I've had experience with the Fostex PM0.5 monitors in my home studio, and they've served me well. In terms of sound quality, I find them to be quite balanced with a clear midrange and an adequate bass response, which is pretty solid for their size. However, for bass-heavy genres, you might notice they lack some of the low-end punch you’d get from larger monitors or those with a subwoofer.
When it comes to build durability, Fostex monitors are known for their sturdy construction. I’ve had mine for a couple of years now, and they’ve withstood regular use without any issues. As for value for money, they’re a competitive choice in their price range, often similar to models from KRK or Yamaha, but I personally lean towards Fostex for a slightly more neutral sound.
Regarding room setup, I’ve found that positioning them at ear level and equilateral to your listening position significantly improves the stereo imaging. Depending on your room’s acoustics, consider acoustic treatment like bass traps to manage low-end frequencies better.
Have you tried comparing them directly to other monitors? Hearing them in your own space could give you the best reference point for your mixes.