Short answer: the Yamaha HS5. It ranks #64 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $399.98; the Audioengine HD4 ranks #83, rated 3.2/5, and costs $429, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Yamaha HS5 is the better-sounding choice. ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Audioengine HD4 lacks. The tradeoff: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance.
What the Audioengine HD4 does well: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Yamaha HS5 lacks. Watch for: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system.
Buy the Yamaha HS5. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audioengine HD4 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.98 per pair | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #64 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #83 of 100 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) | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 45w Per Speaker | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.70 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.32 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM 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: $399.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 2.9/5), the Yamaha HS4 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.1/5), the Yamaha HS7 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5), the Yamaha HS8 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Yamaha HS8S (subwoofer, rated 3/5).
Pros: ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly. Balanced inputs and placement controls suit studio use. The measured preference scores are 3.70 standalone and 6.32 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 88Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance. The 300Hz-5kHz span is 4.3dB. Its automated -3dB crossing is affected by response shape, so it should not be treated as a simple bass-cutoff specification. A subwoofer adds low bass but does not fix the elevated midrange.
Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.32 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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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)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audioengine HD4: $429.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Audioengine HD3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5) and the Audioengine HD6 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. Its modest footprint is useful where larger studio monitors are impractical.
Cons: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system. A separate subwoofer adds cost and space if deeper bass is a priority.
Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
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