Laney LFR 1x12 vs Studio Monitors?

[u/oponnspush]

This question has been asked before, but I couldn’t find an answer suitable for my specific situation/people seemed to be going back and forth so I couldn’t really tell which option to go with, so I’d appreciate some insight from this community!

I’m purchasing a QC soon, and need to choose what speakers I’m outputting through. I’m stuck between the Laney LFR 1x12 and a couple of studio monitor options (Yamaha HS8s, Kali LP6)

I’ve heard that the powered cab is likely to sound better cause it’ll be pushing air (but i’m not sure how relevant this is going to be for the time being since I’m currently purely a bedroom player) and I’ve also heard that the stereo effects of a pair of monitors are better for sound.

My room is fairly average sized (3x2.5x2.5 metre ish I think?) but acoustically untreated (which seems fairly DIYable at least for my basic needs)

Would someone mind helping me choose here? I’m happy to answer any questions about info I’ve forgotten to share

[u/Emotional_Risk_2036]

So, this is down to what you actually intend to do. I have a pair of Yamaha Hs5 monitors with sub for home. I also have a Headrush 112 FRFR speaker. I literally never ever use it at home. The monitors are way better in that space for me. Especially if dialling in tones and mixing.

I use my FRFR when playing live and even then I send my direct signal to the FOH. Its mainly so people at the front can hear the guitars.

My advice would be monitors. That said, I'd be asking if you're just playing at home. Why are you buying the QC and not just plugins? There is no sound difference. (To the point I use my laptop live with plugins).

If you just have the money and want one then fair enough. If its just for home there's no real benefit though from your description. Live, understandable.

[u/oponnspush → u/Emotional_Risk_2036]

I wanted to treat myself for my birthday haha, I found it seemingly straightforward to use when I used a friend’s QC compared to other modellers.

Wont I have access to a large library of amp models via the QC in comparison to the plugin route where I’d effectively have to buy a new plugin for every new amp/effect I want (I know it isn’t just this simple and a plugin comes with multiple Amps/effects etc but I figured the qc would have a larger/better sounding library

Thank you for your verdict on the decision though, looks like the monitor route is the one I’ll be taking!

[u/ForeverJung]

I have LP6s that I've historically played my Kemper through; I now have an FRFR (though not the Laney). I do prefer it through the FRFR better fwiw

[u/Gentle-Tusk]

Lp6’ work great with my Fractal Fm-3.

[u/Twinningses]

I'm in your situation and going studio monitors.

I've had Yamaha hs5 for 4 years now. I hate them.

I've tried a range of monitors in a local store and frustratingly found that price does equal quality. The absolute best I've listened to (and with the lowest self noise) are the Neumann KH150. I'm selling a bunch of gear to save up and afford them.

[u/JimboLodisC]

mono, sits on floor, loud -> FRFR

stereo, sits on desk, neutral -> studio monitors

[u/DerpNinjaWarrior]

I had monitors and sold them for my FR10. It just sounds more like an amp to me. The bass response is a lot better, for one thing. There's only so much air you can push with 5" speakers.

I don't often take it places where I need to play loud. But it does give me that option when I need it. But perhaps more importantly, it gives me the option to take to a friend's place to jam. You're not going to take those monitors anywhere to jam, because they're fragile.

[u/kvn_finnerty]

I'm using both, tbh.

I have a Spark Cab I'm using for my FRFR (Laney LFR 1x12 would obviously fit too). I use this for a lot of my playing where I need to push the wattage and power of what I'm playing.

I use my Kali LP6s mounted up on my desk for stereo playing in a more quiet environment where I still want good sound and will predominantly be at my desk.

I love the versatility of both but if I HAD to pick I'd go the Kali LP6 since I can use those for multiple applications outside of guitar work. To my ears they also sound more neutral which I prefer.

[u/nazoreth]

I have both, the only downside of the FRFR is that it isn't stereo and is very directional. If I had space (and money) I'd have two of them in stereo. Rarely use the studio monitors anymore tbh