Fluid Audio FX80

These monitors look great, and I really wanted to love them - BUT...
There is an ever present hiss that you can do nothing about. People say they get used to it and it's not noticeable once you're playing music. Sure, if you're using these for playing music on a tuna boat and not using them as studio monitors, then ok, I get it. For me, the hiss was unforgivable, and even more annoying that it is there at all. The hiss is immediately noticeable when sitting down in front of the monitors with nothing playing through them at all. They're just powered on. Hissing.

When actually working on music - or listening to music at low volume, the hiss is some sort of floor noise that is present regardless of your volume setting on the monitor itself, so whatever you're doing through the monitors is a blend of that and the white noise. It doesn't go away. I don't understand how people could say, it becomes 'less noticeable'. I had to return my pair because I couldn't accept the monitors as a source of that amount of noise. These were not sequential serial numbers, or faulty in any way. The FX-80 is a noisy monitor and perhaps if you're working in a bigger room or something like that, it would be less of an issue for you. Unfortunately didn't work for me.

My last set of monitors were KRK RP5's which served me well until the inevitable "poof" the magic black gloop problem. Just to add that I bought them second hand so they worked for about six years.

Now I've entered the big league with the FX80's all I can say is OMG.

Even in my small suboptimal room they sound wonderful. Imaging is superb and with very detailed mids and crispy highs.

I really like the "monolithic" design aswell. A reassuring presence sitting either side of my 40" LCD.

Oh, and they're bloody loud too.

My first home studio monitor purchase, so I am not comparing these against any other. But I am an experienced musician, with lots of experience in high end studios.

I am very pleased with this purchase. The stereo imaging is amazing at any volume level. The sound highs are smooth and not fatiguing over long periods. Plenty of low end response, they pack a punch. Standby mode is great and very smooth when you wake them up with audio, no sudden shocks! They are also very quiet, absolutely no hiss or hums through my setup.

They look great, quite modern and sleek. They aren't too greedy with space on a desk. I also purchased the Fluid Audio monitor stands, which are sturdy and look quite good in tandem.

Overall for the money, I think it must be hard to find a better pair of monitors in this price level. I did my research and considered every option out there before purchasing these. I would recommend them to anyone in a mid/large size room.