Short answer: the Audioengine HD6 for better sound quality, the Klipsch The Fives for the lower price. The Audioengine HD6 ranks #25 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $817.44. The Klipsch The Fives ranks #31 at $699, $118.44 cheaper.
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 Audioengine HD6 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Klipsch The Fives if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch The Fives. It ranks near the bottom of the 36 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD6 | Klipsch The Fives | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $817.44 | $699/pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #31 of 36 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 | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| DSP | - | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine HD6: $817.44 Amazon
Cons: A bit of an accentuated treble and bass. Slight dip in the midrange.
Full Audioengine HD6 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| 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 |
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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