Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 for better sound quality, the Adam Audio A4V for the lower price. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #19 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $3000. The Adam Audio A4V ranks #42 at $599.99, $2400.01 cheaper.
What the Adam Audio A4V offers: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. ASR’s Klippel data gives a -3dB point around 59Hz and preference scores of 3.02 standalone and 5.43 with an ideal subwoofer. Its adjustment facilities are useful when placement or tonal correction is needed. Watch for: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547. The native response should therefore not be called smoothly neutral. Correction potential is not the same as stock performance, and analog audio inputs mean a separate interface is needed for USB sources.
What the Kali Audio SM-5 offers: Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. The coaxial mid/tweeter and large waveguide give useful consistency horizontally and vertically, reducing sensitivity to listening height. Built-in per-speaker DSP and mounting options make placement flexible. Existing testing reports low midrange distortion at 96dB. Watch for: Scores of 4.29 standalone and 6.23 with an ideal subwoofer are good but below the leading reference monitors, so its advanced driver layout does not justify a near-top ranking by itself. A small upper-midrange irregularity remains. The five-inch woofer and limiter constrain loud bass; the review places compression onset roughly in the 96-102dB/1m region.
Buy the Adam Audio A4V if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Kali Audio SM-5 if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Adam Audio A4V | Kali Audio SM-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.98 per pair | $3400 per pair |
| Ranked | #42 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, dual front ports | - |
| Drivers | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4" MLM woofer | 1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer |
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 130W RMS each | 150W total |
| Inputs | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.02 | 4.29 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.43 | 6.23 |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| App | - | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Frequency Response | - | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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
Adam Audio A4V: $1,199.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. ASR’s Klippel data gives a -3dB point around 59Hz and preference scores of 3.02 standalone and 5.43 with an ideal subwoofer. Its adjustment facilities are useful when placement or tonal correction is needed.
Cons: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547. The native response should therefore not be called smoothly neutral. Correction potential is not the same as stock performance, and analog audio inputs mean a separate interface is needed for USB sources.
Full Adam Audio A4V review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 130W RMS each |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Drivers | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4" MLM woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, dual front ports |
| Inputs | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.43 |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Kali Audio SM-5: $3400 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. The coaxial mid/tweeter and large waveguide give useful consistency horizontally and vertically, reducing sensitivity to listening height. Built-in per-speaker DSP and mounting options make placement flexible. Existing testing reports low midrange distortion at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Scores of 4.29 standalone and 6.23 with an ideal subwoofer are good but below the leading reference monitors, so its advanced driver layout does not justify a near-top ranking by itself. A small upper-midrange irregularity remains. The five-inch woofer and limiter constrain loud bass; the review places compression onset roughly in the 96-102dB/1m region.
Full Kali Audio SM-5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 150W total |
|---|---|
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer |
| EQ | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.29 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.23 |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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