Short answer: the Onkyo GX-30ARC. It ranks #55 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $249; the Yamaha HS5 ranks #64, rated 3.6/5, and costs $399.98, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Yamaha HS5: ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly. The catch: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance.
Why pick the Onkyo GX-30ARC: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical and analog inputs make it a convenient compact system for a desk or TV. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Yamaha HS5 lacks. The catch: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave.
Buy the Onkyo GX-30ARC. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Yamaha HS5 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | Onkyo GX-30ARC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.98 per pair | $249.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #64 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #55 of 100 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) | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 45w Per Speaker | Class D amplification |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.70 | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.32 | 6.42 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Country | - | Japan (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM 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: $399.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 2.9/5), the Yamaha HS4 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.1/5), the Yamaha HS7 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5), the Yamaha HS8 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Yamaha HS8S (subwoofer, rated 3/5).
Pros: ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly. Balanced inputs and placement controls suit studio use. The measured preference scores are 3.70 standalone and 6.32 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 88Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance. The 300Hz-5kHz span is 4.3dB. Its automated -3dB crossing is affected by response shape, so it should not be treated as a simple bass-cutoff specification. A subwoofer adds low bass but does not fix the elevated midrange.
Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.32 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS5 Soun & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs Yamaha HS5 6-Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Yamaha HS5 5 Track Comparison
- 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
- 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)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Onkyo GX-30ARC: $249.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical and analog inputs make it a convenient compact system for a desk or TV. Erin’s Klippel data gives a 3.69 standalone preference score and 6.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The midrange response spans 3.8dB, offering usable but not reference-level tonal performance.
Cons: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave. Bass reaches -3dB around 74Hz, not the lower LFX value used inside the preference model. Vertical listening position affects crossover balance. Its extensive connectivity does not compensate for response irregularities, and the published tonal data alone does not establish maximum clean output.
Full Onkyo GX-30ARC review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Class D amplification |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Japan (design) |
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons