Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It ranks #24 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $699.99; the Dynaudio LYD 5 ranks #36 and costs $1000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus side: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. Set against that: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it.
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 Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. 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 the Dynaudio LYD 5. It ranks near the bottom of the 42 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | Dynaudio LYD 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $1000 |
| Ranked | #24 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth | - |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) | 10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Edifier R1280DB vs Genelec 8030C
- JBL 705P vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier R1280DB vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
The Two Speakers In Full
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 Amazon
Pros: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. A waveguide plus phase plug on the tweeter helps spread off-axis energy more evenly, giving good vertical consistency. Included remote controls volume, source, and separate treble/mid-bass trim, letting you tune the tonal balance without a computer or app. Subwoofer output with automatic 80/125 Hz crossover engagement when a sub is connected. Extensive wired inputs: USB, optical, coax, and analog, plus Bluetooth. 240W total power is enough headroom for near-field desktop use or a small-to-medium living room.
Cons: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it. A minor scoop in the 1-2 kHz mid-range is audible in A/B comparison but not problematic on its own. No HDMI input, a drawback if you want to use these as TV speakers via ARC. Like most stand-mount speakers this size, real output below about 40 Hz needs a subwoofer - the reviewer recommends pairing one regardless of use case just to take headroom pressure off the mains.
Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier MR4
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier R1280DB
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier R2000DB
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs KRK Classic 5
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Audioengine HD6
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Dayton Audio M4
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs KEF LSX II LT
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier R1280T
- See all 21 comparisons
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 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
- See all 11 comparisons