Short answer: the Dynaudio LYD 5 for better sound quality, the Kali Audio IN-UNF for the lower price. The Dynaudio LYD 5 ranks #36 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $1000. The Kali Audio IN-UNF ranks #38 at $699, $301 cheaper.
What the Dynaudio LYD 5 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. Watch for: A dip shows up around 1.64kHz on-axis, and the upper bass is boosted to compensate for a lack of real deep bass extension, giving a mild tubbiness.
On the Kali Audio IN-UNF side: Ingenious ultra-nearfield system: a desk-mounted bass module uses two opposed 4.5-inch woofers below 280Hz, while the satellites use time-aligned 4-inch/1-inch coincident drivers. Set against that: This is a very specialized system rather than a general desktop-speaker recommendation.
Buy the Dynaudio LYD 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio IN-UNF if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 42 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Dynaudio LYD 5 | Kali Audio IN-UNF | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1000 | $699 |
| Ranked | #36 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Dimensions | 10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) | Bass module: 11.6"H x 19.4"W x 5.25"D; satellites: 6.25" diameter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter | Bass module: two opposed 4.5" woofers; satellites: 4" coincident midrange with 1" textile-dome tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| Output Power | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Inputs | - | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Crossovers | - | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| Max SPL | - | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Dynaudio LYD 5: $1000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. Early reflections summation is smart engineering the reviewer called “pretty clever.” 100W total Class D amplification across a 5” woofer and 1” tweeter.
Cons: A dip shows up around 1.64kHz on-axis, and the upper bass is boosted to compensate for a lack of real deep bass extension, giving a mild tubbiness. Treble energy runs a bit hot, and the woofer beams around 4kHz, creating a directivity error there. Bass distortion exceeds acceptable levels above 1kHz at higher volumes. The reviewer said he’d personally reach for a JBL 305P MKII or Neumann KH80 DSP instead at this price.
Full Dynaudio LYD 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
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Kali Audio IN-UNF: $699 Kali Audio
Pros: Ingenious ultra-nearfield system: a desk-mounted bass module uses two opposed 4.5-inch woofers below 280Hz, while the satellites use time-aligned 4-inch/1-inch coincident drivers. It is specifically engineered around the desk and, set up to Kali’s supplied placement template, sounded much better than it initially did to Erin; his moving-mic measurement at arm’s length closely matched the system’s predicted response. DSP provides placement, boundary and tonal trims, while USB-C, optical, 3.5mm and balanced TRS inputs cover desktop and studio sources. The round satellite enclosure avoids conventional baffle-edge diffraction, and the coaxial satellites image best aimed directly at the listener.
Cons: This is a very specialized system rather than a general desktop-speaker recommendation. The sizeable bass module must stay on the desk and prescribed satellite spacing can conflict with dual or ultrawide monitors; Erin and Joe N Tell both preferred Kali’s LP-6/IN-series alternatives for their own desks. A bump around 100-130Hz and a possible 1.2kHz diffraction feature appeared in Erin’s exploratory anechoic data, but he explicitly cautioned that those measurements do not replicate the required desk geometry. Bass falls away around 40-50Hz despite the separate bass unit. Erin did not publish comparable anechoic F3/F10, sensitivity or impedance figures because the system is designed around a fixed desk arrangement.
Full Kali Audio IN-UNF review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Crossovers | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| DSP | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| Dimensions | Bass module: 11.6"H x 19.4"W x 5.25"D; satellites: 6.25" diameter |
| Drivers | Bass module: two opposed 4.5" woofers; satellites: 4" coincident midrange with 1" textile-dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Max SPL | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs JBL One Series 104
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs Klipsch The Fives
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs NHT Pro M-00
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs Edifier S1000W
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- See all 14 comparisons