In the Premium Model 9 review, I mentioned that Driade would make a pair in a unique finish to become my new reference monitor speakers. This update showcases the result, and I must say, I love the industrial design!
The speakers are finished with a unique deep blue stain that highlights the wood grain. The color is dark and subdued, giving it a tastefully subtle appearance. Depending on the ambient light, the hue can appear as a shade of black or a true deep blue.
The stands have a clear coating that showcases the steel and its welded joints, including the discoloration from welding, creating an industrial aesthetic. At the same time, the smooth finish prevents them from resembling factory tools.
Price increase
During production, it became clear that the Premium Model 9 requires significantly more manual labor than expected. The monitor actually takes longer to build than the floor-standing models, indicating that the introductory price cannot be maintained.
Effective September 1st, 2025, the base-model price will increase to 4.500 euros in Europe and 4.200 USD ex VAT outside Europe.
Nonetheless, the Premium Model 9 serves as my reference monitor speaker for a reason. Its performance is so exceptional that it takes at least double the price to reach this level.
To be clear, at 4.500 Euros, the speaker remains a massive deal and a must-listen.
The Driade Premium Model 9s are not just highly recommended but also my reference monitor speakers in their price range and quite a bit beyond.
More Driade
External Links
Driade Systems.nl
Driade Systems.com
Phone +31 6 2541 8283
Hello Christiaan – just a note to say how much I look forward to your reviews, especially since much of the gear you review isn’t available in the States. With the stupidity that’s happening here availability for listening probably will even get worse, so yours is a real service for those of us who are trying to keep current on the art. Question: re your comment about the Driade monitor’s price point value, do you have plans to review Borresen’s X-1. I’ve not heard better for the price (not withstanding the high cost of the stands).
Best thoughts.
Hi Dennis, thanks for the nice words. While there are no plans as of yet for the Borresen X-1, more reviews will be done for AGD.
Hello Christiaan, congratulations with your new custom made Driade Premium Model 9.
They are indeed beautiful and definitly worth the wait.
I would imagine the Solidsteel stands in a custom brown rust paint would also be a good match.
Best regards,
Bert
Good suggestion, Bert, I agree!