Pricing and availability

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Reverb
5.0 (1)
$699.00 New
$429.00 Used
Thomann
4.9 (9)
$735.00 $729.00 $6.00 · All time low

Average Price: $669

Standard/Professional

$300

$801+

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive studio monitors are a tribute to the legendary monitors that shaped countless hits in the 1980s and beyond. Revered by top engineers, these monitors are renowned for their ability to reveal every flaw in your recordings, ensuring your mixes are ready for the real world. Developed in close collaboration with Chris Lord-Alge, the CLA-10 Passive is a meticulous recreation of the classic design, updated for today's audio professionals.

Avantone has precisely reverse-engineered the original components, utilizing advanced materials and modern production techniques to ensure a seamless match to the iconic sound. From the tweeter's phenolic resin doping to the woofer's custom-tooled mechanical parts, every detail has been faithfully reproduced. The addition of a VTC switch allows for a 2dB attenuation of the tweeter output, simulating the well-known "tissue-paper mod," but without introducing unwanted distortion.

With a mid-heavy sound that exposes mix shortcomings, the CLA-10 Passive is not your typical studio monitor. Its uncompromising frequency response offers a brutally honest listening experience, making it an indispensable tool for achieving mixes that translate across various playback systems. Tested rigorously in top studios and matched for uniform performance, these monitors bring the authentic studio classic experience to your setup.

Key Features:

  • Faithful re-creation of classic studio monitors
  • 2-way design with 7-inch woofer and 1.375-inch soft-dome tweeter
  • Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
  • VTC switch for 2dB tweeter attenuation
  • Reverse-engineered components for precise frequency matching
  • High-grade components for durability and consistent performance
  • Mid-heavy sound profile for critical mixing
  • Extensive testing to ensure authentic sound reproduction

Product specs

Quantity Pair
LF Driver Size 7" woofer
HF Driver Size 1.3" tweeter
Watts Per Channel 60W (program), 120W (maximum)
Impedance 8 ohms
Frequency Response 60Hz-20kHz
Maximum Peak SPL 90dB SPL @ 1m
Enclosure Type Sealed
Input Types 2 x Binding Posts
Height 7.75"
Width 15"
Depth 8.5"
Weight 13.9 lbs.

FAQs

What makes the Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors unique compared to other studio monitors?

The Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors are a faithful re-creation of the legendary NS10 speakers, known for their ability to reveal midrange issues in mixes, making them a staple in professional studios for decades.

Do the Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors require an external amplifier?

Yes, the Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors are passive and require an external amplifier to function, unlike active monitors which have built-in amplifiers.

What is the frequency response of the Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors?

The Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors offer a frequency response of 60Hz to 20kHz, providing a balanced range suitable for critical listening and mixing.

Are the Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors suitable for small studio spaces?

Yes, with their compact size and sealed enclosure, the Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors are well-suited for small studio environments where space is limited.

What type of input connections do the Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors have?

The Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive monitors feature 2 binding post inputs, which are standard for passive speakers and allow for secure and reliable connections to an external amplifier.

Avantone Pro

Avantone Pro

Avantone Pro // CLA10 Passive Studio Monitor Introduction

Video thumbnail for Avantone Pro // CLA10 Passive Studio Monitor Introduction by Avantone Pro

Avantone Pro // CLA10 Passive Studio Monitor Introduction

Avantone Pro

Avantone Pro

Video thumbnail for REBIRTH OF A LEGEND ? - AVANTONE CLA10 (part 1) | Streaky.com by Streaky

REBIRTH OF A LEGEND ? - AVANTONE CLA10 (part 1) | Streaky.com

Streaky

Streaky

Video thumbnail for Chris Lord-Alge talk about the new Avantone CLA-10 studio monitors by accordoTV

Chris Lord-Alge talk about the new Avantone CLA-10 studio monitors

accordoTV

accordoTV

Video thumbnail for Avantone CLA Chris Lord Alge 10 Studio Monitor Overview - American Musical Supply by American Musical Supply

Avantone CLA Chris Lord Alge 10 Studio Monitor Overview - American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Avantone CLA10 Overview with Chris Lord-Alge by Sweetwater

Avantone CLA10 Overview with Chris Lord-Alge

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive.

Setup and maintenance

  • Users emphasize the importance of proper room treatment and speaker placement, such as ear alignment with tweeters, to avoid issues with distracting frequencies.

    Source
  • The CLA-10A's VTPC knob allows for broad tweeter adjustments, with a 36dB range at 1.8k, providing flexibility in simulating different NS-10 models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The CLA-10s are sometimes used in surround sound setups, indicating versatility in different studio environments.

    Source
  • It's mentioned that even if CLA-10s are used only for quick midrange checks rather than full mixing sessions, they still serve a valid purpose in a setup.

    Source
  • The CLA-10s are valued as "reality check" monitors alongside more expensive main monitors, providing a balanced perspective in mixing environments.

    Source
  • The CLA-10s are often used as secondary "check" speakers but have become primary mixing monitors for some users, offering insightful midrange clarity.

    Source
  • The CLA-10A has been used effectively in home studios with added subwoofers, solving heat issues related to traditional amplifier setups.

    Source

Comparisons

  • It is pointed out that while the CLA-10s are branded as NS-10 clones, some believe their performance may not be identical due to differences in components like amplifiers.

    Source
  • Some users note the CLA-10 passives have an "improper balance" between tweeter and woofer levels, suggesting they may not replicate the NS-10's balance perfectly.

    Source
  • The CLA-10s are considered a good replacement for vintage NS-10s, offering transparency and convenience, especially for those familiar with the NS-10 sound profile.

    Source
  • The CLA-10A is noted to sound very close to NS-10s, but each NS-10 pair can vary in sound due to factors like the amplifier used and room acoustics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • There are suggestions that the Variable Tissue Paper Control on active models helps adjust tweeter levels to better match original NS-10 sound, though not perfectly.

    Source
  • The VTPC knob on the CLA-10A, standing for Variable Tissue Paper Control, allows tweeter EQ adjustments but doesn't fully replicate the NS-10's original tweeter characteristics.

    Source
  • The active CLA-10s incorporate a harshness adjustment knob, making them a convenient choice for those who prefer not to use separate amps.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users express skepticism about endorsement claims, noting that Chris Lord Alge may not primarily use CLA-10s despite their branding.

    Source
  • A user found their CLA-10A settings most similar to NS-10s when the VTPC was set three clicks from minimum brightness.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Pairing the CLA-10s with the CLA200 amp is recommended by users for optimal performance and power delivery.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • While considered a bit expensive, some users suggest alternatives like the Slate VSX headphones for NS-10 emulation without the cost of CLA-10s.

    Source
  • The CLA-10A's pricing, over $1,000, is seen as high compared to the cost of acquiring original NS-10s with a class D amp for $400-$600.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Avantone Pro: CLA-10 Passive Studio Monitor System, CLA-200 Studio Reference Amplifier | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Avantone Pro CLA-10s shine in their midrange clarity, making them a valuable tool for mixing vocals and instruments. While they boast a strong build quality and a fair price, their low-end response can leave something to be desired, often requiring a subwoofer for deeper bass. The upper midrange may initially feel harsh, but the speakers seem to mellow over time. Comparisons to the classic Yamaha NS-10s reveal differences in tonal characteristics, leading to mixed feelings about their emulation. Ultimately, the CLA-10s are effective and well-crafted monitors, but potential buyers should be aware of their limitations, especially in low-frequency reproduction.

positive

Avantone Pro CLA-10 Passive Studio Monitors

barryrudolph.com

Avantone Pro's CLA-10 Passive Studio Monitors offer a striking modern homage to the legendary Yamaha NS-10M, boasting superb craftsmanship and refined aesthetics. While they excel in providing a detailed mid-range and improved efficiency, purists may find them falling short of the exact sound profile of their vintage counterparts. The transition from low-density fiberglass to poly-fill insulation enhances sound quality, yet deep bass response remains limited. Despite these minor drawbacks, the CLA-10s shine as effective mixing tools, delivering clarity in vocal and instrumental nuances. Ideal for professional settings, they come highly recommended for those seeking reliability and performance in a stylish package.

positive

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