As audioXpress commented when the original CLA-10 passive monitors where launched, while many in the audio industry work to establish the ideal target frequency response for audio reproduction on studio monitors, speakers and headphones, others are providing "familiar" listening references that, with all their imperfections, are already familiar to working professionals.
Actually, the original Avantone Pro CLA-10 Nearfield Monitors where not only instantly recognizable versions of the originals, they were also more affordable and corrected many less-desirable characteristics of the Yamaha's, which faithful users have learned about over decades of use. When Avantone Pro now announces a repeat return of the ‘white cone’ classic studio reference monitor, the next-generation CLA-10 Active and CLA-10 Passive configurations, these remain almost identical.
A careful inspection reveals subtle aesthetic changes, and adding a new TPC (Tissue Paper Control) mode so the HMF (High Mid Frequency) driver output can now be dropped by 2dB to simulate the high-frequency dampening trick of covering the tweeters with tissue paper often deployed by those in the know when working with the original ‘white cone’ classic back in the day and beyond.
Since supply of aftermarket components for the original Yamaha speakers had dwindled, under guidance from Chris Lord-Alge, Avantone Pro created near-identical reproductions of both drivers and the classic crossover to stay true to the original specifications while meeting modern environmental standards.
Avantone Pro’s proprietary AV10-MHF 3.5cm soft dome tweeter underwent rigorous engineering to arrive at the exact phenolic resin doping required to replicate the original’s performance curve while the AV10-MLF 7" white cone woofer results from a collaboration with one of the original cone vendors to ensure that its stiffness and weight flawlessly matches the original’s behavior. Custom-tooled mechanical parts also faithfully mirror its predecessor. Both the AV10-MLF and AV10-MHF are mounted in a hybrid medium-density fiberboard and real wood veneer sealed cabinet design.
The result provides the same familiar reference for mixing, duly delivering the unforgiving mid-forward frequency response that lets users focus on the most mission-critical elements of their mix — vocals in particular. As Avantone says: if a mix sounds great on a pair of CLA-10s then rest assured that it should sound great on any speaker!
Avantone Pro did not simply stop at matching the original, of course, but rather made available active and passive variants of its collaborative creation, introducing unique high-frequency adjustments that are unavailable to those working with the originals. Today’s next-generation CLA-10 models feature a TPC (Tissue Paper Control) switch in the Passive version, allowing users to simulate the high-frequency dampening trick of covering the tweeters with tissue paper. A VTPC (Variable Tissue Paper Control) knob is found instead on the back panel of the Active version. This VTPC control was originally introduced in the CLA-10 Limited Edition launched in 2023 and allows users to simulate anything from the original vertical ‘M’ model to the horizontal ‘Studio’ alternative and everything in between.
As Avantone Pro decided to stay traditional with a linear power supply, implementing a massive, old-school toroidal transformer in order to maintain the legacy sound, the CLA-10 Active monitors employ a monolithic Class AB amplifier with excellent performance.
Both passive and active models are testaments to Avantone Pro's tenacity in continuing to refine its recreation of the ubiquitous ‘white-cone’ classic studio monitor that has been the staple of world-class recording studios for over 45 years. The CLA-10 Active and CLA-10 Passive are scheduled to ship globally in early July 2024, with a MAP of $999.00 USD and $699.00 USD per pair, respectively. Worldwide distributors are listed by country here.
www.avantonepro.com
