Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-5. It ranks #14 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $349; the Audioengine HD6 ranks #25 and costs $817.44, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Kali Audio IN-5 offers: 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. Watch for: 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.
What the Audioengine HD6 offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: A bit of an accentuated treble and bass.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Audioengine HD6 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-5 | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 each | $817.44 |
| Ranked | #14 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active three-way monitor) | - |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter coaxial with 4" midrange; 5" woofer | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| Amplification | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
| Dimensions | - | 11.7"H x 7.2"W x 10"D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Outputs | - | RCA Output |
| Weight | - | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
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- Kali Audio IN-5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Dayton Audio M4 vs Audioengine HD6
The Two Speakers In Full
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 (-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 |
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Audioengine HD6: $817.44 Amazon
Cons: A bit of an accentuated treble and bass. Slight dip in the midrange.
Full Audioengine HD6 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.2"W x 10"D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons