Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $399. The Kali Audio LP-UNF ranks #45, rated 3.9/5, at $349, $50 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Kali Audio LP-UNF is the deeper-bass option. A practical compact desktop system with USB-C, analog inputs and Bluetooth, plus extensive placement switches. Its bass reaches about 54Hz before falling 3dB, against 68Hz for the Audioengine A5+ Classic. The tradeoff: The 2.9dB midrange span masks local response ripples; listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.467 is behind the best monitors.
The case for the Audioengine A5+ Classic: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kali Audio LP-UNF lacks. The tradeoff: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $50 with the Kali Audio LP-UNF does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-UNF | Audioengine A5+ Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 per pair | $399.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #45 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #37 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, USB-C (digital), RCA, TRS | RCA, Aux |
| Drivers | 4.5” woofer, 1” Textile Dome tweeter | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| Weight | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) |
| Sensitivity | 88.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.60 | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.67 | 7.06 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10”H x 6.5”W x 7.4”D (254 x 165 x 188 mm) | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 160W total (Class D, 2-channel bi-amped) | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
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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 LP-UNF: $349.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Kali Audio LP-8 V2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.1/5). See every Kali Audio LP generation.
Pros: A practical compact desktop system with USB-C, analog inputs and Bluetooth, plus extensive placement switches. Erin’s Klippel data gives -3dB bass around 54Hz and scores of 4.60 standalone and 6.67 with an ideal subwoofer. The low crossover and waveguide provide useful freedom of listening height for a two-way design, and moderate-level distortion is well controlled in the review. The 1.9kHz crossover gives vertical coverage of about ±30 to 40°, well beyond the typical ±10 to 15° of a two-way. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.1dB.
Cons: The 2.9dB midrange span masks local response ripples; listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.467 is behind the best monitors. The review finds limiting around 91dB/1m per speaker. No dedicated subwoofer output means integration requires suitable external routing or bass management. Its strength is affordable close listening, not top-tier tonal accuracy or high-output room playback.
Full Kali Audio LP-UNF review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 160W total (Class D, 2-channel bi-amped) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10”H x 6.5”W x 7.4”D (254 x 165 x 188 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.5” woofer, 1” Textile Dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, USB-C (digital), RCA, TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 88.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.67 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Perfect Desktop Speaker? Kali LP-UNF.
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Best Budget Desktop Speakers, Tested & Rated
- Erin’s Audio Corner: My Absolute Favorite Products of 2024 Revealed
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 10 Great (and Terrible) Speakers Under $300!
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Are the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro the Best Studio Monitor Speakers for your Home Studio?
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Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Audioengine A2+ (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.4/5).
Pros: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The analog powered pair is straightforward to use without an external amplifier. The measured result supports a more capable tonal balance than its former low position suggested. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments. The existing review reports crossover-region directivity errors and a distortion feature around 800-900Hz. The score does not make it a reference monitor, and adding a subwoofer cannot correct those midrange and off-axis issues.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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