Avantone Pro’s CLA-10 (and its active counterpart, the CLA-10A) each offer a modern recreation of Yamaha’s iconic NS-10 monitors endorsed by mix engineer Chris Lord Alge. Now, with the release of the CLA-10A Limited Edition, the same formula is available with a new finish option.
The latest model joins the range with the same specifications as the CLA-10A; the differences here are purely visual, with the cabinet finished in a North American black walnut veneer. As for the design, it’s an active model that draws inspiration from a number of different NS-10 revisions, offering a variety of high-frequency response options thanks to the inclusion of a VTPC (Variable Tissue Paper Control) knob. That’s not a typo, the system in fact references a tactic employed by Bob Clearmountain, whose approach to tackling the bright tonality of one of the earlier NS-10 designs involved taping some tissue paper over the tweeters!
An 18cm driver is joined by a 3.5cm soft-dome tweeter — both are made by Avantone based on the original components, and are available as replacement parts for either the CLA-10 range or an original Yamaha NS-10M unit. The design employs a linear power supply that utilises a toroidal transformer, promising to maintain the tonal characteristics of the original units, and feeds a Class AB amplifier which delivers 200W RMS and boasts a THD measurement of 0.1% at its rated load.
Key Specs
- Frequency Response: 60Hz – 20kHz
- THD: 0.05% at 1kHz, 1W
- Maximum SPL: 104dB
- Weight: 8.2kg per cabinet
Related SOS Content
We’ve tested both the active and passive versions of the CLA-10, you can check out the reviews via the links below. For those interested in the history of the NS-10 and its various design revisions, as well as its rise to prominence in the studio world, look no further than our Yamaha NS10 Story feature from the September 2008 issue of SOS!
Pricing & Availability
The CLA-10A Limited Edition is available now, priced at $999€1332 per pair.
