Short answer: the Edifier R2000DB. It ranks #40 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $399.99; the Klipsch The Fives ranks #42 and costs $699, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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 Edifier R2000DB offers: Rated 3.7 in the SpeakerRanking database. Watch for: Slight lacking of bass and treble, slight inverted V EQ profile
Buy the Edifier R2000DB. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch The Fives and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Edifier R2000DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699/pair | $399.99 |
| Ranked | #42 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #40 of 60 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) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Dimensions | - | 11.3"H x 7.5"W x 9.5"D (285.8 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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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Edifier R2000DB: $399.99 Amazon eBay
Cons: Slight lacking of bass and treble, slight inverted V EQ profile
Full Edifier R2000DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 7.5"W x 9.5"D (285.8 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Output Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R2000DB vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
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