PreSonus R65From real comments

Verdict distilled from 23 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment59%
PROS 59%
CONS 41%

Rank based on 23 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want detailed, spacious stereo imaging for mixing electronic music at an affordable price
  • You need front-ported monitors that can sit close to a wall
  • You're willing to let the tweeter 'break in' over a couple of days for smoother highs

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're highly sensitive to idle hiss or self-noise in a quiet room
  • You need guaranteed long-term reliability without capacitor or shutdown concerns
  • You want a monitor with zero perceived brightness right out of the box

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
GLM calibration softwareStrong subwoofer synergyExceptional detail and accuracyHigh priceLow-frequency nulls and room interaction issuesRear porting limits placement
GLM calibration software
Strong subwoofer synergy
Exceptional detail and accuracy
High price
Low-frequency nulls and room interaction issues
Rear porting limits placement
2Mid
Excellent sound quality for the sizeSurprising low end for a small driverAttractive build and controlsPrice seen as high for the sizeWeak bass without a subwooferLogo and knob placement disliked
Excellent sound quality for the size
Surprising low end for a small driver
Attractive build and controls
Price seen as high for the size
Weak bass without a subwoofer
Logo and knob placement disliked
3Premium
Effective GLM calibration ecosystemPrecise time-aligned imagingImproved clarity via digital AES connectionBoominess near desks or wallsHighs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivalsQuestionable value versus price for some buyers
Effective GLM calibration ecosystem
Precise time-aligned imaging
Improved clarity via digital AES connection
Boominess near desks or walls
Highs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivals
Questionable value versus price for some buyers
4Mid
Major upgrade from previous speakersSonarworks DSP integrationBalanced, neutral sound signatureSelf-noise and electrical interference concernsBuild/material downgrade concerns versus A7XMissing TRS input option
Major upgrade from previous speakers
Sonarworks DSP integration
Balanced, neutral sound signature
Self-noise and electrical interference concerns
Build/material downgrade concerns versus A7X
Missing TRS input option
5Mid
Premium Look & Collector AppealGood Fit for Small RoomsLong-Term Brand TrustLess Detail Than RivalsMuddy Sound at Price PointSome Users Switch Away
Premium Look & Collector Appeal
Good Fit for Small Rooms
Long-Term Brand Trust
Less Detail Than Rivals
Muddy Sound at Price Point
Some Users Switch Away
6Mid
Strong bass extension for the size
Strong bass extension for the size
7Premium
Well-designed internal amplificationLong-term reliabilityAccurate, detailed soundLimited bass extensionSlight tonal colorationHigh price for the size
Well-designed internal amplification
Long-term reliability
Accurate, detailed sound
Limited bass extension
Slight tonal coloration
High price for the size
8Mid
Flat, accurate sound for mixingBi-amplified active designCutoff filter improves mix translationCan cause listening fatiguePrice a stretch for tight budgets
Flat, accurate sound for mixing
Bi-amplified active design
Cutoff filter improves mix translation
Can cause listening fatigue
Price a stretch for tight budgets
9Premium
Neutral, accurate soundExcellent imaging and soundstageGLM room calibration effectivenessHigh price for the categoryCan sound overly clinicalPerceived lack of warmth or bass texture
Neutral, accurate sound
Excellent imaging and soundstage
GLM room calibration effectiveness
High price for the category
Can sound overly clinical
Perceived lack of warmth or bass texture
10Budget
Clear, detailed sound
Clear, detailed sound
Best valueYou are here
31Mid
PreSonus R65
Detailed, clear AMT tweeterSpacious stereo imagingStrong value for priceIdle self-noise/hissInitial brightness/harshnessReliability concerns (shutdowns, overheating)
PreSonus R65
Detailed, clear AMT tweeter
Spacious stereo imaging
Strong value for price
Idle self-noise/hiss
Initial brightness/harshness
Reliability concerns (shutdowns, overheating)

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The AMT tweeter delivers a spacious, detailed sound that wins people over despite an initially bright first impression. Multiple listeners noted the R65's highs sounded bright or even harsh at first, similar to Adam monitors, but praised the exceptional stereo imaging that made the top end feel pleasing rather than fatiguing. Some described a two-day break-in period after which the highs settled into something smoother. Owners specifically recommend it for techno and electronic production mixing, citing clear tweeters without ear fatigue and satisfying bass response.

Idle self-noise and hiss are the most contested issue across owners. Reports range dramatically: one buyer called the hiss 'almost non-existent' on their unit, while others say all ribbon-tweeter amps generate some hiss inherently, comparing it to classic amplifier noise. Several prospective buyers repeatedly ask whether V2 fixed the self-noise problem from V1, suggesting it remains an unresolved concern for cautious shoppers, with a few saying it was their main reason for hesitating or looking elsewhere.

A few owners report hardware reliability problems including shutdowns and overheating. One user found monitors randomly turning off was caused by failing capacitors, which were replaced to fix the issue. Another commenter flagged overheating as unusual for a Class D-type monitor and questioned the internal electronics and power supply quality. These reports are limited in number but paint a picture of occasional build-quality inconsistency alongside otherwise strong sonic praise.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?