11 best studio monitors

Anyone who appreciates the true sound of professional acoustics knows that only professional equipment can boast the truly realistic sound with maximum detail, a wide range of sound tones, absence of distortion and other positive qualities. The so called studio monitors can be referred to this category – acoustic systems with ideal smooth amplitude-frequency response, which are used in recording studios. Those who are ready to spend a significant amount of money on such purchase, buy studio monitors just for listening to music. We present you a special rating-review, where our experts and consultants describe all the most important qualities of each of the 11 presented models.

Rating of the best studio monitors

uth B2031A

Nomination	place	product name	price
Rating of the best studio monitors	1	Focal SM9	236 200€
2	Mackie HR824	71 000€
3	Adam A8X	44 618€
4	Genelec 8030A	47 820€
5	Focal Alpha 80	21 423€
6	YAMAHA HS8	17 000€
7	JBL LSR308	16 999€
8	EHRINGER
14 936€
9	Axelvox PM-5A	15 265€
10	KRK ROKIT 5 G3	8 014€
11	Pioneer S-DJ50X	9 160€

Focal SM9

Rating: 4.9

Let’s start with the brightest and most expensive solution. All other studio monitors will be much cheaper than this one, and further it will become clear why.

So we have a reference studio control system, which technically is not one but a pair of monitors in one case. One is three-way, the other is two-way. The manufacturer has positioned the device as a reference monitor due to the impeccable accuracy of the stereo picture, the ability to easily reproduce the most subtle details of the sound signal and exceptionally adequate display of the original dynamics. Main and auxiliary monitors in Focus mode in the final stages of mixing can work alternately in two modes.

The individual features of this system that make it exceptional are. High-frequency driver has a wide directivity for optimal positioning in the studio along the working axis. The inverted driver dome is made of beryllium. Passive bass driver is 11″ in diameter and includes a W-shaped composite bass resonator. Here and in general the drivers use a special three-layer material Glass/Foam/Glass. To adjust the system for a particular room you can adjust seven parameters. Input sensitivity is also adjustable. Three class AB amplifiers deliver a combined power of 600 watts.

Studio monitor in operation generates sound pressure up to 116 dB SP. Playable frequency range from 30 to 40 thousand. Hz. HF: 100W @ 25mm, LF: 100W @ 165mm, LF: 400W @ 203mm. Bi-amping – separate bass and treble control is supported. Also adjustable crossover frequency.

Unit dimensions – 490x320x390 mm. Net weight – 35 kg. Finished in a stark black color. Grille included.

Advantages

• power;
• impeccable stage performance;
• natural timbres;
• Deep, but unobtrusive bass;
• Middle-to-middle field as a whole;
• actually two monitors in one.

Disadvantages

• high price.

Mackie HR824

Rating: 4.8

The second number in the rating is the model that is several times cheaper than the previous one, but it is not so impressive either. It is, however, a more than worthy system, which has proved its high quality and wide possibilities many times over the years.

This product is a professional two-way studio monitor, oriented for stereo or surround mixing. THX PM3 certification confirms its suitability for high-resolution audio for movies and modern video games. The system is equipped with low-frequency speaker size 8.75″ low distortion, titanium dome tweeter for realistic sound across the full frequency spectrum. High performance comes from the built-in amplifiers with 250 watts of output power (150 watts low frequency, 100 watts high frequency).

Diffraction is minimized in this model by the Zero Edge Baffle cast aluminum shielding. The waveguide is optimized as much as possible to provide wide coverage. Metered mid-range artifacts are reduced to zero due to quality internal damping.

The studio monitor is technically compatible with any professional equipment – you can connect via RCA connectors,

S and XLR located on the rear panel. The low and high-pass filters are adjusted separately, so that the device can be matched to the specific workplace as closely as possible.

The size of the low-frequency driver is 222 mm, the high-frequency driver is 25.4 mm. Studio monitor develops 120 dB SPL peak sound pressure in the frequency range from 39 to 20 thousand. Hz with 6 Ohm impedance.

To connect to an external power amplifier is a standard jack 6.3 mm. Also features balanced and line inputs.

System dimensions – 427x274x351 mm, net weight – 15.7 kg.

Advantages

• High quality bass, comparable to much more expensive models;
• high-quality detailing;
• impeccable microdynamics;
• Quick impulse response.

Disadvantages

• not detected.

Adam A8X

Rating: 4.7

Next in our rating is a shining example of legendary German quality – the flagship AX series monitors by ADAM Audio. This is a two-way active near-field monitor, designed in Germany, and manufactured there. Total power 200 W.

Despite the fact that this model is formally considered a near-field monitor, thanks to sufficient power and radiation characteristics it is also quite suitable for the middle field – a lot of sound editing professionals confirm it. The device deserves special praise from experts for one of the best combinations of price and quality.

The studio monitor features an X-ART type tweeter with a 56mm diaphragm; and a 220mm woofer. The upper corners of the body are beveled, as in all other models of AX series. This is certainly not a matter of design, but of course to minimize interference from reflected signals. In the front panel there is a double bass reflex port, which provides maximum response at the edge of the bass bandwidth.

Two amps make it the most powerful monitor in the Adam studio AH series: 50W for the tube driver and 150W for the midwoofer. It develops a peak sound pressure of 120 dB SPL in the range from 38 to 50 thousand. Hz. The crossover frequency is 2.3 kHz. Built-in overload protection. Treble and bass adjustable separately.

Line and balanced inputs are on the rear panel. There are also two equalizing filters and input sensitivity adjustment.

Overall dimensions of the unit – 255x400x320 mm, net weight 13 kg.

Advantages

• front positioning of the facoinverters;
• ribbon tweeters with excellent microdynamics;
• impeccable sonic balance;
• Can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

Disadvantages

• rare complaints about the lack of magnetic protection.

Genelec 8030A

Rating: 4.7

Expertology continues the rating of the best studio monitors according to the experts interesting model produced by the Finnish company Genelec. This is a relatively compact, but quite powerful near-field monitor, which is preferred by many professional studios and is also widely used to equip workstations and installations of surround sound.

The case of the device measures 189x285x178 mm and is made according to a special patented technology Minimum Diffraction Enclosure, has rounded corners, the front panel and the sides slightly curved – this shape allows to minimize interference from the return signal and generally achieve the most even frequency response and overall sound quality with minimized angular diffraction of the cabinet.

In this model, as in all monitors of the 8000 series, used an advanced phasoinverter design, improved aluminum housing with a distinctive brushed surface, optimized airflow, Genelecity Directivity Control Waveguide, installed a protective grid with its own acoustic optimization.

Unlike the previous model, this one has full magnetic shielding and the electronic circuits are protected from overloads. Maximum power of the device is 80 Watts. Develops 108 dB SPL maximum sound pressure in the range of 58 to 20 thousand. Hz. 3kHz crossover frequency. The size of the high-frequency transducer is 25.4 mm, 127 mm woofer.

Due to the low weight of 5.The 6 kg monitor is easy to mount on the wall due to the complex fixing on the back wall and the additional thread on the bottom. Another mounting option is the floor stand. Each unit comes with a special Iso-Pod. The stand allows you to perfectly align the system for smooth sound in the vertical and horizontal directions. With its help you can easily adjust manually the direction of sound axes thus “detaching” the monitor from the surface where it is installed.

Advantages

• high detail;
• Quality bass for such a compact size;
• control on the front;
• compact size;
• three tones in finish.

Disadvantages

• no apparent disadvantages.

Focal Alpha 80

Rating: 4.7

Another monitor by a French private company Focal-JMLab found its place in our rating. This time we will talk about a much more affordable model of a different class, but still in its line it is the flagship.

It is a two-way active near-field monitor with 40 watt tweeter and 100 watt woofer. Positioned by the manufacturer as one of the most “innovative” monitors in the Focal-JMLab range.

Here we see a one-inch inverted aluminum tweeter with dome membrane, capable of reproducing not just high frequencies, but even minimal equalization defects. Eight-inch cone-type woofer made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer. This membrane composition provides neutrality throughout the midrange and bass, and at the same time transparency of the same midrange. A characteristic feature of the model is a unique bass reflection design – large twin front ports that improve acoustic integration, including in confined spaces.

Studio monitor produces a sound pressure of 109dB between 35k and 22k. Hz. Separate treble control (4.5-22 kHz) and low (0-300 Hz) frequencies. XLR, RCA inputs. Also features a +4/-10 input sensitivity toggle switch. Supports AutoStandby mode with auto-standby starting after 30 minutes of inactivity and turning off after detecting more than 3 mV.

Individual model features: low directivity, which spreads sound evenly across the room; distortion-free neutrality; minimal sensitivity to wall effects; equal sound balance at high and low volumes; ability to connect two sources; optimal acoustic integration.

The cabinet is made of 15 mm thick MDF. Unit dimensions are 287x397x348 mm, net weight 12.8 kg. The shade is vinyl black.

Advantages

• value for money;
• crisp attacks;
• Quality high-frequency detail;
• Overall a true quality sound;
• sleep mode.

Disadvantages

• Minor unimportant complaints from users.

YAMAHA HS8

Rating: 4.6

Now in our rating we will consider a studio monitor produced by the famous Japanese company YAMAHA. This is the senior model of active near-field devices of the HS series, which was updated back in 2013. Together with the younger models HS5 and HS7, this monitor replaces the HS50M and HS80M series.

Here we see an interesting decision of the manufacturer – the complete replacement of the dynamic heads with a different type of. According to representatives of the company, such a redesign was dictated by the desire to provide increased output at low frequencies and a more even frequency response. Also changed tweeter – increased from 3/4 to 1 inch.

Traditionally the white cones of the woofers are made of polypropylene. The cloth dome tweeter is separated by a metal grating, which protects it from damage.

The general acoustic registration of this model, as well as of the whole HS series, is a phaso-inverter circuit with the FI port on the rear panel. Hardware adjustments available – two filter cutoff frequency switches, sensitivity control. In case you need to suppress the bass, you can use a special mode ROOM CONTROL. High frequencies are “cut off” by the HIGH switch

IM.

120W of amplification power distributed between bass and treble as 75W and 45W respectively. The studio monitor reproduces sounds in the range of 38 to 30 thousand. Hz. Gain low and high frequencies – separate. Tweeter size – 25 mm, woofer – 203.2-mm jacks. XLR and

S (balanced and unbalanced sources).

The body of the device is made of MDF. Dimensions are 250x390x334 mm. Net weight 10.2 kg.

Advantages

• clean sound in the whole range;
• Improved range compared to equivalent models;
• clear, articulate midrange;
• expressive, modern design.

Disadvantages

• not detected.

JBL LSR308

Rating: 4.6

The rating continues with interesting model produced by famous American company JBL famous for its high quality acoustics and audio equipment. This is a two-way active near-field monitor with total power of 112 Watts.

In this model the manufacturer implemented his own patented innovation – Image Control Waveguide. The technology is designed to achieve maximum sound quality without spatial distortion, even in rooms with large areas and high ceilings. The company’s engineers developed the horn specifically to equip the flagship M2 series, and now it got this budget model.

Among other noteworthy qualities of the model, which have already been appreciated by professionals are such moments as: a precise sound picture, in which the imaginary center is clearly visible; the ability to select the incoming sensitivity through a special switch (- 10dB / +4dB); high and low frequencies adjustment to compensate room acoustics (switches

IM).

Neodymium driver diameters: 8 inch (203 mm) – woofer, 1 inch (25 mm) – tweeter. The device develops sound pressure up to 112 dB SPL in the range of 37 to 24 thousand. Hz. Gain power for woofer and tweeter are the same – 56 watts each. Gain control tweeter and woofer separately. Interfaces are balanced XLR and

6mm jack inputs.

Monitor size 254x419x308 mm, net weight 8.6 kg, weight with packing – 10 kg.

Advantages

• smooth frequency response;
• high detail;
• uniform sound field;
• wide directivity pattern;
• a rather reasonable price for all its merits.

Disadvantages

• Background hiss from the tweeter is heard in complete silence.

BEHRINGERuth B2031A

Rating: 4.5

Axelvox studio monitors of the new PM-5A series open the conditional group of budget models in our rating. Unlike all the others, this model originally comes in a pair at once.

This model is positioned by the manufacturer as oriented for “compact” project-studios. In development the focus of the engineers was on maximizing audio clarity and detail in the mid and high ranges. This is entirely possible thanks to the careful selection and adaptation of MF/LF drivers with appropriate response characteristics – maximum flatness in the desired ranges.

Monitors feature tweeters with fabric domes. They effortlessly handle fine and precise high frequencies, producing a pleasant, not cutting sound. Thanks to a careful study of the circuitry there is enough overload capacity for a comfortable audio production. Due to the use of fourth-order filters in the crossovers, it was possible to eliminate the possibility of dip frequency response at the frequency of division of the filters.

The studio monitor’s power is 75 watts. Crossover frequency 2.6 kHz. Sound reproduction in the range of 70 to 20 thousand. Hz. The monitor supports separate bass and treble amplification. Amplifier power: woofer 50W, tweeter 25W.

The physical characteristics of the units are as follows. The size of the medium-low-frequency driver is 127 mm, the material is cellulose; the high-frequency driver is 25.4 mm. Slotted frequency inverters on the rear panel. Interfaces – line and balanced jack inputs 6.3mm.

Overall dimensions – 185x280x225 mm, net weight – 11 kg. MDF enclosure with 17 mm wall thickness.

Advantages

• Sufficient capacity for a small project-studio;
• compact;
• affordable price.

Disadvantages

• Unrepeatable bass.

KRK ROKIT 5 G3

Rating: 4.4

Another inexpensive but worthy studio monitor model in our rating is a representative of the third generation of the ROKIT series produced by the well-known KRK Systems company.

This is a compact, two-way, active near-field monitor with a total power of 50 watts and a 5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter. In the updated series designers raised the upper range up to 35 kHz by using one-inch tweeter. Also the shape of the slotted inverter was improved, resulting in a more detailed and accurate bass reproduction. Upgraded Class A amplifiers, what is the reason for the increased max SPL.

Tweeter metric dimensions – 25 mm, woofer – 127 mm. Unit produces sound pressure up to 106 dB SPL in the range of 45 to 36k. Hz. Bi-amping (separate amplification of lows and tops) is supported. Gain power distribution: LF 30W, HF 20W.

Cabinet material is made of MDF. Overall dimensions – 188x284x246 mm, net weight – 5.9 kg.

Advantages

• High-quality assembly;
• correct automatic shutdown;
• Good, clean tops and mids;
• reliable shielding;
• Wide range as for this class and size;
• solid design.

Disadvantages

• noticeable complaints about the factory defect.

ioneer S-DJ50X

Rating: 4.4

The Expertology brand completes the rating of the best studio monitors, which itself is so “talking” and legendary that the quality of the device is beyond any doubt, even in spite of the budget class of this particular solution.

This is an active near-field monitor, which is positioned by the manufacturer itself as “for DJs and producers. Total power – 80W, driver sizes – 5″ woofer and 1” tweeter respectively.

The device is equipped with special tweeter with convex cones TAD and soft dome. Designed using the same DECO technology that the company used for its most famous monitors. Diffusers are spatially directional, which allows for precise and effortless control of high frequencies.

Also, this monitor is characterized by a fairly powerful base due to the front woofer reflection system and the use of aramid fiber in the membranes. In fact, this model was designed with quality and realistic bass reproduction in mind, regardless of the volume setting.

The size of the woofer – 127 mm, the tweeter – 25 mm. Studio monitor develops sound pressure up to 107 dB SPL in the range of 50 to 20 thousand. Hz. Woofer and tweeter amplification separate. Gain power: HF 26W, LF 54W.

The reflex port is on the front. The main interfaces are line and balanced inputs with standard connectors. There is a standby mode, which activates after 25 minutes of no signal.

Dimensions are 197x301x262mm, net weight 6.5 kg.

Advantages

• illustrious brand;
• impeccable sound;
• Unexpectedly high-quality lows, as for a cone of this size;
• Auto power-off feature.

Disadvantages

• no bass adjustment.