Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives. It ranks #12 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $699; the Audioengine HD6 ranks #50 and costs $817.44, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Audioengine HD6 offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: A bit of an accentuated treble and bass.
What the Klipsch The Fives offers: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. Watch for: 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 Klipsch The Fives. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Audioengine HD6 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
The Audioengine HD6 is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers; there are better options higher up.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD6 | Klipsch The Fives | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $817.44 per pair | $699 per pair |
| Ranked | #50 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #12 of 64 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) | - |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Outputs | RCA Output | - |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg | - |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| DSP | - | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Klipsch The Fives compares with other leading options:
- Klipsch The Fives vs Genelec 8331A
- Klipsch The Fives vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8030C vs Klipsch The Fives
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Klipsch The Fives
- Klipsch The Fives vs Dynaudio LYD 5
Prices on this page were last checked September 11, 2026 at 8:40 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 HD6: $817.44 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Analog and optical inputs, RCA output and built-in amplification provide a convenient self-contained stereo setup. The cabinet and driver size can be practical for general music listening without assembling a separate amplifier system.
Cons: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Full Audioengine HD6 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.2"W x 10"D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine HD6 vs Presonus Eris E5
- Audioengine HD6 vs Edifier R2000DB
- Audioengine HD6 vs Edifier S1000W
- Audioengine HD6 vs KRK Classic 5
- Audioengine HD6 vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Audioengine HD6 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Audioengine HD6 vs Edifier MR4
- Audioengine HD6 vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- See all 38 comparisons
Klipsch The Fives: $699 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 4.62 standalone and 6.98 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange response span. That mode offers considerably better tonal balance than the bass-heavy default behavior. HDMI ARC, phono/line input, digital inputs and subwoofer output make it a versatile stereo alternative to a soundbar.
Cons: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting. Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in that configuration. The review reports increasing compression around 200Hz and below 80Hz as volume rises, reducing bass dynamics. Careful placement and a subwoofer remain useful, and the horn/woofer transition is not perfectly uniform off-axis.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| 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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Klipsch The Fives Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch The Fives
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch The Fives vs JBL 305P MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Genelec 8020D
- Klipsch The Fives vs Topping MA4
- Klipsch The Fives vs KEF LS50 Wireless II
- Klipsch The Fives vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Klipsch The Fives vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Genelec 8320A
- Klipsch The Fives vs Genelec 8330A
- See all 45 comparisons