Adam T5V vs JBL 305P vs Yamaha HS5

If you’re a budding music producer looking to invest in their first pair of monitor speakers without breaking the bank or an experienced practitioner looking for a pair of nearfield speakers for alternative reference, the Adam Audio T5V vs JBL 305P vs Yamaha HS5 are three great ‘must check out’ items on your list.

In summary, these three options represent probably one of the most challenging decisions for music producers looking to strike a balance between budget and utility. The good news is that all of these deliver what you’ll need, albeit with their minor quirks, which you’ll have to pick and choose from. The JBLs (approx. $437 a pair) offers vibrant sound but color your mixes mildly, which you’ll need to factor in. The Yamaha HS5s (approximately $400 a pair) offer near-legendary neutrality in the mid-ranges, while the Adam Audio T5V’s might possibly be the most versatile and balanced of the three. The JBL 305P is the least expensive.

Let’s go have a closer look.

Design

Adam Audio T5V

While one of the most reasonably priced products from this Berlin-based company whose USP has been high-end studio gear, the Adam Audio T5V’s look remarkably similar to its siblings in the higher-end sector. This speaks for the company’s ethics - smaller budgets don’t necessarily mean lesser quality. Sometimes it’s just a different point that’s focused on.

Signature black exteriors with golden tweeters and minimal branding in the bottom make these monitors look like a serious and professional product to have in your studio environment.

Color Options: 

• The Adam T5V’s come in black only. 

Dimensions:

• Weight: 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg)
• Height x Width x Depth: 298 mm x 179 mm x 297mm (11.7" x 7" x 11.7")

Check out the Operation Manual of Adam Audio’s T Series.

JBL 305P

Slick, shiny, and black with JBL branding near the tweeters, these might be an acquired taste on the visual factor. To be absolutely candid, nothing really distinguishes them much from a pair of computer speakers, which, while not a deal-breaker, doesn’t really do its credibility a lot of favors.

That being said, they do blend in well enough into most environments, and their overall performance compensates for less-than-sophisticated looks.

Color Options: 

• The JBL 305P comes in black only. 

Dimensions:

• Weight: 4.73 kg (10.43 lbs)
• Height x Width x Depth: 298 x 185 x 231 mm (11.75" x 7.3" x 9.9")

Yamaha HS5

A tribute to the legendary Yamaha NS 10’s, the design on these monitors tends to evoke a retro look with very basic black MDF exteriors with a white cone in the middle (unless you go with the white version). With a basic and timeless design, it fits in seamlessly into all studios.

Color Options: 

• The Yamaha HS5’s come in black and white. The white option inverts the design pattern with white exteriors and a black ring around the speaker cones.

Dimensions:

• Weight: 12.5kg (27.6 lbs)
• Height x Width x Depth: 300 x 350 x 389 mm (11.8" x 13.8" x 15.3")

Sound Quality

Adam Audio T5V

While it's understandable that most will tend to have low expectations from a sub $300 studio monitor, chances are you will be pleasantly shocked at what Adam Audio delivers with their budget offer. The technology used in their higher-end models bleeds into these monitors with features like their signature HPS waveguard and a bass reflex port that gives you lower frequencies of up to 45Hz. The overall effect is of an astoundingly balanced and functional studio monitor that far surpasses expectations.

Note: While the lightweight polypropylene woofer is designed for smaller rooms, the rear-firing port makes near to rear walls tricky. Don’t underestimate the bass response on this speaker.

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 45 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB)
• Amp. Power (RMS): 50 W

JBL 305P

A pair of monitors 'ready for the most demanding production styles right out of the box,’ these speakers give you ample frequency range that is as functional for scoring music as much as they are for podcasting or sound design. The output, power, and detail offered are surprisingly efficient for a pair, hence offering an incredibly affordable alternative to many competitors. That being said, the lower and higher frequencies tend to be exaggerated and are not very balanced, the latter somewhat infamous for its hisses. So, producers will have to factor that during mix-downs and extended sessions. 

Specs:

• Frequency Response: 49Hz – 20kHz
• Amp. Power (RMS): 82 W

Check out the manual for JBL 305PMkII.

Yamaha HS5

Although often thought of as the successors to the legendary NS-10s, the Yamaha HS5s have their own thing going. The brutal, aggressive midrange on the NS-10s are quite well reproduced on these, though, making them the go-to, ultimate test for a mixdown for thousands of producers around the world. The flat response curve gives you an extremely realistic sounding output. The trade-off is a severe lack of definition in the low end. Such modern music genres like EDM or Hip-Hop will need an additional subwoofer to go with these if intended as primary studio monitors.

Specs:

• Frequency response: 54 to 30.000 Hz
• Amp. Power (RMS): 70W

Connectivity

• Adam Audio T5V: XLR / RCA 
• JBL 305P: XLR and 1/4" TRS
• Yamaha HS5: XLR / RCA

Checkout  the complete technical specifications of Yamaha HS5 on their website.

Price

The Adam Audio T5V is priced at about $440, the JBL 305P at $300, and the Yamaha HS5 at $400. (Please check your local dealers for details).

Verdict

• Design: Tie between Adam Audio T5V and Yamaha HS5.
• Sound: Adam Audio T5V wins. The Yamaha’s are runners up. 
• Connectivity: Tie.
• Price: The JBL 305P wins. 

In conclusion, all three of these monitors offer high value for their price range, but the Adam Audio has the best combination of high-end quality for the smaller budget and is our winner. The Yamaha HS5s are a fantastic addition to your studio and double as a complete system when coupled with a subwoofer. The JBLs are fine for the shoe-string budget and those who already own a few studio monitors.