Short answer: the Yamaha HS5 for better sound quality, the M-Audio BX4 D3 for the lower price. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #13 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers at $339.98. The M-Audio BX4 D3 ranks #55 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 M-Audio BX4 D3 offers: Affordable compact powered pair with 4.5-inch Kevlar woofers, rear EQ controls, balanced TRS, RCA and front-panel aux/headphone connections. Spinorama predicts a 5.14 preference score with a subwoofer and useful nearfield bass extension near 62Hz. Watch for: The third-party measurement is low confidence, and the small shared-amplifier design has limited output and bass headroom. Its raw no-subwoofer preference score is modest, the rear port complicates wall placement, and only the left cabinet contains amplification and controls.
Buy the Yamaha HS5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the M-Audio BX4 D3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the M-Audio BX4 D3. It ranks near the bottom of the 60 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | M-Audio BX4 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339.98 | $149/pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #55 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) | 8.9H x 6.1W x 6.9D in |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux; headphone output |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each | 9.8 lbs/pair |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 1" dome tweeter, 4.5" Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered stereo pair, rear-ported |
| Power Output | - | 120W peak system |
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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 →
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- 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
M-Audio BX4 D3: $149/pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Affordable compact powered pair with 4.5-inch Kevlar woofers, rear EQ controls, balanced TRS, RCA and front-panel aux/headphone connections. Spinorama predicts a 5.14 preference score with a subwoofer and useful nearfield bass extension near 62Hz.
Cons: The third-party measurement is low confidence, and the small shared-amplifier design has limited output and bass headroom. Its raw no-subwoofer preference score is modest, the rear port complicates wall placement, and only the left cabinet contains amplification and controls.
Full M-Audio BX4 D3 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 8.9H x 6.1W x 6.9D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1" dome tweeter, 4.5" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered stereo pair, rear-ported |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux; headphone output |
| Power Output | 120W peak system |
| Weight | 9.8 lbs/pair |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples