Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives. It ranks #12 of 68 medium powered bookshelf speakers against #48 for the Edifier S2000MKIII, at essentially the same price. One key difference behind that gap: The Fives has real independent measurements behind it, and the S2000MKIII doesn’t.
The Fives is measured, and the Edifier isn’t, really. Erin’s Klippel data on The Fives, in its Bass Cut mode, gives preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 7.89 with an ideal subwoofer and a tight 2.7dB midrange span, a considerably better tonal balance than its bass-heavy default Flat mode. The S2000MKIII’s scores of 3.58 and 5.34 come only from a digitized response estimate, since no independent lab measurements exist for it; its reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos, and its 4.0dB midrange span with an uneven predicted room response points to more real-world coloration than the Klipsch.
The Fives is also the far more versatile hub for a TV or turntable setup. It includes HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, and phono/line RCA inputs plus a subwoofer output, functioning as a genuine powered stereo alternative to a soundbar. The S2000MKIII covers Bluetooth, RCA, optical, and coaxial digital inputs with high-resolution 192kHz/24-bit support, but has no HDMI or phono input and no output at all.
Both need some tuning to sound their best. The Fives requires switching out of its default Flat mode into Bass Cut to get its best measured result, and even then shows increasing compression around 200Hz and below 80Hz as volume rises. The S2000MKIII’s favorable modeled scores shouldn’t be assumed to describe the sound of the stock speaker, since they come from EQ modeling rather than a verified as-shipped measurement.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives for independently measured sound quality, HDMI ARC and phono support, and genuine soundbar-replacement versatility, and set it to Bass Cut mode out of the box.
Buy the Edifier S2000MKIII only if its digital input format or aesthetic specifically suits your setup better, understanding that its sound quality claims rest on less rigorous evidence than the Klipsch.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S2000MKIII | Klipsch The Fives | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $699 per pair |
| Ranked | #48 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #12 of 68 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) | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 40.5Hz at -3dB; 37Hz at -6dB (Spinorama) | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.24 | 5.52 |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Outputs | None | Subwoofer |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker | 160W total system power (320W peak) |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | 7.89 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DSP | - | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
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, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| 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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Klipsch The Fives: $699 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 7.89 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange response span. That mode offers considerably better tonal balance than the bass-heavy default behavior. HDMI ARC, phono/line input, digital inputs and subwoofer output make it a versatile stereo alternative to a soundbar. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting. Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in that configuration. The review reports increasing compression around 200Hz and below 80Hz as volume rises, reducing bass dynamics. Careful placement and a subwoofer remain useful, and the horn/woofer transition is not perfectly uniform off-axis.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 160W total system power (320W peak) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.89 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Klipsch The Fives Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch The Fives
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
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