M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair)

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I got these monitors, in conjunction with a powered subwoofer, to use in a 2.1 setup for my computer. I came from Klipsch Promedia 2.1, so that is my basis for comparison. Compared to the Klipsch, these monitors produce much more sound. Don't be fooled by wattage - there is much more volume on these than the Klipsch 2.1 satellites, even those I believe the Klipsch rate theirs at more wattage. The sound from these "carries" much farther than the Klipsch did - I can easily hear them throughout my house. I'm not sure if that's just because they're louder or something else, but I guess I didn't expect that since these are also considered "near-field" speakers. I can't really comment on how well they carry base because I put 100 Hz high-pass filters on them to keep the bass off of them. I did listen to them with and without the filters, and the filters definitely cleaned them up a bunch, especially at higher volumes, so if you get these with a sub I suggest considering something similar. The only reason I gave them 4 stars is because I am getting some kind of hum/rattle from them at a certain frequency. I haven't pinned down exactly what it is (may be related to my setup somehow, or even the high-pass filters maybe), but it is a bit annoying.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I purchased these to use as high end PC speakers. I wanted something that sounded more like my powerful stereo system and not like the small typical PC speakers.

I had read reviews before purchasing but was amazed when I received them and hooked to my system. Hookup was very simple and everything you need is provided including good quality cables.

These speakers sound incredible; crips highs, nice bass (without a seperate sub-woofer)and a sound usually found only on floor speakers. I also like the fact that there is an easy to access volume control and a front plug for headphones.

Negatives ? None...these are the best value for the money and would also make great speakers for a small system (non-pc) like a dorm room system.

On a scale of 1-10 for PC speakers, these are a solid 10.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

very good

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

REVIEW UPDATE: I reviewed my purchase of these speakers on 4/5/2012. Sadly, I have to report that I am experiencing what a lot of other M-Audio AV-40 users on the internet have reported (just search 'AV40 crackling'); significant sound degradation due to crackling and weird left/right speaker volume issues in addition to a loud pop that is heard when the speakers are turned off after a period of time. It's a shame because I really did enjoy these speakers for the time they WERE working, which was almost exactly a month. So I feel I have to retract my previous review based on the fact I am now returning these and having them replaced with a different brand of monitor.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I use the AV 40's for video and audio editing for webcasts, podcasts and some broadcast. They are accurate and an exceptional value. I was surprised at the monitor's solid construction and performance.

I found that placing the monitors on an Auralex isolation pad made a significant difference in my tiny studio.

The included 3.5mm to RCA cable is short and poorly made. Mine was defective out of the box. I've replaced that cable with a Monster Cable and solved the problem.

Overall, I'm quite impressed with the monitor's performance and value.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

As an amateur music producer/remix artist I have been slowly building my home studio and these were perfect replacements for my old Logitech 2.1 speaker set. Bear in mind THESE ARE BUDGET MONITORS! You are NOT going to get the kind of sound you get from higher-end monitors BUT, on the lowest end of the cost spectrum these are probably the best active monitor set money can buy. POSITIONING is important... but you know that, right? ;) Angled in the correct way the AV40s provide excellent sound quality and good spectral range. I went back and remastered a track (I tended to master through headphones) and the difference was HUGE! I also appreciate the variety of I/O options available on these monitors. In my opinion, these budget-friendly monitors should more than satisfy the needs of the amateur/home producer.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I use these speakers both for iTunes playback (via an Apogee Duet) and as recording/playback monitors. To test them, I played several Steven Wilson-produced albums (Porcupine Tree, Opeth). Wilson has been featured several times in Sound + Vision magazine, for his audiophile approach to recording and mixing albums, and these recordings sounded amazing.

Are these studio-grade monitors? Of course not. But for the home recording hobbyist, or someone just looking for a decent pair of powered computer speakers at a decent price, look no further!

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

Awesome speakers for the price. I use the speaker for monitoring my guitar software and mixing with DAW software.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

These speaker off great bass range for their class. The aux input, powered design, and easy headphone jack are a perfect companion to a Post Production NLE setup on a budget.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I currently use these monitors for music production in my home studio. However, I pair the with some Behringer speakers to get the "Whoom" in the Bass that they seem to lack. They Do have great clarity to them! That includes everything from the mid-low frequencies all the way up to the high-highs. In that aspect they sound amazing. They only really seem to fall a little short when it comes to the low-lows. Pretty Much once it hits 80Hz it begins to dim down and after about 60Hz and anything below its completely inaudible. This is the reason it is best to have some additional monitors with lower frequency ranges or a good sub woofer. In my setup for example, I Combine the AV 40 Monitors with some Behringer Eurolive speakers and I filter out the high frequencies in the behringer speakers so that they serve as the bass that the Av 40's lack. This gives you an amazing, very clean, full, and powerful sound.
So the bottom line is this:
If you plan to use them to produce hip-hop, dubstep, electro house, or really bassy music, pair them with some more speakers or a woofer to get some more low end.
If you plan on producing most other styles of music or using them for listening to music, gaming, watching movies, etc... they are just about all you need.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I use these speakers for watching my Samsung led tv and they are a great improvement. Require a burn-in period but after that very easy listening with clear sound & no speaker fatigue at all watching many hours straight. However, speaker internals are questionable. Check out internet for popping and humming potential problems. They have to be treated with kid gloves when turning on and off.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I didn't know how bad I needed these till I had them. The range of sound is incredible compared to my older system. I found myself remastering several tracks I've done over the years because I can actually distinguish all of the sounds that weren't quite right. This is probably the best upgrade I've purchased in years.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I use these in my home studio. Not the bass umph I hoped for, but a great sound for the amount of money I spent. I advise this product for people on a budget, but if money is less of a concern...go bigger.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I was very impressed by the sound and bass from a smaller speaker only putting out 15W. Can't beat it for the money!

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I use these mainly to play music. They get pretty loud but the sound is always clear. A little lacking in the bass department, but they are very small speakers after all. I sometimes hook them up to the TV as well. The power switch is on the back which is slightly annoying but not a deal breaker by any means. A remote would be awesome.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

these av40 monitors are fantastic. nice flat response. i bought these to replace my m-audio studiopro 3 set. they lasted me 7 years!!! these are the perfect replacement. perfect for the home based studio musician who likes to havethe option of a portable studio

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

Sounds great and get the job done for a low price.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

computer,ipod,cd player,television speakers
multiuse,great sounding
hard to carry around

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I got these to use as desktop speakers with my PC. The sound is quite nice compared to any set of 2.0 speakers I've heard and seems very precise and accurate compared to most inexpensive satellite+sub combos. The problem I have is a low-frequency hum. The sound is barely audible, but for someone (like me) who has spent a lot of money "silencing" their computer, it is annoying and hard to ignore. The hum (which sounds similar to a ground loop hum) occurs whenever the speakers are turned on, regardless of whether they are connected to a source. I don't think that my speakers are an exception... many forum posts seem to indicate that this problem is commonplace (expected even) on AV-40s.Anyway, the sound is excellent for a [$] set of computer speakers, but if you're sensitive to background noise or distortion, do NOT get these. As I'm an international customer (Canada) it would cost a significant sum to return these, so I'm doing my best to ignore the hum and enjoy the music.

Comments about M-Audio AV 40 Active 2-Way Desktop Monitor Speakers (Pair):

I'm in the audio business and these speakers are good for most of the computer based work Ido with audio production.