When choosing monitors for your studio, selecting the right size is crucial. In this review, we'll focus on the most popular size of monitors: 5 inches.

As you delve into this popular category of 5-inch monitors, it's essential to have an overview as there are many options available. That's what I aim to provide in this review/test.

The 6 monitors I have selected are as follows:

  • Yamaha HS5
  • Adam T5V
  • Focal Alpha 50 Evo
  • Presonus Eris E5
  • Mackie CR5-X
  • Pioneer VM-50

Before we dive into the tests, it's important to note that this is my opinion about these monitors. Everyone's ears are different, and the purpose of the speakers varies.

 

Yamaha HS5 Studio Monitor

The Yamaha HS5 is a comprehensive studio monitor suitable for a music production-oriented setup. It offers an overall impressive sound quality, delivering on almost all fronts. The low frequencies are slightly powerful, but this is not an issue if the purpose is music production.

If you're interested in further adjusting the sound, you can perform some room control and HF Trim tuning to complete the experience.

Yamaha has hit the nail on the head with their HS5, which is also available at a very competitive price.

Read more about the product here.


Specifications:
Woofer Size: 5”
Tweeter Size: 1”
Frequency: 54 Hz - 30 kHz
Inputs: 1 x 1/4" TRS, 1 x XLR
Weight: 5.3 kg
Dimensions: 170mm, 285 mm, 222 mm.


Advantages

  • Sound - The Yamaha HS5 provides clear and sharp sound. It's an excellent choice for those who want detailed and precise sound with no muddy frequencies to ruin sensitive pitches.
  • Production-Friendly - With its impressive sound quality and fine balance between frequencies, you get an ideal monitor for music production.
  • Attractive Monitor - It boasts a stylish and understated design that will complement any studio. A completely neutral combination of black and white is also available in a full white model if it suits your decor better.


Disadvantages

Better Build - The Yamaha HS5 tends to pick up a bit of interference from other objects within a reasonably small radius, but this is easily avoided by not placing other electronic items too close to it.

 

ADAM T5V Studio Monitor

The legendary ADAM brand delivers big with their T5V model. A "beginner" monitor with top-tier quality. With this monitor, you get incredibly strong bass and a 106 dB SPL.

With the ADAM T5V, you get plenty of power, but it slightly sacrifices clarity and precision in the sound image. Still, it's a great choice for the serious studio user.

Read more about the product here.

Woofer size: 5"
Tweeter size: 1.9"
Frequency: 45Hz - 25kHz
Inputs: 1x XLR, 1x RCA
Weight: 5.7 kg
Dimensions: 178 mm, 297 mm, 297 mm
 

Advantages

  • Top Sound Performance - Superb balance across all frequencies with plenty of life and precision. A great choice for an analytical listener.
  • Strong Bass Profile - The low end is fantastic. Clear, yet still with plenty of warmth and punch. The bass distorts slightly at high volume.
  • Cost-effective - This monitor utilizes technology from ADAM's more expensive speakers, yet you still get this 5" monitor at a really good price!
  • Sleek Design - The front of the speaker features a simple and stylish design that will fit into most rooms. 

Disadvantages

  • Rear-facing Bass Port - Because the bass is located on the back, the bass can be delayed if placed directly against a wall.

 

Focal Alpha 50 Evo Studio Monitor

The Focal Alpha 50 Evo studio monitors are one of the best monitors when it comes to pure and clear sound. They are also built to provide a faithful sound to even the most expensive audio files. A mission that has certainly been accomplished.

Although they are a bit on the expensive side, it is a solid investment if you spend many hours in the studio.

Read more about the speakers here.


Specifications

Woofer size: 5”
Tweeter size: 1”
Frequency: 45Hz - 22kHz (-3)
Inputs: 1x XLR, 1x RCA, 1x 1/4"
Weight: 5.94 kg
Dimensions: 251 mm, 310 mm, 239 mm.
 

Advantages

  • Clear and detailed sound - The sound quality delivered by the Alpha 50 Evo is fantastic, to say the least. Detailed mid-tones and sharp high-tones without being too harsh. The bass has substance but without being booming in the ears.
  • Professional monitor - These monitors provide an excellent listening experience. Your ears won't get tired and are perfect for a long session in the studio.
  • Effective tuning - You get both LF and HF Shelving settings, along with sensitivity. All settings are reflected clearly and cleanly. A big advantage if you have a less sound-friendly room.
  • Flexible connections - With the Alpha 50 Evo, you get both XLR, RCA, and TRS connections. Something many studio monitors offer.
     

Disadvantages

  • Price - Focal's Alpha models are a kind of premium choice compared to the other monitors on the list. So if you're on a tight budget, some of the other choices might be better for you.

 

Presonus Eris E5

The Presonus Eris E5 is an excellent choice for those who are extra price-conscious. The monitor provides a comfortable and flat response, which can give you a precise mix at a really good price. Other electronic devices may be beneficial to hide away, as they have a tendency to easily muddy into other devices.

You also get some incredibly precise tuning options, which can really enhance the overall experience on these monitors. These monitors are definitely worth considering if you don't have as much money to spend on monitors for your studio.

Read more about these monitors here.


Specifications

Woofer size: 5.25”
Tweeter size: 1.25”
Frequency: 53Hz - 22kHz
Inputs: 1x RCA, 1x 1/4", 1x XLR
Weight: 4.63 kg
Dimensions: 178 mm, 260 mm, 195 mm.
 

Advantages

  • Perfect for smaller studios - Superb frequency range and delicate tuning options for smaller rooms without extensive sound control.
  • Flat response - A really good balance across all frequencies, providing plenty of options for producers.
  • Tuning options - Detailed tuning options provide flexibility in terms of placement and space.
  • Price - Usually, budget-friendly studio monitors take a hit on quality, but these monitors are the exception. A really good alternative for a tight budget.
     

Disadvantages

  • Lack of bass - Due to the flat response, many in the environment have complained about the lack of bass. Keep in mind that these monitors are not Hi-Fi speakers. However, the lack of bass provides a more accurate sound.

 

Pioneer DJ VM-50 Studio Monitors

The VM series from Pioneer DJ offers a slightly bold and attractive option for both DJs and producers. You get a monitor with decent sound and sharp response. With its 107 dB Max SPL, this monitor also packs a decent punch.

A really good option for a hybrid DJ/producer who wants a good monitor for both.

Read more about the speaker here.


Specifications

Woofer size: 5.25”
Tweeter size: 1”
Frequency: 40Hz - 36kHz
Inputs: 1x XLR-1/4" combo, 1x RCA
Weight: 5.5 kg
Dimensions: 198 mm, 300 mm, 265 mm.
 

Advantages

  • Attractive design - Pioneer DJ VM-50 offers a monitor in a sleek and professional design. The hexagon front provides a more unique look than many other monitors.
  • Balanced sound profile - For a studio monitor in the Pioneer DJ series, these monitors are surprisingly well-balanced. No dominant frequencies to produce on.
  • Flexible DSP control - Easy control over the high and low frequencies. Quick and easy adjustment options based on your studio setup.
  • Robust construction - Solid and sturdy components, along with an Aramid fiber front, make this monitor incredibly durable.
     

Disadvantages

  • Rear-facing bass port - Since this speaker is built for DJ use, it's important to note that the bass port is located on the back and may result in delayed bass response.

Mackie CR5-XBT Studio Monitor

The CR5-XBT is an underrated option from Mackie. Mackie is known for delivering good monitors on a budget. Here you get good sound quality with a good breadth across all frequencies.

The quality of the speaker housing itself isn't the most impressive on the list, but given their price point, it's hard to ask for more. A really nice option for those looking for a solid producer/DJ monitor that packs some volume.


Specifications

Woofer size: 5”
Tweeter size: 0.75”
Frequency: 60Hz - 20kHz
Inputs: 1x 1/4", 1x 1/8" (AUX), 1x RCA
Weight: 6.8 kg (per pair)
Dimensions: 175 mm, 259 mm, 229 mm.
 

Advantages

  • Good volume - Despite being a relatively small 5” monitor, you get a lot of volume for your money. Distortion is minimal at high volumes. Excellent for a home DJ studio.
  • Good price - A really good budget-friendly alternative to a more professional choice. You don't get tuning options like on some of the more expensive models, but they are still well-tuned out of the box.
  • Good balance - For a budget monitor at 5”, you get a surprisingly well-balanced sound. No frequencies dominate the sound profile.
  • AUX In - You can connect a device directly via the AUX input on the front panel. A good option for casual music listening, which not many monitors offer.
     

Disadvantages

  • Not the best Bluetooth - Although Bluetooth is a nice option, it's very sensitive. It doesn't have the greatest range and often drops out.