to deal with in treatment.

[Tube World]

Originally Posted by jcc449

Every speakers upgrade required the same amount of acoustic treatment upgrade.
the better speakers you get will result in more critical issues to deal with in treatment.

I agree 100% with what you said. If you can afford Barefoots, I strongly recommend while trying montiors out to try the 3 way Genelec 8260A's. You have the Genelec sound, but the depth, low and and definition is a huge step up from the 8040's. Here is a insightful review of them. Genelec 8260A

[bmss]

We have
Genelec 1037,8040 yamaha msp 10, JBL all series & ADAM s2, sx3v


Nothing like ADAM sx3, anything will be better out the studio

[jcc449]

Originally Posted by bmss

We have
Genelec 1037,8040 yamaha msp 10, JBL all series & ADAM s2, sx3v


Nothing like ADAM sx3, anything will be better out the studio

Good selection of speakers. I can make good mix out of any pair you mentioned above. (except JBL).

[invalidusername]

Lavry DA10 + Genelec 8040A + huge bass traps = i'm perfectly happy

i was thinking about the 8050, but the 8040 has enough bass for a small studio. more bass = more troubles.

room treatment > monitors