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REVIEW: Mackie HR 824 Speakers

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Model: HR 824
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $1600
Description: Active bi-amplified nearfield studio monitors
Manufacturer URL: Mackie

Review by rk-d on October 11, 2007 at 08:58:17
IP Address: 74.234.26.94
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for the HR 824


This is a review of the mk2

I am running these speakers as part of a Mac based system with iTunes.

These are a two way speaker, roughly the size of a small microwave oven. They feature a cast aluminum 'Zero Edge' baffle with tweeter waveguide. The woofer is an 8.75 inch Vifa unit and the tweeter a 1 inch titanium dome protected by a fine mesh screen. The cabinet is an attractive piano black finished MDF piece that is heavily braced with little resonance. The backwave of the woofer is managed with an internal 6X12 inch mass loaded passive radiator. The internal amps are dual units, a 100w for the tweeter and 150w for the woofer. The crossover is active and allows fine tuning of the bass response as well as hi/low cutoffs. The speaker features inputs for RCA, XLR, phono and each has a good quality (generic) black power cord.

There is a lot of technology packed into these speakers and they are a steal by audiophile standards. I have them connected to my Mac with an airport express. These speakers have a "auto On' mode, which allows me to simply to press play in iTunes and the stereo fires up - very convenient.

Sound - These are fairly ubiquitous in recording studios and, accordingly, I bought these at Guitar Center at a very nice discount and tax free (GC is good about cutting deals). I spent an hour listening to the various monitors and chose these for my application due to their relatively forgiving nature. In comparison to these, KRK's are a more open with a tighter, but less pronounced bass. I chose these speakers to avoid earbleed with marginal Mp3s.

At home, I have been extremely pleased with these speakers. They have tremendous reserves of power and the bass is very good. Some may describe these speakers as loose in the bass compared to others, but with good positioning and use of the 'acoustic space' adjustment, I have tight, defined yet prodigous bass. No need for subwoofer here.

The treble is bit attenuated compared to some high end speakers, ie Thiel, and in that respect may be a little less 'accurate'. It should be noted, though, that since most popular music is recorded using these types of monitors, I have found that this type of music sounds leagues better than anything I've used in the hi-end domain. Furthermore, poorly recorded tracks are now enjoyable.

That said, I have no desire for more top end -- for me the Mackie's are at the sweet spot. They are strong, articulate and handle complex music and passages easily and coherently.

I have been having alot of fun with these monitors - they can definitely rock (great for parties), but are resolving enough to play soft, delicate music quite nicely. Excellent speakers that 'just work'. For ease of use, convenience and simplicity, this type of setup cannot be beat.


Product Weakness: compared to some ultra-resolving speakers like Thiels - a bit veiled
Product Strengths: powerful, resolving, dynamic, fun, forgiving


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: none
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): none
Sources (CDP/Turntable): iMac
Speakers: Mackie HR824 mk2
Cables/Interconnects: generic
Music Used (Genre/Selections): broad
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Mackie HR 824 Speakers - rk-d 08:58:17 10/11/07 ( 2)