Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 for better sound quality, the Yamaha HS5 for the lower price. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #4 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $3400. The Yamaha HS5 ranks #11 at $339.98, $3060.02 cheaper.
On the Kali Audio SM-5 side: True coaxial design with the tweeter mounted inside the midrange. Set against that: 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 Yamaha HS5: Very neutral. The tradeoff: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class.
Buy the Kali Audio SM-5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Yamaha HS5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio SM-5 | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3400 | $339.98 |
| Ranked | #4 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control | XLR |
| Drivers | 1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes, per-speaker DSP | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg (21 lb) each | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
| Output Power | 150W total | 45w Per Speaker |
| 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) | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 117dB | - |
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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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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Genelec 8030C
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Genelec 8020D
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Neumann KH120 MKII
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- Kali Audio SM-5 vs JBL 305P MKII
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Adam Audio T5V
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Yamaha HS5: $339.98 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.
Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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