Are there really 'DJ monitors' on the market ??

Most DJs use near field monitors because of a few simple facts:
1. flat response speakers (they will not color the sound by themselves, but let you hear the music as it is mixed/EQed)
This is not the case with HiFi or Computer speakers, although there are some that are OKish.
The KRK entry level near fields color slightly, but for DJ use this is OK.

2. They direct sound to a spot (why they are called near field). So you can set them up easily as they will shoot the sound roughly where you point them. So as long as elevation and tilt are OK they work and you can use them at kinda close range without blowing your ears off (again why they are called near field).

3. The reproduction range is good on those monitors (usually 50Hz to 20k at least) and the whole reproduction range will be as flat as they can make it. So you will actually hear it.

4. You can use them at low volume settings and still get the full range of sound. So even at bedroom volumes the whole flat response thing at the expected range should work.

5. Due to their construction they are usually very forgiving with placement. So usually even when they are near a wall or angled etc. they usually do not create extreme reflections and you put a little isolating foam under them and you should be OK. You do not need to invest hugely into sound proofing the room unless you sit in a glass house.

So that is why you do not need “DJ” monitors as cheaper near fields will do. For production there are added issues and why producers tend to buy more expensive near fields, but for DJ use even lower end KRK Rockits will do all the above.

Now PA speakers… some do use them and it might be OK for some but they have a few inherent flaws, that make them less optimal for home use:
1. Usually they need a minimum volume to reproduce the same spectrum if at all.

2. They direct sound less and over a longer rangem, which is good for their intended purpose, but not optimal for home use as soundproofing your room is now suddenly a thing.

3. They are usually bigger and heavier aka harder to place.

4. They should not be placed near walls.

5. They do not work as good when not setup in their intended way.

That does not mean that you cannot make them work for home use, it is just a lot more difficult.

That is why for home use I recommend cheaper near fields like KRK (which I like best) or reloops.

I was just going to mention LD dave. Great speakers! For home practise and small parties you can use dave xs 8 – great, massive sound from small package!

The Dave’s are typical first generation units. Their new Curve series are a lot better already. And the new DSPs can handle the frequency hole better (there would sometimes be a dip between the low end speaker and the tops). And many other brands now produce them, most likely meaning that sound coloring will depend on brand and model.

What we didn’t even mention up til now, is that studio/DJ monitors have another quality that make them a bit less suited for the task of listening to while practicing DJ-ing and that is that they tire your hearing more. Hifi and PA speakers are produced and tuned to make them sound comfortable, so you are able to listen to them for long periods of time.

Studio speakers don’t have that luxury, their uncolored sound tend to leave your hearing more tired after a while.

Yet another thing is that (combined with the tiring bit) monitors aren’t really produced to go really loud. They can, but it’s not what they are tuned for. Most engineers I know will listen somewhere around the 80dB mark, which is far from loud. Sometimes when you are practicing you really want to get into the mood and turn your speakers up a bit. That is not where monitors shine.

Obviously ALWAYS take care of your ears. Protect them properly.