Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #33 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $399; the Klipsch The Fives ranks #34 and costs $699, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Audioengine A5+ Classic: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. The tradeoff: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL.
What the Klipsch The Fives gets right: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. The catch: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch The Fives and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 42 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Klipsch The Fives | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $699/pair |
| Ranked | #33 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) | - |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) | - |
| Drivers | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | - |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Inputs | - | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
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- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Audioengine HD6 vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. Internal Class AB amplification (50W RMS, 75W peak) with a linear power supply drives a 5” Kevlar woofer and 0.75” tweeter.
Cons: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL. Off-axis response doesn’t track the on-axis curve well through the crossover, suggesting the waveguide isn’t fully optimized. Resonances appear at 900Hz and 4.4kHz.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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) |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier S1000W
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier R1280T
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs JBL One Series 104
- See all 14 comparisons
Klipsch The Fives: $699/pair Amazon
Pros: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. Erin measured F3 at 57Hz and found generally benign harmonic distortion at normal levels. The horn-loaded 1-inch tweeter provides useful controlled radiation, real-wood cabinets are well finished, and firmware offers Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles; Bass Cut is the closest to neutral.
Cons: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ. Erin measured roughly 2.5dB compression around 200Hz and still more below 80Hz at high drive; limiting protects the small woofer but audibly removes bass dynamics. A subwoofer is advisable, especially at distance. This amplified system has no meaningful passive impedance or sensitivity specification.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch The Fives vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Klipsch The Fives vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Klipsch The Fives vs Audioengine HD4
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier S1000W
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier R1280T
- See all 18 comparisons