Our top five Studio Monitors for around R10k to kickstart 2020
It’s that time of year again, some of us may be looking into purchasing Studio Monitors to kickstart 2020.
Adam Audio T5V
To help make the choice a bit easier for you, here’s a list of our top five most notable mentions available on the local market. Check it out…
Adam Audio T5V
What is it:
The new T Series from Adam Audio has been dubbed “a breakthrough solution for use in high-resolution recording and mixing on a budget”. They incorporate features from Adam’s high-end flagship monitors at a very attractive price-point. Compared to the rest of the list, these won’t supply the same low-end, however, the focus here is accuracy and fidelity.
Best feature(s):
- Same U-ART Ribbon Tweeter design from their top of the range models
- Exceptional audio quality
- Decent frequency response for its size (45hz to 25kHz)
Price:
A pair of Adam Audio T5V will set you back R9990
Where to buy
KRK Rokit 7 G4
What is it:
This is the latest generation of KRK Rokit monitors, for those who don’t know – the KRK Rokits are arguably one of the world’s most popular studio monitors. The new generation features some great new additions, most notably is the new built-in DSP room correction system.
Best feature(s):
- Built-in DSP room correction system
- Control via KRK mobile app
- Frequency response of 36hz to 40kHz
Price:
A pair of KRK Rokit 7 G4 will set you back R9790
Where to buy
PreSonus Eris E8 XT
What is it:
This is another upgrade to an incredibly popular choice in studio monitors, I would still consider PreSonus as a relative newcomer in the market, however, they are making a good name for themselves. In terms of features and all-round performance, you can’t go wrong here.
Best feature(s):
- Incredible value for money
- EBM Waveguide and front-ported enclosure ensure wide ‘sweet spot’ even in small environments
- Frequency response of 35hz to 20kHz
Price:
A pair of PreSonus Eris E8 XT will set you back R9999
Where to buy
Monkey Banana Gibbon 8
What is it:
Another newcomer to the studio monitor market is Monkey Banana, their goal is to supply the market with affordable options that meet the strict requirements of the studio market. The Gibbon 8’s certainly beat anything else at that price.
Best feature(s):
- Incredible value for money
- Frequency response of 45hz to 22kHz
Price:
A pair of Monkey Banana Gibbon 8 will set you back R8199
Where to buy
Yamaha HS7
What is it:
Since the early days of recording, Yamaha monitors have been somewhat of an industry standard. The HS Series is a culmination of decades of expertise in the field alongside huge advances in technology since the original release of the iconic NS-10s.
Best feature(s):
- Industry-renowned name in Studio Monitors
- Frequency response of 43hz to 30kHz
Price:
So, this one is not strictly under R10k, however, it’s such a renowned name in monitors I had to include it on the list. A pair of Yamaha HS7 will set you back R10 690.
Where to buy
Got a bit more to spend?
If you REALLY want to treat your ears, a pair of Adam Audio T7V will set you back around R12k, and in my opinion – that’s just about the best set of monitors you’re going to find for close to that price.
