Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP. It ranks #4 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,198. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #66, rated 3.6/5, at $399.98, $798.02 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Neumann KH80 DSP is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Compact studio monitors with extremely accurate sound and room tuning, ideal for a desk or small studio. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.89 against 3.70 for the Yamaha HS5. Its bass reaches about 57Hz before falling 3dB, against 88Hz for the Yamaha HS5. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II.
The case for the Yamaha HS5: A popular 5 inch studio monitor with balanced inputs and room placement controls for a home studio. Watch for: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $798.02 you would save on the Yamaha HS5 does not close the gap.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Neumann KH80 DSP reaches 51 Hz (10 dB down) against 68 Hz for the Yamaha HS5, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Neumann KH80 DSP scores 8.2 against 6.3 for the Yamaha HS5 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 10.8”W x 9.6”D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 45w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | 6.32 |
| 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 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Neumann KH80 DSP: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, Audio Science Review and Joy & Oluv’Sone.
- Yamaha HS5: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review and DSAUDIO.review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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