Andertons Scoreboard: Studio Monitor Shootout – 7-inch Woofers

Andertons Scoreboard: Studio Monitor Shootout – 7-inch Woofers

Just like last time when we reviewed some of our most popular 5-inch studio monitors,  for this shootout we got some of the Andertons team down to the Monitor Room to compare a range of different 7-inch monitors to see which they thought came out on top! The staff here at Andertons have extensive experience with music production and hearing these specific monitors in-use day in, day out.

For our comparisons, we listened to tracks we know and love and used the same metrics to compare each monitor, including high, mid, and low-end frequency response, along with the overall sound quality.

We also compared the connectivity capabilities – some monitors offer aux inputs, balanced inputs, unbalanced outputs… it’s worth considering which option you’ll have access to. Controllability is another factor we considered, some monitors feature simple EQ switches, other offer more sophisticated digital processing and an LED screen.

Let’s start looking at some of our most popular 7-inch studio monitors we have in store!

If you haven’t yet checked our 5-inch studio monitor shootout, feel free to click here to check it out first.

Yamaha HS7

The bigger sibling to the HS5 we covered in the previous shootout, the Yamaha HS7 is another model commonly seen in studios of every shape and size.

We found that the overall frequency response of the HS7 was quite a bit better than the HS5, with a particularly nice high-end response.

The HS7 features the same connections as the HS5 – XLR and TRS balanced inputs along with Room Control (low cut) and High Trim (high cut/boost).

Expect the same neutral, natural playback as the HS5 but with a little bit more oomph, as can be expected with a bigger woofer.

Rating:

• Overall Sound/Accuracy – 4.2/5
• Top Range Performance – 4.6/5
• Mid-Range Performance – 4.1/5
• Bass Response – 3.8/5
• Connectivity – 5/5
• Controllability – 4/5

Final Score: 4.3/5

Like the Gold 5s, Tannoy’s Gold 7s provide a very even, consistent sound quality and frequency response to suit a wide range of situations and styles.

You’ll find the same connection features as the 5-inch variant – XLR and TRS balanced inputs – as well as a Bass Adjust featuring -2 or -4dB of low end which is great for smaller rooms. On the front are the usual Input gain control and high-frequency cut/boost, which is a nice touch for quick adjustments compared to usual back panel controls which are less convenient.

Slightly pricier than other options on our list here, but our score speaks for itself.

Rating:

• Overall Sound/Accuracy – 4.3/5
• Top Range Performance – 4.2/5
• Mid-Range Performance – 4.4/5
• Bass Response – 4.4/5
• Connectivity – 4.8/5
• Controllability – 4.2/5

Final Score: 4.4/5

ADAM don’t disappoint. We were as impressed with the T7V as we were with the T5V, as you might expect. Overall sound quality is fantastic with an even and high-quality response across all frequencies.

You’ll find all the same back-panel controls and inputs as the T5V – High and low boost/cut, Level control, balanced XLR in and unbalanced RCA in.

Overall, 4.5/5 for the T7Vs, a very impressive performance!

Rating:

• Overall Sound/Accuracy – 4.8/5
• Top Range Performance – 4.4/5
• Mid-Range Performance – 4.4/5
• Bass Response – 4.8/5
• Connectivity – 4.6/5
• Controllability – 4.1/5

Final Score: 4.5/5

 

The KRK Classic 7 performed similarly to the Classic 5, with average scores across the board for both sound and performance.

The Classic 7s feature the same connectivity and controllability as the 5s, with both balanced and unbalanced inputs and the usual boost/cut controls for both high and low frequencies.

These monitors are a reliable, well-known option those who don’t want to break the bank but still want some decent sound.

Rating:

• Overall Sound/Accuracy – 2.8/5
• Top Range Performance – 2.7/5
• Mid-Range Performance – 3.0/5
• Bass Response – 3.6/5
• Connectivity – 3.8/5
• Controllability – 3.4/5

Final Score: 3.3/5

 

KRK RP7

Finally, we’re looking at the KRK RP7 monitors.

We found the general performance to be slightly more impressive than that of the KRK RP5s, with a better frequency response across all ranges and a generally improved listening experience.

The RP7 comes out of top of the Classic 7s also from KRK by a hair. We thought the RP range performed slightly better across the board but there wasn’t a huge discrepancy between the models. Both perform well for the price.

Expect to find the same connections and controls as the RP5 – Neutrik dual TRS/XLR balanced input on the back alongside the hi-res DSP-driven graphic EQ. The screen featured alongside this allows you to see exactly what your EQ shape looks like, which is certainly a handy feature.

Rating:

• Overall Sound/Accuracy – 3/5
• Top Range Performance – 3.1/5
• Mid-Range Performance – 3.4/5
• Bass Response – 3.4/5
• Connectivity – 4.2/5
• Controllability – 4.2/5

Final Score: 3.6/5

 

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