Short answer: the Genelec 8320A for better sound quality, the Yamaha HS5 for the lower price. The Genelec 8320A ranks #10 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $850. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #13 at $339.98, $510.02 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8320A gets right: The Directivity Control Waveguide and die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure produce a listening window smoothness score of 0.53 and a low frequency alignment Q of just 0.227, the cleanest, least resonant bass rolloff of any speaker in this whole batch. Set against that: On axis deviation measures 0.169dB average, decent but not class leading next to the AsciLab and Audio Smile entries in this batch.
On the Yamaha HS5 side: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output. The catch: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.
Buy the Genelec 8320A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha HS5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8320A | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $850 each | $339.98 |
| Ranked | #10 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #13 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 4.1" cone woofer | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.9"W x 5.6"D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) (9.5 x 5.9 x 5.6 in) | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) each | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) | - |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Max SPL | Peak 107dB | - |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | - |
| Inputs | - | XLR |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Output Power | - | 45w Per Speaker |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8320A: $850 each Bhphotovideo
Pros: The Directivity Control Waveguide and die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure produce a listening window smoothness score of 0.53 and a low frequency alignment Q of just 0.227, the cleanest, least resonant bass rolloff of any speaker in this whole batch. It network calibrates through Genelec’s GLM software for automatic room correction, and Intelligent Signal Sensing drops standby power to under 0.5W.
Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.169dB average, decent but not class leading next to the AsciLab and Audio Smile entries in this batch. The compact 4.1 inch woofer limits low frequency extension to a measured 67.4Hz at -3dB, so a subwoofer is needed for full range use. The GLM calibration kit that unlocks its room correction features is sold separately from the speaker price, and max SPL tops out around 100dB, modest next to Genelec’s larger 8000 series monitors.
Full Genelec 8320A review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.9"W x 5.6"D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) (9.5 x 5.9 x 5.6 in) |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 4.1" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | Peak 107dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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.
Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
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