The Science Behind Mixing: HOW do you decide what speakers are right?

Hey guys,
Hoping you could shed light on how a sound engineer chooses the levels when mixing a song?
I know this is a total loaded question...but at least this can give you some direction on what I'm looking for in the answer:
My buddy and I are playing the music from M-Audio BX5a speakers.
With somethings, they sound great on there...
but then we go listen to them in the car, and the mix is wayyy off....
Often times the off part is the bass. It's hard to determine with the BX5a's if the Bass is at a good level, or if it's going to totally overwhelm all the instrumentals. (we're doing orchestral hip-hop by the way)
Any advice? Do we just need new speakers?
Thanks!
--Sean

Lots of good, sound advice here...
I think the biggest thing you can do, which may yield the quickest satisfactory results, will be, as has already been mentioned, to A/B your mixes with a CD that is similar in style/content.
Then, as you listen to your mixes in multiple environments, make sure you A/B in those listening environment as well. You'll learn nothing if you don't constantly make comparisons on ALL the systems you are listening on.
Beyond that, treating your mix room is a crucial thing to do. The company Auralex offers a free service, where you download a sweepable sine wave that sweeps 20Hz to 20kHz. Using the most neutral microphone in your arsenal, you record that sweep by placing your mic between your speakers. You send this file back to them, and they can tell you where the worst deficiencies are in your room.
Granted, this is a general observation, and obviously they will make suggestions to room treatments, in hopes you will buy their products. But at the very least, it will tell you what to be aware of when mixing.
http://www.auralex.com/
I have 3 sets of monitors from which to constantly be checking my mixes. Dynaudio BM6's, Yamaha NS-10's, and Avatone's. I am very familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of each... I know what frequencies should (or shouldn't) be popping out on each, etc...
I have been mixing for over 20 years. I'll let you know when I master it

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The Science Behind Mixing: HOW do you decide what speakers are right?

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