Home Studio Monitor Comparisons JBL LSR308 vs. Yamaha HS8: Choosing the Right Studio Monitor for Precision Sound

JBL LSR308 vs. Yamaha HS8: Choosing the Right Studio Monitor for Precision Sound

by Stuart Charles Black
Published: Last Updated on

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Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!

Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…

Before we get into the JBL LSR 308 vs. Yamaha HS8 comparison, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…

You’ve come to the right place!!


Comparison Chart


Preview
Better For Casual
JBL Professional, 8" speaker (LSR308)
Better For Reference
YAMAHA HS8 Studio Monitor, Black, 8 Inch
Title
JBL Professional, 8" speaker (LSR308)
YAMAHA HS8 Studio Monitor, Black, 8 Inch
Color
Black
Black/White
Weight
18.9 lbs.
22.5 lbs.
Amp Type
Active (Does not need separate amplification)
Active (Does not need separate amplification)
Controls
HF Trim, LF Trim, Input Sensitivity, Power On/Off, Volume
Level Control, EQ: High Trim Switch, Room Control Switch
Total Power
112W
120W
Balanced Inputs
1x Balanced XLR, 1x Balanced TRS (1/4" or 6.35mm)
1x Balanced XLR, 1x Balanced TRS (1/4" or 6.35mm)
Frequency Response
37Hz - 24kHz
38Hz - 30kHz
Driver Technology
Low Frequency: Cone, High Frequency: Soft Dome
Low Frequency: Cone, High Frequency: Soft Dome
Driver Size
Woofer: 8" Tweeter: 1"
Woofer: 8" Tweeter: 1"
Dimensions
16.5" x 10" x 12.1" (H x W x D)
15.4" x 9.8" x 13.1" (H x W x D)
Rear Ported?
Prime
-
Amazon Prime
Price
Price not available
$398.99
Better For Casual
Preview
JBL Professional, 8" speaker (LSR308)
Title
JBL Professional, 8" speaker (LSR308)
Color
Black
Weight
18.9 lbs.
Amp Type
Active (Does not need separate amplification)
Controls
HF Trim, LF Trim, Input Sensitivity, Power On/Off, Volume
Total Power
112W
Balanced Inputs
1x Balanced XLR, 1x Balanced TRS (1/4" or 6.35mm)
Frequency Response
37Hz - 24kHz
Driver Technology
Low Frequency: Cone, High Frequency: Soft Dome
Driver Size
Woofer: 8" Tweeter: 1"
Dimensions
16.5" x 10" x 12.1" (H x W x D)
Rear Ported?
Prime
-
Price
Price not available
Details
Better For Reference
Preview
YAMAHA HS8 Studio Monitor, Black, 8 Inch
Title
YAMAHA HS8 Studio Monitor, Black, 8 Inch
Color
Black/White
Weight
22.5 lbs.
Amp Type
Active (Does not need separate amplification)
Controls
Level Control, EQ: High Trim Switch, Room Control Switch
Total Power
120W
Balanced Inputs
1x Balanced XLR, 1x Balanced TRS (1/4" or 6.35mm)
Frequency Response
38Hz - 30kHz
Driver Technology
Low Frequency: Cone, High Frequency: Soft Dome
Driver Size
Woofer: 8" Tweeter: 1"
Dimensions
15.4" x 9.8" x 13.1" (H x W x D)
Rear Ported?
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$398.99
Details

Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!


Introduction


JBL LSR 305 Studio Monitors

Introducing a pair of studio monitors into your setup is truly priceless.

Having previously owned the JBL LSR305 for 5 years, I was quite familiar with its performance and sound characteristics.

However, the transition to the JBL LSR308 revealed a noticeable difference in the bass response.

While the LSR305 provided impressive sound quality in its own right, the LSR308 delves even deeper into the low-end frequencies, offering a more extended and impactful bass presence.

This upgrade has been particularly beneficial in enhancing the overall audio experience, especially when working on projects that demand precise low-frequency monitoring and mixing.

With that, how does the 308 compare with the HS8?

Yamaha HS8 vs. JBL LSR 308

The Yamaha HS8 and JBL LSR308 are both popular choices in the realm of studio monitors, each offering its unique set of features and characteristics.

The Yamaha HS8, part of the HS series, boasts an 8-inch white-coned woofer and a white cone tweeter.

It provides a frequency response of approximately 38Hz to 30kHz and is powered by a 120-watt amplifier, with XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs.

Additionally, it offers room control and high-trim switches for tailored sound adjustments.

On the other hand, the JBL LSR308, from the JBL Professional LSR series, features an 8-inch black woofer and a dome tweeter mounted on JBL’s renowned image control waveguide.

It offers a frequency response of about 37Hz to 24kHz and is powered by a 56-watt amplifier with XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs.

The JBL LSR308 includes a boundary EQ switch for optimizing performance near walls.

Sound-wise, the Yamaha HS8 is known for its flat and neutral sound, ideal for critical monitoring and mixing, while the JBL LSR308 offers clear and detailed sound reproduction, sometimes perceived as slightly warmer.

Price considerations and personal sound preferences should guide your choice between these two studio monitors, alongside other factors like your studio setup and intended use.

Similarities & Differences

LSR308 vs. HS8


Similarities

  • Both have 8″ woofers.
  • Both have 1″ tweeters.
  • Both have balanced XLR inputs. What is XLR?
  • Both have balanced 1/4″ TRS inputs. TRS vs. TS.
  • Both have Bass Reflex enclosure types.
  • Both have an unspecified peak power rating.
  • Both have the On/Off switch on the back.
  • Both are rear-ported.

Differences

  • RMS power rating. The HS8 has a rating of 120 vs. 112 for the 308.
  • Warranty. The HS8s have a 3-year parts and labor warranty, while the 308s have a 5-year parts and labor warranty.
  • Weight. The HS8 weighs 22.5 lbs. vs. 22 for the 308.
  • Frequency Response. The HS8s are 38Hz – 30kHz vs. 37Hz – 24kHz for the 308.
  • SPL. The Maximum peak SPL for the HS8s is not given, while the 308s is 112. What is SPL?
  • Sound. To my ears, the Yamaha HS8s sounded more accurate and flatter than the 308s. I thought the HS8s had more life to them, but your opinion may vary. Just ignore the KRKs. Lol. You’ll find out why in the video.
  • Mid-range. The 308s have a bump at 2k which would explain why I thought the HS8 sounded a bit more accurate. The 308 also has a brighter treble than the HS8.

Sound Test

 

Before we give a final verdict, let’s take a look at some things to consider before you purchase a set of monitors…


Things to Consider


Room Size.

Generally speaking, the smaller your room is, the smaller your monitor should be.

The LSR 308 will leave a bigger footprint, so if you have a small to medium-sized room, the 305 is the solution.

General Room Sizes

While we’re dancing around the subject, I get asked this question quite a bit so I’ll go ahead and outline it here for you.

Generally speaking:

  • Small Room – 10×10 or smaller
  • Medium-Sized Room – 12×12
  • Large-Sized Room – 14×14, 14×16 or larger

For reference, my room is probably considered medium-large at around 12×14, but I still may not try and stuff a 308 or HS8 in that space.

I’m better off with, at max, an HS7. 

Sound Treatment.

In any room, and especially a smaller room, you should definitely invest in some acoustic panels.

Why is this?

Simply put, the sound will bounce off the walls in unpredictable ways and prevent an accurate mix-down.

This is why, if you can, try to find a space in your house or apartment that’s very open and if possible, kind of irregularly shaped. 

Parallel walls tend to present more problems than rooms with open space and fewer opportunities for sound to bounce around.

If you’re in a corner, you’ll probably want to invest in some bass traps as well.

Bass tends to be at its most muddy in this area.

Not only can it become wildly unpredictable, but there will be an exaggerated amount that won’t translate well to an accurate final mix.

No room situation is perfect, and most of us tend to be close-ish to walls out of necessity, but mitigating these effects with acoustic panels and an open space will help to some degree.

Placement.

Nearfield monitors should be pretty close to you, but placement is important.

First off, they should form an equilateral triangle towards your head, at about ear level.

This provides the best overall imaging and Soundstage.

Any subtle movements outside of this zone will affect how they sound to a greater degree than you would think!

They shouldn’t be too close to you or too far away.

Once you experiment you’ll understand the subtle fluctuations in sound that can occur from even just moving your head a smidgen.

Closing Thoughts & Recommendation

When it comes to choosing between the JBL LSR308 and the Yamaha HS8, the decision often hinges on your specific audio needs and preferences.

If you prioritize flatter, more accurate sound reproduction, the Yamaha HS8 is a compelling choice.

Its neutral sound signature makes it an excellent tool for critical monitoring and precise mixing tasks.

One crucial factor to consider, regardless of your monitor choice, is your room’s acoustic characteristics.

In medium to smaller studio spaces, it’s worth noting that the HS8 might produce more bass than necessary due to its extended low-frequency response.

In such cases, opting for the Yamaha HS7, which is part of the same series but with a smaller woofer, could be a more suitable and balanced solution.

Always assess your studio environment and your specific audio production needs to make the most informed decision when selecting studio monitors.

When weighing the options between the Yamaha HS8 and the JBL LSR308, it becomes apparent that the HS8 holds a significant advantage for those seeking an analytical and honest representation of sound.

Its flatter frequency response and neutral tonal balance make it an invaluable tool for audio professionals who require precision in their work.

While the JBL LSR308 is a formidable studio monitor in its own right, the HS8’s reputation for accuracy in sound reproduction stands out.

Its ability to reveal nuances in audio content, coupled with its reliability, has made it a trusted choice for many studio setups.

So, between the HS8 and the LSR308, the HS8 emerges as the superior option for those who prioritize an uncolored, true-to-source sound experience.

Learn More:

 


Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this JBL LSR308 vs. Yamaha HS8 comparison and came away with some valuable insight.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Do you need further clarification? Please leave a comment below or Contact me! I would be happy to help in any way.

Which of these are you more likely to go with? Do you believe the HS8 is the better monitor? I would love to hear from you. Until next time..

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

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4 comments

Peter Mayer April 14, 2019 - 9:39 am

Worst comparison ever. This whole comparison makes no sense. You could tell the writer did not even hear those two. And you cant compare just by the specs. It’s like a bot would have written this article.

Reply
Stuart Charles Black April 14, 2019 - 11:32 pm

Thanks for the feedback. What about it didn’t make sense?

Reply
J. FRANKLIN September 23, 2023 - 6:16 pm

The title of the review is “308 vs hs8” but youve spent the whole time comparing the 305 to the hs8. Worst review ever ha!

Reply
Stuart Charles Black September 23, 2023 - 9:35 pm

You’re right. Too much time was spent on the 305/308 comparison. Gonna scrap that. Thanks for the heads up.

Reply

Leave a Reply to Peter Mayer Cancel Reply