Short answer: the Yamaha HS5. It ranks #13 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $339.98; the Adam Audio A4V ranks #48 and costs $599.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Yamaha HS5 offers: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output. Watch for: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.
What the Adam Audio A4V offers: Compact current-generation monitor with an X-ART tweeter, onboard DSP, room controls and Sonarworks integration. ASR data shows good on-axis smoothness (0.132), a nearly neutral +0.23dB/octave slope and a 5.43 preference score with a subwoofer. Watch for: Measured bass extension is only 52Hz and the raw preference score falls to 3.02 without a subwoofer. Directivity-index consistency is middling at 3.77, and its analog-only XLR/RCA audio inputs omit USB and S/PDIF.
Buy the Yamaha HS5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Adam Audio A4V and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Adam Audio A4V. It ranks near the bottom of the 60 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | Adam Audio A4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339.98 | $599.99 each |
| Ranked | #13 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #48 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each | 12.8 lbs each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4" MLM woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, dual front ports |
| Power Output | - | 130W RMS each |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Yamaha HS5: $339.98 Amazon eBay
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS5 Soun & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs Yamaha HS5 6-Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Yamaha HS5 5 Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS5 vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound Demo
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: New PreSonus E5 XT and Yamaha HS5 could not sound any more different! SOUND AND RESPONSE COMPARISON
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for Yamaha HS5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Adam Audio A4V: $599.99 each B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Compact current-generation monitor with an X-ART tweeter, onboard DSP, room controls and Sonarworks integration. ASR data shows good on-axis smoothness (0.132), a nearly neutral +0.23dB/octave slope and a 5.43 preference score with a subwoofer.
Cons: Measured bass extension is only 52Hz and the raw preference score falls to 3.02 without a subwoofer. Directivity-index consistency is middling at 3.77, and its analog-only XLR/RCA audio inputs omit USB and S/PDIF.
Full Adam Audio A4V review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4" MLM woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, dual front ports |
| Inputs | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Power Output | 130W RMS each |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples