I actually have the AV40's - I needed some decent speakers on a bit of a budget.I've had these for 3 years now and I can't complain. Good sound quality across a good frequency. Not a huge amount of bass, if that's your thing, but I've connected a sub to them to fill out the lower end. I can't comment on the Mackie's from any personal experience, but the AV40's have served me well - through remixing, dj practice, watching movies and playing music in general.
Thanks think i'll be purchasing the av40's with a 10 inch monoprice 200w studio subwoofer that goes down to 20hz using it for mixing and bass heavy movies
no matter what you're looking, you should look to get studio equipment used. you'd be surprised at how much you'd save. studio equipment is not usually abused and is quite reliable stuff
I personally have Yorkville YSM6'S. if thats in your budget criteria. IMO theyre better then the KRK's by FAR!