Short answer: the Yamaha HS5 for better sound quality, the M-Audio BX5 D3 for the lower price. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #13 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $339.98. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #49 at $149.50, $190.48 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 BX5 D3 offers: A 100W bi-amplified 5-inch monitor with balanced XLR/TRS inputs and acoustic-space control. The local Spinorama snapshot scores 3.34 raw and 5.94 with a subwoofer, with 58Hz measured extension. Watch for: Rear ports require boundary clearance, and there is no digital input, Bluetooth or automatic calibration. Sold individually, so level matching and cabling are handled per speaker.
Buy the Yamaha HS5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the M-Audio BX5 D3. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339.98 | $149.50 each |
| Ranked | #13 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #49 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) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and TRS |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each | 12.3 lbs each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Power Output | - | 100W 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
M-Audio BX5 D3: $149.50 each Amazon eBay
Pros: A 100W bi-amplified 5-inch monitor with balanced XLR/TRS inputs and acoustic-space control. The local Spinorama snapshot scores 3.34 raw and 5.94 with a subwoofer, with 58Hz measured extension.
Cons: Rear ports require boundary clearance, and there is no digital input, Bluetooth or automatic calibration. Sold individually, so level matching and cabling are handled per speaker.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Power Output | 100W each |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons