Short answer: the Yamaha HS5 for better sound quality, the Fluid Audio FX50 V2 for the lower price. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #13 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $339.98. The Fluid Audio FX50 V2 ranks #58 at $149, $190.98 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 Fluid Audio FX50 V2 offers: Current 90W coaxial monitor with DSP boundary controls, balanced inputs, front port and wall/ceiling mounting points. The point-source geometry gives symmetrical radiation and flexible vertical or horizontal placement. Watch for: The local Spinorama snapshot is weak at 0.92 raw and 3.53 with a subwoofer despite 58Hz extension, indicating substantial tonal problems. It is better suited to correction-heavy or immersive monitoring than neutral plug-and-play listening.
Buy the Yamaha HS5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Fluid Audio FX50 V2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Fluid Audio FX50 V2. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | Fluid Audio FX50 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339.98 | $149 each |
| Ranked | #13 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 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) | 9.2H x 6.9W x 9.1D in |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 49Hz-22kHz +/-2dB |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR/TRS and RCA |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each | 8.37 lbs each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter coaxially mounted in 5-inch paper woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | Active coaxial, front-ported |
| Power Output | - | 90W each |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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- 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
Fluid Audio FX50 V2: $149 each Fluid Audio eBay
Pros: Current 90W coaxial monitor with DSP boundary controls, balanced inputs, front port and wall/ceiling mounting points. The point-source geometry gives symmetrical radiation and flexible vertical or horizontal placement.
Cons: The local Spinorama snapshot is weak at 0.92 raw and 3.53 with a subwoofer despite 58Hz extension, indicating substantial tonal problems. It is better suited to correction-heavy or immersive monitoring than neutral plug-and-play listening.
Full Fluid Audio FX50 V2 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 9.2H x 6.9W x 9.1D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter coaxially mounted in 5-inch paper woofer |
| Enclosure | Active coaxial, front-ported |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz-22kHz +/-2dB |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS and RCA |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Power Output | 90W each |
| Weight | 8.37 lbs each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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