Short answer: the Edifier S2000MKIII. It ranks #29 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $594.98; the Klipsch The Fives ranks #34 and costs $699, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Edifier S2000MKIII offers: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit. Watch for: No independent measurements exist - reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos.
The case for the Klipsch The Fives: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. The tradeoff: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ.
Buy the Edifier S2000MKIII. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch The Fives and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Klipsch The Fives. It ranks near the bottom of the 42 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S2000MKIII | Klipsch The Fives | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $594.98 | $699/pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 42 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) | - |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| DSP | - | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
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- Edifier S1000W vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier S1000W vs KEF LSX II LT
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier S2000MKIII
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier S2000MKIII: $594.98 Amazon
Pros: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit
Cons: No independent measurements exist - reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos. As one of Edifier’s warmer-tuned lifestyle HiFi speakers, it isn’t voiced for the flat, neutral response of a measurement-verified monitor.
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 | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO
- 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
- Reddit Search for Edifier S2000MKIII Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier R1280T
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier MR4
- See all 28 comparisons
Klipsch The Fives: $699/pair Amazon
Pros: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. Erin measured F3 at 57Hz and found generally benign harmonic distortion at normal levels. The horn-loaded 1-inch tweeter provides useful controlled radiation, real-wood cabinets are well finished, and firmware offers Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles; Bass Cut is the closest to neutral.
Cons: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ. Erin measured roughly 2.5dB compression around 200Hz and still more below 80Hz at high drive; limiting protects the small woofer but audibly removes bass dynamics. A subwoofer is advisable, especially at distance. This amplified system has no meaningful passive impedance or sensitivity specification.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch The Fives vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Klipsch The Fives vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Klipsch The Fives vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Klipsch The Fives vs Audioengine HD4
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier S1000W
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier R1280T
- See all 18 comparisons