chrissi and i used the alesis for 5 years and never had a problem with them. for the price you're getting what you pay for.

but then we got our mackie hr824's and jesus christ what a difference. immediately i noticed how less tired my ears got with the mackies. the bass was sweeter, the mid was less harsh - just a really beautiful speaker.

to be honest, when you're starting off i really don't think it's worth saving the extra for the best speakers - you're really not going to have enough knowledge about production to notice the difference. but then again, they always say, save up and get the best. i tend to agree on most things, but of you havent got the money, the alesis with be fine i reckon.