Short answer: the 8010A, if you’re specifically shopping the smallest monitor class. It ranks #1 of 9 powered bookshelf-small speakers at $700; the HS5 ranks #9 of 25 in the larger bookshelf-medium class at $339.98, $360 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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8010A | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $339.98 |
| Ranked | #1 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #9 of 24 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 | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) | 45w Per Speaker |
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8010A: $700 Bhphotovideo
Pros: An extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing recordings. Although for mastering, it’s highly recommended to use a larger speaker with deeper bass extension or add a subwoofer
Cons: Not as deep of bass as the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. Probably not the best choice for general music listening due to the price and limited bass extension.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs iLoud Micro Monitor Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- 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
- Links
Yamaha HS5: $339.98 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.