Presonus Eris E4.5 vs JBL LSR305 || Sound Demo #2

[@DSAUDIOreview]

My full written review of Presonus Eris E4.5 is available here :digitalstereophony.blogspot.com/2016/02/presonus-eris-e45-review.html My full written review of JBL LSR305 is available here : digitalstereophony.blogspot.com/2015/07/jbl-lsr305-review.html

[@malik58102]

Digital Stereophony are the 4.5’s good for mixing

[@SaDu-sb3si]

Jbl 5 vs personus 4.5 ...i can't find any VS here sorry :-)

[@ihavenoname3925]

which sounded better in your opinion?

[@xed530]

You are my fave reviewer right now no blah blah blah, let the music coming from the product speak for itself. Thanks

[@tradentravel]

I like the crisp punch of the Presonus. JBL might sound better in a large room but the Presonus would seem to work nice as a traditional studio monitor for my taste.(I dont own either or heard in person)

[@PhysicsViolator]

Monitors are designed to give you the precise sound as possible , not make it sound "better" eris wins here in my opinion

[@joshsmith7812]

Having switched over to JBL's from the Eris i'd say it's the opposite in my opinion, however the Eris, especially for their size and price are outstanding little monitors.

[@SadisticKillerXx]

@@joshsmith7812 why did you switch? Was there any problem with the Eris? Trying to decide which to buy

[@amanieux]

i do casual music+movie listening and no mixing/monitoring. i had eris 4.5 for 2 years and now upgraded to the 305. on my eris 4.5 there was a hiss audible up to 50cm that cames from the woofer. on the jbl 305 the hiss is coming from the tweeter and is audible up to 1.5meters (but i no longer notice it, i am 1m away), for near field and low volume i think prefered the 4.5 (from memory as i no longer have the 4.5 to listen side by side) but in all other configurations the 305 blow the 4.5 away, mediums are close but the tight and deeper bass of 305 is no contest and the upper mids are much clearer on the 305, the biggest difference is at high volume 3 meters away the eris 4.5 sound thin but 305 fills the room with bass and sounds more 3d and transparent. of course the eris 4.5 are cheaper and smaller on the desk. at the same price point of $230 total i preferred my 2.1 setup with eris 4.5 for $140 + sub polk psw10 for $90 over my 2.0 setup jbl 305 without sub but of course if you add the $90 for the sub to the 305, 305 +sub is better than 4.5+sub, i am sure most of you can afford the extra $90 for 305+sub and a total of $320. the front volume knob and power button of the 4.5 made not much of a difference for conveniency vs the jbl 305 as i control volume from my PC and i only power them up once a day in the morning.

[@Peebs4ever]

I just returned the e4.5's after a week, I couldn't live with the hiss and transformer hum that they emitted when idle (seems to be a common issue). They would also pick up interference from mobile phone. Now have the JBL 305's and although they are larger than I would like, the sound quality is certainly a step up, plus they are nigh on silent whilst idle as well which was a relief.

[@DSAUDIOreview]

JBL is clearly a more grown up speaker worth the extra. Sorry to hear about issues with E4.5. You are not the first reporting the issues, it is a thing in some units. My experience with E4.5 is a bit different though. I had two different sets, still have one, and both had acceptable hiss similar to JBL in level and no hum.

[@Peebs4ever]

Yes. I suppose it's something to factor in if considering the e4.5. You may not get a quiet set first time. I could live with the hissing, but the hum was audible being on my desk.

[@azuanatoya]

i dont know why, but my speaker only hiss when mic no connected. regardless return and went jbl. no regret :D

[@lr6187]

Cut the ground off the plug, problem solved on the 5s

[@afifinasir4204]

Really? Mine also have white noise, but only audible _slightly_ when I cranked beyond 4 o'clock which is not in my occasional listening range, and its only heard when I placed my ear directly 10cm from the cone. I was aware about the hiss issue prior purchasing Eris but I'm glad to know that LSR305s have them as well. So I guess it's not an issue for studio monitors. Thanks. Feels much better now :)

[@BigCarso]

Of all your reviews, this has to be one of the closest sounding comparisons. Mids and highs almost identical. Only the slightly less boxy bass of the JBL makes me able to tell these apart.

[@endrizo]

you should record a few seconds of SILENCE..yes the speakers playing silence. to hear them at idle

[@neilsandell1947]

Thanks for putting this together. Thoughtful variety of music, and lots of food for thought. I'm weighing the same choice. I mix audio documentaries - voice and often musical scoring. Haven't decided, though I tend to prefer brighter mids than most people.

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Hi Neil. If You want my suggestion than look at Presonus Eris E5, it should fit your needs well. The only problem I have with them is a bit boomy upper bass, the rest of spectrum is clear with good detail, upper midrange is a bit forward just like You describe, great for voices.

[@MrYevelnad]

I like the presonus more.

[@omnia5-9]

Yo my man played Snarky Puppy! I am amazed at the separation and depth with those Presonus I think they will be wonderfully paired with my TT.

[@deadpunk8923]

The attenuations on Eris E4.5 are good.

[@ROY-if8gi]

Presnous 4.5 lack a bit in low frequencies! but still these low budget monitors sounds pretty good! and thanks for the comparison!

[@xavsound]

Which gets louder before distorting ?. The new eris 4.5bt or the JBL 305 MKii

[@Gearsandco]

wow the Presonus are doing a great job they sound almost the same but of course the JBL will sound way fuller with more low ends but I will be getting the Eris E4.5 and return my Eris E3.5

[@aaronwalker5493]

which one did you like more afterwards ? 3.5 or 4.5?

[@Gearsandco]

@@aaronwalker5493 honestly I had the E3.5 and they sounded great, but the 4.5 sounded fuller in my opinion.

[@aaronwalker5493]

@@Gearsandco awesome thank you for the quick reply!

[@burakkahraman9494]

JBL 82 watt, presonus 25 watt. There is huge difference. What do you think about that. i have to turn volume up much more than presonus

[@vannk73]

Oddly enough, the only time I could hear a transition was on the Amon Amarth song. Maybe because I've heard that one before. :)

[@amanieux]

same thing this recording is strange i hear even less difference than with eris5

[@TElaf1997]

PLSS M-AUDIO BX5 VS PRESONUS ERIS 5 !!! THANKS!!

[@the_nondrive_side]

Martin Martinez having a pair of bx5a deluxe.. older model I suppose now... the presonus 4.5 and larger all destroy them. but they still sound nice and go really loud. below 56hz the bx5 got nothing. steep slope and rear ported.

[@ChrisBessy]

@@the_nondrive_side I have tested the BX5 and .... the sound was so closed !!! I return them .....

[@the_nondrive_side]

@@ChrisBessy had I paid full price new I would probably agree with you. However everybody has a different experience and different room and expectations. I gave away the previous set of monitors I owned ane have compared to older "Hi-Fi" including a great Mark Levinson amp powering a set of B&w 802 80 series.. Obvious winner but for the purpose I've got these for and with the Subwoofer set as I have it... But your bang on with the description.

[@Ditch901]

Hey Digital Stereophony. I've been mixing for a few years with just headphones and now I'm really looking into buying some monitors. I mainly want to mix garage and psychedelic rock. I was really taken by the Eris E4.5s as they seem like they would be great for my bedroom setup because of the different EQ controls and such. Then I saw the M-Audio BX5 D2s for around $23 more and I'm totally lost on which ones to get. The choice here in South Africa is fairly limited and the jump up to the JBL's or the E5s is much more substantial, around $150 more. Much of what I've read seems to be pretty subjective so it's really hard for me to decide whats worth it at the end of the day. If you could give me some advice I would be so grateful.

[@hanskaller5848]

If you bought e4.5, did you notice any hum/hissing from both speakers ? It sounds like a design flaw.

[@aaronwalker5493]

video is swtiching between speakers when sound is also changing ( instrument to voice etc) which makes it difficult to compare. Please try to swtich between speakers when the same segment of sound is playing.

[@InstinctiveRage]

Which would you rather have?...A pair of JBL's or Eris 4.5 with properly matched sub for musical listening? This is my current dilemma. The highs and mids sound amazing on presonus but the bass response and over all nature of JBL is beautiful and complete.

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Tough question as there is no right or wrong here. I would say if You want to use them for critical music listetning than JBL is a better choice, it is more detailed and smooth across the midrange and high end. But if You plan to listen more casually, watch some movies and play games, than E4.5 plus sub will be better choice thanks to extra bass depth and slam. In reality whichever option You will choose You will be happy, so vote with Your wallet.

[@InstinctiveRage]

I have both and love the complete sound of JBL, however, they dominate my modest corner desk and are not properly setup (too close to me, and too close to the wall). I would love to keep them but they also have a bad feedback/interference issue with my PC sound card that the Eris do not. I would need stands, USB interface/sound card plus another set of cables to make the JBL's work. They're definitely worth it but the Eris work flawlessly with a simple breakout cable and monitor pads. I love their bright, clear, forward nature right out of the box. I think I'm saving up for a sub! Would you have any recommendations for a good compatible sub? Thank you for the quick, thoughtful reply. Great channel.

[@DSAUDIOreview]

I agree, both are great monitors with excellent value for money. I have tested E4.5s with Presonus Temblor T8 and they worked perfectly together, blended seemlesly, so T8 gets my recommendation. Cheers!

[@amanieux]

sub recommendations for eris 4.5: i only tried a cheapo $90 polk psw10 and eris 4.5+this sub was more pleasant for casual music listening and movies than my new 305 without a sub . i am sure the tremblor t8 for $329 are much better than psw10 but a mid priced sub matched that cost 2x the price of this entry level studio monitor does seem unbalanced, if you invest in a good sub then you may also/rather invest in a better studio monitor as our human ears+brain system are more sensitive to mids than to bass.

[@endrizo]

eris 4.5 are nice but sound anemic 25 watts of total power for the 2 boxes is very very little. i auditioned them in a shop liked the sound but lack volume bass and power..sounded tiny anemic..i need much more beef

[@jacaratu2586]

Hey there, i'm on the same page here, which ones did you get eventually? I'm considering monkey banana gibbon air which have more bass than the eris even though smaller(4").

[@richardvancleaf469]

For just listening to music the JBL's to me are a little dull to listen to. For mixing music they're great. They're very mid rangey which for whatever reason translates well to all other speakers. Whereas my old speakers, Tannoy 501a's sound great for music listening but for audio mixing they didn't translate well due to their boosted highs.

[@SSJ5VegetaV4]

not dull if you add a good sub. That's where the fun lows will be, while the JBL keep the mids and highs super clear.

[@LudwigdelPino]

Creo que el eris suena bastante alto sobre los 4000Khz. Y. No se si el JBL exagera un poco alrededor de los 100Hz o es que el eris no lo esta haciendo bien.

[@dexxnik]

Maybe -2db cut of on mid range on presonus would be perfect?

[@calebcampbell5951]

The highs too. On the "Gone Cold" Song his vocals were incredibly hissy on the presonus and almost sounded like it was clipping. Whereas the vocals and mix on the JBL's were really clear all the way down

[@carloscervantes836]

Just got a chance to listen to the Eris E4.5 and the unit I'm listening to has static/crackling sound coming out of the tweeters, the front aux-in doesn't work at all, and the headphone out cuts in/out and side to side... It's a new pair.

[@DSAUDIOreview]

That is a pity as they are great sounding speakers. Quality seem to be an issue in this model, all though I had two pairs and both worked well. Thanks for the input!

[@jd5787]

Hi! I have edifiers 1850db and a 10" sub. For music and movies streaming which would be best between e4.5, e5xt and the 305p mark 2 please? (I would reuse my subwoofer). Thank you

[@serigrafiabasica3005]

Hola, los eris 4.5 se pueden usar como monitores de estudio ?

[@ChrisBessy]

I have in my studio HS7, RP5 G3 and Eris 4.5 .... and today I use my Eris 4.5 hehe ...... ;o)

[@ChrisBessy]

they have a frequency response in the mids like the NS10 ....

[@georgesmith3022]

I have the jbl as desktop speakers just for listening to music. They are great speakers but after two hours I feel fatigue especially in the high frequencies. Do you recommend any other audio monitor that does not cause fatigue?

[@LudwigdelPino]

this monitors are intented to make mixing and mastering . They are not for listening to music. Now you can eq to low the high freq

[@sokha9033]

how about pioneer dm 40 compare to those two ?

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Both Monkey Banana and this Pioneer are new models to the market, I have not tested either of them.

[@jakub8095]

I am looking for a pair of active speakers for my turntable (rega planar 2). I would like to have speakers with 1/8-inch stereo headphone output. Is there anything like presonarius 4.5 with a little more "meat" in the sound? Great channel and job!

[@DSAUDIOreview]

You can also try Mackie CR5. Cheers!

[@jakub8095]

@@DSAUDIOreview I'll go for it. Thanks for help!

[@ezerus1986]

Hey, just got the option to pick up a used temblor t10 for 250€. it's about 2.5 years old... hope it's a good deal and will support my eris 4.5 well :)

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Go for it! Eris E4.5 will be transformed with this sub ;)

[@ezerus1986]

hi, thanks for you reply but i have a huge problem with the volume, i sent you a mail.... or shall i describe my problem here in the comments?

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Describe it here so others can have a look as well. Maybe it will help others with similar problems.

[@ezerus1986]

Ok so i have the connection set up as the following: - Optical output from mainboard into small DAC. from there chinch output to T10 RCA unbalanced input - from the T10 i have 2x 6.3mm jacks to the Eris speakers. normally i had my windows-volume at 100 and adjusted the volume on the eris speakers. if i leave the input gain on the t10 at 0db, it shakes my whole room... totally... extreme bass... i have to lower the windows volume to 10-15 and the input gain on the t10 to -30db to have a somewhat normal bass volume, but then i have to turn up my eris speakers almost to 75-100% volume.... can it be that the t10 and also the t8 are only viable for monitoring at louder volume levels? i am afraid i misclick one time or my windows volume jumps up to 100 by accident.. that would blow everything in here....

[@DSAUDIOreview]

I think we can sort this out ;) First of all, lower the gain on T10 to minimum, gain in the regions of 0dB is waaay to high for normal use. Also set the low cutoff on Eris E4.5 on 80Hz and low pass filter on T10 to around 60 - 70Hz, this should overlap nicely. Next up, set Eris to 75%. How is the bass from T10 in this configuration?

[@Orderftw782]

SHOULD I BUY eris 4.5 or jbl 305 mkii for mixing and mastering im confused pleaseeeee helpppppppppp😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mheberling5939]

Love the Clutch track. I'm thinking the JBL's.

[@Likwidl]

The JBL has clearly better bass response and is more balanced. It's amazing how much half an inch on the woofer can do.

[@att1306]

Nah, there is not much difference in the way that you're talking. I would say that the difference is slight and in some cases I prefer the mids on Presonus

[@81duanra]

with a temblor subwoofer is it worth the money to change my eris 4.5 for lsr 305?

[@DSAUDIOreview]

This is a tough question. It depends on what You wish to get from this upgrade. What kind of subwoofer do You have?

[@amanieux]

yes upgrading from 4.5 to 305 is noticeable(the 305 upper mids are clearer) but it is not day and night as the difference from going from 2.0 setup to 2.1 setup by adding a sub (even a cheap polk psw10 new for $89) to your eris 4.5.

[@mac12344]

Which one is better for Music production?

[@DSAUDIOreview]

JBL

[@NEGAHNEPOHON]

Have you ever tried to run a null test when you compair?

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Actually no. Any suggestions?

[@NEGAHNEPOHON]

A lot of people talk about jitter and a lot of people like to say that their product is better value and produce the same sound

[@DSAUDIOreview]

I will look into that and see if it would be beneficial to include this test. Cheers!

[@majinchibi]

Looking for new PC speakers (used Logitech G51 as 2.1 for years) and i want to try something new, so im looking for near-field monitors. I was looking at mackie cr5 and presonus eris 4.5 . But sooner or later the jbl 305p comes up. The problem: most users and tests are from/for producers/djs... I got the eris 4.5 but i am not sure if i should keep them. They sound a little "flat" to my ears. But then again i´m not used to this kind of speakers. Would the JBL 305p be better for gaming, movies and casual music listening? (techno, hiphop, metal...) Maybe i need to add a sub later... or should i just add a sub to the eris? A hint would be super nice. Thanks in advance, i am a little lost +.+

[@DSAUDIOreview]

You would benefit more by adding a subwoofer to E4.5 than by going from E4.5 to JBL 305P for example. Have a look at Jamo SUB210, it very affordable and would match E4.5 well

[@majinchibi]

@@DSAUDIOreview Thank you very much for your (fast) answer :) I am very glad about your recommendation, i dont know if my ears could ever get so good and my eyes so bad to tolerate the looks of the JBL on my desk... And thanks for the subwoofer recommendation! I will take a look... but how do i connect the Jamo to the eris? The Jamo only got "line in" and the eris 4.5 don´t have a sub out. I was thinking about the Swissonic Sub10 (the same price as the Jamo Sub) Or even the Temblor T8 (but that would hurt my wallet a little bit too much atm)

[@uabybra]

presonus e4.5 vs kali lp-6 next please!

[@rhythmcaster2018]

1. How much rear spaces that JBL needs for bass ports. I plan on using them my desk-setup. 2. Would speakers of this caliber pick-up digital noises form my laptop, DAC would help? Thank you, and BTW good written review.

[@utubehound69]

Attest 2 & 1/2 feet from the wall the room makes all the difference w/any speaker but these I can listen with for htrs w/no ear fatigue the sweet spot is wide. But they can really put out more Bass than you expect .The rear port will be firing burst of air at 3/4 up in vol so use treatment behind them if possible & the whole room these are amazing I've had the 8" & the 5" the 5" fit well I have some BX8a's audiophile 8" that will really kick out the lows where you can feel it. Btw you can get a 192K 24 bit interface for around $60 bucks rock solid Midas Pre Amps USB plug & play w/Mac. It look s just like the Stineberger desk top interface the UMC202HD.

[@rhythmcaster2018]

Watchman4u Thanks, that's a lot of good info.

[@DSAUDIOreview]

I use JBL with around 25cm of space behind them and I have no problem with bass response on normal listetning levels. Regarding interface, a Behringer UMC202HD mentioned by Watchman4u will do the job well for very good money. Cheers!

[@hanskaller5848]

"I have no problem with bass response on normal listetning levels" - what do you mean by that, because it sounds like a marketing bubbling and hiding flaws ? :) For me, e4.5 simply lacks bass at all.

[@neilsandell1947]

This may seem like a dumb question. Would the input from your computer to the Behringer be via a cable from your headphone jack or via the USB?

[@leshayward480]

I have both the E4.5 BT as well as the JBL 305p's (which sound very close to the LSR's) and I can say that the 305's sound much better than the 4.5's. That's not to say the 4.5's sound bad they don't. But the 305's have better clarity, soundstage as well as detail. I can also hear detail in the 305's when turned down low that you can't hear in the 4.5's. You have to turn up the 4.5's a bit to get them to perform. Maybe this is all due to the amp in the 305's. I also have the 3.5 BT version and personally think they sound better than the 4.5's. It seems to me then that the 4.5's are better for having on your computer desk and the 305's are better for mixing.

[@uabybra]

3.5 is better than 4.5 in terms of mixing or just listening to music? need your help! i can't decide which one to buy. or should i just get the kali lp-6?

[@leshayward480]

@@uabybra Just my humble opinion: If you mix music with a lot of bass, then the 4.5's as they will give you a better extension on the low end. If mixing or doing audio at a desk that does not require a lot of bass, then the 3.5' might be better. The are very detailed - just like the 4.5's - but don't sound as boxy as the 4.5's. The 3.5's get plenty loud but don't need the same level volume as the 4.5's to produce clear detail. I've only heard the Kali's at a local GC and their sound was similar to the e5-XT, at least to me.

[@Coffeephile]

Do you think E4.5 would be enough for movies or JBL has much more bass?

[@DSAUDIOreview]

If movies are Your focus than JBL is better choice. Presonus has good bass, but JBL will give You more rumble and punch.

[@utubehound69]

Amazing sweet spot w/ JBL's they sound better after they break in.

[@eliteexposure5594]

Not really because theyre already broken in from the factory. JBL breaks them in with a 100 hour period at max volume.

[@Coffeephile]

Do you mean that E4.5 will be ok after some break in period?

[@utubehound69]

Go w/JBL you can't go wrong. The E3.5 has a strange cabling set up not that good imo. The JBL 8' & 5" LSR's are the best bang for the buck better than some monitors three time the cost. You can always ship them back if you don't like the sound or the results on you final mixes. The JBL's would be great for movie scores fx's dialog…

[@matiassssssssssssssszzzzz]

what is the best way to Connect de JBL to a desktop computer?

[@rsvp9816]

something like a focusrite scarlet with xlr > xlr cables balanced. or if you want for 10$ a 3.5mm cable to 2x XLR, quick and dirty.

[@swettyspaghtti]

Still won't be balanced.If your going to be dirty save a buck and solder two TS jacks to a stereo 1/8 inch jack.

[@redysX7]

Hi, Presonus Eris E4.5 or Mackie CR4... which are better?

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Vašek Redek Presonus Eris E4.5 is MUCH better, no contest here

[@redysX7]

and Monkey Banana Gibbon AIR is better than Presonus Eris E4.5? thanks

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Vašek Redek I do not know this speakers so I can not comment on them

[@pablocronin4229]

Hey, Digital Stereophony great video! BTW I'm an Electronic Dance Music producer, want to work with studio monitors for mixing and mastering suggest me one from Presonus E4.5, Presonus E3.5 or JBL LSR 305. Thanks in advance

[@Grimoriohaizum]

You have more space in the JBL, although the punch is more marked in presonus but even so more confusing. The 2 have their own characteristics as an independent brand ... it's totally a matter of taste, I mixed with a Fujitel 5.1 for $ 40.0 now I have the JBL after studying them for a couple of months. There are monitors to work and another to listen to music, if you want some to listen to music for $ 50 you can find about 5.1. on the other hand, some of us prefer level monitors like JBL

[@amermeleitor]

i need a smaller JBL... a LSR304 o LSR303

[@matt1995]

104bt

[@blcknd210]

Do you think eris 4.5 are enough for hiphop/808/trap mixing and music production ?

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Bass may be a bit lacking in quantity. E4.5 plus some headphones and You are good to go

[@joshsmith7812]

Depends on your setup and size of the room, there's a lot more to mixing than simply the monitor, regardless if you use a presonus Eris 4.5 or a high end genelec, you still have to learn your monitors and how they translate, for 2 years I used the Eris 4.5 in a room that was far too big for them, with a huge glass window behind them and I still produced tracks on them that got radio play and where somewhat quite successful releases :) I now use the JBL 305s in a more ideal setup, but I still love my little Presonuses. They're great small Studio Monitors for the price, and if you upgrade from them one day, they're still an excellent second reference or speaker to use to listen to music on or for movies.

[@africanhistory]

Now if I had a old TV watching a video review of an HD TV how would I judge it? Honestly I am happy for the review but wonder about the seriousness of the comments. I am here with Logitech speakers listening to these speakers. If I had my Genelec ref monitors that cost me $3000 then maybe I could listen and judge since I have superior speakers to all of this. But if your speakers are same or worse then you fooling yourself.

[@quiltedquickerpicker]

The JBLs are better for me.

[@williamtael8379]

This JBL's sound sadly muffled, but they have more bass.

[@edhillbilly666]

great, not much different, probably the JBL, can manage more input, without distortion,

[@71owl]

I love my JBL LSR 305 are truly amazing :)) cheers

[@DSAUDIOreview]

Cheers :)

[@MultiRider59]

жбл более эстрадное звучание

[@ijohnny.]

Presonus sounds like a music in a box, JBL sounds like, well ...music.

[@lakeborne5514]

Do not get the presonus e4.5! It makes gives off white noise even when nothing is connected but the power cable and volume set to zero, don't do it! It will drive you crazy.

[@rocker80721]

JBL!

[@hamptonhardy]

Very little difference to my ears.

[@ibprofinnope8779]

Sonos

[@megaknight8741]

)

[@topdecker1334]

Please allow me to take my abo :D

[@hanskaller5848]

No bass frequencies at all. Thank you and good bye :)

[@sturdyvw]

get better speakers/headphones

[@TheManaMarioBros]

I have swan m10, would presonus e4.5 be a downgrade from what i currently have?

[@DSAUDIOreview]

I'm sorry but I have not tested those Swan speakers so it is hard for me to judge

[@stephenbailey3053]

its an upgrade. ive heard the swans and they sound good but not quite on the presonus level in terms of balance of sound and clearity