Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Klipsch The Fives is the better pick: it ranks #17 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5), against #42 (rated 3.9/5) for the M-Audio BX5 D3. If you want one new, the Klipsch The Fives II replaces the Klipsch The Fives and is rated 4.3/5 at $1,399.99.
The Klipsch The Fives is the more accurate choice. A versatile powered pair that replaces a soundbar, with good balance in Bass Cut mode plus HDMI ARC, phono and a subwoofer output. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.52 against 4.09 for the M-Audio BX5 D3. Watch for: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting.
What the M-Audio BX5 D3 does well: A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. The tradeoff: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Klipsch The Fives II, which replaces the Klipsch The Fives.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A versatile powered pair that replaces a soundbar, with good balance in Bass Cut mode plus HDMI ARC, phono and a subwoofer output.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $324.95 per pair Discontinued | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #17 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 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) | - |
| Drivers | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | XLR and TRS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.52 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.89 | 6.69 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Weight | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Amplifier Power | 160W total system power (320W peak) | 100W each |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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