Yamaha HS5 and JBL LSR305 are two favorite loudspeakers amongst audiophiles for several reasons. They offer a professional and good mix of for songs, while giving you complete control over audio quality.
Yamaha HS5 is a powered studio monitor, designed with HS series monitors exceptional accuracy to give you the best sound quality possible. We have to say that the power is unbeatable, and the price is unexpected for the quality.
On the other hand, JBL LSR305 claims to be all-round studio monitor and it offers sound quality that you’ve always wanted. However, the speakers aren’t as accurate as the Yamaha HS5, but they offer much clearer lows and mids.
As they say, competition is a good thing as it forces us to stay at our best. With that in mind, let’s have an in depth comparison of JBL LSR305 vs. Yamaha HS5, and establish which one is the ultimate choice for you!
Now off we go
What do we like about Yamaha HS5 over JBL LSR305?
- Unmatched accuracy throughout the mixing process
- The XLR and TRS inputs accommodates a range of balanced, and unbalanced audio sources
- More features but this translates to a bigger price
- Less floor noise
- Amazingly smooth response
- It is best for mid-range and high-frequency reproduction
- It takes less space, but it is a bit heavy; you may want to get a sturdy platform
What do we like about JBL LSR305 over Yamaha HS5?
- Attractive floor standing design
- It delivers superior sound quality regardless of room acoustics
- Impressive HF detail
- Flexible connectivity
- Affordable pricing despite being a close competitor when it comes to features
- Great low end
Yamaha HS5 Review
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Yamaha is a brand to reckon with, and this HS series has become a favorite for many in both professional and home studio setups. The sound quality that this monitor provides is neutral and smooth, and it reproduces sound with accuracy that is ideal for the studio environment. Additionally, it is designed to enhance vocals, making it easy to detect bad mixes.
The frequency range is between 54 Hz – 30 kHz, making it the ideal choice for small to mid-sized studios. What’s more, the HS series has developed new installation versions, which allows you to install the unit on the wall or inside the ceiling.
Key features of Yamaha HS5
High performance transducers
Yamaha HS series speakers are designed using the newly developed transducers that deliver exceptionally smooth response over a range of over a broad bandwidth. This design uses an improved magnetic field to regulate generation of magnetic response allowing for smooth and uninterrupted sonic transitions.
High-performance amp unit
This Yamaha model uses a bi-amp design that connects two channels of amplification to power the monitor. So instead of the two components sharing one channel of power, they each get a separate dedicated amplifier, which helps increase the amount of usable power that each gets.
Additionally, the amplifier unit blends perfectly with the transducers to consistently deliver excellent sound quality across the sound range.
Improved controls and connectivity
When it comes to connecting with other devices, the unit offers XLR and TRS phone jacks to accommodate a range of audio interfaces including keyboards, mixers, and more. It is also equipped with two response control that allows to it blend with varying room acoustics.
Resonance and noise reduction
The speaker’s cabinet is designed to reduce, and eliminate the unwanted resonance to improve sound accuracy. The unit sports an MDF enclosure that includes a damped acoustic response perfect for reference monitors. This design also incorporates enhanced noise reduction mechanism to help control and reduce unwanted noise.
JBL LSR305 Review
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The JBL LSR305 brings the legendary JBL performance to your studio, and it is a trusted brand around the world. It is designed to produce sound accurately and precisely for film or music production. Additionally, the response is flat enough and it exceeds the demands of most studio professionals.
What does this mean for you?
This implies that they act as excellent speaker for enjoying music and movies when paired with a good sub. Also, it has a punchy bass, which is something many people prioritize when looking for monitors.
Key highlights
Increased HF detail
JBL LSR305 is equipped with a HF tweeter that lets you experience excellent depth and ambience in your recordings. This also means that you’ll be able to hear subtle details even in the middle of a denser mix. And as if that is not enough, you can pair the monitor with the JBL LSR310S powered subwoofer to increase the LF range to the desired level.
Room-friendly design
Although speaker placement has a significant impact on your listening experience, this studio monitor comes in room-friendly design. This means you don’t necessarily need to sit in front your audio equipment to achieve optimal sound. However, achieving a great sound involves some trial and error, so you might still need to make some adjustments to your mixes.
Broad sweet spot
The sweet spot is the ideal listening position in the listening room. This monitor produces a natural sound over a wide listening area irrespective of the room acoustics. The unit also accommodates multiple connectivity technologies including XLR and TRS 1/4″inputs. The design also incorporates adjustable volume control allowing for greater flexibility during mixing.
Yamaha HS5 vs. JBL LSR305- Which one is the winner?
With this in depth analysis, we believe you’ve gained helpful information to decide if it is worth paying extra more for Yamaha HS5 or just go with the inexpensive JBL LSR305.
The Yamaha HS5 is no doubt better in terms of features and sound quality, but it tends to lack low end and some mid-range sounds. Overall, it offers impressive performance and it is very convenient and easy to connecting using phone jacks. It is also the ideal choice for those looking to mix and master recordings.
On the other hand, JBL LSR305is ideal for budget users looking for more bass in a compact unit. This model is also ideal if you are looking for an entry-level studio monitor, ready to meet the needs of even the pickiest users.
It is important to note that both units a true sound, but Yamaha offers a flatter response which guarantees excellent sound reproduction. This means the battle between JBL LSR305 and Yamaha HS5 is an inconclusive one, so now what’s left of you is to take the bull by the horns and decide which option serves you best.
Michael Evanchuk is a San Francisco-based sound engineer with 20 years’ experience installing, troubleshooting, and repairing commercial, automotive, and household sound equipment. Evanchuk owns an auto stereo center, where he offers highly competitive car audio installation and repair services. He has written dozens of articles on different sound engineering topics, all of which have been published in leading journals, blogs, and websites.
