Short answer: the 8010A, if you’re specifically shopping the smallest monitor class. It ranks #2 of 23 powered bookshelf-small speakers at $450; the HS5 ranks #41 of 65 in the larger bookshelf-medium class at $399.98, $50.02 less.
Our notes describe the 8010A as an extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing, though it’s not recommended as your only reference for mastering without adding a subwoofer or a larger companion speaker, since its own bass extension trails the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor.
The HS5 is the more practical, general-purpose choice, excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output, with a slight midrange boost as its main complaint.
Buy the HS5 for a more versatile, better-value monitor. Buy the 8010A if you specifically want the smallest reference monitor and plan to pair it with a subwoofer.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8010A | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 23 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 7.7"H x 4.8"W x 4.5"D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm) | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) | 45w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | 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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.91 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.52 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Genelec 8010A:
- Adam Audio D3v vs Genelec 8010A
- Genelec 8010A vs Cambridge Audio L/R S
- Genelec 8010A vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Edifier M60 vs Genelec 8010A
- Genelec 8010A vs HiVi Swan X3
Prices on this page were last checked September 22, 2026 at 5:11 AM 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.
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8010A: $900 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel measurements support a neutral compact monitor: the response spans 2.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with lower narrow-band variation in the listening window than directly on-axis. Spinorama predicts 4.10 standalone and 7.01 with an ideal subwoofer, making it a strong choice when bass is handled separately. Its measured balance provides firmer evidence for critical listening than a recorded sound demonstration alone. Measured bass extension of 74Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured -3dB point is about 78Hz, so deep bass is missing without a subwoofer. The small enclosure and woofer are better suited to close listening than room-filling levels; the preference score does not measure headroom. The D3V offers substantially deeper measured bass in a similarly compact format, while the Genelec’s premium price is harder to justify for casual desktop use.
Full Genelec 8010A review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.7"H x 4.8"W x 4.5"D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) |
| Frequency Response | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs iLoud Micro Monitor Sound Demo w/ Bass Test More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Presonus Eris E4.5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (G One) vs JBL LSR305 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Audioengine A2+ Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Genelec 8010A vs Adam Audio D3v
- Genelec 8010A vs Cambridge Audio L/R S
- Genelec 8010A vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Genelec 8010A vs Edifier M60
- Genelec 8010A vs HiVi Swan X3
- Genelec 8010A vs Edifier MR3
- Genelec 8010A vs Audioengine A2+
- Genelec 8010A vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- See all 12 comparisons
Yamaha HS5: $399.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly. Balanced inputs and placement controls suit studio use. The measured preference scores are 2.91 standalone and 5.52 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 88Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance. The 300Hz-5kHz span is 4.3dB. Its automated -3dB crossing is affected by response shape, so it should not be treated as a simple bass-cutoff specification. A subwoofer adds low bass but does not fix the elevated midrange.
Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.91 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.52 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS5 Soun & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs Yamaha HS5 6-Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Yamaha HS5 5 Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS5 vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound Demo
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: New PreSonus E5 XT and Yamaha HS5 could not sound any more different! SOUND AND RESPONSE COMPARISON
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons