Short answer: the Pioneer DJ VM-50. It ranks #35 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $169; the NHT Pro M-00 ranks #42 and costs $498, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Pioneer DJ VM-50: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. The tradeoff: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter.
What the NHT Pro M-00 gets right: Cast aluminum-zinc alloy enclosure doubles as a heatsink for the built-in discrete Class AB amplifier, and both RCA and XLR/TRS inputs are provided with a near-field/far-field voicing switch. The catch: Amir identified a critical flaw: a sudden suck-out in the upper bass frequencies that affects many commonly-used notes.
Buy the Pioneer DJ VM-50. It ranks higher for sound quality than the NHT Pro M-00 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 42 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Pioneer DJ VM-50 | NHT Pro M-00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 each | $498 pair, discontinued (used market; originally $249 each) |
| Ranked | #35 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) | - |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer | 1" ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5" treated paper-cone woofer |
| Amplification | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF | - |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings | No |
| Dimensions | - | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Weight | - | 14 lbs / 6.35 kg each |
| Output Power | - | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Pioneer DJ VM-50: $169 each Amazon
Pros: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Erin measured F3 at 61Hz, low distortion at 86 and 96dB, almost no long-term compression above 50Hz and only roughly quarter-decibel dynamic nonlinearity. Four-position low- and high-EQ controls yield 16 useful voicings, while balanced TRS/XLR and RCA inputs suit studio and consumer sources.
Cons: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter. Bass does not reach 50Hz at reference level despite its pleasing punch, making a subwoofer useful. Output is appropriate for nearfield use rather than home-theater distance. As an internally amplified monitor, passive impedance and sensitivity measurements are not applicable.
Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) |
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NHT Pro M-00: $498 pair, discontinued (used market; originally $249 each)
Pros: Cast aluminum-zinc alloy enclosure doubles as a heatsink for the built-in discrete Class AB amplifier, and both RCA and XLR/TRS inputs are provided with a near-field/far-field voicing switch.
Cons: Amir identified a critical flaw: a sudden suck-out in the upper bass frequencies that affects many commonly-used notes. Treble peaks on-axis, and vertical-axis performance is particularly problematic. In-room response turns notably bright in rooms with absorptive surfaces. Comparing directly to the JBL 305P Mark II, Amir found the NHT sounded “dead and bright” while the JBL was “balanced” with “rich and warm detail,” concluding, “I would not remotely use the NHT M-00 relative to JBL 305P Mark ii. The difference in overall fidelity and pleasantness is immense.” Long discontinued; not recommended even on the used market.
Full NHT Pro M-00 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Drivers | 1" ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5" treated paper-cone woofer |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| Output Power | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| Weight | 14 lbs / 6.35 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons