Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-5 for better sound quality, the Dayton Audio M4 for the lower price. The Kali Audio IN-5 ranks #14 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $349. The Dayton Audio M4 ranks #23 at $249.98, $99.02 cheaper.
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 Dayton Audio M4 offers: Good build quality. Watch for: The amplifier is only in the left speaker, so it’s not separate amps in each unit.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Dayton Audio M4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-5 | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 each | $249.98 |
| Ranked | #14 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active three-way monitor) | - |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter coaxial with 4" midrange; 5" woofer | 4" aluminum woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Amplification | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | - | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Aux Input | - | Yes (RCA) |
| Weight | - | 6.2 lbs / 2.81 kg (active), 5.1 lbs / 2.31 kg (passive) |
| Dimensions | - | 5" x 6.5" x 9.5" (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| App | - | No |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes (20Hz - 200Hz) |
| Discontinued | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL 305P MKII vs KRK Classic 5
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KRK Classic 5
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs KRK Classic 5
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Dayton Audio M4
- Dayton Audio M4 vs Audioengine HD4
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 Parts Express
Pros: Good build quality. Has a subwoofer output for extending the low end. Overall linearity is decent for the price. Avoids sibilance since it’s slightly recessed right in the harsh 4-8kHz region.
Cons: The amplifier is only in the left speaker, so it’s not separate amps in each unit. Bass doesn’t extend very deep, and unlike some rivals it doesn’t use DSP to boost the low end. Sounds noticeably different up close versus at a normal listening distance, with a softer treble near field and a more recessed upper midrange farther away. Limited output headroom - distortion rises sharply above about 93dB, so it’s better suited to near-field or desktop use than as a far-field living-room speaker.
Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (RCA) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 121Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 5" x 6.5" x 9.5" (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 4" aluminum woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes (20Hz - 200Hz) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs / 2.81 kg (active), 5.1 lbs / 2.31 kg (passive) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons