Hi I am hoping for recommendations for desktop monitors to use with a modeler, thanks in advance!

Use case

Solo electric guitar practice, not gigging or recording, needs to be at a moderate volume- think not louder than a loudly strummed acoustic guitar.

Equipment I already have

• HeadRush Gigboard (can be considered the same as the Headrush MX5 here)
• Blackstar HT-5R MKII

Problem(s)

Unfortunately, even on the 0.5 Watt setting, the Blackstar is just too loud. It sounds terrible at a (for me) usable volume. Not made easier when I am trying for bluesy breakup sounds. I have tried using the Headrush with headphones and it just doesn’t really work for me - I feel completely disconnected. Trying to use the Headrush with the Blackstar isn’t ideal either - doesn’t sound great, no matter trying to turn the various cab simulations on/off on both.

Proposal

Sell the Blackstar and get (a) desktop monitor(s). I had initially thought of getting the Headrush FRFR-108 - a nominally ‘matching’ Full-range, flat response speaker in a floor wedge format- but discussion online suggests desktop monitors would be more appropriate for home use and after doing some testing with a little bluetooth portable speaker (using the aux input) I am alarmed at the prospect that the Headrush floor wedge is 2000 Watts. It seems that it could be very easy to accidentally trigger a massive increase in volume. So Desktop monitor(s) it is then.

Question

I have been suggested the Yamaha HS-8 which is available singly. Is this my best option for a monitor? Are there other well-known brands I should consider? I realise that some effects are stereo but that’s not a primary concern/focus for me.

Thanks in advance!