Short answer: the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB for better sound quality, the Klipsch The Fives for the lower price. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks #9 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $2998. The Klipsch The Fives ranks #12 at $699, $2299 cheaper.
What the Klipsch The Fives offers: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 4.62 standalone and 6.98 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange response span. That mode offers considerably better tonal balance than the bass-heavy default behavior. HDMI ARC, phono/line input, digital inputs and subwoofer output make it a versatile stereo alternative to a soundbar. Watch for: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting. Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in that configuration. The review reports increasing compression around 200Hz and below 80Hz as volume rises, reducing bass dynamics. Careful placement and a subwoofer remain useful, and the horn/woofer transition is not perfectly uniform off-axis.
What the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB offers: The manufacturer-supplied measurement shows unusually deep bass for the enclosure size: -3dB at 30Hz. Scores of 6.07 standalone and 7.15 with an ideal subwoofer suggest that its appeal is not limited to bass quantity. Integrated amplification and network playback can replace several components, and its 2.3dB midrange response span is reasonably even. Watch for: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume. Stereo requires two units, and the integrated architecture offers less system flexibility than conventional monitors.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 per pair | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #12 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #9 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, AAC |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.62 | 6.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.98 | 7.15 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| Amplifier Power | - | 400W RMS each |
| Dimensions | - | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Weight | - | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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
Klipsch The Fives: $699 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 4.62 standalone and 6.98 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange response span. That mode offers considerably better tonal balance than the bass-heavy default behavior. HDMI ARC, phono/line input, digital inputs and subwoofer output make it a versatile stereo alternative to a soundbar. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting. Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in that configuration. The review reports increasing compression around 200Hz and below 80Hz as volume rises, reducing bass dynamics. Careful placement and a subwoofer remain useful, and the horn/woofer transition is not perfectly uniform off-axis.
Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| 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 |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.62 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.98 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Klipsch The Fives Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch The Fives
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch The Fives vs JBL 305P MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Genelec 8020D
- Klipsch The Fives vs Topping MA4
- Klipsch The Fives vs KEF LS50 Wireless II
- Klipsch The Fives vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Klipsch The Fives vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Genelec 8320A
- Klipsch The Fives vs Genelec 8330A
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Devialet Phantom II 98 dB: $2,998 per pair Devialet eBay
Pros: The manufacturer-supplied measurement shows unusually deep bass for the enclosure size: -3dB at 30Hz. Scores of 6.07 standalone and 7.15 with an ideal subwoofer suggest that its appeal is not limited to bass quantity. Integrated amplification and network playback can replace several components, and its 2.3dB midrange response span is reasonably even. Measured bass extension of 30Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume. Stereo requires two units, and the integrated architecture offers less system flexibility than conventional monitors.
Full Devialet Phantom II 98 dB review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS each |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Drivers | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.15 |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Genelec 8020D
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Genelec 8330A
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs JBL 305P MKII
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs KEF LS50 Wireless II
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Genelec 8030C
- Devialet Phantom II 98 dB vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- See all 37 comparisons