Short answer: the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB. It ranks #9 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $2998; the Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #19 and costs $3000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB offers: The manufacturer-supplied measurement shows unusually deep bass for the enclosure size: -3dB at 30Hz. Scores of 6.07 standalone and 7.15 with an ideal subwoofer suggest that its appeal is not limited to bass quantity. Integrated amplification and network playback can replace several components, and its 2.3dB midrange response span is reasonably even. Watch for: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume. Stereo requires two units, and the integrated architecture offers less system flexibility than conventional monitors.
What the Kali Audio SM-5 offers: Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. The coaxial mid/tweeter and large waveguide give useful consistency horizontally and vertically, reducing sensitivity to listening height. Built-in per-speaker DSP and mounting options make placement flexible. Existing testing reports low midrange distortion at 96dB. Watch for: Scores of 4.29 standalone and 6.23 with an ideal subwoofer are good but below the leading reference monitors, so its advanced driver layout does not justify a near-top ranking by itself. A small upper-midrange irregularity remains. The five-inch woofer and limiter constrain loud bass; the review places compression onset roughly in the 96-102dB/1m region.
Buy the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Kali Audio SM-5 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | Kali Audio SM-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,998 per pair | $3400 per pair |
| Ranked | #9 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers | 1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS each | 150W total |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 4.29 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.15 | 6.23 |
| App | - | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Frequency Response | - | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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
Devialet Phantom II 98 dB: $2,998 per pair Devialet eBay
Pros: The manufacturer-supplied measurement shows unusually deep bass for the enclosure size: -3dB at 30Hz. Scores of 6.07 standalone and 7.15 with an ideal subwoofer suggest that its appeal is not limited to bass quantity. Integrated amplification and network playback can replace several components, and its 2.3dB midrange response span is reasonably even. Measured bass extension of 30Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume. Stereo requires two units, and the integrated architecture offers less system flexibility than conventional monitors.
Full Devialet Phantom II 98 dB review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS each |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Drivers | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.15 |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Genelec 8020D
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- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs JBL 305P MKII
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- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Genelec 8030C
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Kali Audio SM-5: $3400 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. The coaxial mid/tweeter and large waveguide give useful consistency horizontally and vertically, reducing sensitivity to listening height. Built-in per-speaker DSP and mounting options make placement flexible. Existing testing reports low midrange distortion at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Scores of 4.29 standalone and 6.23 with an ideal subwoofer are good but below the leading reference monitors, so its advanced driver layout does not justify a near-top ranking by itself. A small upper-midrange irregularity remains. The five-inch woofer and limiter constrain loud bass; the review places compression onset roughly in the 96-102dB/1m region.
Full Kali Audio SM-5 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 150W total |
|---|---|
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer |
| EQ | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.29 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.23 |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Kali Audio IN-5
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