The Yamaha NS-10 became a standard for audio professionals in the late 70’s and throughout the 80’s, used as a standard for nearfield monitors to mix Rock & Roll and Pop records. It is now a new era and the NS-10 model was discontinued in 2001, so how does it compare to the newer generation of studio monitor models?
Opinions vary depending on who you ask. Some say the NS10’s are a classic piece of equipment used to craft countless legendary records. They are a staple option in a lot of notable professional sound studios, especially in the United States. But some would argue there are better options, especially for today’s pop sound and musical genres. Below we compare the classic Yamaha NS-10 with the newer updated model the Yamaha HS8.
Yamaha NS-10 Overview
Powered? No.
Woofer Size: Roughly 7” (180mm)
Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20Khz
Original Release Date: 1978
Buy the Yamaha NS-10 (new/used)
Subwoofer Model: Yamaha HS10 (new/used)
NS-10 Pro’s:
- The NS-10 model is probably the most popular and ubiquitous monitor pair in recording history and is a staple used by legendary sound engineers..
- Believed to be better for translation which means they have a slight leg up as studio monitors when it comes to accuracy in mixing feedback.
- Very revealing in mid-range frequencies.
- Regardless of whether you use them or not, their place in music history, in addition to the fact that they aren’t being made any more means that they are priceless. Obviously condition will always be a factor, but these set of monitors are an American history commodity.
NS-10 Con’s:
- Not bi-amplified. Need an amplifier to power.
- The model has long been discontinued and can only be purchased most likely used. Availability is also another factor. (Full disclosure; some would argue that a gently used pair of studio monitors is simply “broken in”.)
- Concerns of high frequency harshness during mix sessions has previously caused a phenomenon of engineers to cover the pair of speakers with tissue paper to enhance the sound feedback. Likely to be largely overly-hyped, yet still something to consider.
- Not as much bass response that most modern consumers will require and prefer in a monitor and playback nowadays.
It has been said that the amplifier that you use to power the NS-10’s is going to make a big difference. Two different amps can cause dramatic differences in the feedback, allegedly.
Yamaha HS8 Overview
Powered? Yes.
Woofer Size: 8”
Frequency Response: 46 Hz – 24 kHz
Original Release Date: 2006
Buy (new)
Subwoofer Model: Yamaha HS8S (new)
HS8 Pro’s:
- Newer model: Available brand new.
- Great value and critically acclaimed. (link to hs8 review?) The components are made using better materials. The woofer material is a polypropylene on the HS8. This is a great sounding powered monitor set.
- Better frequency response. Better on the low end slightly means better for more modern genre’s.
- High trim & room control on each monitor in addition to gain control.
- The HS8 really is an upgraded version of the NS-10. People say the same thing that they said about NS-10; If they sound good on these, then they will sound good on anything. Great imaging.
HS8 Con’s:
- Not a lot of cons for this model. You can’t really do better for the price range. There are probably better options for low end, but you are going to trade mid and higher frequency translation in exchange for that. The Yamaha HS8 sounds great at all frequencies.
While the HS8 is not intended to be a clone of the NS-10 model by any means, they were created as an updated option drawing inspiration from the classic predecessor. The HS8 model is much better in many ways, most importantly sound quality.
Best Option of the Two?
All things considered, the Yamaha HS8 is the better bet of the two. If you find yourself in the rare situation of trying to recreate the magic from the 70’s and 80’s in a similar genre of yore, you might want to have a pair of NS-10’s, if only for context. The HS8 is one of the best studio monitors that you can buy today.
Other Models to consider:
The Yamaha HS series actually has other viable options to consider for your setup. The Yamaha HS5 is a great option for someone who doesn’t want to shell out the dough on a pair of NS10’s or a pair of HS8’s. A lot of engineers who spend a majority of their time mixing prefer something smaller like the HS5 to reduce ear strain over long periods of time. If you want more bass response though, you will want something bigger than 5” like that of the HS5.
Conclusion
Some people who are nostalgic would love to have a pair of NS-10’s in their arsenal of tools, if only for bragging rights. With that being said, the NS10 might be better as a second pair of monitors rather than a first set to learn on.
It seems like some professional mixing engineers would still prefer the Yamaha NS10 model over the Yamaha HS8. I’ve heard that hey cite translation issues. This is certainly debatable.
While NS10’s are a timeless tool and have their place in recording history, they are not a requirement to achieve professional sound by any stretch of the imagination. NS10’s were used more as a go-to because they represented the most relevant widely used speakers, and it made referencing simple. The HS8 is one of the better nearfield monitor options on the market today for music production, mix engineering and even recreational listeners.