Short answer: the APS Klasik 2020 if sound quality matters most, the Kali Audio IN-5 if price matters most. The APS Klasik 2020 ranks #57 of 118 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $1,800. The Kali Audio IN-5 ranks #27, rated 4.2/5, at $898, $902 cheaper.
What the APS Klasik 2020 does well: A remarkably capable analogue nearfield monitor with 100W amplification per speaker, balanced XLR and RCA inputs, and three low-frequency adjustment options. The catch: Its all-analogue design means no streaming, Bluetooth, DSP or automatic room correction.
Why pick the Kali Audio IN-5: The active three-way layout separates bass duties from the coaxial mid/tweeter, giving flexible listening geometry. The catch: Local listening-window irregularities remain despite the small overall midrange span.
Buy the APS Klasik 2020 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio IN-5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| APS Klasik 2020 | Kali Audio IN-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,800 per pair | $898 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 118 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 14.2”H x 8.3”W x 12.6”D (360.7 x 210.8 x 320 mm) | 15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Weight | 22 lbs (10.0 kg) each | 18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each |
| Drivers | 7” (178mm) woofer | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.12 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.13 |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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
APS Klasik 2020: $1,800 per pair APS eBay
Pros: A remarkably capable analogue nearfield monitor with 100W amplification per speaker, balanced XLR and RCA inputs, and three low-frequency adjustment options. Independent review finds its response exceptionally even through the vocal range, with precise, tuneful bass, natural voices, pin-sharp imaging and unusually strong mix detail for the class.
Cons: Its all-analogue design means no streaming, Bluetooth, DSP or automatic room correction. The most extended bass setting loses some precision as volume rises, while the top end is competent rather than the system’s standout feature. It is built for a serious nearfield setup, not all-in-one convenience. It is hard to find for sale, with no dealers in the United States.
Full APS Klasik 2020 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.2”H x 8.3”W x 12.6”D (360.7 x 210.8 x 320 mm) |
| Drivers | 7” (178mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22 lbs (10.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio IN-5: $898 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Kali Audio IN-UNF (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: The active three-way layout separates bass duties from the coaxial mid/tweeter, giving flexible listening geometry. Erin’s data shows a 1.8dB midrange response span and -3dB bass around 45Hz, with scores of 5.12 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer. Placement switches and balanced inputs help integrate it into a studio; moderate-level distortion is well controlled in the existing review. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Local listening-window irregularities remain despite the small overall midrange span. The review reports midrange distortion rising above 3% at 96dB and a brighter perceived balance at closer distances. Limiting makes it unsuitable for demanding farfield playback. Coaxial construction improves geometry but does not remove response errors or guarantee unlimited output.
Full Kali Audio IN-5 review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.12 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Kali Audio IN-5 Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Kali Audio IN-5
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- DSAUDIO.review: Kali Audio IN-5 vs JBL 305P MKII Sound & Frequency Response Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Kali Audio IN-5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review APS Klasik 2020 vs Kali Audio IN-5 sound.DEMO
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