Short answer: the 8010A, if you’re specifically shopping the smallest monitor class. It ranks #2 of 48 powered bookshelf-small speakers at $900; the HS5 ranks #66 of 108 in the larger bookshelf-medium class at $399.98, $500.02 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.
Tiny studio monitors with neutral, accurate sound, best paired with a subwoofer for bass.
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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8010A | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 108 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 | - | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.32 |
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