Yamaha HS5 vs HS8
Deciding between two popular monitors from the same Yamaha series is always going to be a tricky one, however, you can ask yourself a couple of questions in order to find out which one is going to suit your requirements now, and in the long run.
The HS5 is the smallest of the Yamaha HS series and you’ll find that it will comfortably fit into any small-sized room or studio. These compact units come with just the right amount of power and features to assist anyone who is starting out in mixing and producing music.
Yamaha’s HS8 monitor is the one that packs the power when it comes to bass and low-end frequencies in general. You still get the same onboard features but those low ends are a lot more clear than on the HS5. Ultimately, your choice is going to come down to music styles and environment.
Side by Side Comparison
| Yamaha HS5 | Yamaha HS8 | |
|---|---|---|
 |
 | |
| Powered | Yes | Yes |
| Power Configuration | Bi-amped | Bi-amped |
| LF Driver Size | 5" | 8" |
| LF Driver Type | Cone | Cone |
| HF Driver Size | 1" | 1" |
| HF Driver Type | Dome | Dome |
| LF Driver Power Amp | 45W | 75W |
| HF Driver Power Amp | 25W | 45W |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-30kHz | |
| Crossover Frequency | 2kHz | 2kHz |
| Input Types | 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS | 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" TRS |
| Enclosure Type | Rear Ported | Rear Ported |
| Height | 11.2" | 15.4" |
| Width | 6.7" | 9.8" |
| Depth | 8.7" | 13.1" |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs. | 22.5 lbs. |
| Check Prices | Amazon Guitar Center | Amazon Guitar Center |
The HS5 monitors give you a frequency range of 54Hz-30kHz so you can instantly see the difference in low-end capability compared to the HS8’s. The mids and highs are excellent and you’ll find that the bi-amped drivers provide you with excellent audio quality for basic mixing.
The first thing you notice with the HS8’s is the complete audio spectrum on offer. With a 38Hz-30kHz frequency range, you get more of a complete picture when you’re mixing. This will suit the professionals who are producing a range of different musical styles and genres.
If you’re mixing and producing in a bedroom then the HS8’s are likely going to be too much for your setup. The performance of the HS5 monitor is going to be more suited for home use and they can even couple up and be used for casual listening for short periods of time.
The HS8’s always seem to find their way into professional studios. The accuracy and reliability of these monitors are exactly what music producers are looking for to create professional music. Ultimately, your mixing environment and skill level are going to determine where your money will be best spent.
Yamaha HS5
The Yamaha HS5 is an entry-level monitor that’s best used in small-sized studios and bedrooms. The small woofer doesn’t give you a great deal in terms of bass but the mid-range and high frequencies are crystal clear which is enough for any entry-level mixing requirements.
The HS5 comes with a rear-firing port which does mean you’ll need to place them away from the walls slightly to reduce any muffled bass effect. However, a Room Control switch is available to fix these sound issues when you have no choice but to place these monitors against a wall.
These monitors have been expertly constructed to reduce any unwanted resonance. Every detail has been designed to optimize the audio quality across the frequency range. The HS5 monitors sound professional and they look stylish too with a choice of black and white designs.
If you ever need to mix something that requires extra bass then an additional subwoofer would be a perfect match for the HS5. These compact monitors give you an accurate and honest reference for your music and furthermore they come highly respected in the music industry.
Pros of the Yamaha HS5
- Active/powered monitor design
- Accurate audio representation
- Dynamic 54Hz-30kHz frequency response
- Bi-amped drivers for pure high and low frequencies
- Room Control and High Trim features for sound optimization
Yamaha HS8 Review
The Yamaha HS8 monitors are perfect for larger studios and rooms. They give you excellent depth and dynamic range across the sound spectrum and the bass reproduction is impressive. If you’re working on bass-heavy tracks then these monitors are going to give you exactly what you need.
The bi-amp design includes an 8” woofer (75 Watts) and a 1” tweeter (45 Watts). These high-performance drivers give you independent audio quality across the frequency range. This means no conflicting frequencies and that results in cleaner and clearer audio for you to mix.
The extra large magnets used in the HS series is a big reason why this Yamaha monitor is so consistent time and time again. Without getting too technical, these magnets work in tandem with Yamaha’s Advanced Magnetic Circuit design to create a smooth and dynamic sound.
The HS8’s are hugely popular with professional producers. You hear everything with these monitors, the good, the bad, and the ugly. The 8” woofer is more than enough to give you those low-end bass tones and so you can rely on these monitors to give you highly accurate mixes.
Pros of the Yamaha HS8
- Active monitors
- Accurate and consistent sound
- 38Hz to 30kHz frequency range
- Bi-amped driver design
- Optimized Room Control and High Trim features
Conclusion
If you’ve got yourself into a situation between choosing the HS5 and HS8 then you shouldn’t worry too much. You’re not the first and you won’t be the last but this choice is a lot easier than some of the other comparisons that we have made. The fact that you’ve got your eyes set on the Yamaha HS series is a great starting point and you’re going to get quality from either purchase that you make.
The HS5 is the basic monitor in the HS series with the smallest output on offer. The 70 Watt power is more than enough to get a feel for mixing and a small room would be the perfect environment for these compact yet useful little monitors. If you’re big on bass-heavy music genres then you might want to look elsewhere for a little extra power in the low-end, but overall, the HS5 is regarded as an excellent starting point for beginners.
If you’ve got your eyes on the HS8’s then that comes as no surprise. These monitors come with a much wider frequency range and so can handle those bassier styles of music, plus they pack a lot more power with 120 Watts in total. Professionals will choose these every time over the HS5’s. However, if you’re working in a bedroom or small-sized studio then these monitors might well be too much for that small and tight environment.
In summary, these two monitors from Yamaha’s HS series cater to two different sets of people. To make things simple, the HS5 is recommended for those just starting out and who are learning to mix music. The low price tag is more suited to beginners and the quality is still there. The frequency range is not quite as expansive as the HS8 but it’s enough to get you going. The HS8, on the other hand, is more suited to sit inside a professional studio or a larger sized room.
We can go into a lot more detail about monitor placement and conflicting frequencies but for now, it’s best to assess your current setup and environment and then understand what kind of music genres you will be mixing. Are you a beginner in the music mixing world? Save some money and grab yourself a pair of the HS5’s. If you’re contemplating the HS8’s then be sure you have the mixing environment that warrants these bigger monitors, also be sure that the music you are mixing needs that extra bass response. There is quite a big price difference between the two and the savings from buying the HS5’s could be used to enhance other areas of your setup.
