Short answer: the Pioneer DJ VM-50. It ranks #35 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $169; the Dynaudio LYD 5 ranks #36 and costs $1000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Pioneer DJ VM-50 gets right: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. The catch: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter.
What the Dynaudio LYD 5 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. Watch for: 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 Pioneer DJ VM-50. 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
| Pioneer DJ VM-50 | Dynaudio LYD 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 each | $1000 |
| Ranked | #35 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) | - |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| Amplification | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF | - |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA | - |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings | 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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- Klipsch The Fives vs NHT Pro M-00
- Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus vs Klipsch The Fives
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Klipsch The Fives
- Edifier R1280DB vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Edifier R1280T vs Dynaudio LYD 5
The Two Speakers In Full
Pioneer DJ VM-50: $169 each Amazon
Pros: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Erin measured F3 at 61Hz, low distortion at 86 and 96dB, almost no long-term compression above 50Hz and only roughly quarter-decibel dynamic nonlinearity. Four-position low- and high-EQ controls yield 16 useful voicings, while balanced TRS/XLR and RCA inputs suit studio and consumer sources.
Cons: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter. Bass does not reach 50Hz at reference level despite its pleasing punch, making a subwoofer useful. Output is appropriate for nearfield use rather than home-theater distance. As an internally amplified monitor, passive impedance and sensitivity measurements are not applicable.
Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) |
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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 Klipsch The Fives
- 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
- See all 11 comparisons