Short answer: the T5V, and it’s the cheaper one. It ranks #38 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers at $464; the HS5 ranks #66 at $399.98, $64.02 more for one place lower.
Our notes make the comparison directly in the T5V’s favor. Better than the HS5 in terms of vocal detail and better low end, with the tradeoff being the AMT tweeter’s elevated, slightly uneven top end, a trait shared across Adam’s T-series line.
The HS5 is still the industry’s default reference for a reason. Our notes call it excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output, with only a slight midrange boost and bass that doesn’t reach quite as deep as some rivals as its real complaints.
Buy the T5V for the better vocal detail and the lower price. Buy the HS5 for its established reputation as a mixing reference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
An affordable studio monitor with an even midrange, decent bass and rear trims for placement.
A popular 5 inch studio monitor with balanced inputs and room placement controls for a home studio.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| ADAM Audio T5V | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $464 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #38 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7”W x 11.7”D (297.2 x 177.8 x 297.2 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | XLR |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 70w Per Speaker | 45w Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.65 | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.02 | 6.32 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for ADAM Audio T5V: