Short answer: the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, if you are buying new. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks higher than the Kali Audio SM-5 (#11 vs #26 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998 and is still sold new.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.87 against 5.18 for the Kali Audio SM-5. Its bass reaches about 30Hz before falling 3dB, against 45Hz for the Kali Audio SM-5. The catch: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
Why pick the Kali Audio SM-5: A coaxial studio monitor with deep bass, consistent sound at any listening height and flexible built in DSP. The tradeoff: Scores of 5.18 standalone and 7.13 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.
Buy the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, the replacement for the discontinued Devialet Phantom II 98 dB; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Kali Audio SM-5.
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A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
A coaxial studio monitor with deep bass, consistent sound at any listening height and flexible built in DSP.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | Kali Audio SM-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,998 per pair Discontinued | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #26 of 108 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 | 6.87 | 5.18 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 7.13 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Frequency Response | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| App | - | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| EQ | - | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
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