The NS10m’s are made to stand horizontaly while the NS10s are made to stand verticaly. Other than that the NS10M is a later model with the square tweeter grill as opposed to the old round grill on the NS10.. Both speakers are of professional grade, although some seem to prefer the older NS10’S (because it is older, I suppose).

I have never been able to tell the difference between the sound of the two.
As posted before parts (speakers and tweeters)
are available.
I haved used my NS10's (not m's) in both positions thru the years mainly to get the correct height, both ways work fine on either.

Thanks guys...What about questoin #3? Buying used? Any tips on confirming quality/condition beforehand?

I have been told the older NS-10 models were a bit harsh on the high end. I have one of the last NS-10M speakers made and the high end is much smoother.

Originally posted by The MIDI Room:
I have been told the older NS-10 models were a bit harsh on the high end. I have one of the last NS-10M speakers made and the high end is much smoother.

You are correct.
The original NS10 ( originally built as a consumer speaker) got a big boost from Bob Clearmountain in a Mix article. He (and the rest of us) used to tame them by taping a sheet of toilet paper over the tweeters to darken them. Yamaha, upon experiancing this (the use of TP and thier sucess with the studio market) came out with an updated model to satisfy the unpredicted market; horizontal placement oriantation (i.e. paint tyhe logo sideways...) and a darker tweeter.
I miss A&M..they used to change thier NS10 components everyday! And I could pick up the "used" woofers for $50.

So, since most pro studios i've seen tend to have the NS's on their side, is it fair to say they're using the NS-10Ms?

Also, I'm still weary about buying this type of stuff blindly from someone on ebay... Any suggestions?

NS10M is printed on the cabinet. As far a purchasing on eBay, ya' take your chances. I've done a bunch of deals on eBay, most of them turned out good..

right... i know that the model tends to be on the cab. that's not exactly what i was asking.

but any, the only real advice about buying these on ebay is the obvious? cross my fingers and check the guy's feedback rating?

also the NS-10m's are made out of a different wood. the original ns-10's were made from a wood from japan in which they are still making the original ns-10s but they are not importing them to the USA. just some info. thanks, jeremy

I've bought things from ebay and sold things on ebay and it's always worked out good. Call the person and talk directly to them and ask any questions you might have. By the way one of My old CD's "Grinderswitch, Macon Tracks, Japanese relaese" sold yesterday on ebay for $123.50. I need a box of those suckers!
Larry

Hmmm... I have friends in Japan. But something tells me with customs and conversion rates I'm better off on ebay. Thanks guys. This is really helpful.

-K