Newbie question of the day:

What is the difference between studio monitors and good ole speakers? Moreover, I bought a pait of near-field monitors (BX5), and wanted to ask if y'all think these would be acceptable in regards to showing a documentary for about 40-50 people in a mid-sized room, or possible outside, but with everyone within close proximity of the speakers, er... monitors ... :)

Thanks in advance for your help.

My understanding is good studio monitors will provide an accurate reproduction of the recorded material and are, in general, have a flatter frequency response than home speakers. Near-field monitors are designed to be used within 5 feet of the listener or closer. I would imagine your BX-5s will sound great. they may not have quite the dispersion or sound field that room speakers have, but the sound itself should be excellent. I am not familiar with the BX-5s so can't comment on filling a big room with a lot of people, but if you place them above the heads of your viewers they should work, or so I would think. Mark