Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 for better sound quality, the Genelec 8330A for the lower price. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #4 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $3400. The Genelec 8330A ranks #5 at $2250, $1150 cheaper.
The case for the Kali Audio SM-5: 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.
What the Genelec 8330A offers: Sits between the compact 8320A and the larger 8331A in Genelec’s SAM lineup, with a die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure and Directivity Control Waveguide that deliver a measured 55.7Hz extension point, well beyond the 8320A’s smaller cabinet. Watch for: On axis deviation measures 0.324dB average, rougher than several similarly priced monitors in this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.38.
Buy the Kali Audio SM-5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Genelec 8330A if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio SM-5 | Genelec 8330A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3400 | $2,250/pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.7Hz (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, 5.1" 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 | 11.2 lbs / 5.1 kg (11.2 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) | 11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) (11.8 x 7.4 x 7.0 in) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | 117dB | 104dB |
| 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
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8020D
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Kali Audio SM-5
- Genelec 8030C vs Kali Audio SM-5
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 8330A: $2,250/pair Bhphotovideo
Pros: Sits between the compact 8320A and the larger 8331A in Genelec’s SAM lineup, with a die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure and Directivity Control Waveguide that deliver a measured 55.7Hz extension point, well beyond the 8320A’s smaller cabinet. The bass alignment is well damped at a measured Q of 0.379, so the low end rolls off cleanly rather than peaking near the tuning frequency.
Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.324dB average, rougher than several similarly priced monitors in this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.38. GLM room calibration requires the separate 9320A SAM Reference Controller or GLM Calibration Kit, an extra cost on top of the speaker price. At $1,125 each it costs roughly double the smaller 8320A for a moderate step up in bass extension and output.
Full Genelec 8330A review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) (11.8 x 7.4 x 7.0 in) |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | 104dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs / 5.1 kg (11.2 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