Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives for better sound quality, the Donner Dyna 3 for the lower price. The Klipsch The Fives ranks #42 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $699. The Donner Dyna 3 ranks #63 at $89, $610 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. 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. 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. 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.
What the Donner Dyna 3 offers: Very inexpensive self-powered desktop pair with Bluetooth, balanced TRS, RCA and 3.5mm connectivity plus included isolation pads. The tiny 3-inch woofer/1-inch tweeter format occupies little desk space and produces usable output for close-range background listening. Watch for: Erin’s Klippel data contradicts the advertised studio-monitor accuracy: response is severely non-neutral, directivity is poorly integrated and the tonal errors are too large for a reference role. The small woofer has limited bass extension and high-level headroom, while distortion and compression rise quickly. It is an active system, so passive sensitivity and impedance do not apply; Erin did not publish comparable passive measurements. Better-measuring budget monitors are worth the additional cost.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Donner Dyna 3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Donner Dyna 3. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Donner Dyna 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699/pair | $89/pair |
| Ranked | #42 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #63 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 66.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | Not applicable (active loudspeaker) |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | 1" dome tweeter; 3" woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | Bluetooth, TRS, RCA and 3.5mm |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Bass Extension | - | Limited by 3" woofer (Erin’s Audio Corner measurement) |
| Amplification | - | Built in |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 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/pair Amazon eBay
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 (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| 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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Donner Dyna 3: $89/pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Very inexpensive self-powered desktop pair with Bluetooth, balanced TRS, RCA and 3.5mm connectivity plus included isolation pads. The tiny 3-inch woofer/1-inch tweeter format occupies little desk space and produces usable output for close-range background listening.
Cons: Erin’s Klippel data contradicts the advertised studio-monitor accuracy: response is severely non-neutral, directivity is poorly integrated and the tonal errors are too large for a reference role. The small woofer has limited bass extension and high-level headroom, while distortion and compression rise quickly. It is an active system, so passive sensitivity and impedance do not apply; Erin did not publish comparable passive measurements. Better-measuring budget monitors are worth the additional cost.
Full Donner Dyna 3 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Built in |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension | Limited by 3" woofer (Erin's Audio Corner measurement) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 66.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85.0Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1" dome tweeter; 3" woofer |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, TRS, RCA and 3.5mm |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active loudspeaker) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons