Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-5. It ranks #15 of 58 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $349; the Edifier S1000MKII ranks #47 and costs $499.99, 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. 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. 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. 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.
What the Edifier S1000MKII offers: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit. Very close to the S2000MKIII, almost no reason to pay more Watch for: No independent measurements exist - reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos. As one of Edifier’s warmer-tuned lifestyle HiFi speakers, it isn’t voiced for the flat, neutral response of a measurement-verified monitor.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Edifier S1000MKII and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier S1000MKII. It ranks near the bottom of the 58 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-5 | Edifier S1000MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 each | $499.99 |
| Ranked | #15 of 58 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #47 of 58 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40.0Hz (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 | - | 13.6"H x 7.6"W x 11.6"D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Outputs | - | None |
| Weight | - | 37 lbs / 16.8 kg |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 AM 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: $349 each Amazon eBay
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Edifier S1000MKII: $499.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit. Very close to the S2000MKIII, almost no reason to pay more
Cons: No independent measurements exist - reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos. As one of Edifier’s warmer-tuned lifestyle HiFi speakers, it isn’t voiced for the flat, neutral response of a measurement-verified monitor.
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 7.6"W x 11.6"D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 37 lbs / 16.8 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- Reddit Search for Edifier S1000MKII Review
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