Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 for better sound quality, the Genelec 8320A for the lower price. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #4 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $3400. The Genelec 8320A ranks #10 at $850, $2550 cheaper.
On the Kali Audio SM-5 side: True coaxial design with the tweeter mounted inside the midrange, and an unusually large waveguide that extends into the front baffle itself - directivity is excellent both horizontally (about +/-55 degrees) and vertically (+50/-40 degrees), so off-axis and low-seated listening positions still get a consistent tonal balance. The catch: Bass output is limited by the 5” mid-bass driver - don’t expect much excursion or high-SPL low end, though extension itself is reasonable for the size.
The case for the Genelec 8320A: The Directivity Control Waveguide and die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure produce a listening window smoothness score of 0.53 and a low frequency alignment Q of just 0.227, the cleanest, least resonant bass rolloff of any speaker in this whole batch. Watch for: On axis deviation measures 0.169dB average, decent but not class leading next to the AsciLab and Audio Smile entries in this batch.
Buy the Kali Audio SM-5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Genelec 8320A if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio SM-5 | Genelec 8320A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3400 | $850 each |
| Ranked | #4 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #10 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control | - |
| Drivers | 1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 4.1" cone woofer |
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes, per-speaker DSP | - |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg (21 lb) each | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) each |
| Output Power | 150W total | - |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) (15.6 x 7.9 x 9.8 in) | 9.5"H x 5.9"W x 5.6"D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) (9.5 x 5.9 x 5.6 in) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | 117dB | Peak 107dB |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Output (Watts) | - | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8331A vs JBL 305P MKII
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Genelec 8020D
The Two Speakers In Full
Kali Audio SM-5: $3400 Sweetwater
Pros: True coaxial design with the tweeter mounted inside the midrange, and an unusually large waveguide that extends into the front baffle itself - directivity is excellent both horizontally (about +/-55 degrees) and vertically (+50/-40 degrees), so off-axis and low-seated listening positions still get a consistent tonal balance. Overall linearity is very good with in-room extension to about 40-45Hz. Distortion at 96dB is very low through the midrange, with only a mild, expected breakup around 3kHz tied to a small dip in the response there. Built-in DSP with free downloadable software lets you EQ each speaker individually for placement or room correction without an outboard processor, and the cabinet is wall-mountable - useful for surrounds, front heights, or tight desk setups. Compares very favorably to Kali’s own IN-8: similar raw linearity and distortion, but without the IN-8’s diffraction issues above 7kHz.
Cons: Bass output is limited by the 5” mid-bass driver - don’t expect much excursion or high-SPL low end, though extension itself is reasonable for the size. A mild high-Q resonance lingers around 2.5-4kHz in burst decay, though not strong. Instantaneous dynamic range is limited to roughly 96-102dB at 1m before compression sets in.
Full Kali Audio SM-5 review and specifications →
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) (15.6 x 7.9 x 9.8 in) |
| Drivers | 1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer |
| EQ | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Max SPL | 117dB |
| Output Power | 150W total |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg (21 lb) each |
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Genelec 8320A: $850 each Bhphotovideo
Pros: The Directivity Control Waveguide and die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure produce a listening window smoothness score of 0.53 and a low frequency alignment Q of just 0.227, the cleanest, least resonant bass rolloff of any speaker in this whole batch. It network calibrates through Genelec’s GLM software for automatic room correction, and Intelligent Signal Sensing drops standby power to under 0.5W.
Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.169dB average, decent but not class leading next to the AsciLab and Audio Smile entries in this batch. The compact 4.1 inch woofer limits low frequency extension to a measured 67.4Hz at -3dB, so a subwoofer is needed for full range use. The GLM calibration kit that unlocks its room correction features is sold separately from the speaker price, and max SPL tops out around 100dB, modest next to Genelec’s larger 8000 series monitors.
Full Genelec 8320A review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.9"W x 5.6"D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) (9.5 x 5.9 x 5.6 in) |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 4.1" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | Peak 107dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons