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 NHT Pro M-00 ranks #98 (rated 1.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Kali Audio SM-5 is the better-sounding, deeper-bass option. 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 83.3Hz for the NHT Pro M-00. The catch: 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.
Why pick the NHT Pro M-00: A sturdy metal enclosure, analog studio/consumer connections and selectable nearfield/farfield voicing give it practical features as an older powered monitor. The catch: The review identifies a pronounced upper-bass cancellation, treble peaks and problematic vertical response, and strongly prefers the JBL 305P MKII in direct listening.
Buy the Kali Audio SM-5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the NHT Pro M-00 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio SM-5 | NHT Pro M-00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,998 per pair | $498 per pair (used market; originally $249 each), Discontinued |
| Ranked | #25 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #98 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 83.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| Drivers | 1” coaxial tweeter, 4” coaxial midrange, 5” mid-bass woofer | 1” ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5” treated paper-cone woofer |
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes, per-speaker DSP | - |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 150W total | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) | 98Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 117dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.18 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.13 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| DSP | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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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 |
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NHT Pro M-00: $498 per pair (used market; originally $249 each) Discontinued eBay
Pros: A sturdy metal enclosure, analog studio/consumer connections and selectable nearfield/farfield voicing give it practical features as an older powered monitor. Measured bass extension of 83.3Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The review identifies a pronounced upper-bass cancellation, treble peaks and problematic vertical response, and strongly prefers the JBL 305P MKII in direct listening. Discontinued.
Full NHT Pro M-00 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 83.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Drivers | 1” ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5” treated paper-cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 98Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14 lbs (6.35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons