Studio Monitors upgrade from JBL LSR305?

[CoachEvan]

Thinking about upgrading my home practice setup.

Current chain:
Passive bass -> pedalboard (ends with Sansamp BDDI or Darkglass MT Infinity) -> Scarlett 2i2 2nd gen -> MacMini / Gig Performer 4 -> JBL LSR305 (connected to Scarlett’s speaker outputs)

Much of my home practice is playing along with Spotify or YouTube with all audio (including my bass) through the monitors.

The 305s are ok, but they get a little muddy with a backing track and my bass playing together, and they don’t get as loud as I’d like. I think they’re the weak link in my setup.

What would be some good upgrades for the 305’s?

thanks!

Update: after some research, also considering adding a subwoofer (JBL 310s or Monoprice 605999) rather than upgrading the 305’s. Thoughts?

 

[silky smoove]

The LSRs are very competent monitors in that price range. How do you have them positioned? How is the acoustic treatment of the space where they’re placed? Those two items will likely get you more benefit than swapping for another pair of budget monitors.

 

[Aloe]

yeah, a subwoofer is a good idea

 

[Ender_rpm]

I'd be adding either a sub OR going with mains capable of putting out what you need. Monitors are very personal decisions, I will say I've had a really pleasant experience with my Kali IN5s. They go pretty low, are very clear, and aren't loo expensive.

 

[And I]

Studio monitors are designed for full-range music, not for bass guitar. You might enjoy the sound more if you plugged your bass into a decent practice amp and just ran music through the 305s. Fender Rumble 40 perhaps?

 

[claudel]

I have LSR305's and the matching LSR310s sub and it's completely adequate for me in a similar situation.

My setup is bass > UA Volt > iPad > cans/monitors

The sub makes all the difference in the world for playing bass into apps...

 

[CoachEvan]

Update, in case anyone stumbles upon this thread:

I added the subwoofer (LSR310s) and the difference is night and day. Loud, clear, and sounds quite similar to running my bass through a dedicated amp’s fx return. Thanks for the tips everyone!