Short answer: the Genelec 8030C is the more complete accuracy monitor, while the Yamaha HS5 remains the sensible lower-cost option for a small neutral workspace. Genelec’s spinorama shows a near-flat response and smoother directivity, with only a modest 2-3kHz dip. The HS5 is also very neutral but gives up bass depth and the Genelec’s more refined off-axis behavior.
What the Genelec 8030C gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-flat on-axis response with smooth directivity; “very nice overall.” Predicted in-room response is excellent aside from one minor dip. The catch: A minor but measurable dip between 2-3kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements.
On the Yamaha HS5 side: Very neutral. Set against that: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class.
Buy the Genelec 8030C if you want the stronger measured response and controlled directivity for critical work.
Buy the Yamaha HS5 if you need a neutral, affordable small monitor and can add a subwoofer later.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #43 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 45w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 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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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8030C: $1,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. Predicted preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.60 with an ideal subwoofer support its high position for tonal accuracy. Broad, controlled horizontal radiation makes the balance relatively stable across a desk, and bass reaches -3dB around 56Hz. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests. Deep-bass headroom is limited; isolated high-output measurements at higher frequencies do not describe full-band loudness. The review found demanding bass material could cause audible distress beyond moderate levels. A subwoofer is useful for full-range monitoring.
Full Genelec 8030C review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head 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 3.70 standalone and 6.32 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 | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.32 |
| 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 →
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons