The Yamaha HS line are a mainstay in studios of all shape and size, from bedroom to pro setups.
The HS5 is the smallest offering in the HS line-up. Expect to find an all-round monitor that’ll give you good top and mid-range response but may lack lows compared to some of the competition.
HS5 monitors feature both XLR and TRS balanced inputs, as well as Room Control (Low-end cut only) and High Trim (High-end cut/boost) switches to help improve performance depending on the listening environment.
Overall, the Yamaha HS5 remains a reliable choice for users of any experience.
Rating:
- Overall Sound/Accuracy – 3.7/5
- Top Range Performance – 4.4/5
- Mid-Range Performance – 4.1/5
- Bass Response – 3.1/5
- Connectivity – 4.6/5
- Controllability – 3.9/5
Final Score: 4/5
Tannoy Gold 5
Tannoy’s Gold Series of studio monitors are designed to serve recording and broadcast customers with a very even response across the frequency spectrum.
The Gold 5 is the smallest monitor in Tannoy’s Gold range, yet it still offers a great host of connectivity features on the back panel.
On the front, the Gold 5 has Input cut/boost and High-frequency cut/boost controls. On the back, both XLR and TRS balanced inputs are available and a handy Bass Adjust switch allows you to cut either -2 or -4dB of low end which is especially helpful if you’re listening in a smaller room.
The Gold series also features Monitor Linking and an Aux Input, allowing for convenient interface-free listening from a wide range of devices!
Rating:
- Overall Sound/Accuracy – 4.2/5
- Top Range Performance – 4.2/5
- Mid-Range Performance – 4.2/5
- Bass Response – 4/5
- Connectivity – 5/5
- Controllability – 4.8/5
Final Score: 4.4/5
ADAM T5V
ADAM Audio’s T5V features a unique looking tweeter – their U-ART 1.9” Accelerated Ribbon Tweeter – which provides pristine and extended high-frequency response up to 25 kHz.
The T5V features EQ controls in the form of boost/cut switches for both high and low frequencies. It also features an XLR balanced input and an RCA unbalanced input so you have a few different options for connecting.
As well as this decent high-end clarity, we found that it was the bass response that set this monitor apart from other 5-inch options found in this price range.
Overall, these were the highest performing monitors in the 5-inch category in our books so expect accuracy and punch!
Rating:
- Overall Sound/Accuracy – 4.8/5
- Top Range Performance – 4.2/5
- Mid-Range Performance – 4.7/5
- Bass Response – 5/5
- Connectivity – 4.3/5
- Controllability – 4.2/5
Final Score: 4.6/5
The name says it all – classic. Like the Yamaha HS range, the KRK Classic series of monitors can be seen in countless studios all over, from bedroom to pro.
The KRK Classic 5s are a very affordable option for monitoring and give a decent response across frequencies, though may not boast the most punch of the 5-inch monitors we compared.
The back panel features both high and low boost/cut controls to help tailor what you hear based on your room. KRK Classic 5s also include XLR and TRS balanced inputs as well an RCA unbalanced input.
Rating:
- Overall Sound/Accuracy – 2.9/5
- Top Range Performance – 3.3/5
- Mid-Range Performance – 3.2/5
- Bass Response – 3.8/5
- Connectivity – 4.6/5
- Controllability – 3.9/5
Final Score: 3.6/5
KRK RP5
The KRK Rokit RP5s are comparable with the Classic 5’s across the board.
These monitors present some new design choices and features, including a new scientifically designed speaker enclosure and front-firing port for low-end accuracy. However, we found the two KRK models performed about the same in most departments.
The RP5s feature a combined Neutrik TRS/XLR balanced input alongside a useful DSP-driven graphic EQ with 25 settings tailored to help condition whatever environment you’re listening in.
Rating:
- Overall Sound/Accuracy – 2.7/5
- Top Range Performance – 2.9/5
- Mid-Range Performance – 3.3/5
- Bass Response – 3.8/5
- Connectivity – 4.6/5
- Controllability – 3.9/5
Final Score: 3.5/5