Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives II, if you are buying new. The Klipsch The Fives ranks higher than the Audioengine HD4 (#17 vs #87 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Klipsch The Fives II, is rated 4.3/5 at $1,399.99 and is still sold new.
The Klipsch The Fives is the better-sounding choice. A versatile powered pair that replaces a soundbar, with good balance in Bass Cut mode plus HDMI ARC, phono and a subwoofer output. The tradeoff: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting.
Why pick the Audioengine HD4: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, analog inputs and an RCA output for a tidy desktop stereo. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Klipsch The Fives lacks. Watch for: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives II, the replacement for the discontinued Klipsch The Fives; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Audioengine HD4.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $324.95 per pair Discontinued | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #17 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #87 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.89 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Weight | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 160W total system power (320W peak) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Klipsch The Fives: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Jasper Tech.
- Audioengine HD4: reviews by DSAUDIO.review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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