Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5. It ranks #25 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $2,998 and is still sold new; the Neumi BS5P ranks #50 (rated 3.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Neumi BS5P’s replacement, the Neumi BS5P-ARC, is rated 3.8/5.
The Kali Audio SM-5 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. Its bass reaches about 45Hz before falling 3dB, against 90.8Hz for the Neumi BS5P. The tradeoff: Scores of 5.18 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer are good but below the leading reference monitors, so its advanced driver layout does not justify a near-top ranking by itself.
The case for the Neumi BS5P: Erin’s retest with corrected tweeter polarity, updated internal EQ and plugged ports gives a much more neutral result: 4.83 standalone and 7.83 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The catch: That result is conditional on the tested firmware and port configuration, not a guarantee for an unknown stock or used pair.
Buy the Kali Audio SM-5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Neumi BS5P is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio SM-5 | Neumi BS5P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,998 per pair | $150 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 56.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 90.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Drivers | 1” coaxial tweeter, 4” coaxial midrange, 5” mid-bass woofer | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer |
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes, per-speaker DSP | - |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 150W total | 75W total |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) | 10.6” x 7.2” x 8.5” (269 x 183 x 216 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Typical in-room) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.18 | 4.83 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 | 7.83 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension | - | Erin’s response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Kali Audio SM-5 compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Kali Audio SM-5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Kali Audio SM-5
- Genelec 8030C vs Kali Audio SM-5
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Kali Audio SM-5
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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 SM-5: $2,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. The coaxial mid/tweeter and large waveguide give useful consistency horizontally and vertically, reducing sensitivity to listening height. Built-in per-speaker DSP and mounting options make placement flexible. Existing testing reports low midrange distortion at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Scores of 5.18 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer are good but below the leading reference monitors, so its advanced driver layout does not justify a near-top ranking by itself. A small upper-midrange irregularity remains. The five-inch woofer and limiter constrain loud bass; the review places compression onset roughly in the 96-102dB/1m region.
Full Kali Audio SM-5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 150W total |
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.18 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
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Neumi BS5P: $150 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Neumi BS5P-ARC, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5.
Pros: Erin’s retest with corrected tweeter polarity, updated internal EQ and plugged ports gives a much more neutral result: 4.83 standalone and 7.83 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The reviewer also found that configuration substantially better in listening. Its analog and digital inputs make it a flexible inexpensive system. Measured bass extension of 90.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: That result is conditional on the tested firmware and port configuration, not a guarantee for an unknown stock or used pair. The first sample had reversed tweeter polarity, so its poor initial result should not be generalized to every unit either. Plugged-port bass reaches -3dB around 91Hz. Confirm configuration before expecting the improved balance; tonal scores do not remove output limits. Discontinued.
Full Neumi BS5P review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W total |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension | Erin’s response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10.6” x 7.2” x 8.5” (269 x 183 x 216 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Typical in-room) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.83 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.83 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons