Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives for better sound quality, the Audioengine HD4 for the lower price. The Klipsch The Fives ranks #31 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $699. The Audioengine HD4 ranks #33 at $429, $270 cheaper.
What the Klipsch The Fives offers: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. Watch for: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ.
What the Audioengine HD4 offers: Rated 3.4 out of 5 in its category. Watch for: Not a great sounding speaker for the high price.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Audioengine HD4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 36 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699/pair | $429.00 |
| Ranked | #31 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Dimensions | - | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | RCA Output |
| Weight | - | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch The Fives: $699/pair Amazon
Pros: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. Erin measured F3 at 57Hz and found generally benign harmonic distortion at normal levels. The horn-loaded 1-inch tweeter provides useful controlled radiation, real-wood cabinets are well finished, and firmware offers Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles; Bass Cut is the closest to neutral.
Cons: The nominal Flat mode is bass-heavy rather than flat, and the response/directivity transition around the 4.5-inch woofer and Tractrix horn requires careful placement or EQ. Erin measured roughly 2.5dB compression around 200Hz and still more below 80Hz at high drive; limiting protects the small woofer but audibly removes bass dynamics. A subwoofer is advisable, especially at distance. This amplified system has no meaningful passive impedance or sensitivity specification.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
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Audioengine HD4: $429.00 Amazon
Cons: Not a great sounding speaker for the high price.
Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons