As I am in a long time process of choosing a nice pair of monitors for me, I have selected and compared some of the models that are available in my area (central Europe). In no case is this an exhaustive survey of all available models, I have checked only several common e-shops. I intentionally omited some generic „no-name/rebranded“ chinese models or products I felt are offered more from a merch companies than pro companies. I tried to stick mostly to low to mid price category but I checked also some pricier models, just to learn what specialties they got 
Here's the spec comparison:
Lessons I’ve learned:
- quite a competition
- enclosure material – haven’t studied much, mostly MDF, higher models polycarbonate composite (Neumann), die cast aluminum (Genelec)…
- max. SPL / power comparison – not my main interest either, I’m a low volume listener
- amps typically A/B, D “less common”
- woofers materials – kevlar (typical starting from lower prices), polypropylene, fiberglass composite, some proprietary composites [I have found also paper pulp in some cheaper model…]
- tweeters – silk / soft dome (typical), going higher – ribbon / AMT, alum. (focal/genelec)
- bass ports – both front and rear designs common (some makers even provide “plugs”)
- EQ shelving – various approach, cheapest without, going up - up to 4 trimmers or adjustable via SW…
- volume/gain – all rear (except Eve audio SC204)
- power – rear mechanical switch being standard
- auto standby function - not common among cheaper models
- connectors – XLR + ¼”TRS mostly standard (combo XLR/TRS connectors used in many models), dedicated RCA only some
- unbalanced input possibility usually mentioned in product pages/manuals
- DSP – models equipped with this feature starting at around 140 €…
- crossover frequency – typical around 2,5-3k
- some manufacturers list also “dispersion angles” (Tascam, Presonus, Proel)
- country of origin – typical developed EU/US, manufactured in China, more expensive models both developed and manufactured in EU or US
- nice feature among some models - feet with height adjustment
- going higher with price can also get you extended warranty (5 years)
- measurements!:
- no cheaper models have them listed in product pages, nor datasheets, nor user guides
- some product pages provide just a picture of frequency response (Prodipe, Yamaha Hsx. Presonus Eris)
- going with higher price gets you to pieces with more comprehensive list of measurements (RCF Ayra Pro X, Adam audio T5V, Eve Audio..) or even to full set (Neumann)
- new player - Kali Audio - provides for their relative accesible model - LP-6, downloadable file with 3rd party measurement, which you can view with free software "Common Loudspeaker Format Viewer", I applaud!
Some more or less interesting extra findings, personal thoughts, “superlatives”:
- for me, the “cheapest” model with a product page of a more “serious” impression – JBL 305
- typical colour - “conservative studio black”, white options available among many models (pricier
)
- if you want fancy colors, look at Monkey Banana portfolio
- unusual features in a low-to-mid price range – KRK Rokit 5 G4 – LCD display on the back to help visualize EQ tuning and some other settings, at the same time “cheapest” model featuring tuning via smartphone app
- interesting aproach against conservative user settings options on the back – EVE Audio SC204 – front multi function LED knob
- cheapest “big woofer” option – M-audio BX8 D3 (8”)
- nicest blend of data & design within web page and pdf materials – Dynaudio
- most comprehensive data provided (in general, not only measurements) – Neumann (it looks almost like an obsession, which I appreciate much)
- DYN audio LYD 5 – unusual high crossover frequency - 5,2k
- unusual bass enhancement – instead of a typical port, dual passive radiators – Focal Shape 40
- digital input+output – Monkey Banana Turbo 4
Some more interesting links:
- example of beatiful company presentation / Dynaudio 2012
- example of purist scandinavian b&w spec sheet with measurements (Dynaudio LYD 5)
- example of german spec sheet with measurements (Eve audio SC204)
- Mounting Hardware Matrix (Neumann) – this is what I call a proper tech document , simple yet exhaustive!
- most comprehensive specs & measurements provided on a product page – Neumann KH 80 “Data & diagrams” - in colour/non-scandinavian
- some design specialty – Genelec 8020A – available in RAW aluminium “colour” (would nicely fit with some raw concrete interiors)
EDIT - 2020-04-12:
- I've added some more data & models to the list, from the "higher price" brands category - Avantone (only full range in list), KS Digital, PSI Audio and Quested. I've added also Kali Audio LP-6, check note above. Also added KRK RP10-3 G4, for a price/perf. reference, being the only triple driver/tri amped monitor (also quite powerful specwise).
Image is not updated, here you have Libre Office Calc file for download. Feel free to use it, misuse it, or if you are masochist, take it as a basis for further work for public good
Here's the spec comparison:
Lessons I’ve learned:
- quite a competition
- enclosure material – haven’t studied much, mostly MDF, higher models polycarbonate composite (Neumann), die cast aluminum (Genelec)…
- max. SPL / power comparison – not my main interest either, I’m a low volume listener
- amps typically A/B, D “less common”
- woofers materials – kevlar (typical starting from lower prices), polypropylene, fiberglass composite, some proprietary composites [I have found also paper pulp in some cheaper model…]
- tweeters – silk / soft dome (typical), going higher – ribbon / AMT, alum. (focal/genelec)
- bass ports – both front and rear designs common (some makers even provide “plugs”)
- EQ shelving – various approach, cheapest without, going up - up to 4 trimmers or adjustable via SW…
- volume/gain – all rear (except Eve audio SC204)
- power – rear mechanical switch being standard
- auto standby function - not common among cheaper models
- connectors – XLR + ¼”TRS mostly standard (combo XLR/TRS connectors used in many models), dedicated RCA only some
- unbalanced input possibility usually mentioned in product pages/manuals
- DSP – models equipped with this feature starting at around 140 €…
- crossover frequency – typical around 2,5-3k
- some manufacturers list also “dispersion angles” (Tascam, Presonus, Proel)
- country of origin – typical developed EU/US, manufactured in China, more expensive models both developed and manufactured in EU or US
- nice feature among some models - feet with height adjustment
- going higher with price can also get you extended warranty (5 years)
- measurements!:
- no cheaper models have them listed in product pages, nor datasheets, nor user guides
- some product pages provide just a picture of frequency response (Prodipe, Yamaha Hsx. Presonus Eris)
- going with higher price gets you to pieces with more comprehensive list of measurements (RCF Ayra Pro X, Adam audio T5V, Eve Audio..) or even to full set (Neumann)
- new player - Kali Audio - provides for their relative accesible model - LP-6, downloadable file with 3rd party measurement, which you can view with free software "Common Loudspeaker Format Viewer", I applaud!
Some more or less interesting extra findings, personal thoughts, “superlatives”:
- for me, the “cheapest” model with a product page of a more “serious” impression – JBL 305
- typical colour - “conservative studio black”, white options available among many models (pricier
)- if you want fancy colors, look at Monkey Banana portfolio
- unusual features in a low-to-mid price range – KRK Rokit 5 G4 – LCD display on the back to help visualize EQ tuning and some other settings, at the same time “cheapest” model featuring tuning via smartphone app
- interesting aproach against conservative user settings options on the back – EVE Audio SC204 – front multi function LED knob
- cheapest “big woofer” option – M-audio BX8 D3 (8”)
- nicest blend of data & design within web page and pdf materials – Dynaudio
- most comprehensive data provided (in general, not only measurements) – Neumann
(it looks almost like an obsession, which I appreciate much)- DYN audio LYD 5 – unusual high crossover frequency - 5,2k
- unusual bass enhancement – instead of a typical port, dual passive radiators – Focal Shape 40
- digital input+output – Monkey Banana Turbo 4
Some more interesting links:
- example of beatiful company presentation / Dynaudio 2012
- example of purist scandinavian b&w spec sheet with measurements (Dynaudio LYD 5)
- example of german spec sheet with measurements (Eve audio SC204)
- Mounting Hardware Matrix (Neumann) – this is what I call a proper tech document , simple yet exhaustive!
- most comprehensive specs & measurements provided on a product page – Neumann KH 80 “Data & diagrams” - in colour/non-scandinavian
- some design specialty – Genelec 8020A – available in RAW aluminium “colour” (would nicely fit with some raw concrete interiors)
EDIT - 2020-04-12:
- I've added some more data & models to the list, from the "higher price" brands category - Avantone (only full range in list), KS Digital, PSI Audio and Quested. I've added also Kali Audio LP-6, check note above. Also added KRK RP10-3 G4, for a price/perf. reference, being the only triple driver/tri amped monitor (also quite powerful specwise).
Image is not updated, here you have Libre Office Calc file for download. Feel free to use it, misuse it, or if you are masochist, take it as a basis for further work for public good
Last edited:
