Short answer: the Yamaha HS5. It ranks #11 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $339.98; the KEF LSX II LT ranks #20 and costs $600, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Yamaha HS5 offers: Very neutral. Watch for: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class.
On the KEF LSX II LT side: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. Set against that: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty.
Buy the Yamaha HS5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the KEF LSX II LT and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | KEF LSX II LT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339.98 | $600.00 |
| Ranked | #11 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | - | RCA Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity | - | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Yamaha HS5
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The Two Speakers In Full
Yamaha HS5: $339.98 Amazon
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
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- 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
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- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Reddit Search for Yamaha HS5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
KEF LSX II LT: $600.00 Amazon
Pros: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. The KEF Connect app provides genuinely useful DSP control: desk/wall boundary compensation, adjustable bass contour (standard/less/extra), treble trim, and subwoofer integration, letting you tune the sound to wherever it’s placed. Distortion at a moderate 86dB looks good for the speaker’s compact size. Tonal profile stays consistent from 0° to 30° off-axis, so side-seat listeners hear essentially the same balance as someone centered. Extensive connectivity for its size: HDMI, USB, optical, sub output, plus Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Clearly outperformed the reviewer’s soundbars, including ones bundled with their own subwoofers, as a TV audio replacement.
Cons: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty. F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 46Hz mean it loses much of its bass by around 50Hz; a subwoofer (controllable through the same app) is needed for real low end. Diffraction dips appear around 4-5kHz and again near 8kHz, likely tied to the tweeter housing or surround, giving a mild reduction in treble attack and sibilance. A possible port or enclosure resonance shows up around 800Hz in the rear-radiation measurements, though the reviewer wasn’t certain of the exact cause or whether it’s audible. No analog input on this LT variant, so a turntable can’t be connected directly - only the pricier standard LSX II model includes one.
Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KEF LSX II LT vs Presonus Eris E5
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- KEF LSX II LT vs JBL 705P
- KEF LSX II LT vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- KEF LSX II LT vs Edifier MR4
- KEF LSX II LT vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- KEF LSX II LT vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- KEF LSX II LT vs Edifier R1280DB
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