I remember, just a few short years ago, when buying anything for your recording studio -- especially microphones, preamps, and monitors -- was borderline demoralizing for recording engineers on a budget. Budget-priced gear instantly equated low-quality, low-performance, and low expectations. My, how times have changed -- and it's thanks, in huge part, to companies like KAM Instruments.
The KAM Fidelio 6.5 high-definition studio monitors are a brand-new release for KAM, and are an outstanding example of a high-quality monitor offering pro-level performance at a relatively low price. How do they stack up? Let's dig in.
The KAM Fidelio 6.5 high-definition studio monitors are a brand-new release for KAM, and are an outstanding example of a high-quality monitor offering pro-level performance at a relatively low price. How do they stack up? Let's dig in.
Out of the Box
The first thing that struck me out of the box -- as with most of KAM's products -- is the outstanding build quality. The monitors are made from a very thick, sturdy wood; they're heavy, and feel extremely professional-quality. They're finished well, and definitely look way more expensive than they actually are. There's also the sonic advantages to the sleek design -- KAM tells me that the rounded corners work to diffuse high-frequency build-up from the tweeter. Surprisingly, the difference when compared to similar-sounding monitors of sharp-edged is audible to my trained ears. Score another one for KAM's design team.
Input Options
On the back, there's XLR, 1/4", and RCA connectors (while the XLRs are connected to my Benchmark DAC-1, the RCAs are connected to my Airport Express for iTunes and Spotify streaming). Another unique feature of the Fidelio 6.5 is the high-frequency adjustment on the back; you're able to give a +1db boost at 10kHz if you feel it necessary; however, I was really pleased with the high frequency response set to flat.
Aside from the EQ, a volume adjustment knob (offering a very wide range of control, up to +6dB gain) is attached. That being said... how do they sound?
Aside from the EQ, a volume adjustment knob (offering a very wide range of control, up to +6dB gain) is attached. That being said... how do they sound?
So, how do they sound?
To me, good monitors are very detailed without being excruciatingly honest; some monitors are detailed to a fault, revealing subtle distractions in your mix that'll easily drive you insane trying to fix. What I really love about the Fidelio is it's absolutely silky-smooth sound. From bottom to top, the frequencies reproduced come at you accurately, appropriately balanced, and with definition and impact where it matters most.
One common mistake that value-priced monitor manufacturers tend to make is an exaggerated low end response. These responses aren't faithful to the actual mix, and represent a several-DB boost in the low end that won't represent your program material truthfully. This comes from many consumers' opinion that strong, heavy bass is most desirable -- and the more bass impact for the buck, the better. Any audio engineer worth his salt won't share that philosophy, and it's obvious that KAM knows who they're making their products for.
One common mistake that value-priced monitor manufacturers tend to make is an exaggerated low end response. These responses aren't faithful to the actual mix, and represent a several-DB boost in the low end that won't represent your program material truthfully. This comes from many consumers' opinion that strong, heavy bass is most desirable -- and the more bass impact for the buck, the better. Any audio engineer worth his salt won't share that philosophy, and it's obvious that KAM knows who they're making their products for.
The low end response on the Fidelio -- stated to start at 41Hz, becoming linear at 50Hz and crossed over into the 15-watt tweeter at 2.6khz -- is excellent. The low end presents itself honestly, and there's definitely impact -- even if it's lacking the loud "thump" that you're used to with other speakers. For some users, that lack of immediate, over-the-top bass impact might be worrisome; rest assured, once you give your ears a chance to get used to the Fidelio's sound signature, you'll be extremely pleased with the low-end response; you'll even see why those speakers with heavy-handed low-end representation are a terrible match for a mixing studio. That being said, I'd love to hear the Fidelio with an expertly-matched subwoofer -- but out-of-the-box, the 50-watt woofer does a spectacular job on it's own.
Low-mids are reproduced with an exceptional degree of accuracy from the woofer; vocals and low-end instruments shine, giving an up-front, detailed sound signature; highs are reproduced effortlessly without being brittle, a common problem with many cheaper monitors.
I've listened to many hours' worth of material through the KAM Fidelios, and I'm a big fan. These are exceptional monitors at a great price. They're perfect for project studios, professional studios, and live sound, near-field applications. They're also happily at home as some of the best bookshelf speakers for personal listening that you can buy at the price.
The KAM Fidelio 6.5 are available directly through KAM Instruments' website, priced at $520 for a pair.
Low-mids are reproduced with an exceptional degree of accuracy from the woofer; vocals and low-end instruments shine, giving an up-front, detailed sound signature; highs are reproduced effortlessly without being brittle, a common problem with many cheaper monitors.
I've listened to many hours' worth of material through the KAM Fidelios, and I'm a big fan. These are exceptional monitors at a great price. They're perfect for project studios, professional studios, and live sound, near-field applications. They're also happily at home as some of the best bookshelf speakers for personal listening that you can buy at the price.
The KAM Fidelio 6.5 are available directly through KAM Instruments' website, priced at $520 for a pair.