Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives. It ranks #12 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $699; the Kali Audio IN-UNF ranks #58, rated 3.3/5, at $699. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
What the Klipsch The Fives does well: 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. Watch for: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting.
The case for the Kali Audio IN-UNF: A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. The catch: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Kali Audio IN-UNF at the same price, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Kali Audio IN-UNF | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699 per pair | $699 per pair |
| Ranked | #12 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.89 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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) | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Amplifier Power | 160W total system power (320W peak) | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM 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 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, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| 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
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Kali Audio IN-UNF: $699 per pair Kali Audio eBay
Pros: A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. Erin found it worked much better when positioned using Kali’s placement template, with useful agreement between the intended response and close-range moving-microphone measurements. DSP placement controls and varied inputs make it a thoughtful solution for the right desk.
Cons: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design. The bass module and prescribed spacing occupy considerable desk space and may conflict with large monitors. It is not designed for arbitrary room placement.
Full Kali Audio IN-UNF review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| DSP | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| Dimensions | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Drivers | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs Edifier S1000MKII
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