The successor to the popular HS50 series studio monitors, the Yamaha HS5 delivers more clarity and accuracy, with a noticeably flatter sound output compared to the previous generation. These speakers provide a truly balanced sound which makes them the prime studio monitors of choice by music professionals all over the world.
With a 5 inch driver, these speakers feature a relatively compact size, which allows them to fit medium to large audio setups with ease. These speakers also accept balanced and unbalanced TRS and XLR connections, making them quite flexible as to the audio chain setups that they can be used in.
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Pros
Pro Clear and accurate sound with a balanced output across the bass, mids and treble
These speakers are able to deliver sound that is pure, flat, and balanced. On its out of the box, flat setting, the HS5 reproduces music without any coloration whatsoever. While this may not be ideal for music enjoyment, this is crucial when you are trying to get your audio mix right. The HS5 features updated transducers and slightly bigger tweeters compared to the old HS50m studio monitors. This results in improved frequency response and increased sound resolution. With these monitors, you will be able to hear every detail of the song that you are mixing.
Also contributing to these speakers’ amazing clarity is the bi-amp setup, where there is an amplifier dedicated for the woofer and another one for the tweeter. This eliminates sound distortion, even at high volume levels.
Pro Can easily be incorporated into a multitude of audio setups
The HS5 is versatile in terms of the input signals that it can accept. This is because the speaker gives users the option to choose from 2 different input types: XLR and TRS. Both these connections accept balanced and unbalanced signals. You can use these speakers with DACs, audio interfaces, receivers, mixers, and computers.
Pro You can adjust the speakers’ volume level in accordance to your room setup with the Room Control switch
You can reduce the HS5’s output using the Room Control switch on the back of each speaker. You can choose to cut -2dB or -4dB from the overall volume. This is very useful when the speaker is placed near a wall as this will help to minimize sound reflections and help to maintain a flat and even sound.
Pro You can increase or reduce high frequency output with High Trim switch
You can choose to adjust the tweeter output of the HS5 using the High Trim switch on the back of each speaker. You can boost the output up +2dB for louder and more piercing highs or you can reduce the highs -2dB for a more mid and bass focused sound signature.
Pro Can easily fit on medium to large sized desks and setups
The HS5 comes in what is considered a sweet spot in terms of size as they are not that bulky. This makes them ideal for medium sized rooms, but these are compact enough that they can be used in tighter setups. However, these speakers are able to produce sound that is noticeably better than smaller studio monitors. If you have a small to medium sized room, these speakers can adequately fill the space with high fidelity sound. If you have a really large room, then full sized studio monitors may be the better fit.
Cons
Con Bass may be lacking for some
Due to the smaller 5 inch woofer of the HS5, some may find the bass to be quite lacking when using this studio monitor for general listening. However, this can be offset by adding Yamaha's HS8S Sub-woofer. This can be an expensive upgrade though.
Con Usually sold as a single piece
Do check if you are paying for a single speaker or a 2-speaker bundle. If this is your first time buying studio monitors, then you might think that the price is for 2 speakers. However, this HS5, as many other studio monitors, is usually sold per piece. This effectively doubles the list price for a 2 channel system.
Con Can produce a different sound character depending on your room setup
It is recommended to have a room that is optimally set up for music listening/monitoring if you want to get the most out of these speakers. For example, if you have a listening space that is quite small with a lot of flat and hard surfaces for the sound to reflect off of, then you can have problems like unnatural and lean sounding bass. Thick curtains, bass traps, and other sound absorption solutions can help you get the flat and accurate sound reproduction that these monitors are known for.