Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives. It ranks #34 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $699; the Dynaudio LYD 5 ranks #36 and costs $1000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Klipsch The Fives side: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. Set against that: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ.
The case for the Dynaudio LYD 5: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. The tradeoff: A dip shows up around 1.64kHz on-axis, and the upper bass is boosted to compensate for a lack of real deep bass extension, giving a mild tubbiness.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Dynaudio LYD 5 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 42 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Dynaudio LYD 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699/pair | $1000 |
| Ranked | #34 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | - |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | - | 10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch The Fives: $699/pair Amazon
Pros: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. Erin measured F3 at 57Hz and found generally benign harmonic distortion at normal levels. The horn-loaded 1-inch tweeter provides useful controlled radiation, real-wood cabinets are well finished, and firmware offers Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles; Bass Cut is the closest to neutral.
Cons: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ. Erin measured roughly 2.5dB compression around 200Hz and still more below 80Hz at high drive; limiting protects the small woofer but audibly removes bass dynamics. A subwoofer is advisable, especially at distance. This amplified system has no meaningful passive impedance or sensitivity specification.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch The Fives vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
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- Klipsch The Fives vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
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Dynaudio LYD 5: $1000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. Early reflections summation is smart engineering the reviewer called “pretty clever.” 100W total Class D amplification across a 5” woofer and 1” tweeter.
Cons: A dip shows up around 1.64kHz on-axis, and the upper bass is boosted to compensate for a lack of real deep bass extension, giving a mild tubbiness. Treble energy runs a bit hot, and the woofer beams around 4kHz, creating a directivity error there. Bass distortion exceeds acceptable levels above 1kHz at higher volumes. The reviewer said he’d personally reach for a JBL 305P MKII or Neumann KH80 DSP instead at this price.
Full Dynaudio LYD 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs JBL One Series 104
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Edifier S1000W
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs NHT Pro M-00
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Edifier S2000MKIII
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