I'll admit these are good speakers, but they just don't live up to the hype in my book. They have great response for highs and midrange, but really lack when it comes to bass response. Now pair these guys up with the HS8S (sub) and you are in business. A little pricy for the two monitors and the sub, which would be my ideal setup for these speakers, but in the end its well worth the investment.

audio_steve is a Sam Ash reviewer

Indianapolis, IN

Don't let their size fool you. These little guys pack a punch. One thing I look for in choosing studio monitors is transparency. I want to hear my mixes the way they are without any added coloring from speakers. Yamaha's HS5's are pretty true to form. Crystal clear and yet very powerful for their size. Even the look is very reminiscent of the legendary Yamaha NS-10 which was their flagship and found in every studio, I've mixed dozens of projects with these and I gotta say that they are the perfect balance of quality as well as value. Monitor positioning is critical as with any studio monitor so make sure you have them at the right height as well as the right angle to ensure that sweet spot. Don't be afraid to pull out a ruler and get exact measurements. These little powerhouses are a great way to get you started on producing some great mixes. I've even seen these in top of the line pro studios where the engineer wants a 2nd or 3rd pair of speakers for an alternate monitor reference. Thumbs up!

Cesar (Staff Reviewer At Sam Ash Music)

Miami Lakes, FL

Modeled after the NS-10 industry standard speakers, The HS5 monitors give you that flat response to get your mixes just right. While not near as flat as the NS10s, the HS5s have serious clarity in the midrange. This gives you the ability to really get that separation from your instruments. I found my mixes had much more definiteion when using the HS5s. This is a real hands on review from Bryan @ Sam Ash Dallas.

bryandestroyerofworlds

Dallas, TX

These are the perfect solution for anyone needing set of flat-response speakers for mixing. These speakers will allow the true recorded mix to be heard, allowing for you to make the proper adjustments in the mix. That being said, the lows are definitely nicely focused while the highs were clear and clean. Durability is spot-on. These monitors should last for quite some time. This is a real hands on product review from Christian @ Sam Ash Columbus.

Produceder

Columbus, OH

This Yamaha HS5 single monitor is great in pairs but also works wonders in a 5.1 surround sound system. With 45 watts of lows and 25 watt highs it will handle everything you throw at it. A single XLR and 1/4" input with a standard power cord which is supplied. This is a real hands-on product review from David @ Sam Ash Ontario.

Music Lover

Southern California

The Yamaha HS5 monitors are great for what they are; a good pair of flat response reference monitors. The fact that they do have a flat response is a positive thing. These monitors will not be tailed to produce more bass or overwhelming high-end, but a slight boost of both frequency spectrums would make them slightly better. The overall output of the monitors are perfect for producers who are looking for a basic pair of reference monitors for a true flat-response playback. This is a real hands-on product review from Steve @ Sam Ash Huntington.

Steve M.

Huntington, NY

The Yamaha HS5 Studio Reference Monitor is a classic. Based on the original NS10 Studio Monitor, the HS5 is a modern take on the speaker that has been used to craft countless hits. The addition of a built in 70 watt amplifier makes set up a lot smoother. This allows recording artists to plug their audio interface directly into the back of the speaker. These monitors give the artist a completely flat and transparent image of their source material, allowing them to make proper adjustments so that their mixes sound professional every time. Regardless of the genre of music, these monitors come highly recommended to all recording artists and producers who look to take their work to the next level. This is a real hands on product review from Ryan@ Sam Ash King of Prussia.

7820RK

King of Prussia PA

The latest from Yamaha , the company that single-handedly changed the studio-monitor business, does not disappoint. These powered monitors are sufficient for pro application and stand up to models twice the price. Running some acoustic pop, smoothe jazz and then some metal tracks through these,they provided great definition at low and loud volumes. An essential for any home or pro studio. I am a staff reviewer at Sam Ash #36

Jimbob

Columbus, Ohio

The Hs5 is an instant classic. sounds very similar to the studio standard ns10. Very flat sound without being boring. I give this studio monitor 5 stars! This is a hands on product review by Hodari @ Sam Ash Lombard

Hodari

Sam Ash Lombard

I bought these after hearing and working with KRK's, and then hearing these and spent a little more money. Absolutely perfect flat monitoring, no coloring of sound. Crystal clear, accurate sound. Love them and so glad I spent the little extra, will have these for a lifetime and never regret it. A hands on reviewer at Sam Ash #41

Wingman

Ontario, CA