Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic for general desktop use, the Kali Audio IN-UNF for a specialized ultra-nearfield setup. The IN-UNF uses a desk-mounted bass module with two opposed 4.5-inch woofers below 280Hz and satellites with time-aligned 4-inch and 1-inch coincident drivers; it is a specialized system, not a general desktop recommendation. The A5+ is flat outside the upper bass, with a 200-400Hz valley and an 800-900Hz distortion peak.
What the Audioengine A5+ Classic gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. The catch: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Kali Audio IN-UNF and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Kali Audio IN-UNF | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $699 per pair |
| Ranked | #28 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The analog powered pair is straightforward to use without an external amplifier. The measured result supports a more capable tonal balance than its former low position suggested. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments. The existing review reports crossover-region directivity errors and a distortion feature around 800-900Hz. The score does not make it a reference monitor, and adding a subwoofer cannot correct those midrange and off-axis issues.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) |
| XLR Input | No |
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Kali Audio IN-UNF: $699 per pair Kali Audio eBay
Pros: A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. Erin found it worked much better when positioned using Kali’s placement template, with useful agreement between the intended response and close-range moving-microphone measurements. DSP placement controls and varied inputs make it a thoughtful solution for the right desk.
Cons: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design. The bass module and prescribed spacing occupy considerable desk space and may conflict with large monitors. It is not designed for arbitrary room placement.
Full Kali Audio IN-UNF review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| DSP | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| Dimensions | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Drivers | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
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