Short answer: the Genelec 8330A for better sound quality, the Klipsch The Fives for the lower price. The Genelec 8330A ranks #7 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $2,250. The Klipsch The Fives ranks #16, rated 4.3/5, at $324.95, $1,925.05 cheaper.
The case for the Klipsch The Fives: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 7.89 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange response span. The tradeoff: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting.
The case for the Genelec 8330A: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. The catch: The listening-window response has more local variation than the Genelec 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Genelec 8330A if sound quality matters more than the price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Genelec 8330A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $324.95 per pair | $2,250 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 5.1” cone woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 | 5.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.89 | 7.79 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Weight | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) | 11.8”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | 160W total system power (320W peak) | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8330A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8330A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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: $324.95 per pair Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Klipsch The Fives II, ranked lower, estimated 4.3/5.
Same family: the Klipsch The Sevens (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5) and the Klipsch The Nines (larger bookshelf, rated 4.2/5).
Pros: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 7.89 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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 160W total system power (320W peak) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.89 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- 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 KEF LS50 Wireless II
- Klipsch The Fives vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Klipsch The Fives vs Genelec 8020D
- Klipsch The Fives vs Topping MA4
- Klipsch The Fives vs Klipsch The Fives II
- Klipsch The Fives vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- See all 58 comparisons
Genelec 8330A: $2,250 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8320A (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.5/5), the Genelec 8340A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5) and the Genelec 8350A (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.5/5).
Pros: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Scores of 5.54 standalone and 7.79 with an ideal subwoofer indicate solid tonal accuracy, while deeper bass than the Genelec 8320A helps without a sub. GLM calibration, the waveguide and rounded aluminum enclosure make it a practical compact studio system. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening-window response has more local variation than the Genelec 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality. GLM calibration hardware costs extra. Small-driver bass headroom remains finite, and neither the modeled ideal-subwoofer score nor the fitted bass Q establishes maximum output or freedom from resonances.
Full Genelec 8330A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 11.8”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75” metal dome tweeter, 5.1” cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.79 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons