Short answer: it depends on how much bass you need. The Genelec 8020D’s Klippel-based spinorama shows a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz, but its sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as the small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair beams. The Yamaha HS5 is also very neutral, just not quite as deep in the bass as some others in this size class.
Buy the Genelec 8020D if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Yamaha HS5 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact, accurate studio monitor with well controlled sound across the desk, ideal for small studios.
A popular 5 inch studio monitor with balanced inputs and room placement controls for a home studio.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8020D | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,390 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.8”W x 5.6”D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 45w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 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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