Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 for better sound quality, the Edifier S2000MKIII for the lower price. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #25 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $2,998. The Edifier S2000MKIII ranks #69, rated 3.5/5, at $529.99, $2,468.01 cheaper.
Why pick the Edifier S2000MKIII: The available digitized response suggests substantial bass reach, with a -3dB estimate around 41Hz. Watch for: The 4.0dB midrange span and uneven predicted room response suggest meaningful coloration.
The Kali Audio SM-5 is the more accurate choice. Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.18 against 4.24 for the Edifier S2000MKIII. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Edifier S2000MKIII lacks. 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 Edifier S2000MKIII if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Kali Audio SM-5 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S2000MKIII | Kali Audio SM-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $529.99 per pair | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #69 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.5”H x 7.8”W x 10.8”D (342.9 x 198.1 x 274.3 mm) | 15.7”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 40.5Hz at -3dB; 37Hz at -6dB (Spinorama) | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.24 | 5.18 |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer | 1” coaxial tweeter, 4” coaxial midrange, 5” mid-bass woofer |
| App | No | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | - |
| EQ | No | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Amplifier Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker | 150W total |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | 7.13 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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 S2000MKIII: $529.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the Edifier S2000 Pro (ranked higher, rated 3.7/5).
Pros: The available digitized response suggests substantial bass reach, with a -3dB estimate around 41Hz. Scores are 4.24 standalone and 5.99 with an ideal subwoofer. Digital inputs and a self-contained stereo-pair format are convenient for general music listening. Digital input handles high-resolution audio up to 192kHz/24-bit.
Cons: The 4.0dB midrange span and uneven predicted room response suggest meaningful coloration. Favorable modeled EQ results should not be treated as the sound of the stock speaker or as proof that all dispersion issues are correctable.
Full Edifier S2000MKIII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.5”H x 7.8”W x 10.8”D (342.9 x 198.1 x 274.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 40.5Hz at -3dB; 37Hz at -6dB (Spinorama) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S2000MKIII vs Klipsch The Three II sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier R2850DB vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier S3000PRO Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Archimago Measurements (spinorama.org)
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Kali Audio SM-5: $2,998 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 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. 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 →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 150W total |
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.18 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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