Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives II, if you are buying new. The Klipsch The Fives ranks higher than the Audioengine HD6 (#17 vs #79 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Klipsch The Fives II, is rated 4.3/5 at $1,399.99 and is still sold new.
Why pick the Audioengine HD6: A self-contained powered stereo pair with Bluetooth, analog and optical inputs, and an RCA output, no separate amplifier needed. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Klipsch The Fives lacks. The tradeoff: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
The Klipsch The Fives is the better-sounding option. A versatile powered pair that replaces a soundbar, with good balance in Bass Cut mode plus HDMI ARC, phono and a subwoofer output. Watch for: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives II, the replacement for the discontinued Klipsch The Fives; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Audioengine HD6.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD6 | Klipsch The Fives | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,048.00 per pair | $324.95 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #79 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #17 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | Subwoofer |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 160W total system power (320W peak) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DSP | - | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.89 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Audioengine HD6: reviews by DSAUDIO.review.
- Klipsch The Fives: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Jasper Tech.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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