Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-5 for better sound quality, the Edifier MR4 for the lower price. The Kali Audio IN-5 ranks #13 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $349. The Edifier MR4 ranks #23 at $169.99, $179.01 cheaper.
On the Kali Audio IN-5 side: 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. Set against that: 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.
The case for the Edifier MR4: More balanced than the R1280DB. The tradeoff: No Bluetooth unlike other Edifier models.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier MR4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-5 | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 each | $169.99 |
| Ranked | #13 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 109Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active three-way monitor) | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter coaxial with 4" midrange; 5" woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| Amplification | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
| Dimensions | - | 9"H x 5.5"W x 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| Weight | - | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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- Kali Audio IN-5 vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
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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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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs KRK Rokit 5 G4
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs Yamaha HS5
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs Adam Audio T5V
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs JBL 305P MKII
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs JBL 705P
- See all 22 comparisons
Edifier MR4: $169.99 Amazon
Pros: More balanced than the R1280DB. The value king. Impressively deep, flat bass down to 70Hz for such a small speaker, and its waveguide gives it unusually wide, consistent horizontal directivity for the price. Balanced XLR/TRS inputs are rare this cheap.
Cons: No Bluetooth unlike other Edifier models. Distortion climbs sharply above 86dB SPL, breaking into audible squealing near 96dB, and there’s a dip in the lower treble that needs a bit of EQ or the rear HF control to smooth out. Playback volume is limited with bass-heavy material - pushing it loud brings audible clicking/static.
Full Edifier MR4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 109Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs iLoud Micro Monitor sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E4.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Mackie CR4-X sound.DEMO
- Reddit Search for Edifier MR4 Review
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