As someone who has used ns10s for decades, i can agree that every pair of ns10s I have ever owned have sounded different. they have all aged differently as well. As a recent buyer of these new CLA monitors, I can say that the CLA's are closer to some of the NS-10's than some of the other NS-10's were. I've been using the new ones for a few months now and the transition were pretty simple, it was like taking a time machine back to when you could go into a store and pick up some NS-10's.
The Avantone are really very focused on the mids. Sounds more "boxy" than the NS10. I can't tell if it's good or bad point. Thanks for the video comparison.
Prefer the NS-10s meself. The highs on the CLA sound very coloured. Though I did watch this on my TV with Dolby Surround and about 5 other useless sound processors 😵
I think the NS-10's sounded hyped in the treble, the CLA10's seem to keep it more controlled, yet detailed (through my Adam S3H's) I think one should really hear them in the same room to make a real decision though.
To me however.. It isn't a simple preference. To me, the Ns10's completely demolish the CLA in the mids/upper mids, which is what you want them for. It's not even close to me. This is a disappointment because I was thinking of picking up a pair of CLA's.
Original NS-10 sounds WAY better to me. CLA's sound very scooped while the originals are nice and open sounding. But man, do they sound different. They sound nothing alike! I bet HS-7's sound more like NS-10's hah! BTW, I owned NS-10s myself for about 10 years ;)
Yeah.. The commentary of this video seems totally off. If the NS10's sound like s***, the CLA's sound like s*** xInfinity. The NS10's sound far better, and in other demos like this. The NS10's mids are cohesive, where the CLA's sound like total diarrhea dipped cardboard. The only product CLA has endorsed that I think is truly spectacular is the Heritage Successor. That thing is awesome... Everything else seems like snake oil. The dude is even too afraid to reveal his 1176 mod to the public. At this point, he should just open up his box and show everyone without trying to monetize it. The dude is old and has enough money already. Time to let the cat out of the bag.
Idk about scooped, I think the CLAs just have way more bass presence, specifically that low mid range, which seems to make the comparison sound like the NS10s have more clarity since there is no competition of frequencies. I bet in person the CLAs should sound more balanced, being that they have more low end to them than the OGs. Which the NS10s are just über bright comparatively and thats due to their lack of bass, which has been the function, sound and purpose of the NS10s. In the end you can adjust and adapt your ears to these CLA10s and the sound info they're giving you, clearly not an exact replica, but not a terrible option for a pair of speakers that are meant to sound inferior/average, these are not Genelecs or Focals or insert any full range speaker system. I'd argue that since these seem to be comparatively inferior means they have a greater chance of producing some great mixes once you understand what you're hearing from them? Like I said, that was the whole point of the NS10s from the get-go, make it sound great on subpar speakers to translate across many different playback systems. Also, most of todays music has more need/want for low-end, so getting that bump could feel a bit more complete a bit more information for you to hone in the nuances of the tricky low-end. There is something to be said about those potentially +30yr old ns10s which have probably played thousands of hours of sounds to a brand spanking new set. Id imagine that more burn-in time on the CLA10s would loosen up that woofer and ease up on how much bass response it puts out.
Here is my takeaway. The mids in the CLAs might be a little more choked than the NS10Ms because the drivers are new and may need to be worked in a little. I could live with that. However, the tweeters on the CLAs sounded much more choked in the top end on the NS10s were more open.
Quite a difference in the highs. I've not worked with either, but it sounds to my ears the CL10 are like the NS10 but with something missing in the mid highs. (around 8K) If I didn't know better, I'd say there's some comb filtering going on. Which is of course not the case, but that's what it reminds me of. But, probably they're fine once you put in a few hours. Merry Christmas!
I agree the sticker look so cheap and too large comparing to the cabinet size! .. BTW it's normal for the old NS10 to sound smoother in the top end, because the component of the passive crossover do age over time and lose hi frequencies.
First off, like someone mentioned before in the comments, a slightly different angle of the mic or speaker can alter the sound tons. Plus, how do you compare the sound of a speaker that has been broken in for years and years of playback with a brand new pair that isn’t even been broken in yet? Give the CLAs a chance to be broken in first before judging.
Hello Streaky, very nice review, just one thing... did you use the passive or active avantone CLA for this review? That Issue could explain the huge sound difference with the NS10. I mean on that Kind of speaker design the volume of the enclosure is very relevant and I think the amplifier inside the speaker change this value drastically.
@@snapascrew You set your expectations based on his pronounciation of a name? Have you heard this guys work or seen his credits? Surely those things are more relevant.
The CLA one has taken away the usability and purpose of this speaker. The original had a clear and open upper mid range that made it easy to identity screechy upper mids in female vocals and hence you could tame them. The CLA ones have a weird unnatural treble going on that sounds boxed in. Every time the originals were playing on this video it felt like clear open air.
What ever you can say at the end , that was clearly the best way you could possibly find to destroy those CLA as they sond really crap in you comparison. Thx for that.
New one sounds much closer to the sound i would aim to mix, i wouldnt have thought the hi hats on the ns 10 would sit well so i feel id get better translation from the CLA10's personally. nice video was curious for a comparison, thanks!
hi man this is a super old video but i got a question so i purchased the cla10 active versions and they have a class ab amp in the back of them.. just stuck on weather to have the monitor gain in full and control with the interface like you would a normal pair of ns10s or if i should calibrate them to my room for a nicer listening experience thanks ! ps i messaged avantone they told me to max out the gain on the monitors and ajust my interface but having them at 50% volume feels better in my room … but then i guess they arent supposed to be a nice listen are they lol
I bought a pair of Studiospares SN10 monitors back in 2007/8 and they have been outstanding and hold up today as a good like for like on the original NS10 monitors. They have a MK2 version which I'd be keen to see how they stand up against the Avantone and Yamahas. The Studiospares are a hell of a lot cheaper.
hey streaky, do u think it is better to spend a lil more n get cla10 ? or just avantone mix cubes (which is a lil bit cheaper) for monitorin mid range. thnx in advance
Hi, I want to say sorry to waste your time, but I would like your opinion, as I would like to buy the Avantone Cla 10 speakers, (Yamaha are not longer produced) but only to listen my CDs. Do you think I can buy it or it is better I buy a hifi speakers?
Great comparison, though my ns10 sounds very different with different through different amps. What amp did you use with the ns10 in your video and did you use same amp for the avantone?
The highs sound shelved, 500hz to 1000hz is emphasized with a spike around 4000hz. The NS10s sound a bit flatter. Just depends how far you wanna go with "crappy monitors" to reference the real world. Most people listen to music on headphones, then cars, then cellphone speakers, then bluetooth speakers which have gotten quite amazing in the last 5 years. I dunno, it's all just a giant mixed bag and difficult to aim your mixes for. The most important thing to do is to actually take your mix everywhere you can and hear it from as many sources as possible.
The originals I get the full vibe of the mids... this is what NS10's are the good ... you focus on the main part of a song, the mids... other more full range speakers let you fine tune things and check the highs and lows better... but it is the mids you want the main vibe to shine through.
I noticed a massive total difference listening to this on my iPhone. I figured I should listen to this on my iPhone for very obvious reasons. The hand is completely different on the CLA 10 compared to the NS 10. The weird part is I’m so used to the NS 10 that my head went that’s how it should sound and then the new CLA was like OK that’s weird I don’t trust it. Try it.
It almost sounds like there is a brickwall lowpass at 16k on the Avantones. Woulda been interesting to play the yamahas thru a brickwall lowpass at 16k to see if they sounded the same.
I own three pairs of ns10's and they all sound a bit different probably because of age one pair has Brand New woofers and tweaters .... i own cla 10s as well and to me I they are brand new ns10's !!!! Excellent video !!!
so would you recommend me getting a pair of ns10s or the cla10 actives then? Im really on the fence. I could obviously replace tweeters and woofers if needed in the ns10s but is that pointless with the cla’s being available now??
@@nine27 I got the passives and I put them with a Yamaha pc 2002 m ... but I’m sure the active ones are good as well when I bought mine they didn’t have the actives available
@@nebstaism appreciate the feedback man. it’s always good to hear from people who actually own both verus people speculating and guessing that have no idea. I mean look half the people commenting dont even consider you need to burn them in first as well.
As one asked previously, curious to know if there was a burn in period for the CLA's before the comparison. And having a few years passed what is your take on them currently?? Thank you and keep up the great work!!
I don't understand why people say that these yamaha ns-10 nearfields like are flat( (also for hs5,7,8) . They aren't at all ! Look at the frequency characteristics. i.pinimg.com/originals/f9/86/ad/f986ad8df8695c52fac98492a429fb10.jpg And they sound terrible. But they ARE good to create good mixes, that's true (especially when mixing rock music).
Dude you are the best! So I have NS 10's, love-em and yes I was looking at these and was waiting for this review. While the sound wasn't bad from the CLA's it was different enough that I'm gonna hold off. Was looking at a pair of used Proac 100's as a supplement and an eventual switch over but to be honest I just can let go of my NS10's. So yeah great review, crystal clear example and the perfect song to review with. Thanks for everything!
Does the sound difference comes from the woofer or the tweeter or both? Because there is a woofer replacement that claims to be the exact match for both the ns10 and the avantone.
Hey Streaky I would really appreciate your response on what Amplifier you used to power both monitors during this demonstration, thanks From Miami Florida
The yams ns10s are harsher in mid to tops which makes them much better for mixing imo. The cla10s sound more like basic home speakers that are trying to sound good, that’s not gonna help you hear any problems. I’m sticking with yams, dyns, and atcs. 🔊
Thanks for that comparison Streaky! Would be interesting to have both speakers analysed by Sonarworks and figure out the differences. I own 2 pairs of NS 10 and was just interested in knowing if the avantone parts would be spares worth considering... what's your thought on that? Peace and thanks!
At first I was surprised how different they sound, but the more I listened the more I realized they have a similar sound and I think I like the CLA's better. I listened to it on an old pair of NS10T's so I am getting unadulterated NS10age here.
Quite a few benefits when getting the cla compared to ns. Matched pairs, elements are available to buy seperately. Warrenty. So..i guess..if i want the ns 10 sound type of speaker..the cla are great. The hihat sounded awfull on the cla, so i will go for the cla 👌😉 thanks streaky! Merry xmas 🎄
Hi!Streaky.what amp you using to power your ns10?I saw you have Bryston 2b lp before in your video,could you do a video to talk about amp for ns10?THX!
Ditto! The amp you use with the ole NS10ms make them sound very different! Where the difference in between the 2 can be sauced out with different amps powering them! Well some of the difference, that old worn out NS10 sound doesn't become crystal clear like the new CLA's, but the frequency response can and will change depending on which amp your powering them with! For instance, when you switch from a Crown MicroTech to a Hafler Pa2000 it's night and day ! Sounds like 2 different speakers! And I'm sure it's similar with a Bryston, or at least I hope so since they cost 20x what a used Hafler DH220 costs! But I'll be dead honest, after hearing many different NS10's with Bryston 2's, and 3's(not heard the 4's yet)the difference with the Hafler is negligible for the money spent, IMO of course! And I think the Hafler with NS10 does a better job at what the NS10's are supposed to do! Save you money and get a set of Mixcubes! That's what I'm gonna do when mine go, after hearing the CLA's I'm not a fan. Was hoping I could swap out the Avantone speakers with mine! But now the needle says HELL TO THE NO!
Running through my own NS-10 originals and they aren't even close. There is the "dip" in the Org NS and the New NS is humpier and midier. Which is kind of the opposite of the Org NS-10. I wonder if the old box and the new speakers change things? My left Tweeter is going out, so I'm going to order a couple of originals to have on hand. Would like to know how the new speakers sound in the old box.
Hi there, Streaky! I have NS10 S myself but I think I want to change them since I make electronic music. I think to give a shot for the Focal Shape 65 which look really nice for this (affordable for me) price but I'm really sad that I have to sell the Yamaha's. Do you think this is a good idea? Any thoughts about the Shape model? Have a balanced Christmas and a mastered New Year mate!!!
It's a little hard to compare considering how worn those NS10s. But I am curious, how do you find the mix translation is compared to the original pair? That's really what matters st the end of the day
I listened to some Linn speakers the other day that were better than any higher-end pro audio speakers that I've ever heard in a professional studio before. Streaky - do you rate these 'audiophile' speakers?
I prefer the NS10, sounded more natural, the CLA got a dip in the high-mids and extended highs that messed things up! I got a pair of NS10M and they are the best things I ever heard so far!
I listened to this on my NS-10M's the originals. Mine were made in 1979, different speaker connections too, not the studio version that started production in 1980. There's a difference in those two as well. Mine has the glued seam, thicker paper, NS-10M Studio's, have the pressed paper, that is thinner! Anyway, what I heard, i'm still sold on the original NS-10M's. Nice comparison video mate !....By the way....I bought mine out of a local thrift paper for $10.00 in perfect condition, w/grills........Sorry to have to tell you that chap ! ;)
I have an original pair of NS-10s. I listened to this comparison through my $6,000 Studio Monitors. I like the originals MUCHO bettah!! No cut to the very talented Chris Lord-Alge. The CLAs sound much more mid forward to me thru my Studio Monitors. A hyped nasal quality whereas the NS-10s sounded like.... NS-10s. There's a naturalness to them that's easy on the ears for me. I could not listen to the CLAs for an hour, much less 12. Just my 2 pence.
Listening on airbuds on a tablet but hearing a huge difference. NS-10:s sounds open and nice actually while the CLA:s sound a bit muffled like the high frequencies were a bit lost or something like when your'e in a club...
Here's a funny question; don't they make NS-10 decals or something you could put over the Avantone logo? I have the same issue with these. They look like crappy Peavey knockoffs!
Great Comparison :) just bought a pair of NS10m Studio :) in Tokyo. Any video about BoomBox referencing? I'd love to watch that. i just bought a Sony ZS-3M. it's very famous in Japan. DO u have any BoomBox???
This video has just completely changed my mind on all monitors. I reckon you should use the speakers you have, learn them and reference in your car and EarPods/headphones?
That's really strange considering the CLA-10s should sound brighter according to their frequency response (as well as per Sound on Sound's article www.soundonsound.com/reviews/avantone-cla-10.
this particular NS-10 pair seems notchy in the high end... probably because of all the mentioned "frankenstein-ing" ;D (due different tweeter and cross-over probably?)
I'm finding listening to the comparison (which is kinda not evident in comparison to listening to them in person) that I am more accustomed to gaining a sound similar to the original. The other ones sound too clear and sparkly. I would be trying to mix that sound out a little, so it wouldn't be beneficial… although, on the originals would I be trying to add that sparkle too much? I feel like I would need both now hahahaha. Can you possible do a review on the Active set with the VTPC control. This is where you can take out some of that sharp high end. Would this make them more comparable? I'd like to know before making a purchase. I could get originals for less, but then there is the hassle of how long they will last before needing to replace things and those replacements won't be available forever. And the hassle of the what amp to buy. With the new one I would pay a little more, not much more, but I can keep them under warranty and get replacements that sound exactly the same each time I replace them. Plus when I need to move things, it's two speakers, not two speakers and a amp to move. Can you find out if the VTPC would make them much more usable?
If you hear these two and come to the conclusion the CLAs are in any way comparable, I'd question if there were financial motives behind the plug. I'm listening on a shite pair of monitors after a TH-cam codec compression, and it's still not even close. Take a frequency curve of both and you'll see the dips for yourself
They sound tiny bit muddy compaired to the originals. Don’t have the upper mid push as much. I would still love a pair, I wouldn’t mind the logo one bit, looks nice to me.
you cant possibly compare speakers by recording them with mics. slight different angle of mic or speaker will give you totally different sound though recorded mic. guess will just trust Streaky's word for it
sounds like different type of woods on NS-10 vs CLA-10 and the tweeter or crossover quality a bid different from one another. just wondering how inside looks.
Must be fanboys or paid trolls. The difference is like gold and poop color. They should have made it look like a totally different speaker, because it's definitely not the same or anywhere near close. The pro audio world is pretty small and it's easy to ruffle some feathers / hurt feelings, but sometimes, you just gotta be honest.
The cone material is very different, which might explain the huge lower mid difference, but you'd have thought they could match the highs a bit better. Epic fail really
To my ears the speakers labelled as NS10 sound like the tweeter is phase reversed with a huge notch in the upper mid. Not how I remember NS10’s at all. The ones labelled CLA sound like the tweeter is a lot more open and louder so more from around 2k upwards. Possibly too bright though - certainly emphasises the sibilance and Hi Hat. I really don’t understand some of the other comments, they seem completely the wrong way round to me. Is this possibly a re-uploaded version due to the labelling being the wrong way round in the original video?
as an ns10 owner would you recommend me getting the a pair or get the cla10 actives? I could easily replace the woofers and/or tweeters if needed but Im on the fence
@@nine27 I can't really say bro since I don't own a pair of the CLA's, for what it's worth though the NS-10's shouldn't blow no matter how loud you have them if you're using them nearfield. I've had mine for like 3 years now and I play back pretty loud, never had an issue with woofers or tweeters blowing.
@@NathanOrlick appreciate the feedback. you can get replacement woofers and tweeters if needed so thats not an issue. at this point its really I guess a matter of preference
Bang On !?! I beg to differ, the NS10 sound better. When you were switching back and forth the cla sounded as if we had stepped into a pot hole in the lower mid region 400 hz or there about. NS10 curve over all is better IMO
The originals have something happening in the low end may be due to wear and tear and the top end is brighter, I think the Tissue paper adjustment knob on the cla-10's needs to be adjusted to push the high mids and high end forward to achieve the same top end.
I like the tightness of NS10s but the CLA good too. Closes posible to NS10. The difference in what i heard is maybe the factors of a cone & the difference the way the boxers build
@Streaky my NS10s sound much better upright, as opposed to horizontal.., it’s annoying as I like how they look horizontal. What’s your opinion on this dilemma?!
@@malcolmgoldie Yeah this is funny. I actually made my own 3-way studio monitors (kind of expensive, for me). So after all that labor, I finally hooked them up and they sounded awful and I was so disappointed! The mids were just attacking my ears. That was with the tweeters positioned outward (for a wider soundfield). Then I switched them around with the tweeters on the inside, and WOW these speakers now sound more beautiful than many speakers I have listened to. Of course with my speakers, both positions were horizontal, but if I had your "problem," I would go with whatever sounds better, forget what looks better.
The mid range on the ns10’s are so nice. You can really hear where your instruments are supposed to sit in comparison to the CLA10
not to mention that hat sounded way too muffled on the cla 10
mid range is literally the only thing they do, so i mean, that's a good sign
They sound to me surprizingly different, like totally different speakers, which they actually are :)
As someone who has used ns10s for decades, i can agree that every pair of ns10s I have ever owned have sounded different. they have all aged differently as well. As a recent buyer of these new CLA monitors, I can say that the CLA's are closer to some of the NS-10's than some of the other NS-10's were. I've been using the new ones for a few months now and the transition were pretty simple, it was like taking a time machine back to when you could go into a store and pick up some NS-10's.
Thx active or passive ?
Streaky those NS 10 sound a lot better a little brighter as I want that in a monitor...The CLA was hiding some of the mid to high frequency!
OOoOoh them sneaky CLA's always hiding stuff
The Avantone are really very focused on the mids. Sounds more "boxy" than the NS10. I can't tell if it's good or bad point. Thanks for the video comparison.
NS-10's a little brighter (listening on HEDD Type-20). Cheers Streaky; thanks for all the videos. Merry Christmas : D
Arthur Stone cheeers thanks for all the comments 🎅🏻🙏
I heard it completely differently. To me, the CLA10s have way more high end.
Prefer the NS-10s meself. The highs on the CLA sound very coloured. Though I did watch this on my TV with Dolby Surround and about 5 other useless sound processors 😵
I think the NS-10's sounded hyped in the treble, the CLA10's seem to keep it more controlled, yet detailed (through my Adam S3H's)
I think one should really hear them in the same room to make a real decision though.
I have original NS10STUDIO but I changed my original blown woofers to the CLA's woofer but kept the tweeters.. sounds wonderful
Don't worry, your assessment is correct.
To me however.. It isn't a simple preference. To me, the Ns10's completely demolish the CLA in the mids/upper mids, which is what you want them for. It's not even close to me. This is a disappointment because I was thinking of picking up a pair of CLA's.
Original NS-10 sounds WAY better to me. CLA's sound very scooped while the originals are nice and open sounding. But man, do they sound different. They sound nothing alike! I bet HS-7's sound more like NS-10's hah! BTW, I owned NS-10s myself for about 10 years ;)
Exactly
Yeah, what a disappointment, wouldn't want the CLAs anywhere near my studio
Yeah.. The commentary of this video seems totally off. If the NS10's sound like s***, the CLA's sound like s*** xInfinity. The NS10's sound far better, and in other demos like this.
The NS10's mids are cohesive, where the CLA's sound like total diarrhea dipped cardboard.
The only product CLA has endorsed that I think is truly spectacular is the Heritage Successor. That thing is awesome... Everything else seems like snake oil.
The dude is even too afraid to reveal his 1176 mod to the public. At this point, he should just open up his box and show everyone without trying to monetize it. The dude is old and has enough money already. Time to let the cat out of the bag.
Idk about scooped, I think the CLAs just have way more bass presence, specifically that low mid range, which seems to make the comparison sound like the NS10s have more clarity since there is no competition of frequencies. I bet in person the CLAs should sound more balanced, being that they have more low end to them than the OGs. Which the NS10s are just über bright comparatively and thats due to their lack of bass, which has been the function, sound and purpose of the NS10s. In the end you can adjust and adapt your ears to these CLA10s and the sound info they're giving you, clearly not an exact replica, but not a terrible option for a pair of speakers that are meant to sound inferior/average, these are not Genelecs or Focals or insert any full range speaker system. I'd argue that since these seem to be comparatively inferior means they have a greater chance of producing some great mixes once you understand what you're hearing from them? Like I said, that was the whole point of the NS10s from the get-go, make it sound great on subpar speakers to translate across many different playback systems. Also, most of todays music has more need/want for low-end, so getting that bump could feel a bit more complete a bit more information for you to hone in the nuances of the tricky low-end.
There is something to be said about those potentially +30yr old ns10s which have probably played thousands of hours of sounds to a brand spanking new set. Id imagine that more burn-in time on the CLA10s would loosen up that woofer and ease up on how much bass response it puts out.
Whole point of the NS10 is overlooked. Mixcubes seems to be a better choice for that purpous.
Here is my takeaway. The mids in the CLAs might be a little more choked than the NS10Ms because the drivers are new and may need to be worked in a little. I could live with that. However, the tweeters on the CLAs sounded much more choked in the top end on the NS10s were more open.
That's interesting. For me it's the other way around. CLA are more open and crisp. I prefer the Yamaha.
Quite a difference in the highs. I've not worked with either, but it sounds to my ears the CL10 are like the NS10 but with something missing in the mid highs. (around 8K)
If I didn't know better, I'd say there's some comb filtering going on. Which is of course not the case, but that's what it reminds me of.
But, probably they're fine once you put in a few hours. Merry Christmas!
First impression cla where slight darker more focused and fatter its a suttle thing but cla sounds more modern to me .
Merry Christmas Streaky. Thanks for all the videos this year.
I'm listening to this through old NS-10M's and yes 1.6K-ish on the NS-10's seems more prominent than the CLA
I agree the sticker look so cheap and too large comparing to the cabinet size! .. BTW it's normal for the old NS10 to sound smoother in the top end, because the component of the passive crossover do age over time and lose hi frequencies.
First off, like someone mentioned before in the comments, a slightly different angle of the mic or speaker can alter the sound tons. Plus, how do you compare the sound of a speaker that has been broken in for years and years of playback with a brand new pair that isn’t even been broken in yet? Give the CLAs a chance to be broken in first before judging.
The hats sound completely different when switching from to the other. Imho I think the ns10s sound nicer. Shame, I so wanted to buy the CLAs.
Me Too!!! HS5 seems to be more choicy than CLAs.... In other videos comparison like type.
i m listening to this on MS 10 . . . Highs are very different
they are
Hello Streaky, very nice review, just one thing... did you use the passive or active avantone CLA for this review? That Issue could explain the huge sound difference with the NS10. I mean on that Kind of speaker design the volume of the enclosure is very relevant and I think the amplifier inside the speaker change this value drastically.
The position of the hats change, I’m curious about how you recorded the speakers?
He literally couldn’t pronounce CLA’s name.... i didn’t expect much after that point.
@@snapascrew You set your expectations based on his pronounciation of a name? Have you heard this guys work or seen his credits? Surely those things are more relevant.
The CLA one has taken away the usability and purpose of this speaker. The original had a clear and open upper mid range that made it easy to identity screechy upper mids in female vocals and hence you could tame them. The CLA ones have a weird unnatural treble going on that sounds boxed in. Every time the originals were playing on this video it felt like clear open air.
Even over my pods I can tell the separation on the NS 10's is much greater.
Had the studios for 8 years. Really like the CLA. I might just get them..
Did u get em
What ever you can say at the end , that was clearly the best way you could possibly find to destroy those CLA as they sond really crap in you comparison. Thx for that.
Is this really you? My favorite 00s house music producer?
New one sounds much closer to the sound i would aim to mix, i wouldnt have thought the hi hats on the ns 10 would sit well so i feel id get better translation from the CLA10's personally. nice video was curious for a comparison, thanks!
HMF is more open and clear in the NS-10s. Thanks for this video, I'll go for a good NS10 studio pair now 👍🏼
hi man this is a super old video but i got a question so i purchased the cla10 active versions and they have a class ab amp in the back of them.. just stuck on weather to have the monitor gain in full and control with the interface like you would a normal pair of ns10s or if i should calibrate them to my room for a nicer listening experience thanks ! ps i messaged avantone they told me to max out the gain on the monitors and ajust my interface but having them at 50% volume feels better in my room … but then i guess they arent supposed to be a nice listen are they lol
Original NS-10 sounds ''flatter'', more neutral. This, while the CLA has a certain scoop in the low-mid, mid range too it.
Save your money folks!
I bought a pair of Studiospares SN10 monitors back in 2007/8 and they have been outstanding and hold up today as a good like for like on the original NS10 monitors. They have a MK2 version which I'd be keen to see how they stand up against the Avantone and Yamahas. The Studiospares are a hell of a lot cheaper.
I didn't know these exist, cheers!
hey streaky, do u think it is better to spend a lil more n get cla10 ? or just avantone mix cubes (which is a lil bit cheaper) for monitorin mid range. thnx in advance
I’d say mixcubes
Hi, I want to say sorry to waste your time, but I would like your opinion, as I would like to buy the Avantone Cla 10 speakers, (Yamaha are not longer produced) but only to listen my CDs. Do you think I can buy it or it is better I buy a hifi speakers?
Great comparison, though my ns10 sounds very different with different through different amps. What amp did you use with the ns10 in your video and did you use same amp for the avantone?
The highs sound shelved, 500hz to 1000hz is emphasized with a spike around 4000hz. The NS10s sound a bit flatter. Just depends how far you wanna go with "crappy monitors" to reference the real world. Most people listen to music on headphones, then cars, then cellphone speakers, then bluetooth speakers which have gotten quite amazing in the last 5 years. I dunno, it's all just a giant mixed bag and difficult to aim your mixes for. The most important thing to do is to actually take your mix everywhere you can and hear it from as many sources as possible.
The originals I get the full vibe of the mids... this is what NS10's are the good ... you focus on the main part of a song, the mids... other more full range speakers let you fine tune things and check the highs and lows better... but it is the mids you want the main vibe to shine through.
I noticed a massive total difference listening to this on my iPhone. I figured I should listen to this on my iPhone for very obvious reasons. The hand is completely different on the CLA 10 compared to the NS 10. The weird part is I’m so used to the NS 10 that my head went that’s how it should sound and then the new CLA was like OK that’s weird I don’t trust it. Try it.
It almost sounds like there is a brickwall lowpass at 16k on the Avantones. Woulda been interesting to play the yamahas thru a brickwall lowpass at 16k to see if they sounded the same.
The Avantone is some dirty in te 3-4Khz. NS-10 original is clean. this is bad for Avantone. thanks for the good video and clear audio, save my money!
Yeah, Sign me up for another vote for the ns10's . A bit more high mid detail.
maybe wrong mic position for CLA...?
I own three pairs of ns10's and they all sound a bit different probably because of age one pair has Brand New woofers and tweaters .... i own cla 10s as well and to me I they are brand new ns10's !!!! Excellent video !!!
so would you recommend me getting a pair of ns10s or the cla10 actives then? Im really on the fence. I could obviously replace tweeters and woofers if needed in the ns10s but is that pointless with the cla’s being available now??
@@nine27 I would go cla 10s bro ... they’re pretty much ns10s brother...
@@nebstaism good to know cause thag is what I am leaning towards. do you have the cla passives or actives cause that will be the next decision?
@@nine27 I got the passives and I put them with a Yamaha pc 2002 m ... but I’m sure the active ones are good as well when I bought mine they didn’t have the actives available
@@nebstaism appreciate the feedback man. it’s always good to hear from people who actually own both verus people speculating and guessing that have no idea. I mean look half the people commenting dont even consider you need to burn them in first as well.
As one asked previously, curious to know if there was a burn in period for the CLA's before the comparison. And having a few years passed what is your take on them currently?? Thank you and keep up the great work!!
I don't understand why people say that these yamaha ns-10 nearfields like are flat( (also for hs5,7,8) . They aren't at all !
Look at the frequency characteristics. i.pinimg.com/originals/f9/86/ad/f986ad8df8695c52fac98492a429fb10.jpg
And they sound terrible. But they ARE good to create good mixes, that's true (especially when mixing rock music).
Dude you are the best! So I have NS 10's, love-em and yes I was looking at these and was waiting for this review. While the sound wasn't bad from the CLA's it was different enough that I'm gonna hold off. Was looking at a pair of used Proac 100's as a supplement and an eventual switch over but to be honest I just can let go of my NS10's. So yeah great review, crystal clear example and the perfect song to review with. Thanks for everything!
Does the sound difference comes from the woofer or the tweeter or both? Because there is a woofer replacement that claims to be the exact match for both the ns10 and the avantone.
Hey Streaky I would really appreciate your response on what Amplifier you used to power both monitors during this demonstration, thanks
From Miami Florida
The yams ns10s are harsher in mid to tops which makes them much better for mixing imo. The cla10s sound more like basic home speakers that are trying to sound good, that’s not gonna help you hear any problems. I’m sticking with yams, dyns, and atcs. 🔊
keep in mind the cla’s have not been burned in yet. that burn time changes everything
@@nine27 Good point... I didn't consider that!
Yep. For me, if the CLA10s don't have that edginess, what's the point?
Feel like the CLA 10's are in Mono and the Yamaha's sound a lot more stereo, also highs are clearer
first impression your studio good for meditation room too
clean, tidy, cool, simple, and elegant.
Can you make a sound comparison between yamaha hs5 and the original ns10 please? There is no comparison of this on TH-cam. Thank you!
Wow what a difference. Thanks for doing it.
Thanks for that comparison Streaky! Would be interesting to have both speakers analysed by Sonarworks and figure out the differences.
I own 2 pairs of NS 10 and was just interested in knowing if the avantone parts would be spares worth considering... what's your thought on that?
Peace and thanks!
At first I was surprised how different they sound, but the more I listened the more I realized they have a similar sound and I think I like the CLA's better. I listened to it on an old pair of NS10T's so I am getting unadulterated NS10age here.
Quite a few benefits when getting the cla compared to ns. Matched pairs, elements are available to buy seperately. Warrenty. So..i guess..if i want the ns 10 sound type of speaker..the cla are great. The hihat sounded awfull on the cla, so i will go for the cla 👌😉 thanks streaky! Merry xmas 🎄
Hi!Streaky.what amp you using to power your ns10?I saw you have Bryston 2b lp before in your video,could you do a video to talk about amp for ns10?THX!
Ditto! The amp you use with the ole NS10ms make them sound very different! Where the difference in between the 2 can be sauced out with different amps powering them! Well some of the difference, that old worn out NS10 sound doesn't become crystal clear like the new CLA's, but the frequency response can and will change depending on which amp your powering them with! For instance, when you switch from a Crown MicroTech to a Hafler Pa2000 it's night and day
! Sounds like 2 different speakers! And I'm sure it's similar with a Bryston, or at least I hope so since they cost 20x what a used Hafler DH220 costs! But I'll be dead honest, after hearing many different NS10's with Bryston 2's, and 3's(not heard the 4's yet)the difference with the Hafler is negligible for the money spent, IMO of course! And I think the Hafler with NS10 does a better job at what the NS10's are supposed to do! Save you money and get a set of Mixcubes! That's what I'm gonna do when mine go, after hearing the CLA's I'm not a fan. Was hoping I could swap out the Avantone speakers with mine! But now the needle says HELL TO THE NO!
I've just recently bought a pair of beautifully flawless NS-10s. What's my cheapest option of an amplifier to power these with my interface? Thank you
Running through my own NS-10 originals and they aren't even close. There is the "dip" in the Org NS and the New NS is humpier and midier. Which is kind of the opposite of the Org NS-10. I wonder if the old box and the new speakers change things?
My left Tweeter is going out, so I'm going to order a couple of originals to have on hand.
Would like to know how the new speakers sound in the old box.
Hi there, Streaky! I have NS10 S myself but I think I want to change them since I make electronic music. I think to give a shot for the Focal Shape 65 which look really nice for this (affordable for me) price but I'm really sad that I have to sell the Yamaha's. Do you think this is a good idea? Any thoughts about the Shape model?
Have a balanced Christmas and a mastered New Year mate!!!
I think you should keep both and use both, just like some studios have 3 or 4 sets of speakers.
I prefer the original NS-10. Streaky what the name of the song you play on comparison? thanks for demostration :)
is fair to compare between active and passive speakers?
It's a little hard to compare considering how worn those NS10s. But I am curious, how do you find the mix translation is compared to the original pair? That's really what matters st the end of the day
I listened to some Linn speakers the other day that were better than any higher-end pro audio speakers that I've ever heard in a professional studio before. Streaky - do you rate these 'audiophile' speakers?
What was the Virtual Tissue Paper Setting on the CLA-10? Because the mixes are very dark
Wich would you prefer for a home studio active or passive
NS 10s WAY BETTER... I'm sad
Well the point is the have them sound like shit cause if it sounds good on shit speakers then it will sound good on anything right?
@@Jubnar absolutely right
I prefer the NS10, sounded more natural, the CLA got a dip in the high-mids and extended highs that messed things up! I got a pair of NS10M and they are the best things I ever heard so far!
Were these the passive CLA’s? I’m guessing you were using the same amp as with the NS-10’s or?
Yeah passive
@@Streaky_com have your tried the actives? and did you keep them and did they alter sound wise after burning them in more?
something wrong with the cla-10....
I listened to this on my NS-10M's the originals. Mine were made in 1979, different speaker connections too, not the studio version that started production in 1980. There's a difference in those two as well. Mine has the glued seam, thicker paper, NS-10M Studio's, have the pressed paper, that is thinner! Anyway, what I heard, i'm still sold on the original NS-10M's. Nice comparison video mate !....By the way....I bought mine out of a local thrift paper for $10.00 in perfect condition, w/grills........Sorry to have to tell you that chap ! ;)
I have an original pair of NS-10s. I listened to this comparison through my $6,000 Studio Monitors. I like the originals MUCHO bettah!! No cut to the very talented Chris Lord-Alge. The CLAs sound much more mid forward to me thru my Studio Monitors. A hyped nasal quality whereas the NS-10s sounded like.... NS-10s. There's a naturalness to them that's easy on the ears for me. I could not listen to the CLAs for an hour, much less 12. Just my 2 pence.
Listening on airbuds on a tablet but hearing a huge difference. NS-10:s sounds open and nice actually while the CLA:s sound a bit muffled like the high frequencies were a bit lost or something like when your'e in a club...
They are 2 different speakers without a doubt! Also, your homies tune is sick!!!
Im groovin!
Which amplifier where you using?
Here's a funny question; don't they make NS-10 decals or something you could put over the Avantone logo? I have the same issue with these. They look like crappy Peavey knockoffs!
CLA10 is clean but for me there is more space and sparkle with the NS10... Great channel btw!
Wow! Thank you! I was about to purchase. No thank you! NS-10 still a commanding lead. I can’t believe CLA endorsed to be honest.
I would love to know your thoughts on the Mackie Studio Big Knob. I use it in my home studio. Could I do better?
John mulholland not great
🤣☝🏼
I was waiting for the approval stamp 👍🏾
Great Comparison :) just bought a pair of NS10m Studio :) in Tokyo.
Any video about BoomBox referencing? I'd love to watch that.
i just bought a Sony ZS-3M. it's very famous in Japan.
DO u have any BoomBox???
Whats better?? Dunno, but I liked the CLA's
This video has just completely changed my mind on all monitors. I reckon you should use the speakers you have, learn them and reference in your car and EarPods/headphones?
That's really strange considering the CLA-10s should sound brighter according to their frequency response (as well as per Sound on Sound's article www.soundonsound.com/reviews/avantone-cla-10.
this particular NS-10 pair seems notchy in the high end... probably because of all the mentioned "frankenstein-ing" ;D (due different tweeter and cross-over probably?)
I'm finding listening to the comparison (which is kinda not evident in comparison to listening to them in person) that I am more accustomed to gaining a sound similar to the original.
The other ones sound too clear and sparkly.
I would be trying to mix that sound out a little, so it wouldn't be beneficial… although, on the originals would I be trying to add that sparkle too much?
I feel like I would need both now hahahaha.
Can you possible do a review on the Active set with the VTPC control.
This is where you can take out some of that sharp high end.
Would this make them more comparable?
I'd like to know before making a purchase.
I could get originals for less, but then there is the hassle of how long they will last before needing to replace things and those replacements won't be available forever.
And the hassle of the what amp to buy.
With the new one I would pay a little more, not much more, but I can keep them under warranty and get replacements that sound exactly the same each time I replace them.
Plus when I need to move things, it's two speakers, not two speakers and a amp to move.
Can you find out if the VTPC would make them much more usable?
the cla sounds like a damn krk DAMMIT I really wanted to buy them
If you hear these two and come to the conclusion the CLAs are in any way comparable, I'd question if there were financial motives behind the plug. I'm listening on a shite pair of monitors after a TH-cam codec compression, and it's still not even close. Take a frequency curve of both and you'll see the dips for yourself
Wish I was paid!!!
They sound tiny bit muddy compaired to the originals. Don’t have the upper mid push as much. I would still love a pair, I wouldn’t mind the logo one bit, looks nice to me.
you cant possibly compare speakers by recording them with mics. slight different angle of mic or speaker will give you totally different sound though recorded mic. guess will just trust Streaky's word for it
sounds like different type of woods on NS-10 vs CLA-10 and the tweeter or crossover quality a bid different from one another. just wondering how inside looks.
Cla-10 have a complete different Sound. Whats wrong with the Peops here?
Must be fanboys or paid trolls. The difference is like gold and poop color. They should have made it look like a totally different speaker, because it's definitely not the same or anywhere near close.
The pro audio world is pretty small and it's easy to ruffle some feathers / hurt feelings, but sometimes, you just gotta be honest.
The cone material is very different, which might explain the huge lower mid difference, but you'd have thought they could match the highs a bit better. Epic fail really
To my ears I heard a build up on lows and low mids on CLA and the original was more even. Because of the build up on CLA the ns-10 sounded more open.
Did you use a dynamic mic?
To my ears the speakers labelled as NS10 sound like the tweeter is phase reversed with a huge notch in the upper mid. Not how I remember NS10’s at all.
The ones labelled CLA sound like the tweeter is a lot more open and louder so more from around 2k upwards. Possibly too bright though - certainly emphasises the sibilance and Hi Hat.
I really don’t understand some of the other comments, they seem completely the wrong way round to me. Is this possibly a re-uploaded version due to the labelling being the wrong way round in the original video?
Hey man do you mind me asking what power amp do you use to power you're cla 10s
What a wonderful traditional sounding British song. Rich in culture. Your ancestors would be proud.
I like the way CLA upper mids and high opens up .
Unfortunately, some classics can't successfully be replicated.☹
Interesting. I like the CLA's over the NS-10's. I'm an NS-10 owner btw.
sell them to me! Im looking for them
as an ns10 owner would you recommend me getting the a pair or get the cla10 actives? I could easily replace the woofers and/or tweeters if needed but Im on the fence
@@nine27 I can't really say bro since I don't own a pair of the CLA's, for what it's worth though the NS-10's shouldn't blow no matter how loud you have them if you're using them nearfield. I've had mine for like 3 years now and I play back pretty loud, never had an issue with woofers or tweeters blowing.
@@NathanOrlick appreciate the feedback. you can get replacement woofers and tweeters if needed so thats not an issue. at this point its really I guess a matter of preference
Bang On !?! I beg to differ, the NS10 sound better. When you were switching back and forth the cla sounded as if we had stepped into a pot hole in the lower mid region 400 hz or there about. NS10 curve over all is better IMO
The originals have something happening in the low end may be due to wear and tear and the top end is brighter, I think the Tissue paper adjustment knob on the cla-10's needs to be adjusted to push the high mids and high end forward to achieve the same top end.
I like the tightness of NS10s but the CLA good too. Closes posible to NS10. The difference in what i heard is maybe the factors of a cone & the difference the way the boxers build
@Streaky my NS10s sound much better upright, as opposed to horizontal.., it’s annoying as I like how they look horizontal. What’s your opinion on this dilemma?!
Malcolm Goldie it depends which model you have I agree I like the none studio version upright too
@Streajy - I’ve got the NS10m studios, so that’s the problem - they look best horizontal, but they sound best upright. It’s a terrible dilemma... :)
@@malcolmgoldie
Yeah this is funny. I actually made my own 3-way studio monitors (kind of expensive, for me). So after all that labor, I finally hooked them up and they sounded awful and I was so disappointed! The mids were just attacking my ears. That was with the tweeters positioned outward (for a wider soundfield).
Then I switched them around with the tweeters on the inside, and WOW these speakers now sound more beautiful than many speakers I have listened to. Of course with my speakers, both positions were horizontal, but if I had your "problem," I would go with whatever sounds better, forget what looks better.