Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #33 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $399; the Dynaudio LYD 5 ranks #36 and costs $1000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Audioengine A5+ Classic: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. The tradeoff: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL.
On the Dynaudio LYD 5 side: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. Set against that: A dip shows up around 1.64kHz on-axis, and the upper bass is boosted to compensate for a lack of real deep bass extension, giving a mild tubbiness.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Dynaudio LYD 5 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 42 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Dynaudio LYD 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $1000 |
| Ranked | #33 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) | 10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
| Drivers | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
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- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Klipsch The Fives
- Klipsch The Fives vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Klipsch The Fives
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs NHT Pro M-00
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. Internal Class AB amplification (50W RMS, 75W peak) with a linear power supply drives a 5” Kevlar woofer and 0.75” tweeter.
Cons: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL. Off-axis response doesn’t track the on-axis curve well through the crossover, suggesting the waveguide isn’t fully optimized. Resonances appear at 900Hz and 4.4kHz.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Klipsch The Fives
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier S1000W
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier R1280T
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs JBL One Series 104
- See all 14 comparisons
Dynaudio LYD 5: $1000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. Early reflections summation is smart engineering the reviewer called “pretty clever.” 100W total Class D amplification across a 5” woofer and 1” tweeter.
Cons: A dip shows up around 1.64kHz on-axis, and the upper bass is boosted to compensate for a lack of real deep bass extension, giving a mild tubbiness. Treble energy runs a bit hot, and the woofer beams around 4kHz, creating a directivity error there. Bass distortion exceeds acceptable levels above 1kHz at higher volumes. The reviewer said he’d personally reach for a JBL 305P MKII or Neumann KH80 DSP instead at this price.
Full Dynaudio LYD 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Klipsch The Fives
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs JBL One Series 104
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Edifier S1000W
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs NHT Pro M-00
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- See all 11 comparisons