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Customer Reviews for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Model: Studiophile AV40
SKU: 8256503
UPC: 724643112929
These 4" bookshelf speakers feature Optimage III tweeter waveguides for enhanced sound imaging. They add rich, deep audio depth to desktop production jam sessions, portable video game systems, portable DVD players and more.
Average Customer Rating:
4.5
out of 5
(21 Reviews) 21
Rating Snapshot 21 reviews
5 stars
16
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
3
1 star
0
86% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
18 out of
21)
Customer Reviews for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Review 1 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Not very suited for gamers
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: Elchinophil
from Chandler, AZ
on 08/24/2011
Value for Price
3.0
Sound Quality
2.0
Durability
4.0
Craftsmanship
4.0
What's great about it: They sound good loud
What's not so great: Bulky , Bass can't be controlled , volume give is very limited.
If your looking at these speakers for gaming look else where. The volume has very little give it's either too low or too loud. The Best Buy person actually warned me about the give problem as well as the bass. If the bass is on the high side and doesn't seem to be balanced with the rest of the noises.
I ended up getting the Logitech Z623 ( which is 2.1 system ) they look more sleek and i'm happy that I returned the monitor speakers and got the logitechs.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-2points
0out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Great for the budget minded!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Recordomuse
from Fernley
on 08/22/2011
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Durability
4.0
Craftsmanship
4.0
What's great about it: Great value--easy set up.
Plugged these things in today and they work great for playing music off of my computer; I run the stereo jack into the front of the M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers. I also record using Ardour an Ubuntu Linux based program. I use an Alesis firewire mixer with it. I use the RCA jacks coming off the mixer for the M-Audio Speakers, so I don't need to switch inputs back and forth. I think the sound is excellent for both purposes--great value.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Disappointing
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: Michael2011
from Salt Lake City, UT
on 08/07/2011
Value for Price
2.0
Sound Quality
2.0
Durability
4.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
What's great about it: Nice build quality, upper midrange is detailed and sweet
What's not so great: Lower midrange and low bass are muddy and sound awful.
I really wanted to like these. I purchased a pair to use as speakers for my computer with occasional home studio use.
I did the research online, and bought a pair based on the seemingly unanimous opinions that these were great little speakers.
I set these up per the recommendations (8-12" from the wall, away from corners, etc) and with great anticipation, began playing some of my lossless recordings.
The first track I played began with some delicate acoustic guitar followed by vocals then full accompaniment (bass, drums, etc). The guitar sounded sweet and enticing - I was impressed. sadly, the moment the music included lower midrange, the speakers rapidly sounded muffled and "crowded". Bloody awful. I tried about 10-12 different songs, and the result was the same, regardless of my attempts to change the positioning and/or sound card settings. I had a headache from listening to these.
I did the research online, and bought a pair based on the seemingly unanimous opinions that these were great little speakers.
I set these up per the recommendations (8-12" from the wall, away from corners, etc) and with great anticipation, began playing some of my lossless recordings.
The first track I played began with some delicate acoustic guitar followed by vocals then full accompaniment (bass, drums, etc). The guitar sounded sweet and enticing - I was impressed. sadly, the moment the music included lower midrange, the speakers rapidly sounded muffled and "crowded". Bloody awful. I tried about 10-12 different songs, and the result was the same, regardless of my attempts to change the positioning and/or sound card settings. I had a headache from listening to these.
For context, I am an audiophile with many years of experience with systems ranging from $10k to over $300k and these speakers lack the very basic qualities that should be reasonably expected at any price point.
I would particularly recommend against these speakers for critical monitoring and music production (which is what they are allegedly designed for). Look elsewhere, or cough up the additional cash to get some of the monitors that M-Audio has made their solid reputation with.
I returned these and decided to avoid studio monitors in my price point (sub $200). Instead, I chose a set of the Harmon/Kardon SoundStick III, and am extremely happy with my choice. The HK's are hands down better in all areas for about the same price.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
+1point
6out of 11found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Need To Get Me Some Bass
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: ralphh909
from So Cal
on 07/02/2011
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
4.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
What's great about it: Beautiful clear sound.
What's not so great: Need a subwoofer for great sound.
I bought these M-Audio AV40 for use at work. I spend the day indoors in my own office so I listen to music all day. I had a 2.1 system that was small and getting old so it was time to upgrade. After many hours of research I settled on these.
I agree with the comments that these are great speakers for music. The sound is clear and beautiful and you will hear the instruments as never before. Truly worth the cost. (Did find them at lower price so BB did price match. Got them at really good price.)
However as has also been mentioned, the bass may be lacking for some users such as myself. It is okay but my old 2.1 had a good sub so I guess I am hooked on bass. So I ordered a Polk PSW111 to get me those low sounds that I love. With the addition of the Polk sub, I now have a killer sound system that will last to my retirement.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Great Speakers!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: koolkid509
from Seattle, WA
on 02/26/2011
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
5.0
Craftsmanship
4.0
What's great about it: SOUND, extra bass switch, easy to hook up to anything
What's not so great: They could be a little bit more stylish like the Studiophiles.
Most people say these are too big for computer speakers but there actually not that bad. And the sound quality your getting is awesome, so their worth your every dollar.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-2points
0out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Not what I expected.
Customer Rating
2.0
Posted by: JustinSL
from Holmen, WI
on 01/28/2011
Value for Price
2.0
Sound Quality
2.0
Durability
4.0
Craftsmanship
3.0
What's great about it: Nothing.
What's not so great: Everything.
These speakers did not satisfy me for the price I paid at all. I am an aspiring musician so I did plan on using these as real monitors, not just your every day listening speakers. Trying out both ways, they failed miserably in my book. Returned and upgraded my memory and got security software instead. In replacement for the speakers, I ordered the Logitech Z305 clip on speakers for now, and I plan on saving up for way better studio monitors in the future to get the quality I expect.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-15points
2out of 19found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
OMG Do Not Buy!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: MrChapguy
from Seattle, WA
on 01/10/2011
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
Unless you want to hear everything that is on your recordings. Every chair that is moved by the violinist to someone humming in the background of my copy of Handel's Messiah.
The sound is beyond wonderful. Do you know how you spend $100s and $100s on speakers for you desktop? First you buy cheap ones, then you buy more expensive ones and then more expensive ones until you purchase these. Save your money and buy these first.
The sound is beyond wonderful. Do you know how you spend $100s and $100s on speakers for you desktop? First you buy cheap ones, then you buy more expensive ones and then more expensive ones until you purchase these. Save your money and buy these first.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+11points
13out of 15found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Bit the dust after 1 year 8 months
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: JZBASS
from Texas
on 12/23/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
1.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
What's great about it: Sound quality, Impressive power for the size!
What's not so great: Bad solder joints = Poor quality control = Protection plan
Actually all of the positive reviews sum up all of the positives about these speakers. I say bit the dust, well not completely since they still worked. The first sign of trouble was a slight hiss "White noise" out of the right speaker with no inputs I thought ok fine i'll live with it. Then I noticed when I powered them off the same right speaker would pop, thump or whatever you want to call it. The last sign of trouble was when cranked up the same speaker sounded distorted as if the woofer was acting up or blown. Well long story short, I didn't think I needed the protection plan so I didn't buy one so I started by checking the output from the left speaker with a spare lying around and there it was, the amp seemed bad so I yanked it apart and started checking the usual stuff and didn't find the problem until I powered it on apart and started checking the solder pads that looked the worst and there it was so I resoldered it and all is well again. So why did I give it 5 stars, simply put they sound awsome! I worked in the Pro Audio repair business for a couple of years and saw the same stuff all of the time. I bought these in 2009 so this problem should have been fixed but just a heads up for the PPL having this problem.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Great sound
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: romas
from Hawaii
on 12/20/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
5.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
What's great about it: They kick as.!
What's not so great: I didn't have them sooner
Read plenty reviews and decided to give these a shot - glad to say not at all disappointed. These speakers turn your pc into a great sound system and the clarity and depth of the music is sick! They are a bit bigger than your average PC speakers, more like your average bookshelf speakers. who cares - they rock!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Great speakers for a PC and more!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: ALL4SPL
from Orlando, FL
on 11/23/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
5.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
What's great about it: Well built, great sounding speakers!
What's not so great: They aren't free :)
Ok, so I have been using Logitech speakers for my PCs for years. Then after finally deciding to do some research into a better performing speaker for my PC to listen to my music as well as watch movies from I came across these. After speaking to a few people who I know in the Music business (editing/mixing/etc) I was given a good recommendation to buy these. My previous speakers were a 5.1 set of logitechs now they were not "cheap" but they weren't over the top expensive either. With these M-Audio AV40s you get every dollars worth. The come with speaker cable, 3mm to RCA cable and a standard 3mm to 3mm plug cable. So connecting to your PC is easy if you have even a built in motherboard sound card.
These are very solid, well built monitors but not only that they sound incredible. I am somewhat of an audio nut, I have a fairly high end car audio system(JBL/Alpine/Soundstream) and I have been involved in the car audio industry for over 22 years in many different facets. These monitors as I said sound great, the highs are nice and crisp without making your ears bleed, the lows are not over powering, granted I still use a dedicated subwoofer but some may not need that.
I have also recently coupled my AV40s with a smaller pair of AV30s which are equally as impressive as the AV40s. As for surround sound, it's still very possible with these speakers I would simply need to find a suitable replacement center channel, however after watching several movies I wouldn't say it's required.
If you are shopping for a new set of computer speakers, look NO further! These are amazing for the price, durable, well built and great sound all for a price very comparable to others on the market for a PC. If I had to say something bad about these speakers it would be nothing, because they are well worth the price.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
I love these speakers
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: lobb152
from Littleton, CO
on 10/11/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
5.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
What's great about it: Look, Price, Sound, Feel well made.
What's not so great: They are bigger than most computer speakers.
Took about 2 mins to setup. I'm listening to them now. They sound great. The bass is great sounding without the bass boost. I was going to buy the Audioengine 5's but they were twice the price. They look good and feel solid. I really really like them.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
This is GR8
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: jeannypooh
from New York, NY
on 10/07/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
4.0
Craftsmanship
4.0
What's great about it: sound quality. price.
this is my first audio of my life.
ive done tons of research for like more than a month.
and i decided to get this audio and im obsessed.
the sound quality is greattttttttttttttt
ive done tons of research for like more than a month.
and i decided to get this audio and im obsessed.
the sound quality is greattttttttttttttt
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Really good Studio Speakers....
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Pulkit
from Aliso Viejo, CA
on 09/06/2010
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
5.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
Love Them....Good value for money...!!!
Don't think I will be replacing these speakers anytime soon :P
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
High Quality!!! Exceptional!!!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: RJM222
from Whittier, CA
on 05/10/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
5.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
What's great about it: All the music is there! Everything. Highs, Lows, Mids. This is professional grade equipment
What's not so great: Power switch is on the back, Bass boost switch is on the back
Well constructed; these are professional sounding monitors. You get all of the sound without any distortion. Smooth delivery at all frequencies, with excellent imaging. These replaced a Bose Companion 3 speakers which rely heavily on the base unit to balance out the mids and lows. They had tinny highs and boomy base. The AV40s have great natural highs and solid base. My purpose in buying these was to hear all the instruments in music; get all the sound from movies; and have a good gaming sound system with only two speakers. These are as good as home theater speakers.
These will satisfy anyone who demands great sound.
These will satisfy anyone who demands great sound.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
4out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Amazing...'nuff said!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: chefdan711
from chefdan711
on 01/12/2010
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
5.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
What's great about it: everything...hi low mid all incredible...super bass even without the bass boost...great system all around
What's not so great: power switch on back
You will love these speakers! Straight out of box they are fantastic!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
2out of 3found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Audiophile-quality sound for your desktop
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Jim388
from San Francisco, CA
on 12/28/2009
Value for Price
4.0
Sound Quality
4.0
Durability
4.0
Craftsmanship
4.0
What's great about it: Smooth highs, tight bass, accurate sound reproduction
What's not so great: A bit pricey
If you're ready to migrate away from the exaggerated bass and shrill highs of most sub+satellite desktop speaker systems, then the AV40 is an excellent choice. I've owned mine for 3 days now and here are my findings. 1.)These are meant to be monitors, meaning they are designed to reproduce sound as accurately as possible in a rather small listening field (in front of a computer or mixing board). While they are certainly loud when coaxed, they are not rock-the-house speakers. For my apartment, though, these are loud enough to get me in trouble with property management. 2.)They are directional speakers, meaning you need to position them near ear level and angled-in towards you. The instructions are quite clear on how to do this. If you want a speaker system that just sprays ill-defined sound all over the listening field, then you're better of with a Creative or Bose system. 3.)When properly positioned (as outlined in the instructions) you will hear subtle nuances in your music that weren't there before in your previous desktop speaker system. Vocals have new clarity and highs are smooth and easy on the ears. 4.)Many reviews say these speakers are flat. In essence, that is somewhat true out-of-the box. I think they are simply set-up that way to accommodate the varying output from sound cards to mp3 players. The speakers sound perfect with my iPod Touch, but need a bit of EQ tweaking with my low-end desktop sound card.
Overall, these speakers provide the highest quality, pin-point accurate sound for your desktop computer listening experience. If what you want is a speaker system with room-filling bass and abrasive highs, then you should steer clear of these and go with a traditional satellite-+sub system.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+8points
10out of 12found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Pretty good speakers
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: erik101
from Texas
on 08/02/2009
Value for Price
3.0
Sound Quality
3.0
Durability
4.0
Craftsmanship
3.0
What's great about it: Good, crisp sound
What's not so great: Sounds distorted when you put it loud and they're a bit pricy
I bought these today and overall they're ok. Not the best but ok. I thought they would be better for the price but no. The sound quality is good at a reasonable volume but it you like to turn up the volume they sound distorted. I'm thinking i might return them for some 2.1 speakers
I would recommend this to a friend!
-4points
1out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Excellent durable product, great audio quality!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: mkfamily
from Frisco, TX
on 07/10/2009
What's great about it: Audio quality, budget friendly
What's not so great: Power switch is located on the back
Crisp audio quality, durable case, budget friendly compared to other speakers such as Bose. It was easy to install. Not powerfull enogh for parties, but is loud enough for an apartment. Power switch is located on the back of the left speaker, not a big deal for me.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Great Sound at a Great Price!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: gates69
from Wisconsin
on 06/20/2009
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
5.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
What's great about it: Easy to set up, well built, good sound and powerful for their size
What's not so great: Nothing yet
I play a lot of Guitar Hero and Rock Band on my Xbox 360, so I was looking to get better sound quality then just my tv speakers. Well I must say that these little beauties do the job very well. Besides being well built and cool looking, they sound great. Plenty loud to fill up my game room. Do yourself a favor, and pick up a pair of these. You won't be disappointed!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for M-Audio Studiophile 4" Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Outstanding
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: CollegeGuy
from Kansas City
on 06/13/2009
Value for Price
5.0
Sound Quality
5.0
Durability
5.0
Craftsmanship
5.0
Video Review:
(click to see the video)
What's great about it: Superb Sound Quality, Great Value
What's not so great: None
These monitors are awseome. I bought them just to use as regular computer speakers and haven't been more pleased. To get the best sound though make sure they are level with you ears, so I'd suggest looking into a 6" speaker lift. Even without the lift though these sound incredible.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+5points
5out of 5found this review helpful.
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