Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-5 for a three-way monitor, the Edifier MR4 for a cheap desk speaker. The MR4 is more balanced than the R1280DB but drops Bluetooth, unlike other Edifier models. The IN-5’s 4-inch coaxial midrange/tweeter above a 5-inch woofer cuts intermodulation and holds pattern consistency, though at 96dB its midrange rises above 3% THD and its limiter rules out farfield theater levels.
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.
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.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-5 | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $698 per pair | $138.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #21 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.12 | 3.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 | 6.00 |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Dimensions | 15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D) | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) |
| Sensitivity | - | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Headphone 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
Kali Audio IN-5: $698 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The active three-way layout separates bass duties from the coaxial mid/tweeter, giving flexible listening geometry. Erin’s data shows a 1.8dB midrange response span and -3dB bass around 45Hz, with scores of 5.12 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer. Placement switches and balanced inputs help integrate it into a studio; moderate-level distortion is well controlled in the existing review. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Local listening-window irregularities remain despite the small overall midrange span. The review reports midrange distortion rising above 3% at 96dB and a brighter perceived balance at closer distances. Limiting makes it unsuitable for demanding farfield playback. Coaxial construction improves geometry but does not remove response errors or guarantee unlimited output.
Full Kali Audio IN-5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.12 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
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Edifier MR4: $138.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s data supports a useful budget desktop monitor: a 3.0dB midrange span, little overall on-axis tilt, and preference scores of 3.25 standalone and 6.00 with an ideal subwoofer. Balanced TRS inputs and tone controls are practical at its price, and its response is more balanced than the measured R1280T. Measured bass extension of 79Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 78dB.
Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend. Listening-window response still has local irregularities, including lower-treble unevenness. The existing review reports rapidly increasing distortion and audible distress when pushed well above moderate desktop levels. No Bluetooth, and adding a subwoofer does not cure every output or tonal limitation.
Full Edifier MR4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
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