JBL LSR305 or 308 vs Adam F7

[dr_daw]

Well... It's almost time to pull the trigger! The funds are almost in place. I am unfortunately NOT able to give either of these speakers a test listen, as I live in the middle of nowhere. Currently running M1 actives, and I'm at the end of my rope with them and it's time to move on.

My room is approximately 12 x 9' give or take, my mix position is against the shortest wall with a window. I have 4 Auralex bass traps, 2 on the back wall, two behind my monitors in the corners, and about 55-65% wall coverage with auralex at the reflective points. I have a bit of a problem still in the lower mid range that still needs to be tuned out, but the room sounds ok.

So here is the deal, originally, I was just going to pull the trigger on the JBL's. But, I am still hesitant because I'm willing to spend more money. I don't want to make the same mistake I did years ago on the M1's.

I have read some great reviews of the 305's, but have also read great reviews of the F7's. If I were to go with the 305's I would contemplate a sub, but not with the F7's. My budget is $1500 max w/ shipping/taxes.

Anyone have experience with these two speakers in a similar sized space? Any other options that I may be overlooking?

Cheers,

[JCBigler]

The LSR305s are about $250 for a pair. The ADAM F7 are close to $900...not really in the same price range.

Look at the Equator Audio D8s, $750 for the pair. I have them in my control booth at work (the sound booth for a large concert hall) and like them very much.

[YYR123]

Sweetwater 30 day return policy

as far as the 305's are concerned, I don't think you would need a sub the low range is terrific

I gave a listen to the ax7 Adams and they sounded real nice but if I remember correctly the highs were a bit harsher than i cared to hear them and the lows weren't deep enough.

The H'S series from Yamaha are pretty awesome as well with the sub its crazy

[dr_daw]

JC, I'll take a look into the d8's. Here in canada, the 305's are 199/each and the F7s on sale right now for 435/each. I knew they're not in the same price range, but have heard good things about the 305s. But would rather spend money on the right choice.
Thanks

[JCBigler]

Originally Posted by dr_daw

JC, I'll take a look into the d8's. Here in canada, the 305's are 199/each and the F7s on sale right now for 435/each. I knew they're not in the same price range, but have heard good things about the 305s. But would rather spend money on the right choice.
Thanks

The other thing, is that a lot of guys like having two (or more) sets of monitors to A-B their mixes on. If your budget is $1500, you could get a pair of D8s, and a pair of LSR305s as an alternate. Then, of course you would need a monitor controller, but those aren't that expensive.

In fact I plan to outfit my personal project studio with D8s and LSR305s once I get around to it.

[dr_daw]

I was planning on using my M1 actives as my alternative, as I am used to those speakers, but they just don't translate well. I'm liking the fact that the D8's have a 60day money back guarantee, wonder if it's available in canada. YYR, the problem with sweetwater is the shipping and duty to canada almost doubles the price unfortunately.

[JCBigler]

Ahh, I missed the part about being in Canada.

I would call Equator and see if they ship to Canada. For everything else, Call Full Compass. I know for a fact that their prices are substantially less than Sweetwater. Maybe enough so to make the import duties worth it.

I also have a set of the Alesis M1 Active, and am looking forward to getting rid of them.

[albee1952]

I have the 305's as "B" monitors in my 12x14 control room and like them a lot(never compared to the Adam's). Using a Presonus Central station to select between the JBL's and Event ASP-8's, with/without a sub(KRK Rokit with a digital X-over and tuned with SMAART Live). My only gripe with the 305's is the low input sensitivity as compared to my Events, and the M-Audio BX-5a's that the JBL's replaced. My solution was to feed thru a little Alto mixer to boost/match the level(with the side benefit of feeding my Motif headphone jack to the mixer for keyboard playback outside of PT). BTW, the JBL's get just as loud as the M-Audio's and stay cleaner doing it

[dr_daw]

That's an interesting note on the 305's, Dave. I am looking for something that will suit my needs as the A monitor, perhaps the 305 isnt the right choice. I need to step up the game in the studio with regards to monitoring. JC, I'll check out full-compass. I'm looking at just under $1k for the Adams and $500 for the 305's with shipping.

[YYR123]

July 4th sales will abound. I got my 305's for 125 each last xmas