Short answer: the Yamaha HS5 for better sound quality, the Midiplus MI5 II for the lower price. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #13 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $339.98. The Midiplus MI5 II ranks #57 at $169, $170.98 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 Midiplus MI5 II offers: A compact 5-inch powered pair with balanced inputs, Bluetooth and 100W RMS total output. The local Spinorama snapshot measures 49Hz extension and reaches 4.09 with a subwoofer. Watch for: The 1.81 raw preference score reflects notable tonal unevenness, and one powered cabinet drives the other through a proprietary cable. Brand support and US retail availability are thinner than mainstream monitor alternatives.
Buy the Yamaha HS5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Midiplus MI5 II if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Midiplus MI5 II. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | Midiplus MI5 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $339.98 | $169/pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #57 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) | 10.1H x 6.7W x 9.4D in |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz-25kHz |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch fiberglass woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Power Output | - | 100W RMS per pair |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB |
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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
Midiplus MI5 II: $169/pair eBay
Pros: A compact 5-inch powered pair with balanced inputs, Bluetooth and 100W RMS total output. The local Spinorama snapshot measures 49Hz extension and reaches 4.09 with a subwoofer.
Cons: The 1.81 raw preference score reflects notable tonal unevenness, and one powered cabinet drives the other through a proprietary cable. Brand support and US retail availability are thinner than mainstream monitor alternatives.
Full Midiplus MI5 II review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10.1H x 6.7W x 9.4D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch fiberglass woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB |
| Power Output | 100W RMS per pair |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Midiplus MI5 II vs Edifier R1280DB
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- Midiplus MI5 II vs Adam Audio T5V
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