Short answer: the Yamaha HS5 for better sound quality, the Avantone Pro Active MixCube for the lower price. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #13 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $339.98. The Avantone Pro Active MixCube ranks #59 at $259, $80.98 cheaper.
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 Avantone Pro Active MixCube offers: A compact sealed single-driver monitor made specifically for checking midrange balance and mix translation. Its 60W Class-AB amplifier, balanced combo input, isolation pad and mic-stand mount make it a convenient specialist studio tool. Watch for: The local Spinorama results are exceptionally limited for general listening: -3.74 raw and only 1.00 with a subwoofer, with 183Hz measured extension. It omits deep bass and treble by design, so this ranking reflects objective full-range performance rather than its utility as a secondary mix check.
Buy the Yamaha HS5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Avantone Pro Active MixCube if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Avantone Pro Active MixCube. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | Avantone Pro Active MixCube | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339.98 | $259 each |
| Ranked | #13 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 64 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) | 6.5H x 6.5W x 6.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 90Hz-17kHz |
| Inputs | XLR | Balanced XLR/TRS combo |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each | 7.13 lbs each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | - |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | Powered sealed full-range monitor |
| Driver | - | 5.25-inch paper cone |
| Amplifier | - | 60W RMS Class AB |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB at 1m |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 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 |
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for Yamaha HS5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Avantone Pro Active MixCube: $259 each B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A compact sealed single-driver monitor made specifically for checking midrange balance and mix translation. Its 60W Class-AB amplifier, balanced combo input, isolation pad and mic-stand mount make it a convenient specialist studio tool.
Cons: The local Spinorama results are exceptionally limited for general listening: -3.74 raw and only 1.00 with a subwoofer, with 183Hz measured extension. It omits deep bass and treble by design, so this ranking reflects objective full-range performance rather than its utility as a secondary mix check.
Full Avantone Pro Active MixCube review and specifications →
| Amplifier | 60W RMS Class AB |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.5H x 6.5W x 6.5D in |
| Driver | 5.25-inch paper cone |
| Enclosure | Powered sealed full-range monitor |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz-17kHz |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR/TRS combo |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB at 1m |
| Weight | 7.13 lbs each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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