PreSonus R80 AMT Studio Monitor (Single)

PreSonus R65 ReviewI received my R65s 08/30/16. They are used as my PC Audio speakers, replacing JBL LSR-305 powered studio monitors, which replaced Audio Engine A5+ speakers.I only purchased the PreSonus R65s because owning speakers with AMT Tweeters was a "Bucket List" desire of mine, not because the JBLs were deficient in any way.The audio chain consists of MoBo audio output via USB to Emotiva DC-1 Stealth DAC input, DAC XLR output to DBX Equalizer input, Equalizer XLR output to powered monitors and Martin Logan Dynamo 300 SW (Front facing).With all new speakers, a sufficient period is required for "Break In" or "Flex In" as I refer to it. The SW was already "Flexed in", and so after Approx. 60 Hrs. of use, I balanced the levels of the speakers with RTA software and measurement microphone I purchased earlier.I normally run the dual 31 band equalizer settings at "Flat", because I've come to prefer that setting, not because I mix music or any such activity.The AMT tweeters do indeed produce a clarity that is hard to describe. Pianos sound live, drum snares are crisp, they do indeed sound clearer and sharper than the 305s (The JBLs are excellent sounding speakers, especially for the delivered price of a pair). What you have to decide is whether the price ($630/pair delivered) is worth upgrading to.Other considerations were the front firing slotted ports (Like KRK monitors) which I desired because of room size and clutter, and the rear panel adjustments with selectable LP (100, 80, or 60Hz.) circuits (For use with Subs, which all good monitors should have).Well mastered recordings on these monitors sound absolutely incredible!Poorly mastered recordings sound bad to very bad. Once accustomed to this clarity, however, I can't go back. SW needed, as was required with the JBLs and Audio Engine A5+s.My other serious contenders were Emotiva AirMotiv 6s powered monitors ($100 + cheaper, more RMS class A/B power, however, a lot heavier speaker weight).I've never heard "Hiss" coming from these speakers with no signal input @ Max volume (Neither did I ever hear "Hiss" from the JBLs with no signal @ Max volume). XLR cables and careful routing I suspect.I would definitely purchase the R65s again, or R80s (For a little louder bass output).

The speakers sounded ok. Didn't last long (5 months). I wouldn't recommend them.

I just got these monitors set up about 3 hours ago and have been listening to some of my music library and some of my own stuff. I know they are not broken in yet...but... the first thing I notice is the crystal clear, smooth, buttery, airy highs. Also well defined mids and solid lows (not boomy or muddy) I am using a Mackie sub also. These are replacing a set of Mackie MR8mk3's which I still feel are great sounding monitors for the price. These r80's take it up to a new level of accuracy though. I can hear little artifacts in my recordings that i did't hear before. The stereo image is very lifelike. I can pinpoint any sound in the space with tape measure precision. Its like you can reach out and touch were the sound should be in space. I am not experienced enough with pro studio monitors to point out any negatives as i have only had 3 pairs of monitors in my life (also had event 20/20's from the 90's). These are by far the best I've heard so far.

Review ror the R80s, these things are amazing. i produce electronic and I was deciding between these and the KRK 8 inch, really glad I went with these. So warm, so wide and the tweeters are unlike anything I've heard before.Just keep in mid these things are huge and will have idol static if you don't use balanced cables. You are definitely going to need some stands for these.Bonus points cuz they look cool too.

Kind of whatever studio monitor. They sound fine and are accurate enough. However they don't last. Be prepared to send them back almost once a year for repair.

I used to use the JBL LSR308 for my productions. But now those are in my living room, and these have replaced them in my production setup. These are extremely revealing, and had clearly played details that were not coming out of the JBLS. Thanks for cleaning up my mix PreSonus!