JBL LSR 305 vs. Yamaha HS5 [In Depth Guide]
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Updates:
- 9/3/18.
- 9/15/19. Article cleanup.
- 1/22/21. Article/link cleanup.
2,929-word post, approx. 5-6 min read.
Let’s start with a quick chart!
Comparison Chart
Hi friend and Welcome!
The JBL LSR305 vs. Yamaha HS5 is a great comparison and both monitors are very similar. Before we get into the specifics of each, grab a snack, sit back and relax because..
You’ve come to the right place!!
What I will bring you in this review
of each monitor
- Introduction
- Specifications
- Summary
- Pros
- Cons
- Video Review
- Who these monitors benefit?
- What you will need?
- Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- Consensus/Conclusion
- Similarities & Differences
- Sound Test
- Final Word
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!
Introduction
It took me a long time to bite the bullet and buy a pair of studio monitors. What are studio monitors? I can tell you this right now: If you’re on the fence about it, you may as well just go ahead and take the plunge. Having a pair is truly priceless, and something that can only be felt and realized when you have them sitting in your studio.
Back when I decided to start my research, I was aware of the KRK line, but eventually found out that they are more hype than substance. The sound is decent, but overall they don’t provide you with an honest frequency response. If you’re looking for studio monitors, that’s what you want.
It doesn’t make sense to buy a pair of speakers that’s going to hype the low end while rendering everything else muddy. For that reason alone I won’t even recommend any KRK monitors today. Towards the end of this article, you will be able to hear a comparison of the JBLs, the Yamaha’s, and the KRK’s. You will see exactly why the KRK’s pale in comparison to the other two.
When I was looking for the best entry-level option, I came across the JBL LSR 305. It just kept popping up in my searches, so I read as many reviews as I could about them. Nearly every review I read was stellar, so I had to bite the bullet and get them. One of the main reasons it took me so long to buy a pair was fear actually. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it? I was so overwhelmed with all of the connections, cables, terms, and what have you, that I shied away from it for a long time. Check out this page on Cables & Wiring!
As for the monitors, I don’t regret the purchase at all.
They’re worth every penny and more and have been going strong in my studio since 2014. With that in mind, let’s dive right into why they’re so invaluable!
JBL LSR 305
Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater!
Specifications
- Powered: Yes
- Power Configuration: Bi-amped
- LF Driver Size: 5″
- HF Driver Size: 1″
- HF Driver Type: Soft Dome
- LF Driver Power Amp: 41W
- HF Driver Power Amp: 41W
- Total Power: 82W
- Frequency Range: 43Hz-24kHz
- Crossover Frequency: 1725Hz
- Maximum Peak SPL: 108 dB
- Enclosure Type: Ported
- Input Types: 1x XLR, 1x 1/4″ TRS
- Height: 11.75″
- Width: 7.28″
- Depth: 9.88″
- Weight: 10.12 lbs.
Summary
The LSR 305’s are by all accounts an entry-level studio monitor meant to satisfy the needs of the producer/engineer looking for exceptional, reference-level sound quality.
They are active, meaning they don’t need a separate amp to power. They do however need AC (alternating current) power. AC simply means the power frequently reverses direction many times per second. The standard is 60Hz, with hertz being your typical unit of measure.
Check out this really funny and informative explanation on AC power vs. DC power!
Basically, just plug these bad boys into the outlet from your JBL’s and shut up. Just kidding! These monitors come with two cables, as each needs its own power source. Basically, they are MONO speakers and need 2 separate cables running from the back into whatever you are using to receive and transmit the signal.
Sources to Consider
Some common sources and DAC’s (Digital to Analog interfaces/mixers) that are used with the JBL’s:
- An audio interface. I personally have the Scarlett 2i2. It’s a beast of a unit and powers my JBL’s magnificently. It uses 2 balanced TRS line output jacks and goes really well with the combo balanced TRS to XLR cables. You could also go with the Scarlett Solo 3rd Generation, which now comes with balanced TRS outs as well!
- A mixer. An entry-level option would be the Behringer Xenyx 802. Gets pretty nice reviews!
- A headphone amp. Yep, you read that right. A great example of a headphone Amp/DAC that doubles as a power source for your monitors are the Audioengine D1. For your console gaming rig, it has Toslink/Optical input, for your monitors it has RCA outs, and for your headphones, you hook it up via USB input. Incredible! If I didn’t record vocals with the 2i2, I would probably use the D1 as my full-time desktop Amp, as it’s one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can buy.
I will outline some different connections in the “What you will need” section below.
Pros
- Amazing detail from bass to high end.
- Impressively flat and neutral, with just a touch of warmth.
- Nice stereo imaging. Positioning these at the right spot makes them almost disappear if you will.
- Bass reaches down to 43Hz.
- They breathe life into old songs, allowing you to hear those subtle nuances that were previously absent.
- Startling clarity.
- Great at capturing highs; can really be pushed to max volume and remain crystal clear.
- Perfect for mixing, but also work well for general listening as all-purpose computer speakers.
- Rock-solid build.
- Pair great with the M50’s. Check out my Audio Technica ATH M50 Review!
- Image control waveguide technology proves to be really beneficial in producing pristine, crystal clear sound, and a wider stereo image. This same technology was used in JBL’s higher-end model monitors (upwards of $20k).
- Very accurate. They give stereo sound rather than surround sound. Don’t expect them to be your go-to home audio speakers.
Cons
- Tweeter material seems fragile. I did gently touch my finger on it and can confirm this. Just be extra careful I suppose. I haven’t had an issue with them, however.
- Some say they are too bulky and look ugly. While I can see the bulky complaint, they aren’t ugly in my opinion. They are kind of big, however, so be aware if you are really strapped for space.
Review/Sound Test!
What these monitors are good for
They do really well with pretty much any genre you throw at them. They’re flat, accurate, and honest, but also are a lot of fun to listen to. Bass heads and hip hop artists will appreciate the tight, punchy low end, and crystal clear treble range. Just an all-around great studio monitor. Mixing on these babies and you will start to hear stuff that was previously lost with other lesser equipment.
What you will need?
You will need some sort of receiver, interface, or mixer (as mentioned above), acting as a mediator/middle man of sorts, to transmit a signal between the computer and the speakers.
Check out this in-depth explanation of Bit depth vs. sample rate. It goes into some of the logistics behind digital to analog, explaining specifically why you need an interface to communicate with your computer!
As for cables
You may not necessarily need all of these cables. This is just to kind of get you started and show that there are a lot of ways to connect speakers to an interface or mixer!
TRS vs. TS (Cable Differences!)
Some different options (either/or):
For the Scarlett Solo
- dual 1/4 in. TS to dual RCA (the standard option)
Scarlett Solo 3rd Generation
- balanced TRS to XLR (my preferred option)
For the Scarlett 2i2
- 2 balanced TRS to XLR cables (my preferred option)
- 2 balanced TRS to TRS cables
For the Behringer UCA 202
- dual 1/4 in. TS to dual RCA
For a typical mixer
- XLR female to dual XLR male
For your iPad
- 3.5 mm TRS to dual XLR
For your home audio receiver
Your receiver basically takes the audio in from your CD player, turntable, etc., and releases it out again, amplifying the sound out of the JBL’s. (not unlike the other setups). If you plan to use these in a home theater setup, you will need to check the manual (or the back) of your receiver to see which audio out cable you will need. A common one would be:
- dual 1/4 in. TS to dual RCA. The RCA cables would run from your receiver to each of the monitors.
Placement
They are near-field monitors, meaning that they sound best when you’re near them! Sounds obvious, but the farther you are away, the less impact the sound has. This is especially true for the higher frequencies that lose a bit of energy at a greater distance. That said, you want them both facing diagonal towards you, creating a 3 point, equilateral triangle. Also of importance, they will sound much better at ear level. This means you should invest in some stands (if space allows), or build 2 simple shelving units on the wall. All of this really depends on your studio space. For me right now, they sit on my desk in a triangle formation and still sound great. I’m currently looking into elevating them though for improved clarity.
Acoustics
Being that the bass is ported on the rear, you may want to consider some room treatment in the form of a couple of acoustic foam panels and bass traps for the corners of your room. Acoustic Sound Treatment. It’s impossible to get a perfect sound in a bedroom, but taking this extra step will help the sound coming out of the JBL’s immensely. Having these sitting on your desk with the proper placement will go a long way in improving the overall sound coming out of them.
Consensus/Conclusion
A great pair of monitors that excel in mixing and reference applications. They can also be used as all-purpose computer speakers, and do quite fantastic in this regard. They provide a flat, honest representation of your mix, and are the best resting at ear level. The only glaring complaint is that they’re ugly. The rest of the cons that I pointed out are rather nit-picky but had to be addressed.
Onto…
Yamaha HS5
Price: Check Amazon! | Check Sweetwater!
Specifications
- Powered: Yes
- Power configuration: Bi-amped
- LF Driver Size: 5″
- LF Driver type: Cone
- HF Driver size: 1″
- HF Driver type: Dome
- LF Driver power amp: 45W
- HF Driver power amp: 25W
- Total Power: 70W
- Frequency Range: 54Hz-30kHz
- Crossover frequency: 2kHz
- Enclosure type: Ported
- Input types: 1x XLR, 1x 1/4″ (TS). TRS vs. TS. Find out about your cables!
- Height: 11.2″
- Width: 6.7″
- Depth: 8.7″
- Weight: 11.7 lbs.
Summary
The Yamaha HS5 is the perfect reference monitor for your small to medium-sized room. They do best as monitors rather than easy listening speakers. The sound is very flat, neutral, and clean. You will be able to tell a bad mix from a good one almost instantaneously. With such a revealing set of monitors, if your mix sounds good on these, it will sound good on anything!
They also have a rock-solid build and will sound bigger than their footprint. A ton of reviewers reported being able to pick out even the smallest of details, which comes in handy when you really need to dissect a mix and find flaws quickly.
Pros
- Tight, flat, and clean sound. Very neutral.
- Clear highs.
- Clarity and separation of highs, mids, and bass are phenomenal.
- Very revealing. If your mix sounds good on these, it will translate extremely well to other sources.
- Minimal changes required after the initial mix-down. Very accurate and true.
- Solid construction/heavy enough.
Cons
- They may not provide the punch that people are looking for. You may have to upgrade to the HS8’s or add a subwoofer.
- Mid-range may become problematic being that it’s a bit too forward at 1k.
Video Review!
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What these monitors are good for
- Hip hop production. Some were saying that while they are good for hip-hop, don’t buy them solely for this purpose, as the bass may be a bit difficult to mix. There’s simply not much there, and it’s been said that if you can hear the bass on these, you have too much.
- Audio/video post-production.
- Guitar performance (Critical listening).
- Acoustic/Chamber music.
- Keyboards.
- Good with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4.
Not as good for
Your home speaker set up. Definitely don’t buy these expecting them to bring the house down. They are reference monitors and won’t do quite well if you need something loud/entertaining.
What you will need?
Your audio interface is highly recommended with these. I touched on the 2i2 above, but generally, you want a good interface because these really won’t sound too great without one. What does an audio interface do? It will give you a good, clean digital to analog conversion, and will power the monitors with relative ease. Bit depth vs. sample rate (how your computer processes sound).
Thoughts from Stu’s notepad
- One reviewer said that the Yamaha HS5’s are better than the LSR 305’s, Adam F5’s, as well as the Adam F7’s. Check out my JBL LSR 305 Review! If what he said is true, you’re in for a world of excitement. I’ve had the LSR 305’s since Dec. of 2014 and they are phenomenal as well.
- Make sure to purchase balanced cables to avoid noise/ground floor issues.
- There were quite a few people complaining about a lack of low end on the HS5’s. As mentioned above, they do well with Hip-Hop, but if you were going to be mixing only that genre, you might consider the HS8’s or the 305’s. They are better suited for that. You may also purchase a separate sub-woofer if you’re really craving that bass.
- The HS5’s are pretty bright overall and work best in small to medium-sized rooms.
- You may opt to treat your room for the optimal mixing environment. Check out my post on Acoustic Sound Treatment!
- After your ears adjust, the HS5’s will really start to sound fantastic.
- A modification on these is said to bring out the bass, among other things.
Consensus/Conclusion
A great reference monitor with a rock-solid build. It may not have quite the bass impact that some are looking for. A separate amp, the 305’s, or the upgraded HS8 are viable options here.
Similarities & Differences
Similarities
- They are both entry-level options with 5″ drivers.
- They both have a pretty flat frequency response.
- Both are very revealing.
Differences
- The HS5’s have 70Watts of power, while the LSR305’s have 82Watts.
- The 305’s are overall a bit more powerful, while still being neutral. They have a deeper bass response than the HS5’s. It is said that to get more of a punch, you may have to purchase the HS8’s and bypass the 5’s altogether. You can also pair a sub-woofer with either and get a pretty rad impact.
- The HS5’s are a bit more suited for mixing in my opinion. The treble is a tad brighter, and you may be able to pick out flaws in a mix better with the HS5’s overall. You can see from the frequency response of each. The 305’s have a 43Hz – 24kHz response, while the HS5’s go from 50hZ – 30kHz. If you listen carefully to the demo below you will hear these subtle differences in each.
- Some say the JBL’s are really ugly. It’s a myth, lol. Why? In the stock photo, they are given way too much light. It makes them look really glossy and bright, which they are not. Whoever took that photo decided to make sure that we could see them clearly. Great job! Lol. But no, the 305’s don’t actually look like that in the studio.
Sound Test
Final Word
Tough call. The HS5’s may be better for mixing, but the lack of bass and weird mid-range will become a problem. They get stellar reviews however and can be paired with an amp or you can upgrade to the HS7 or HS8. They are also more expensive than the 305’s. I would only get the HS5’s if you have a very small room with no treatment.
The 305’s have been sitting in my studio since 2014, and I absolutely love them. They really knock my socks off, especially when they are pushed to the max. I have yet to put the dial on 10, and they really hit hard in my bedroom paired with the Scarlett 2i2. The bass on them goes deeper than the HS5, so if you’re strapped for cash, need more bass, but can’t splurge on the HS7’s or HS8’s, I would definitely go with the 305’s. They are also remarkable for mixing. As you can see, it’s a close race but I do think the 305’s edge out the HS5’s overall.
Well, that’s about it for today my friend. I hope I’ve explained the differences between the JBL LSR305 vs. Yamaha HS5, and given you some newfound knowledge!
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please leave me a comment below or Contact me!
Which of these monitors tickles YOUR fancy? Let me know as well, I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu
Be sure to check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!
About The Author
Stuart Charles Black
Stu is determined to help you make sound decisions, and strives to deliver the best and most in depth content on the internet! In his spare time, he likes to fish, paint, play guitar, pray, rap, make beats, take photos, record videos, graphic design, and more. His sense of humour, coupled with a knack for excellence and strict attention to detail are what allow him to stand out in an crowded industry.
Hello,
I just recently discovered your blog, and I really like it. You seem like a knowledgeable person, and it’s obvious that you know what you’re talking about. It seems that you really want to help people, and I appreciate it! Your blog has everything that a good blog should have.
Keep up the good work man!
Thanks Julius! I try to help people and lay out the facts first and foremost. I appreciate you stopping by!
Blessings,
-Stu
Since the HS 5 do not have much of the low end and yet are clean on sound and better for mixing, how about getting one HS 5 and one LSR 305 and using both together simultaneously?
Hey Philip!
Honestly man I would just go with 2 of the same monitor. You will most likely end up with more headache if you were to use two separate. I would imagine it’s going to just end up being more difficult to mix down. The 305’s are such a steal nowadays, I would try those first and see how you like ’em. I’ve had mine for 2 years now and I love the sound. Let me know!
Edit: Just saw there’s only one left. The pack of two is a bit more expensive for some reason, so I would just wait until they get more in stock.
Blessings,
-Stu
Hi dude. Was wondering if the HD Yamaha series (HS 5 with hs8s subwoofer) is better than a jbl lsr 305 with the suited jbl 310s subwoofer?
Are you just asking if the JBL sub is better than the Yamaha sub?
I just ordered a pair of the LSR305s and then discovered your review. Glad to have made the choice and can’t wait to listen to them!
Yeah man!
Love the 305’s. Have had them in my studio since Dec. 2014 or thereabouts. Couldn’t have made a better investment. Let me know how you like them! Try not to get blown away. Lol. I still haven’t put mine past 7 on the back dial. With the right tracks they really thump. I remember one of the first tracks I listened to was off of Rage Against the Machines’ first album. I was floored.
I am thinking of getting HS8 for general home usage like listening to music and watching movie. Or should I get others? Any recommendations…
Hey there!
I think the HS8 should work wonders for you. Do you plan on getting the amp as well?
There is in build amp for powered speaker. You mean audio interface?
Not sure I understand your question? Please clarify 🙂
Thanks for this blog! Just ordered two 305s (white:) and I am going to use them with 7.2 pre-out featured Yamaha RXV781. I’ll let you know when I listen to this setup. I thought about 2 x HS5s as the back supporters – do you think it may be interesting to have JBLs in front and HS5s at the back so let’s say for stereo I would have left side combined of 305+HS5 and the same for the right side?
Cool let me know how you like them! Hint: You will really like them lol. Not too sure about your question though, as I’ve never had experience doing anything like that.
-Stu
Stu – short and simple – the sound from these two is amazing! I had to trim bass down -20db at the back as it’s just too much for my living room. The sound floods the room you close your eyes and it’s everywhere. Three dimensional stereo from two speakers. Mediums and highs are perfect – I can hear and feel sounds I never could before. Even my JBL E50BT can’t compete. Completely different thing. Thank you!
Yeah dude!
Thanks for the ringing endorsement! The 305’s have been in my studio since December of 2014. For me there’s no real reason to upgrade. They have some crazy bass slam if you so desire, and in fact I still to this day haven’t put the dial past 7. Since I’m in an apartment, I’m not trying to blow people away, lol. But for 5″ woofers, these guys have some crazy impact. The cool thing is that they double as mixing monitors and casual listening speakers. So glad you’re enjoying them!
Ever need anything just Contact me..
Blessings,
-Stu
Lsr305 or hs8 for casual listening? Is there any noticeable difference from casual listening?
Hey!
The HS8 is for larger rooms, and will thump much harder than a 305. 305’s are incredible for the price though, you really can’t go wrong. I’ve had a pair since December 2014, and they do great for mixing and casual listening. For a 5″ inch woofer, they slam pretty hard.
Let me know what you think!
Both sound great for their pricing. However, Yamaha had a better build than the LSR305. 8 inches had better treble than 5 inches. What do u think?
It really comes down to your budget and the size of your room to be honest. I love the 305’s, and wouldn’t have a great need for the HS8’s unless I was in a larger room with treatment. Let me know what you decide!
I had a pair of HS5 and later traded in for a pair of HS7. Yesterday I auditioned the LSR305. To my ears, the closer sounding speakers to the LSR305 are the HS7, not the HS5. The HS5 tonal balance is not very ideal. The HS5 has a lower treble peak than makes instruments and vocal sound more pop out and more 3D than the HS7, which excites at first, but in long session, it’s quite fatiguing. Both the LSR305 and HS7 are more neutral, at the same time extended at the bottom, and both sound quite a lot more natural than the HS5. The HS7 and the LSR305 are pretty much in the same ball park. The differences between the HS7 and the LSR305 are: 1. The HS7 has a more forward treble and the LSR305 has a more laid back treble. This lead to seemingly more details and more defined images of the HS7. I love how acoustic guitars sound on the HS7, clear, sparkling and image very well. However, in close range, like on the desktop, within 3 feet, the LSR305’s treble sounds smoother and cleaner, and it’s absolutely fatigue-free. 2. The HS7 although quite a lot bigger in size, has actually less elevated bass. Both neutral, but I would say, for music listening, the LSR305 sounds more balanced and natural. 3. The HS7 ‘s best listening position is more limited than the LSR305. Both image well, but I will give the edge to HS7. For studio use, for the money, I think the LSR305 is a better buy, though I think the HS7 might give a slightly better mix. And for music listening, I feel the LSR305 is more balanced at the bottom. But again, both are great, the LSR305 being quite a bit cheap, in my opinion is a more solid buy.
Thank you so much for that valuable insight! Some people think a very bright treble helps with mixing as it kind of reveals a lot of flaws that you would otherwise miss. I agree, but also agree with you that it can become quite fatiguing. The MDR 7506’s are the same way in that they can wear you out over a long session.
It seems that your sentiments are echoed by the majority of folks. I don’t think the HS5’s are quite worth it, though they are still pretty solid overall. The LSR305 is indeed the better buy, while the HS7 would be a nice step up from that.
I’m sure your comment will help a lot of folks!! I appreciate it.
Blessings,
-Stu
I’m currently torn between the LSR305 and the HS7. I can get the 305s for 200€ a pair and the HS7s for 350€. My room is quite large that’s why people told me to go for the HS7, but I’m not sure if the 150€ would be worth it since I’m hearing that they are both really solid.
I wouldn’t mind investing, since I plan on using them for a while.
Is there something I should consider?
Hey Lukas!
Yeah it’s definitely a close call. The 305’s actually provide quite a bit of slam for the price. They will most definitely surprise you regarding how full the sound is. My default recommendation based on what you said is to go with the HS7, but why don’t you try the 305’s and see if they will suffice? My room is larger than average, and they do quite well, even with the dial only on 7 (out of 10).
If they aren’t loud enough, you can always return them for the HS7’s. The reason I say this is precisely because of price. The 305’s are basically a steal nowadays. I bought them for $149 (USD) a pair a few years ago and they’ve come down considerably. It’s almost a crime how good the price to performance ratio is.
Keep me posted on your decision..
-Stu
Stu,
I’m still not sure which monitors to select. Even after reading your reviews and watching the videos I’m feeling uncertain. I thought that going for the Yamaha’s was a sure thing, but some of the reviews about them have left me questioning that. If you were to choose among the Yamaha, JBL, or KRK, which would you choose for a medium sized room with no acoustic panels? Is there another monitor out there that is better than these three? Thank you!
Brady,
LSR 305 without question. I have them, and they’re the absolute best entry level monitors. You’re right about the HS5. Good monitor, but the sound is too thin down low and that’s basically unanimous. Forget about the KRK. It’s an overly bass heavy, muddy sound. 305 all the way. Crazy tight sound, lots of impact, great for your situation. I’ve had them since Dec. 2014 and still haven’t pushed the dial on the back past 7 and they blow me away. Plus they’ve come down in price over the last few years.
Let me know if that helps and what you decide!
-Stu
I just read your review and this is really helpful. Thank you so much for doing this.
I am a beginner and have a small room with no sound treatment. I am struggling with getting JBL SLR305 Or Yamaha Hs5, this is so hard to decide. I am a singer-songwriter, besides making demos and transcribing music, I also want to connect it directly to my keyboard sometimes. Ive heard that HS5 accept unbalanced signals better than JBL. May I have your opinions and suggestions? really appreciate!!!
Sorry for the late reply man! My internet has been down for a week and I just recently got it in working order. I would go with the 305’s without hesitation here. They are extremely powerful but perfect for your situation. Don’t think twice about it. I’ll look forward to hearing about them from you soon as well. 😉
God bless!
Hello,
Do you use the 305’s with a subwoofer or is it not needed with the bass that is built in with them?
I wouldn’t worry about a Sub for the 305’s. They provide plenty of slam and will pretty much blow you away. Lol.
Im getting the jbl 305s would you say that the mixes translate as well from source to source?
Yeah I would say so, as you’re not overcompensating for bass and what not. It’s just a great investment my man. Had ’em since 2014. They are perfect. Let me know what you decide.
-Stu
I intend to buy set of speakers for my keyboard. My play is mainly classical music. My room is not a big one. In my situation, what would you recommend ?
I would still go with the 305’s my friend without hesitation. They have a newer model which you may find interesting. I still have the old ones and they have been working flawlessly since Dec. 2014.
Let me know what you decide!
Really interesting and eye opening post. I have a newbie question. I’ve just bought myself a pair of JBL 305P mkii and I’m running them through my Scarlett 2i2 1st gen. How should I set the monitors input on their back? -10 or +4? Also, sometimes when playing guitar through them, some notes get really bassy and boomy. What could that be?!
Hey buddy! Mine came defaulted to -10. I’d probably just stick to that for now. As for your other question. Hmm. Are you using balanced cables? Honestly though my first initial thought is that perhaps you should upgrade to the Gen 2 Scarlett although I can’t say for sure that would make a difference. I’m running 2i2 1st gen with 305 first gen and have never had any problems. Also, are you plugging straight into the front via the combo XLR/TRS jack? Could be you’re suffering some latency issues. It’s really hard to say. Let me know the exact set-up.
-Stu
Hey Stuart,
Thanks for the review man. I have an untreated medium or small size room and have a 2i2 scarlett interface. Could you suggest me which fits my needs perfectly. JBL 305 or the Yamaha HS5
Hey Raju!
I’d go with the 305 MK II’s man! The HS5’s are lacking in the bass region so if you need them for mixing it’s going to be imperative that you get a subwoofer to go with them. I would personally go with the 305. More punch yet still a good entry level set for mixing. One of the best investments I’ve made in my studio over the years. I also have the 2i2 and with TRS to XLR they are a dream.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
-Stu
Thank you so much Stuart!
One last thing. Are the 5 inch ones good enough for the small room, or should I go for the 6 or 8 inch?
Hey man!
The 5″ work great for me in a small room. You can always upgrade later if it’s not enough, but I think you’ll find that it will be plenty. I still don’t move the dial past 7 on my 305’s and I’ve had them since 2014. Hope that helps! Keep me posted.
Just thought of something: If you were referring to the HS5’s, I would bypass them and get the HS7’s (which is actually 6.5″)
-Stu
hey stu ,
Just bought the 305 p M2 considering your suggestion . Thank you for the help. waiting for them to get delivered and get going .
Hey man!
Please keep me posted on set up/impressions, etc. Would love to help out further in any way and looking forward to your thoughts!
Hi Stuart,
I’m extremely frustrated with my setup – I beg for your help haha! For over 3 years I’ve owned the HS5 monitors after being advised by a friend that they’d be suitable for listening pleasure in my bedroom. My room is approximately 14ft (L), over 13ft (W), 10ft (H), with two alcoves either side of the chimney breast. Left alcove is 8 inches deep and about 4ft wide. Right side is five sided bay window 4ft deep and ft (W). Each monitor is placed near both corners of the chimney breast. I listen to various kinds of metal and rock and find that the HS5s lack body and depth… They’re rather tinny… unexciting! Given my room dimensions, what would you recommend? Do you think the JBL LSR 305’s would do a much better job, or do you reckon I’d need to look at different monitors/speakers altogether?
Hey man!
My first initial thought is that YES! The 305’s sound incredible with stuff like Rage Against the Machine, Rock, Metal, Hip-Hop, and pretty much everything. I remember the first time I blasted songs from Rage first album in my old room at my parents house when no one was home 😛 It nearly melted my face off and I only had the dial on 7/10 (and still do!). They are great for everyday listening. I still have a pair in my studio and love ’em! You could go with the original 305 or try out the MK II’s. Admittedly I haven’t done a whole lot of research on the II’s but I would imagine they are really good going by the great marks they receive on amazon.
As for your room, I’m drawing up a diagram. Is the chimney seated at the back? And the 2 alcoves are on the side?
I did a bit of research and your bedroom seems to be on the larger side. I may recommend you the Yamaha HS7’s as they are more meant for medium to large sized rooms. the 305’s would probably be okay (and will still sound fantastic), but the HS7 is a definite step up from the HS5 and an incredible monitor overall.
Keep me posted and let me know about the chimney!
Regards,
-Stu
Hello,
I recently started developing hearing loss in both of my ears which ended up resulting in hearing recruitment [Instead of frequencies where my hearing loss is located being less sensitive, they are abrasive and louder. Its similar to hyperacusis. I have a hard time listening to music for more than a few minutes, especially at mid to high volumes.
I compose and produce my own music, and I am trying to find monitors that would sound great at very low volumes and have very low noise fatigue or impact on my sensitive ears. Between these two, which would you recommend? Or any others in a similar price range.
Hey man! Hmm. The 305’s sound great at low volumes for me because they tend to sound meatier overall. The HS5 has been accused of being a bit thin and dry sounding. Great at higher volumes, but perhaps not so much very low. They don’t have the bass extension that the 305’s have. In all honesty, music should be mixed on monitors at lower volumes, which is something you probably already know. 🙂 I would go with the 305’s. They are really amazing. Keep me posted!