Elements to consider in a new monitor
When shopping for monitors, take the time to listen to them first. If possible, play a song you know well, (one of your favorite band, for example), so you can detect subtle aspects of the sound. If you are going to buy them online, use the trial days that online stores guarantee to test the sound, you can always return them if you are not convinced. You can also go directly to the physical stores in your city to listen to them there, if the establishment allows it. If your work will depend in part on the quality of the monitor, it is very important that you take the time to choose the right one.
We will first consider the volume that the monitor can reach without distorting the signal. The monitor should deliver a clean sound at the levels at which you usually work.
Second, make sure you have a good listening experience with the monitors. If you feel that “something is not quite right”, it means that there may be some frequency or element that does not match what you are looking for.
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Third, frequencies should be balanced at all volume levels. If you notice that the bass is overly imposed when you turn up the volume, or if the bass is lost when you turn it down, it means that the frequency responses are not optimal.