Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-5. It ranks #13 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $349; the JBL 705P ranks #18 and costs $1998, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Kali Audio IN-5: 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. The tradeoff: 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 JBL 705P gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. The catch: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 705P and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-5 | JBL 705P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 each | $1998 |
| Ranked | #13 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active three-way monitor) | - |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter coaxial with 4" midrange; 5" woofer | 5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| Amplification | 80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | - | 10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
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More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Presonus Eris E5
- Genelec 8030C vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Kali Audio IN-5
- Yamaha HS5 vs JBL 705P
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
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- 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
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- See all 22 comparisons
JBL 705P: $1998 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) into a 5” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve. Sits right around the ear’s most sensitive hearing range near 100Hz, so that region is partially audible even at modest levels.
Full JBL 705P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons