0 Yamaha HS7 vs. JBL 305 - Really Need Your Advice on These Two

[danrun]

Hi guys,

So I've got to the point where I need my first monitors.

I do electronic/experimental/IDM/cinematic music and planning to get into analog synths in the future. These monitors would be used for production/mixing/mastering and for some casual background listening in the living room. Music is my little hobby so I don't want to overspend on gear. At the same time, I want my gear to serve its purpose so I want really flat response and details to improve.

After endless nights of reading reviews, I've narrowed down my search to two speakers:

Yamaha HS7
JBL LSR305

I don't want anything bigger.

Also, note that I'll start with an untreated living room (I know I know) around 22-25 sq. m. I've read some myths that the JBLs are better in untreated spaces, but I assume that's some random Internet BS.

There's a little store around where I got a chance to demo HS7s, which I liked. However, at Thomann, JBL 305s have a great deal and overall feedback about them is great. Also, according to specs and feedback on the web, JBL's low end compares to HS7's despite the 5 inch woofer.

On Thomann, I'd buy a pair of HS7s for ~ 350 EUR (on a deal) and a pair of JBL 305s for ~ 210 EUR

I'm leaning toward Yamahas because of my inclination to invest in quality and that I listened to them myself. On the over hand, a pair of JBLs at 210 EUR is very tempting. They have great reviews. Plus, all too often, I overspend on gear that I don't use to the fullest, so hence my dilemma.

So in my situation, are HS7s worth the additional 140 EUR? Is their low end better for electronic music? Any feedback/recommendations would help me a lot as I have to make the decision soon.

[Winstontaneous]

I have the 305s, they are good for the price and a v2 was announced at Winter NAMM so you can probably find even cheaper closeouts on the originals. If at all possible try to do a side-by-side with the Yamahas, may be worth checking other speaks in the range (Presonus, M-Audio, KRK, Samson), etc. Haven't heard these Yamahas but the word is they're bass-shy for their driver size.

I have a decently treated room and the JBLs work well in it. I can trust their bass response and the clarity lets me hear details/mistakes much better than my previous Tascam monitors. The one annoyance is that they have a low-level hiss from the tweeters that has nothing to do with grounding, connecting cables or signal/output level. If you use these as nearfields within 3-5 feet of your head you'll hear it when no music is playing. It's not uncommon in powered speakers and is caused by the fact that they have no output level control so you can't attenuate the hiss level. That said, the waveguide tweeter gives them a broader sweetspot than other monitors their size.

[tehlord]

HS7's aren't bass shy.

The important thing about all Yamaha HS series is that they translate really, really well. I've had two pairs over the years (HS7's that I have now and a pair of HS80's ages ago) and against other more expensive monitors I've had (Neumann's and Dynaudio) they translate just as well. I actually prefer the sound of the BM5A's that I had, but they're twice the price.

I have no experience with the JBL's, but they're highly regarded amongst some very professional Hollywood types I was chatting to. Saying that, the other Hollywood type has a pair of HS80s that he highly regards too.

I think either will do the job, but I am biased towards the HS series as they do just work. They do exactly what you need a monitor speaker to do, translate.

[Zexila]

JBL's would be my pick, both great.

[rod_zero]

Both translate well, but when you compare yamaha to more stuff they sound kind of harsh in the high end.

But they are flat and honest and for mixing they work well.

[Kaine]

I guess I should aim this to the OP, but it's easier to debate tehlord in doing so given our difference in opinion. (that last word there is important with speakers!)

HS7's aren't bass shy.

I fall in the other camp and think their extension could be a bit better IMO. I mean they ain't bass shy, but the roll off on them is greater than I appreciate.

The important thing about all Yamaha HS series is that they translate really, really well.

Of course, that is true, although I only favour them for more radio mixes and the sort of stuff that doesn't go down super low.

I've had two pairs over the years (HS7's that I have now and a pair of HS80's ages ago) and against other more expensive monitors I've had (Neumann's and Dynaudio) they translate just as well. I actually prefer the sound of the BM5A's that I had, but they're twice the price.

Now I really don't like the BM5 series either and never have, but appreciate that a lot of people do find them pretty damn useful and they get a lot of pro installs. Back to personal taste again.

I have no experience with the JBL's

As £100ish speakers they are great. Everything is where it should be although I'd suggest that the bottom end is a little flabby but only to the same degree that the HS7 would be considered bass light.

To that end, it's pretty much personal preference as speakers always are. We've examples of people being able to mix fine on both to a very high level, but the is most certainly a difference in sound between them and the only real decider here i'm afraid OP is to demo them both.

Also, I'd toss the new Adam T series on that audition list should you get a chance when they arrive. Oh, and if the budget stretches too it, the Hedd o5's would be my budget choice right now for superb balance an clarity in reproduction.

[chk071]

I have the JBL's, but , i can only compare against the M-Audio BX5a's i had before. The JBL's are less "flat" and harsh sounding. But, i must say i found the M-Audio's to be too clinical, "dull" sounding. The stereo image i even found a bit better, and more clear on the M-Audio's, but, it's anything but bad on the JBL's as well, rather a subtlety. I find the JBL's a bit more "hi-fi", meaning they don't give me that extreme impression of just being built to analyse the sound, or to make out certain frequency issues. Whether that is an issue or concern for you, i can't judge. For me, it's more fun that way, and, music, and making music should be fun IMO.

One thing you should consider is that the JBL's have quite a loud noise production (something i interestingly didn't read in a single review of the monitors... all golden ears i assume ). "Loud" meaning that i do hear it, when i'm sitting 1,5 metres from them, and the sound is very silent. It is acceptable for me though, and, i guess it is OK considering the price tag, and the overall quality of the speakers, which is very good IMO. I just wanted to mention it, because, as i mentioned, you never, never, never hear someone mentioning it, and that's weird, because i do think it is a thing which is relevant to potential buyers.

BTW, for 210 € the pair for the JBL's, it's a complete no-brainer... i'd go for it. I think i spent 330 € for mine, some years ago. Edit: Was only 290 €. Still a no-brainer for 80 € less.

[Winstontaneous]

Look 5 posts above you, I guess we both have platinum ears

One thing you should consider is that the JBL's have quite a loud noise production (something i interestingly didn't read in a single review of the monitors... all golden ears i assume ). "Loud" meaning that i do hear it, when i'm sitting 1,5 metres from them, and the sound is very silent. It is acceptable for me though, and, i guess it is OK considering the price tag, and the overall quality of the speakers, which is very good IMO. I just wanted to mention it, because, as i mentioned, you never, never, never hear someone mentioning it, and that's weird, because i do think it is a thing which is relevant to potential buyers.

[chk071]

Aah... missed that. Faith restored.