Since I began mixing, the most important thing I learned about sound (in studio), is that it is always a compromise between what a monitor speaker can deliver in term of frequency response and how the room affects that response.
I started out with a very cheap pair of 4.5" monitors, because I was not sure that there was this massive difference between a normal speaker and monitor one. Never changed my mind so drastically!
Since then, after a couple of years, I wanted to upgrade my monitors to achieve a wider frequency response (especially on the low end) and a better stereo imaging.
I tried lots of monitors, Yamaha, Adam, and many other main brand on the market.
I have to say that I actually COMPARED each and every one of them with my previous monitors. I know sound is a matter of taste, that you get used to your speakers after a bit etc.
But what it's real is that i never found that significant gap to leave my old monitors and spend that much money instead!
Since i tried GENELEC.
They are just phenomenal.
They really adapt to your room.
They really perform great.
I hated my old monitors after only ONE listen. (And I'm really sorry about that honestly 'cos I loved them).
Even if they are 5", they sound BIG but not boomy, they are extremely revealing on the high freq. and they are not coloring anything in the mids (which is a really rare characteristic to find in monitors even around that budget!)
So yes, they are expensive.
But if you are still studying and you have a not treated room, or you change mixing location quite often (like me), then GENELEC with the GLM software is the only option for you.
You can really hear the difference!
The software is easy to use, the monitors are just extremely well built, solid, extremely accurate and they feel great overall.
I did a before and after calibration comparison, and I have to say that it is a pretty unique experience.
If you are serious about sound, if you are looking for extremely flat and true response, these are the monitors for you.
The only thing I have to say is that they ARE great, they really are. But don't expect miracles: if your room has serious problems like odd reverbs or weird sound reflections they surely will help on the freq. response but they won't change a s**t room into Abbey road.
By the way, even if I was a bit skeptical about the price, I immediately changed my mind.
A very, very good investment.
What this bundle can deliver is priceless if you really love sound.