Short answer: the Genelec 8320A for better sound quality, the Kali Audio IN-5 for the lower price. The Genelec 8320A ranks #10 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $850. The Kali Audio IN-5 ranks #15 at $349, $501 cheaper.
The case for the Genelec 8320A: The Directivity Control Waveguide and die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure produce a listening window smoothness score of 0.53 and a low frequency alignment Q of just 0.227, the cleanest, least resonant bass rolloff of any speaker in this whole batch. Set against that: On axis deviation measures 0.169dB average, decent but not class leading next to the AsciLab and Audio Smile entries in this batch.
What the Kali Audio IN-5 gets right: Compact active three-way with a 4-inch coaxial midrange/tweeter above a dedicated 5-inch woofer, reducing intermodulation and maintaining strong horizontal/vertical pattern consistency. The catch: At 96dB the midrange rises above 3% THD, largely second order, and the built-in limiter/compression shows the system is not designed for farfield theater levels.
Buy the Genelec 8320A if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio IN-5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8320A | Kali Audio IN-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $850 each | $349 each |
| Ranked | #10 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #15 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 4.1" cone woofer | 1" tweeter coaxial with 4" midrange; 5" woofer |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.9"W x 5.6"D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) (9.5 x 5.9 x 5.6 in) | - |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) each | - |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) | - |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Max SPL | Peak 107dB | - |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | - |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active three-way monitor) |
| Amplification | - | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | ported, front |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8320A: $850 each Bhphotovideo
Pros: The Directivity Control Waveguide and die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure produce a listening window smoothness score of 0.53 and a low frequency alignment Q of just 0.227, the cleanest, least resonant bass rolloff of any speaker in this whole batch. It network calibrates through Genelec’s GLM software for automatic room correction, and Intelligent Signal Sensing drops standby power to under 0.5W.
Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.169dB average, decent but not class leading next to the AsciLab and Audio Smile entries in this batch. The compact 4.1 inch woofer limits low frequency extension to a measured 67.4Hz at -3dB, so a subwoofer is needed for full range use. The GLM calibration kit that unlocks its room correction features is sold separately from the speaker price, and max SPL tops out around 100dB, modest next to Genelec’s larger 8000 series monitors.
Full Genelec 8320A review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.9"W x 5.6"D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) (9.5 x 5.9 x 5.6 in) |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 4.1" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | Peak 107dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) each |
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Kali Audio IN-5: $349 each Amazon
Pros: Compact active three-way with a 4-inch coaxial midrange/tweeter above a dedicated 5-inch woofer, reducing intermodulation and maintaining strong horizontal/vertical pattern consistency. Erin measured F3 near 45Hz, low 86dB distortion and useful output for near/midfield listening. Boundary DIP presets and tonal trims make placement correction practical; balanced inputs, front porting, low audible hiss at one meter and cool-running amplification improve studio usability.
Cons: At 96dB the midrange rises above 3% THD, largely second order, and the built-in limiter/compression shows the system is not designed for farfield theater levels. Erin heard the high frequencies become roughly 2dB brighter when moving from 2.5m to 1.5m, so distance and aiming matter. Noise is audible with an ear at the cabinet, though not at his seat. As an active monitor, impedance and passive sensitivity do not apply.
Full Kali Audio IN-5 review and specifications →
| Amplification | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter coaxial with 4" midrange; 5" woofer |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active three-way monitor) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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