This post got me interested a while back, and I’ve been reading tests and reviews of these like a madman. All reviews I’ve read says these are rediculously underpriced/overspecced, and should be compared to monitors 5x the price. I’ve nearly not seen a bad comment about these, so I feel comfortable making the plunge. I’ll be placing my order by next week, if all goes according to plan.
I’ve found them at juno (uk, http://www.juno.co.uk/products/equator-d5-active-studio-monitors-pair/457891-01/) and Thomann (Ger, http://www.thomann.de/intl/equator_d5.htm) for about 300 eruro/pounds. That’s twice the price they are in the US, so I’m gonna buy them directly from their homepage. The shipping cost is a bit more from the us, but the total price will be a lot less than if bought from juno or thomann. If I’m not mistaking, I just have to pay (Norwegian) tax/vat in addition to the product and shipping.
I also currently have the Alesis M1 active Mk2, but they are collecting dust atm because of the dried out component, in both speakers. I plan to get them fixed by buying new powersupplies, as I’m no good with a soldering iron. I think the M1 and the D5 will complement eachother just fine for referencing. The guys at Equator are the same guys who made the Alesis’, the KEF Q-series and the founders of Event, iirc, so they most defo know their craft.
some highlights from reviews:
“if there’s a better speaker that’s even close to this price range, I haven’t heard it. The midrange has excellent definition, particularly in the upper mids - they’re smooth and non-fatiguing.”
Electronic Musician Magazine
“The D5 could arguably top a “$750 and under” small monitor classification; sonically, I agree that they compete with heavyweight competition from names such as like Neumann, Genelec and Focal, all of which are much costlier.”
Pro Audio Review Magazine
“The D5 studio monitor is high quality, low in cost, sounds fantastic, offers amazing detail and imaging, and is backed by a 60 day money-back guarantee.”
Tape Op Magazine
“I soon realized that something special is going on here.”
Recording Magazine
“This is a no-brainer: Buy these speakers. You will not be disappointed.”
Mix Magazine
“Precise, uncoloured reproduction is impressive enough, but it was the D5s’ mid-range clarity and detail - especially around the crossover point - that really grabbed me.”
Sound on Sound Magazine