Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 for better sound quality, the Edifier S2000MKIII for the lower price. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #4 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers at $3000. The Edifier S2000MKIII ranks #29 at $594.98, $2405.02 cheaper.
What the Edifier S2000MKIII offers: Spinorama’s digitized measurements show unusually deep extension for a powered bookshelf speaker: 40.5Hz at -3dB and 37Hz at -6dB. Its preference score is 3.58 without a subwoofer and 5.34 with one, placing it just above the KRK Classic 5 and Edifier MR4 on the same with-subwoofer measure. It also accepts digital input up to 24-bit/192kHz. Watch for: The Spinorama record is low-quality data digitized from a scanned graph rather than an independent Klippel measurement, so the score carries more uncertainty. Frequency deviation is 4.0dB, predicted in-room smoothness is only 0.107, and the response needs substantial EQ around 1kHz and 3.3kHz to approach neutrality.
What the Kali Audio SM-5 offers: True coaxial design with the tweeter mounted inside the midrange, and an unusually large waveguide that extends into the front baffle itself - directivity is excellent both horizontally (about +/-55 degrees) and vertically (+50/-40 degrees), so off-axis and low-seated listening positions still get a consistent tonal balance. Overall linearity is very good with in-room extension to about 40-45Hz. Distortion at 96dB is very low through the midrange, with only a mild, expected breakup around 3kHz tied to a small dip in the response there. Built-in DSP with free downloadable software lets you EQ each speaker individually for placement or room correction without an outboard processor, and the cabinet is wall-mountable - useful for surrounds, front heights, or tight desk setups. Compares very favorably to Kali’s own IN-8: similar raw linearity and distortion, but without the IN-8’s diffraction issues above 7kHz. Watch for: Bass output is limited by the 5” mid-bass driver - don’t expect much excursion or high-SPL low end, though extension itself is reasonable for the size. A mild high-Q resonance lingers around 2.5-4kHz in burst decay, though not strong. Instantaneous dynamic range is limited to roughly 96-102dB at 1m before compression sets in.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S2000MKIII | Kali Audio SM-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $594.98 | $3000 |
| Ranked | #29 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 60 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) (15.6 x 7.9 x 9.8 in) |
| Frequency Response | 40.5Hz at -3dB; 37Hz at -6dB (Spinorama) | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.58 without subwoofer; 5.34 with subwoofer | - |
| 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 | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Output Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker | 150W total |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg (21 lb) each |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Max SPL | - | 117dB |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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
Edifier S2000MKIII: $594.98 Amazon eBay
Pros: Spinorama’s digitized measurements show unusually deep extension for a powered bookshelf speaker: 40.5Hz at -3dB and 37Hz at -6dB. Its preference score is 3.58 without a subwoofer and 5.34 with one, placing it just above the KRK Classic 5 and Edifier MR4 on the same with-subwoofer measure. It also accepts digital input up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Cons: The Spinorama record is low-quality data digitized from a scanned graph rather than an independent Klippel measurement, so the score carries more uncertainty. Frequency deviation is 4.0dB, predicted in-room smoothness is only 0.107, and the response needs substantial EQ around 1kHz and 3.3kHz to approach neutrality.
Full Edifier S2000MKIII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| 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) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.58 without subwoofer; 5.34 with subwoofer |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg |
- 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)
- Reddit Search for Edifier S2000MKIII Review
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Kali Audio SM-5: $3000 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: True coaxial design with the tweeter mounted inside the midrange, and an unusually large waveguide that extends into the front baffle itself - directivity is excellent both horizontally (about +/-55 degrees) and vertically (+50/-40 degrees), so off-axis and low-seated listening positions still get a consistent tonal balance. Overall linearity is very good with in-room extension to about 40-45Hz. Distortion at 96dB is very low through the midrange, with only a mild, expected breakup around 3kHz tied to a small dip in the response there. Built-in DSP with free downloadable software lets you EQ each speaker individually for placement or room correction without an outboard processor, and the cabinet is wall-mountable - useful for surrounds, front heights, or tight desk setups. Compares very favorably to Kali’s own IN-8: similar raw linearity and distortion, but without the IN-8’s diffraction issues above 7kHz.
Cons: Bass output is limited by the 5” mid-bass driver - don’t expect much excursion or high-SPL low end, though extension itself is reasonable for the size. A mild high-Q resonance lingers around 2.5-4kHz in burst decay, though not strong. Instantaneous dynamic range is limited to roughly 96-102dB at 1m before compression sets in.
Full Kali Audio SM-5 review and specifications →
| 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) (15.6 x 7.9 x 9.8 in) |
| 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 |
| Max SPL | 117dB |
| Output Power | 150W total |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg (21 lb) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons