Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 on measured sound quality, the KEF LSX II LT on price. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #25 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $2,998. The KEF LSX II LT ranks #35, rated 4.0/5, at $549.99, $2,448.01 cheaper.
The case for the KEF LSX II LT: The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. The tradeoff: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors.
The Kali Audio SM-5 is the deeper-bass choice. 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 55Hz for the KEF LSX II LT. It has an adjustable EQ, which the KEF LSX II LT lacks. 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.
Buy the KEF LSX II LT if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Kali Audio SM-5 if sound quality matters more than the price.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LSX II LT | Kali Audio SM-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.99 per pair | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #35 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 6.1”W x 7.1”D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) | 15.7”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth | XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer | - |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter | 1” coaxial tweeter, 4” coaxial midrange, 5” mid-bass woofer |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each |
| App | No | Kali Audio DSP software (free download) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes, per-speaker DSP |
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker | 150W total |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 | 5.18 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 7.13 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 117dB (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Kali Audio SM-5:
- 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 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
KEF LSX II LT: $549.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the KEF LSX II (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the KEF LS50 Wireless II (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).
Pros: The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 4.81 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer, with -3dB bass around 56Hz. HDMI and USB connectivity make it convenient for a small TV or desktop system. Horizontal and vertical dispersion both reach about ±60°, giving a broad sweet spot for more than one seat. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors. The existing review finds bass compression around 88-92dB/1m and rising distortion at higher levels, so the small drivers suit close listening rather than a large room. This LT version has no analog input; a turntable cannot plug straight into it.
Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 6.1”W x 7.1”D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Transform Your Sound System with the KEF LSX II LT Speaker More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: KEF LSX II LT
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Kali Audio IN-5
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs KEF LS50 Wireless II
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs JBL 305P MKII
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs Klipsch The Fives
- See all 49 comparisons