September 2023
Studio Monitors: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of studio monitors rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 3 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 108 studio monitor endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
61 studio monitors were endorsed in total, only 24 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 3 Sep 2023, Neumann KH 120 A takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed studio monitor with 6 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 studio monitor' this month.
Brand breakdown
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Focal: 7 studio monitors
(#1 is Focal Solo6 Be)
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KRK: 5 studio monitors
(#1 is KRK Rokit RP7 G4)
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Genelec: 4 studio monitors
(#1 is Genelec 8010A)
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Mackie: 4 studio monitors
(#1 is Mackie HR824 mkII)
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PreSonus: 4 studio monitors
(#1 is PreSonus Eris E.45)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Studio Monitor |
Popular Science
|
Music Radar
|
Music Critic
|
Hyperbits
|
Gearank
|
Old Time Music
|
PianoDreamers
|
E-Home Recording Studio
|
Careers In Music
|
woodandfirestudio.com
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $699 |
Neumann KH 120 A
The Neumann KH 120 A is a bi-amplified speaker system designed for accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it ideal for critical listening applications in professional recording studios, post-production facilities, and broadcast environments.
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-
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-
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2
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-
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12
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1
|
-
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6
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4
|
1
|
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2
|
- | $378 |
Yamaha HS8
The Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor is a powerful and reliable speaker with accurate sound reproduction and complete response control, making it ideal for professional use in larger studio spaces or for live performances.
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-
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-
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1
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6
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9
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4
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-
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3
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-
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2
|
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3
|
- | $188 |
Yamaha HS5
The Yamaha HS5 is a powerful and reliable studio monitor that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it a great choice for home studios and small recording spaces.
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1
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5
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-
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4
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-
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9
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4
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-
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-
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-
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4
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- | Check price |
JBL 305P MkII
The JBL 305P MkII is a highly recommended and affordable studio monitor that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction with advanced technology and excellent stereo imaging.
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5
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-
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-
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1
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5
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-
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5
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-
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-
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-
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5
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- | $466 |
Genelec 8010A
The Genelec 8010A Studio Monitor is a compact and powerful option for near-field monitoring in small studios or home recording setups, delivering exceptional sound quality in a small package.
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-
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3
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-
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8
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8
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-
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-
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8
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-
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8
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6
|
- | Check price |
KRK Rokit RP7 G4
The KRK Rokit RP7 G4 Studio Monitor is a powerful and versatile audio tool with a neutral and flat frequency response, making it suitable for music production, mixing, and mastering, and is ideal for use in recording studios and live sound reinforcement applications.
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-
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1
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-
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7
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-
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-
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-
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-
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2
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-
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7
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- | $200 |
KRK Rokit 5 G3
The KRK Rokit 5 G3 is a bi-amplified studio monitor with a 5-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter, providing clear and accurate sound with a focus on detailing and nuances, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized rooms and home recording studios.
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-
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-
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4
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-
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-
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6
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-
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1
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-
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-
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8
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- | $800 |
Mackie HR824 mkII
The Mackie HR824 mkII Studio Monitor is a powerful and reliable studio monitor that delivers high-quality sound for a range of professional and personal applications, with impressive low-end performance and individual calibration plots that ensure better matching between pairs of speakers.
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-
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6
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-
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-
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5
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9
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5
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-
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-
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9
|
- | $150 |
PreSonus Eris E.45
The PreSonus Eris E.45 Studio Monitor is a compact and affordable nearfield monitor with a neutral sound signature, defined high and mid-range frequencies, and punchy bass response, making it a great choice for small home studios, desktop setups, and casual listening.
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-
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-
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-
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2
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-
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1
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-
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-
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-
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10
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- | $174 |
KRK Rokit 5 G4
The KRK Rokit 5 G4 is a powerful and versatile studio monitor with a bi-amp design, accurate sound reproduction, and impressive bass performance, making it ideal for mixing and mastering music in small to medium-sized studios or home recording setups.
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-
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-
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2
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3
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-
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6
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-
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-
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-
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11
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- | $799 |
Adam Audio A7V
The Adam Audio A7V Studio Monitor is a powerful and accurate speaker that is ideal for professional recording studios, home studios, and music producers who require high-quality sound and accurate monitoring.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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8
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-
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1
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-
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12
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- | Check price |
Adam Audio A7X
The Adam Audio A7X is a powerful and versatile studio monitor that delivers exceptional sound quality and accuracy, making it suitable for professional audio engineers, music producers, and home recording enthusiasts, but falls short in the lows.
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-
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-
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-
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11
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-
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3
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-
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7
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-
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-
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13
|
- | Check price |
Focal Solo6 Be
The Focal Solo6 Be is a versatile and high-powered studio monitor that delivers remarkable clarity and an expansive soundstage, making it suitable for professional and personal use.
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-
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-
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5
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14
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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-
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14
|
- | $299 |
KRK Rokit 8 G4
The KRK Rokit 8 G4 Studio Monitor is a powerful and versatile audio solution with clear and accurate sound reproduction, making it ideal for studio recording, DJ monitoring, and other professional audio applications.
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3
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
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15
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- | Check price |
Kali Audio LP-6
The Kali Audio LP-6 is a powerful and reliable studio monitor that delivers high-quality sound for a range of applications, making it an ideal choice for music producers, sound engineers, and home studio owners who prioritize accuracy and clarity in their audio production.
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-
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-
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-
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5
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
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-
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17
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- | Check price |
Dynaudio BM5 mkIII
The Dynaudio BM5 mkIII Studio Monitor is a powerful and reliable option for small to medium-sized recording studios, home recording, and mixing, delivering clear and accurate sound reproduction with a transparent and natural sound that won't fatigue the listener during long mixing sessions.
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-
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-
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10
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-
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2
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-
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-
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-
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-
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18
|
- | Check price |
Presonus Eris E5
The Presonus Eris E5 Studio Monitor is a reliable and powerful speaker that delivers accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it an ideal choice for musicians, producers, and audio engineers who need to mix and master their music.
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-
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-
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-
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3
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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9
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19
|
- | $350 |
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Studio Monitor is a compact and powerful speaker system that delivers exceptional sound quality for music production, mixing, and mastering, with advanced DSP processing, a unique design, and excellent stereo imaging and low-end.
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4
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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5
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-
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20
|
- | $241 |
Adam Audio T7V
The Adam Audio T7V is a powerful and versatile studio monitor that delivers high-quality sound at an accessible price point, making it an ideal choice for home recording enthusiasts, podcasters, and music producers.
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4
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5
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21
|
- | $899 |
Focal Shape 65
The Focal Shape 65 Studio Monitor is a powerful and precise nearfield monitor suitable for professional use, praised for its accurate and detailed sound reproduction and well-balanced low-frequency performance.
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2
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-
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12
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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22
|
- | Check price |
Genelec M040
The Genelec M040 Studio Monitor is a powerful and versatile tool for professional recording studios and home studios alike, delivering high-quality sound at high volume levels without distortion, with precise stereo imaging and accurate mid-range and bass reproduction.
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8
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-
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-
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8
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-
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-
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-
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23
|
- | $350 |
IK Multimedia iLoud Precision MTM
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7
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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10
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24
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- | $2299 |
Focal Twin6 Be
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9
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-
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-
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-
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9
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25
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- | Check price |
Genelec 8030C
The Genelec 8030C Studio Monitor is a compact and lightweight device that delivers exceptional sound quality with its bi-amped design, power response, and maximum SPL, making it ideal for critical listening and mixing applications in small to medium-sized studio spaces.
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11
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10
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We ranked Neumann KH 120 A #1 in September 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Neumann KH 120 A as #1.
Music Critic
Premium Quality
|
Class-AB analog amplifiers.
52 Hertz -21 kiloHertz.
Easy interface.
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Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors under $1000
|
Extremely critical sounding
Natural and lifelike sound signature
Premium components and build quality
Top choice for Mastering
|
Sound isn't for impressing clients in the studio
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Old Time Music
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Compact.
Completely customizable sound.
Tracks, mixes, and masters music.
.5 dB tone accuracy.
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Expensive.
Sounds best in a multi-channel system.
|
Careers In Music
|
Designed by mathematical modeling
Comprehensive acoustic controls
Reasonably priced
|
Odd looking
|
woodandfirestudio.com
Best Studio Monitors in 2023
|
High End Monitors
Neutral frequency response, so you can trust these monitors
Incredible detail and impulse fidelity
|
Expensive
|
We ranked Yamaha HS8 #2 in September 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha HS8 as #1.
Music Critic
Best Overall
|
Has an 8” cone woofer and a 1” dome tweeter to provide you with the best quality sound.
Has a frequency response of 38Hz to 30kHz, so you get the ideal flat frequency response.
Equipped with a built-in amp and a bi-amp so you get the best sound resolution every time.
|
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitor under $500
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Neutral response for critical listening
Excellent build quality
Versatile controls for different rooms
Still relatively affordable
|
May be too large for small studios
Not for those that want the biggest bass
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Old Time Music
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Amp is high performance.
Lots of available controls for mixers, keyboards, and audio interfaces.
Noise reduction technology.
Easy to install.
|
Very similar to Yamaha’s other products.
Not very crisp.
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woodandfirestudio.com
Best studio monitors for semi-professional use
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Very honest & trustworthy sound
Good low end
Perfect for mixing and mastering
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If you prefer bass-heavy studio monitors, there are better alternatives.
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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend studio monitors.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of studio monitors, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for September 2023 ranking
Popular Science
Music Radar
Music Critic
Hyperbits
Gearank
Old Time Music
PianoDreamers
E-Home Recording Studio
Careers In Music
woodandfirestudio.com
We ranked Yamaha HS5 #3 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Yamaha HS5 as #1.
Popular Science
Best overall
|
Precise stereo imaging
Accurate, pro-proven mix translation
Built-in filters and level control
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Built-in filters and level control
No cables included
Narrow listening sweet spot
|
Music Radar
The best for a true representation of your recordings
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A budding mix engineer's dream
Iconic design
Amazing value
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Controls located at rear
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Old Time Music
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Compact for small spaces.
Room control and High TRIM controls available.
Lots of connectivity.
Decent sound.
Affordable.
|
Small with a 5-inch woofer.
Not great bass pitches.
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PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $500 (for intermediate studios)
|
Really affordable price point for the quality you receive
Ideal flat frequency response
Legendary heritage; an aspiring mixing engineer’s perfect companion
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Not quite stellar low-frequency response on the HS5 model
Volume and trim controls on the rear
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We ranked JBL 305P MkII #4 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked JBL 305P MkII as #1.
Popular Science
Best for home recording studios
|
Wide soundscape
Broad listening sweet spot
Room-tuning features
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Glossy finish isn’t for everyone
Audio cables not included
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Gearank
Author's Pick
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Neutral frequency response
Fast transients on high and midrange
Wide sweet spot
Top tier sound at a good price
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Bass not its strong suit
Sounds "boring" to unaccustomed ears
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PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $500 (for intermediate studios)
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Nice low-end response
Hi-tech image control
Durable
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Potentially difficult to balance
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We ranked Genelec 8010A #5 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Radar
Best compact mid-range 2-way design monitors
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Accurate frequency response
A large sound for a tiny monitor
Rugged aluminium enclosure
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Pricey, but a solid investment
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Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors under $500
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Portable
Surprisingly robust sound
Great Imaging
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Awkward XLR jack positioning
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woodandfirestudio.com
Best portable studio monitors
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Exceptional portability
Very good construction quality
Very good sound for the size
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High price for 3-inch monitors
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We ranked KRK Rokit RP7 G4 #6 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked KRK Rokit RP7 G4 as #1.
Music Radar
The best affordable nearfield monitors for electronic music
|
Graphic EQ at this price-point is fantastic
Bass sounds are quite phenomenal
|
There are monitors better suited to non-electronic music production
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Careers In Music
|
DSP driven room tuning
Thumpingly good bass
Iso-foam pad for great isolation
Great value
|
Not as distinctive looking as they were
|
We ranked KRK Rokit 5 G3 #7 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked KRK Rokit 5 G3 as #1.
Music Critic
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It comes in a complete bundle with two of these amazing speakers.
Low distortion and large headroom thanks to the bi-amped, class A/B amplifier.
Also comes with a high-frequency adjustment so that you can mold it according to your personal taste and requirements.
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Old Time Music
|
Comes in set of two.
Waveguide has great imaging.
Clear and crisp sound.
Affordable.
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Auto standby feature annoying.
No sub out option.
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We ranked Mackie HR824 mkII #8 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Class A/B amplifiers so that you can hear the highs and the lows simultaneously.
The 8.75" woofer that you get with this studio monitor enables you to get a sound that is high-precision and low-distortion at the same time.
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Old Time Music
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Large 8 3/4 -inch LF driver.
Curves make great sound.
Passive radiator design.
Active amplifiers and precision woofer and tweeter.
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Maintenance an issue.
Not great for mixing or mastering.
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PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $1000 (for the serious home studios)
|
Highly accurate
Passive radiator for accurate low-end frequencies
Wide-dispersal of high-end frequencies
|
A little more expensive
Some people experience longevity issues 4-5 years down the line
|
We ranked PreSonus Eris E.45 #9 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked PreSonus Eris E.45 as #1.
Gearank
The Best Cheap Studio Monitors Under $100
|
Neutral sound and clear high end
Includes useful accessories
Many input options
Lightweight and portable
|
Limited headroom
Limited bass response, slightly congested mids
Pots get scratchy after a while
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PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $200 (for beginner studios)
|
Easy to tweak the sound
Acoustic switch
Multiple I/O
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Bass may be a bit weak
Some might find the highs a little harsh
|
We ranked KRK Rokit 5 G4 #10 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors Under $300
|
Extended bass response
More neutral than its predecessors
Includes ISO-foam pads
|
Digital controls feel gimmicky
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PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $500 (for intermediate studios)
|
Great flat frequency response
Great value for money
Comes in two different designs (black and white)
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Rear mounted volume and trim controls
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We ranked Adam Audio A7V #11 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Adam Audio A7V as #1.
PianoDreamers
BEST STUDIO MONITORS UNDER $1000 (FOR THE SERIOUS HOME STUDIOS)
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Great transient response
High-end sounds crisp and clean
Front bass ports and front panel controls
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A little more expensive than other monitors on this list
May take a while to get used to if you have listened to other monitors
|
Careers In Music
|
Versatile
Sonically clean and precise
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Expensive
Probably too powerful for smaller rooms
|
We ranked Adam Audio A7X #12 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Old Time Music
|
Huge frequency range.
Award winner.
Great depth of sound.
Expressive and sensitive sound reproduction.
|
Expensive.
Best in a small studio.
|
We ranked Focal Solo6 Be #13 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Critic
|
W composite sandwich cone gives you unparalleled frequency response.
Has an inverted-dome tweeter to provide you with the utmost of precision and high efficiency.
It also comes equipped with a potentiometer so that you can easily adjust the tweeter and woofer levels according to your liking.
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We ranked KRK Rokit 8 G4 #14 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Popular Science
Best for electronic producers
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Powerful, punchy bass
Built-in room-tuning DSP with free app
Acoustic pads on bottom help with decoupling
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DSP can be complicated for novices
Bass-forward signature is not ideal for all genres
Heavy
|
woodandfirestudio.com
Best Studio Monitors for EDM/Trap Producers
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Music is very bass-heavy, which makes it more enjoyable to listen to
Well suited for DJs
Room correction using the built-in EQ
|
Not transparent
Therefore not optimal for mixing & mastering
|
We ranked Kali Audio LP-6 #15 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Careers In Music
|
Superb improvements
low noise
Look great
Well priced
|
Less controls than some
|
We ranked Dynaudio BM5 mkIII #16 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Old Time Music
|
Broad frequency.
Great SPL and dynamic range.
Drivers are hand-made.
Relatively light.
|
Sound can be too bright or harsh.
Long travel time from Denmark.
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We ranked Presonus Eris E5 #17 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
woodandfirestudio.com
The best studio monitors for beginners
|
An enviable price-performance ratio
Relatively well balanced sound
|
Less faithful reproduction of the original sound than more expensive speakers
|
We ranked IK Multimedia iLoud MTM #18 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Radar
Best all-round home studio monitors
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Affordable and compact
In-built calibration system
Perfect for home studios
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Possibly lost in a large control room
|
Careers In Music
|
Great for small rooms
Versatile
Self-tuning
Good value
|
Not enough power for larger rooms
Could be lacking in bass
|
We ranked Adam Audio T7V #19 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors Under $300
|
Amazing stereo imaging
Airy but neutral extended highs
Excellent midrange
Great overall value
|
No power indicator light
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woodandfirestudio.com
|
Very good monitors for relatively little money
Ears do not get tired with intensive use
|
Not as transparent as the Yamaha's
|
We ranked Focal Shape 65 #20 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Radar
Best mid-priced nearfields
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Passive radiators give you flexibility
Rear EQ controls
Easily tweaked to your room
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Automatic bypass function
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We ranked Genelec M040 #21 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Critic
|
It is a near-field studio monitor that is good for rear uses as well.
Has an extended frequency response.
Phenomenal value for money.
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Old Time Music
|
Amplifiers optimized and high functioning.
Compensates for each new room environment.
Laminar Integrated Port Technology.
Compact, 6.5-inch woofer.
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Not as large a frequency response range as the Yamahas.
Hard to find.
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We ranked IK Multimedia iLoud Precision MTM #22 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Radar
Best for sound and features that belie the price
|
Excellent sound and even better with ARC
A decent price considering what you get
ARC system is very easy to employ
|
No cable for microphone
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We ranked Focal Twin6 Be #23 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Music Radar
The best for balance and clarity
|
Peerless construction and finish
Huge sound stage, and gorgeously smooth
Focus mode will appeal to many
|
Relatively large for small home studios
|
We ranked Genelec 8030C #24 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best studio monitors” rankings.
Gearank
The Best Studio Monitors under $1000
|
Extremely clear transient response
Neutral sound signature helps mix translation
Topnotch build quality
Waveguide provides a wide sweet spot
|
None aside from price
|
PianoDreamers
Best Studio Monitor Under $1000 (for the serious home studios)
|
Clean sounding and incredibly accurate
Durable and reliable
Solid
|
Only XLR inputs
|