Short answer: the Genelec 8331A for better sound quality, the Yamaha HS5 for the lower price. The Genelec 8331A ranks #1 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $4500. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #11 at $339.98, $4160.02 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8331A offers: A true compact point source: the coaxial mid/tweeter and acoustically concealed opposed woofers produce exceptionally uniform directivity, superb nearfield summation and pinpoint imaging. Watch for: At $4,500/pair it is expensive for a monitor whose protection circuit mutes near its limit rather than allowing short-term overload; larger rooms and bass-heavy playback still benefit from a subwoofer.
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 8331A 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 8331A | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,500/pair | $339.98 |
| Ranked | #1 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Maximum Output | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplification | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF | - |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 12"H x 7.4"W x 8.3"D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs / 6.7kg each | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
| Frequency Response | - | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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 8331A: $4,500/pair Amazon Genelec
Pros: A true compact point source: the coaxial mid/tweeter and acoustically concealed opposed woofers produce exceptionally uniform directivity, superb nearfield summation and pinpoint imaging. Erin measured F3 at 49Hz and F10 at 39Hz, heard useful 40Hz in-room extension, and reached 100dB at 3m before protection activated. Response is highly neutral, distortion is low, and GLM provides calibrated level, delay and room-response correction. The die-cast aluminum waveguide/enclosure is both structurally inert and nearly diffraction-free.
Cons: At $4,500/pair it is expensive for a monitor whose protection circuit mutes near its limit rather than allowing short-term overload; larger rooms and bass-heavy playback still benefit from a subwoofer. GLM calibration requires separate network hardware, and connectivity is studio-centric—analog/AES XLR with no consumer streaming. The compact dual racetrack woofers cannot match larger Genelec Ones for deep-bass headroom, and passive sensitivity is not applicable because all filtering and amplification are internal.
Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →
| Amplification | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 12"H x 7.4"W x 8.3"D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Maximum Output | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs / 6.7kg 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.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
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