Monitor speakers pros/cons

I should have added more specific information, the processor is a Simaudio Attraction with stereo sub outs.

The subs currently are HSU VTF-3's(pair) and a VTF-2 on the center run from line level inputs. Might pick up a Outlaw ICMB and only use it only for the center.

Without going to unbalanced cables(the HSU are unbalanced)and using the subs crossover, which I think is a bad idea in practice, correct if I am wrong, the processor would be doing the crossovers. Or I could use the Outlaw for all the crossovers, I just don't think that would be a good idea. I would like to avoid using an outboard crossover.

I guess the analog bypass would be out the window in in this case.

If I crossed the subs at 90hz or 80hz could this overload the subs? I generally try cross as low as possible. The processor has x points at 50,65,80,90 and up.

I know the subs are not the best, just when you want to run stereo thing cost twice as much. Funny how that works...:)

Thanks all
Marty

Jameswei summed up things pretty well. However, I think once you get into $5K-10K full range speakers, many image very well.

One question for you. Are you sure about room size? A 600 sq ft room is pretty large. A room that is 30 x 20 is 600 sq feet. Some floor standing speakers may not even be capable of filling a room that large. BTW I've lived in smaller apartments than that!

In general, less than 500sq feet. The average room size, 600 is getting pretty big.

Good point on the 600 sq ft room... now that I just realized how large that is, you will need a rather large pair of speakers to fill that kind of space and don't think you will get by with a pair of monitors.

I don't have much experience with HT, so take this with a grain of salt. Monitors add the expense of stands, usually loose bass response for the same amount of floor space, need sub woofer(s) (my experience is that two are much better than one) and additional floor space, cables and sometimes amps and electrical outlets/conditoning(?). Can be very challangeing to make the whole system coherent. The benefits of monitors are that you often get more rigid cabinets, better imaging and you can "tune" to the room better by using sub woofers. Digital room correction can really help when using monitors and sub woofers. Good luck.