External speakers for Sx900

[rikkisbears]

Hi, just wondering if there would be a sound  quality advantage in adding external speakers to my sx900.
Home use only so I don't need them for extra volume , just a case of whether or not it would sound better than it already does.
If so, any recommendations would be appreciated.

[Jeff Hollande]

Hey Rikki :

It is nice to hear your voice again.
Hope you are doing well.

If you are a frequent DAW user ( e.g. for editing, mixing, mastering etc. ), it might be interesting to buy a set of good sound quality " active " external studio speakers
and turn off your SX900 speakers.
But ... they are rather expensive, though.

If not, I think your present SX900 speakers are doing their job very well ... but who am I ?

Best regards from The Netherlands, JH

[ton37]

Hi @Rikki, the SX900 is known for being equipped with some very good speakers, which you can certainly get along with as a home user.
But there is always room for improvement and that largely depends on taste and hearing.
If you want to make it sound a bit fuller for yourself, a few external speakers are always a nice and useful addition to pimp the sound.
And there is a lot for sale there. Brands such as Bose (pass/compact), Yamaha, Maudio, Logitech etc. etc. and in all price ranges.
I myself have a pair of Logitech speakers (Z2300/2-1) and they sound fine. You would also be fine with the logitech Z6xx (2-1) series. Both THX certified and enough RMS.
If you want to make yourself a little more comfortable, purchase a (digital) stereo mixing console. 6/8 channel would be sufficient. Then you can easily adjust the high, middle and low tones 'on the fly' with the buttons. That's a bit easier than with the EQ of the keyboard.
The keyboard also allows 'sub' connections, but that is a bit more laborious.
I hope this is of some use to you, others will probably pick up on this as well.

[Graham UK]

Pair of power speakers can drastically improve the SX900 sound.
To test Plug in a good pair of headphones will quickly let you hear the improvements available.

[RobertM]

Hi Rikki,
I've been using external speakers a long time now. My first were a pair of Behringer Studio 50 monitors. Recently I bought a pair of Yamaha HS-7.
Honestly, I still like the Behringers as, like you it's a home situation and don't need much volume. Also the Behringers are half the price of HS-7s.
Regards,
Robert.

[BogdanH]

I'm thinking about buying some external monitor speakers as well (for home use only), but I just can't decide. The thing is, I have no opportunity to check them out before buying. Yes, I saw "reviews", but it's like buying shoes: nobody can tell how they will feel on your feet.

I think SX700/900 has good enough speakers built in -for practicing and for small family party at home. For anything more than that, external speakers are a must have. One reasons why's that, is power. Everyone who knows a little about constructing high quality speakers knows, that saying "power is 10W", means absolutely nothing! To get the impression of speaker quality, more parameters are needed: sensitivity, sound pressure level, F3 frequency response, etc. In short: if comparing two speakers at power of 10W, it can easily happen that one will be twice as loud than another, and at much better audio quality at that. Power is "cheap" -no wonder everyone brags with it.

In that sense, I wouldn't say keyboards speakers (amplifier+case+speakers itself) have some "great" audio reproduction. But as said, it's good enough for enjoying at home.
However, for those who are into music production or are playing music in public, external monitor speakers (at home), is a must have. Because only in this case we can get the impression of how music will sound on stage... stereo reproduction for example: how are keyboard instruments (voices) placed on stage. And then there's frequency response.. Built in speakers can hardly reproduce low frequencies at even decent quality and so it can easily happen we crank up the volume of bass guitar in the style. But when such style is then played on higher quality speakers, bass (or drums) will literary blow away clothes of the audience.
I think, for reasons I've mentioned (and there's more), that's why TOTL keyboards have no built in speakers -because it's expected, that the owner will use (well placed) external speakers anyway.

Just sharing my thoughts,
Bogdan

[MadrasGiaguari]

Hello, with my Genos I presently use a pair of Yamaha Hs8 powered monitors, mounted on K&M robust stands, set with tweeters at my hears height.

They sound beautifully, and deliver convenient power without distortion, better than headphones. The main difference with Hs7 concerns bass frequencies, because of the larger size of the speakers.

About price, they cost much less than many other good quality monitors. And once you buy, you keep them for many, many years. 

Ciao

[J. Larry]

I'd recommend powered bi-amped studio monitor speakers, rather than normal PA speakers.  The sound is much cleaner and natural sounding.  With the SX 900, I'm having good luck with a pair of PreSonus monitors-----the Eris E5 XT.  There's plenty of sound for small groups and rooms.

[pjd]

I'd recommend powered bi-amped studio monitor speakers, rather than normal PA speakers.  The sound is much cleaner and natural sounding. 

This is good advice. Even the best PA speakers color the sound. I'm using Mackie HR824 studio monitors which I've had for ages.

I was pretty happy with the PSR-S950 built-in speaker system (another reason to prefer SX9xx over SX7xx). However, the studio monitors provide a more accurate picture and color of the mix.

Hope this helps -- pj

[rikkisbears]

Hi Jeff,
Wow, how are you, I think it's been years??  What are you playing nowadays. I sold my 3 , pax's when the sx900 came on the scene, and became a yammie user again after 10 years or so.
Been very happy with the sx900.
Haven't been around much this year due to health issues, but hopefully it's
sorted, and I get my results next week.
Then I'm going to get my speakers if all is well.
Doesn't hurt to do one's homework first. Haha.

Hey Rikki :

It is nice to hear your voice again.
Hope you are doing well.

If you are a frequent DAW user ( e.g. for editing, mixing, mastering etc. ), it might be interesting to buy a set of good sound quality " active " external studio speakers
and turn off your SX900 speakers.
But ... they are rather expensive, though.

If not, I think your present SX900 speakers are doing their job very well ... but who am I ?

Best regards from The Netherlands, JH

[rikkisbears]

Thank you everyone for your great suggestions, I'll do some checking on the brands suggested. Unfortunately I am in the same situation as Bogdan, no opportunity to actually go to a store to check them out, but I'm guessing there' s probably utube clips around  on some of these.

One more question, would one still need the Yamaha sub woofer speaker if I bought a reasonably good set of powered monitor speakers, or is the sub woofer really only of use to help boost the overall sound quality of the sx onboard speakers.

Thanks again.

[Jeff Hollande]

Hi Rikki :

It is late in the evening here ( Tuesday ). 
In Australia it must be early in the morning ( Wednesday ), right ?
I will send you a personal message tomorrow.
Bye for now, Jeff

[ton37]

Hi @rikki, the logitech Z629 set  has 2 speakers and a seperate subwoofer. Maybe a used one/secondhand?? They are (here) not so expensive, but they have an great sound as an addition to my sx900.

[BogdanH]

hi Rikki,
As for home use only, I was thinking about KRK Rokit RP5 G4 or Yamaha HS5 (my room is kinda small and I'm on budget). I watched some videos on Youtube and I think both are good value for money (by assuming they sound decent).

About subwoofer.. I have (excellent) Yamaha YST-SW160 that I bough many years ago and so I think I can talk from experience. Now, do you need one for keyboard (for home use)? Short/quick answer would be: no. And longer answer, it depends...
The thing is, subwoofer is not for making more bass/drum "punch" -it's needed to play low frequency that main loudspeaker can't. Now, if you check what lowest frequencies mostly used instruments produce, you'll see, that there aren't that many that play sounds below about 50Hz. On the other hand, some of instruments that do play frequencies well below 50Hz, are quite often used: piano, organ and bass guitar for example.
That is, if you wish perfect sound, then subwoofer can do the job -if adjusted properly! But instead of that, you can decide for a bit bigger studio monitors, which have 6" or 8" woofer.. in that case you can expect great sound even at very low frequencies.
That is, don't just buy subwoofer: buy main speakers first and then decide.

Bogdan

[mikf]

Some people love bass heavy music, but for most of us good 4 inch or 5 inch monitors will produce enough bass without a sub woofer in a home even small gig setting. You are likely not too bothered about professional level mixing, just a nice full sound.
There is great choice out there and a wide range of prices from great value MAudio around $100 per pair up to the superb Genelecs at more like $1000. The KRKs that Bogdan likes are great, so are Mackies, JBLs ......could go on and on. Like single malt Scotch, there isn't really any bad stuff  just what you like and what you want to spend, so try to hear some first. But all will be a significant upgrade from the internal speakers.
Mike

[TiasDad]

I use a pair of M-Audio BX5 D2 near field monitor speakers which sound great in my small bedroom studio. I notice the D3's are out now for only £80gbp on Amazon. A great choice at a cheap price

[Jeff Hollande]

Hi Rikki :

As promised I have sent you a PM. Receipt has been confirmed.
Best regards, Jeff

[rikkisbears]

Hi @rikki, the logitech Z629 set  has 2 speakers and a seperate subwoofer. Maybe a used one/secondhand?? They are (here) not so expensive, but they have an great sound as an addition to my sx900.

Thank you Ton, I will check them out.

[rikkisbears]

Some people love bass heavy music, but for most of us good 4 inch or 5 inch monitors will produce enough bass without a sub woofer in a home even small gig setting. You are likely not too bothered about professional level mixing, just a nice full sound.
There is great choice out there and a wide range of prices from great value MAudio around $100 per pair up to the superb Genelecs at more like $1000. The KRKs that Bogdan likes are great, so are Mackies, JBLs ......could go on and on. Like single malt Scotch, there isn't really any bad stuff  just what you like and what you want to spend, so try to hear some first. But all will be a significant upgrade from the internal speakers.
Mike

Thanks Mike,
basically I'm just after a nice overall sound.
Might be worth mentioning the type of styles I use, ballads, movie, jazz, ballroom, Latin,  basically easy listening sort of stuff,  ( I'm stuck back in the 40's ,50's 60's haha)  so maybe too much bass wouldn't be ideal ?

[rikkisbears]

I use a pair of M-Audio BX5 D2 near field monitor speakers which sound great in my small bedroom studio. I notice the D3's are out now for only £80gbp on Amazon. A great choice at a cheap price

Thank you, my set up is only in a fairly small bedroom/studio too.

[rikkisbears]

Hi Bogdan ,
Thank you for explaining about a sub woofer, I had it totally wrong  in regards to sub woofer .  I thought it was to do with punchy  bass.
I mainly use piano sound as my lead instrument, so I may well benefit from having one  or  spend extra on a better set of   monitor speakers.
At least now I know what I need to look for.

I've never  before bothered to try and understand about frequencies etc.  30 years ago I had an expensive set of Tanoy's  and an amp for my early synths and keyboards,   but for many years now I just used the Paas speaker system for my Korg pa x's , it was convenient.

Thank you so much. I have a starting point. Might check out and see if there's specs on Clavinova's speakers , they would obviously cope with piano  very well? and see if there's  anything available with similar specs I. regards to frequencies. ( might cost more than my SX,  haha)

hi Rikki,
As for home use only, I was thinking about KRK Rokit RP5 G4 or Yamaha HS5 (my room is kinda small and I'm on budget). I watched some videos on Youtube and I think both are good value for money (by assuming they sound decent).

About subwoofer.. I have (excellent) Yamaha YST-SW160 that I bough many years ago and so I think I can talk from experience. Now, do you need one for keyboard (for home use)? Short/quick answer would be: no. And longer answer, it depends...
The thing is, subwoofer is not for making more bass/drum "punch" -it's needed to play low frequency that main loudspeaker can't. Now, if you check what lowest frequencies mostly used instruments produce, you'll see, that there aren't that many that play sounds below about 50Hz. On the other hand, some of instruments that do play frequencies well below 50Hz, are quite often used: piano, organ and bass guitar for example.
That is, if you wish perfect sound, then subwoofer can do the job -if adjusted properly! But instead of that, you can decide for a bit bigger studio monitors, which have 6" or 8" woofer.. in that case you can expect great sound even at very low frequencies.
That is, don't just buy subwoofer: buy main speakers first and then decide.

Bogdan

[BogdanH]

... I thought it was to do with punchy  bass...

Every good subwoofer can have "punchy" bass and it can also have "nice deep" bass. The experience mostly depends on music and the settings we made. While it's not really that important for "techno music" (as long there's a punch), proper subwoofer settings for real instruments music, is extremely delicate, to sound properly -to be "balanced" as we use to say.

I mainly use piano sound as my lead instrument, so I may well benefit from having one  or  spend extra on a better set of   monitor speakers...

Here's an image that shows frequency range of some instruments:


Typical (good) studio monitor speaker have a frequency range from about 50Hz (hopefully) to all the way up. What does that mean? It tells us, that we won't hear the lowest octave (C1) properly -not in the way how those keys sound on a real piano. The only question is, how important to you is the first octave? -and that answers the question about needing subwoofer or not.
All in all, as Mike said, I'm pretty sure decent studio monitors is all you need.

Bogdan

[Jeff Hollande]

Hi Bogdan :

Years ago, when I was regulary working in pro audio recording studio's, - ( during the good old analogue time ) - the subwoofer did not even exist.
2 professional / very expensive speakers were a must.
Nowadays ( the digital era ), high quality speakers are still needed to make a good recording, mixing and mastering.

Most people will agree the analogue sound quality of recordings from then were generally excellent, even today, right ?

Best regards, JH

[mikf]

I have a CVP 705. The sound system is good, much better than the speakers in your SX, but still not as good as even the lower cost 4 inch power monitors from reputable companies like MAudio. I wouldn't bother too much about specs, you just have to hear them.
Mike

[Jeff Hollande]

Hi Mike :

Buying speakers is mostly easily.
Hearing them is not always so easy though.

[mixermixer]

Ditto on home enjoyment vs studio use. Home enjoyment, just use the built in speakers, maybe add a subwoofer if you really want that "kick" in your sound. Studio use, I turn off the speakers or plug a dummy headphone jack in so the sound doesn't leak into the mics during recording.

[BogdanH]

Years ago, when I was regulary working in pro audio recording studio's, - ( during the good old analogue time ) - the subwoofer did not even exist. ..
2 professional / very expensive speakers were a must.
Nowadays ( the digital era ), high quality speakers are still needed to make a good recording, mixing and mastering.

Most people will agree the analogue sound quality of recordings from then were generally excellent, even today, right ?

Best regards, JH

Excellent point Jeff! -and I also agree with the rest of your post.
We should know, that separate subwoofer is actually an "emergency" solution. They became popular in mid 90's, with "home theaters" coming to market. That way it was much easier to find good room placement for (small) satellite speakers and just putting subwoofer somewhere in back. And in home theater system, subwoofer was/is mostly because of punch: eartquake, explosions, etc. -where one can actually feel the pressure on chest.

For music however, we need "smooth" (yet still powerful) sound -that's why subwoofer adjustment is critical. As for music, there's important subwoofer disadvantage: it's in mono! You place bass guitar a little left on stage in style? Well, it won't work with subwoofer -bass will be wherever subwoofer is.
For most cheap 2+1 systems, there's not even specified where cutt-off frequency is. And so, it's quite common that "subwoofer" plays everything up to 200Hz (or even higher). Means, alt saxophone, for example, will also come out from subwoofer.. you wish to have have sax on the left side? Move subwoofer to the left.
In short: for music reproduction, only a pair of decent loudspeakers should be used.

Bogdan

[Dupe]

Can't offer a recommendation, but reading your post made me smile, and  reminded me of the years way back in the past. As an electronics engineer, I worked for a Hi Fi retailer who stocked top of the range sound systems. Back then we had a large listening room set aside, with a range of speakers turntables and amplifiers all of which were controlled through a switching comparator. The idea of coarse was to demonstrate the tonal differences between audio products. We don't all share the same ears of coarse, being able to listen to a range of speakers was at that time an excellent guide and "ears opener"! I remember visiting a company that produced spun concrete water pipes. These were around 4ft high and we installed an upward facing dual cone driver_ about 6 to 8 inches in diameter, mounted in a sealed plinth in the top rim of the column. These speakers sounded great, despite being unusual.
Advantages.. Excellent bass response,  and you could paint them to match your living room.    Disadvantages.. Risk of a hernia, and unsuitable for suspended floors.
Happy days. Dupe

[rikkisbears]

I have a CVP 705. The sound system is good, much better than the speakers in your SX, but still not as good as even the lower cost 4 inch power monitors from reputable companies like MAudio. I wouldn't bother too much about specs, you just have to hear them.
Mike

Hi Mike,
thank you for that, I was wrong in my assumptions again. Would have thought they would have a really brilliant set of speakers in the Clavinova's. Gives me hope I can get something decent without spending an absolute fortune. Unfortunately , I have no hope of hearing them,  nearly 3 hours to the music store  and 3 hrs.  home. Hubby is brilliant with indulging me in my hobby, but not that keen on driving those long distances nowadays.  Even have to buy my keyboards without seeing them ( except on utube) . Wasn't disappointed with my sx900.

[rikkisbears]

Hi Guys, thank you so much. Think I will give sub woofer a miss , and spend that bit extra on the monitors if required.
Learnt a lot thru this thread.  Stuff that had basically never interested till now.  My old analogue Tannoy system was recommended to me by my keyboard salesman at that time. Figured he knew what he was talking about, because I sure didn't.  From those I moved to the Paas speaker system for the Korg PAX's. They were convenient being attached to the keyboard itself and didn't look unsightly in the living area. Now that I have a music room to myself, I can have external speakers again, hence the question.
Really appreciate your help guys.