Short answer: the Edifier MR5. Both are rated 3.3/5 for sound quality (#52 and #57 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers), and the Edifier MR5 costs $329 against $699 for the Kali Audio IN-UNF, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The case for the Edifier MR5: Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. The catch: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2–3kHz.
What the Kali Audio IN-UNF does well: A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. The tradeoff: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design.
Buy the Edifier MR5. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $370 less than the Kali Audio IN-UNF.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR5 | Kali Audio IN-UNF | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $329.00 per pair | $699 per pair |
| Ranked | #52 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #57 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone | - |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Drivers | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC | - |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Measurement Source | Erin’s Audio Corner | - |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 6.0 | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| DSP | - | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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
Edifier MR5: $329.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. The three-way active design adds a dedicated 3.75-inch midrange, and the 110W RMS system, app EQ, room-compensation controls, LDAC, balanced XLR/TRS inputs, and front headphone output make it unusually well equipped at $329 per pair. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2–3kHz. Bass output is level-limited below about 70Hz and distortion/compression rise at higher levels, so it suits moderate nearfield use better than loud mid-field playback.
Full Edifier MR5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 6.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) |
| Drivers | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| Measurement Source | Erin’s Audio Corner |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio IN-UNF: $699 per pair Kali Audio eBay
Pros: A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. Erin found it worked much better when positioned using Kali’s placement template, with useful agreement between the intended response and close-range moving-microphone measurements. DSP placement controls and varied inputs make it a thoughtful solution for the right desk.
Cons: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design. The bass module and prescribed spacing occupy considerable desk space and may conflict with large monitors. It is not designed for arbitrary room placement.
Full Kali Audio IN-UNF review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| 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 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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