Short answer: the Yamaha HS5. It ranks #66 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $399.98. The Audioengine HD3 ranks #29, rated 3.2/5, at $359, $40.98 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Yamaha HS5 gets right: Very neutral. Set against that: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class.
Buy the Yamaha HS5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $40.98 you would save on the Audioengine HD3 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input | XLR |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 2.75” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 45w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | 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 | Yes | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.32 |
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