AVANTONE CLA10 VS. YAMAHA NS10 SOUND COMPARISON | Streaky.com

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[@dombud74]

Merry Christmas Streaky. Thanks for all the videos this year.

[@VentsislavGrozdanov]

They sound to me surprizingly different, like totally different speakers, which they actually are :)

[@rodrigomoya2086]

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.

[@K_514]

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!

[@CERTI0151]

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

[@The2011andrey]

not to mention that hat sounded way too muffled on the cla 10

[@adamcoe]

mid range is literally the only thing they do, so i mean, that's a good sign

[@reptilespantoso]

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!

[@beatladen]

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!

[@MrBass89]

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!!

[@YouriBotterman]

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.

[@ArthurStone]

NS-10's a little brighter (listening on HEDD Type-20). Cheers Streaky; thanks for all the videos. Merry Christmas : D

[@Streaky_com]

Arthur Stone cheeers thanks for all the comments 🎅🏻🙏

[@rome8180]

I heard it completely differently. To me, the CLA10s have way more high end.

[@_Woo]

Even over my pods I can tell the separation on the NS 10's is much greater.

[@GuidoGaule]

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?

[@melona3727]

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???

[@agondistortion]

First impression cla where slight darker more focused and fatter its a suttle thing but cla sounds more modern to me .

[@MustafaAlbazy]

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.

[@kingech_B15]

I was waiting for the approval stamp 👍🏾

[@gregoryisom8333]

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!

[@YoungBlaze]

OOoOoh them sneaky CLA's always hiding stuff

[@aangovan]

first impression your studio good for meditation room too clean, tidy, cool, simple, and elegant.

[@jameslewis1846]

Hey man do you mind me asking what power amp do you use to power you're cla 10s

[@OFFSZN_MUSIC]

Hey Streaky I would really appreciate your response on what Amplifier you used to power both monitors during this demonstration, thanks From Miami Florida

[@ricksalt6860]

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

[@medwaystudios]

Thanks for the video. Did the giveaway already happen?

[@ArielMirabalTv]

Can you make a sound comparison between yamaha hs5 and the original ns10 please? There is no comparison of this on KZbin. Thank you!

[@vanngo04]

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

[@LilArt2k6]

What was the Virtual Tissue Paper Setting on the CLA-10? Because the mixes are very dark

[@moano3271]

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 🎄

[@dylanfischer2527]

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.

[@matthewblue7839]

Thx active or passive ?

[@TheStanger23]

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.

[@luc.musicproducer]

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

[@DrAudioBot]

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 ;)

[@RodneyD]

Exactly

[@jamescater66]

Yeah, what a disappointment, wouldn't want the CLAs anywhere near my studio

[@XChristianNoirX]

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.

[@samfellbuthesok]

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.

[@staffansail2457]

Whole point of the NS10 is overlooked. Mixcubes seems to be a better choice for that purpous.

[@lkb3rd]

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.

[@norakat]

Wow what a difference. Thanks for doing it.

[@treforys]

Thanks Streaky

[@2011hifi]

I like the way CLA upper mids and high opens up .

[@billcw1834]

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!

[@assshakerstudios549]

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!

[@eranddroory9987]

Had the studios for 8 years. Really like the CLA. I might just get them..

[@YoungBlaze]

Did u get em

[@BOODA575]

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

[@ScareDe2]

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.

[@mangotango5988]

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.

[@buddyxxx2951]

That's interesting. For me it's the other way around. CLA are more open and crisp. I prefer the Yamaha.

[@mixinginthebox]

Thank you so much.

[@monovladd4392]

HMF is more open and clear in the NS-10s. Thanks for this video, I'll go for a good NS10 studio pair now 👍🏼

[@bb-of3qz]

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!

[@nshnsh2972]

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?

[@shippowindscar4413]

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?

[@davidg.250]

I prefer the original NS-10. Streaky what the name of the song you play on comparison? thanks for demostration :)

[@frankpaws]

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.

[@kaveka333]

Wich would you prefer for a home studio active or passive

[@mistamental11]

What amp are you using for the ns-10's?

[@jonb7525]

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?

[@EnigmaState]

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.

[@EzyoMusic]

I didn't know these exist, cheers!

[@kidcremezoo]

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.

[@olegparhimchik]

Is this really you? My favorite 00s house music producer?

[@musicxtech6680]

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

[@5adb0i]

I’d say mixcubes

[@Konami143]

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.

[@mrflorence5328]

Was there a recommended break in period for them? Or did you just plug and play for this video?

[@MrBass89]

Great question! The ns10s had some miles on it....

[@ddr4ig]

CLA10 is clean but for me there is more space and sparkle with the NS10... Great channel btw!

[@Cantheloop]

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!!!

[@DJActionVasquez]

I think you should keep both and use both, just like some studios have 3 or 4 sets of speakers.

[@SuperBestboss]

thank you!

[@MrRedcor]

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?

[@willycalderonofficial]

So, where can I buy that track!

[@tmmmedia731]

the cla sounds like a damn krk DAMMIT I really wanted to buy them

[@miomusic1359]

The position of the hats change, I’m curious about how you recorded the speakers?

[@snapascrew]

He literally couldn’t pronounce CLA’s name.... i didn’t expect much after that point.

[@LS-ud7do]

@@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.

[@user-pb2yv5zl6p]

maybe wrong mic position for CLA...?

[@amazonianspirit4089]

is fair to compare between active and passive speakers?

[@TheRegulator81]

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 😵

[@WouterStudioHD]

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.

[@rasheemcole]

I have original NS10STUDIO but I changed my original blown woofers to the CLA's woofer but kept the tweeters.. sounds wonderful

[@XChristianNoirX]

Don't worry, your assessment is correct.

[@XChristianNoirX]

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.

[@PyreRecords]

They are 2 different speakers without a doubt! Also, your homies tune is sick!!!

[@YoungBlaze]

Im groovin!

[@JohnWDisco]

I would love to know your thoughts on the Mackie Studio Big Knob. I use it in my home studio. Could I do better?

[@Streaky_com]

John mulholland not great

[@Downtime_videos]

🤣☝🏼

[@MerlinMerlinL]

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!

[@melee3806]

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.

[@luloian]

Me Too!!! HS5 seems to be more choicy than CLAs.... In other videos comparison like type.

[@Synth2000]

Which amplifier where you using?

[@TimmyMProductions]

I’m surprised the Studiospares SN10’s weren’t put up for an ABC comparison

[@TheRobGuard]

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...

[@catonlsd3]

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?)

[@DrAudioBot]

You could soon drop the introduction ;) Thanks for the review

[@nachogetsstrong]

If you could review jbl mkii 305p that would be awesome

[@rubenca5586]

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.

[@blackhawk_ltd]

Streaky, thank you for this video! I was thinking about purchase of CLA10s ... but now I'd better find another pair of NS10s!

[@jasonwilliamson1396]

CLA's sound pretty gnarly. I'd have to hear them IRL.

[@ARCASIAUK]

Feels like they both have notches scooping some high mid frequencies. Personally prefer the ns10 not really liking the CLA 10 as much but still nice 👍🏻

[@joshuakincheloe]

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.

[@stevewills735]

Yeah, Sign me up for another vote for the ns10's . A bit more high mid detail.

[@MrJohanmessi]

whats the song in the beginning?

[@sasamihalik]

i m listening to this on MS 10 . . . Highs are very different

[@agondistortion]

they are

[@russellandrady]

Did you use a dynamic mic?

[@southwestmusicenterprise629]

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.

[@angelorozul241]

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

[@FSelles]

are this active or passive?

[@Jupiter1423]

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.

[@markielinhart]

Are the newbies passive still?

[@ant4dna]

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.

[@Nawtyway]

Feel like the CLA 10's are in Mono and the Yamaha's sound a lot more stereo, also highs are clearer

[@natewilliams2426]

Cla sounded constrained in the high mids while the ns10 sounded open... is the due to break in? Streaky did say his are warn out...

[@davisone76]

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.

[@diegodack]

The Only thing I never bought the CLA-10 is because of the sticker logo jajaj lol its nice that you think the same, Im using Avantone Mix Cubes, Neumann Kh120+Sub750 and home made Amphion they sound great! thanks for the video it really gives and idea of the sound competition!

[@dennislaplant4572]

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 ! ;)

[@imBQL]

Those or the cubes?

[@andreymosin1884]

What amplifier do u use to power em up? Thanks!

[@Streaky_com]

Andrey Mosin Naim 300 for this test but normally a Bryson 2b

[@musicman700]

I'd rather hear some rock or metal/ or maybe even pop, just some live band playing :) Good video though. I prefer the original NS10s to the cla ones.

[@BenKrisfield]

Whats better?? Dunno, but I liked the CLA's

[@rollingrock5143]

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.

[@elpablitorodriguezharrera]

Why some people put it horizontal?