Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives for better sound quality, the NHT Pro M-00 for the lower price. The Klipsch The Fives ranks #34 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $699. The NHT Pro M-00 ranks #42 at $498, $201 cheaper.
The case for the Klipsch The Fives: Versatile powered stereo alternative to a soundbar, with HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA and subwoofer output. The tradeoff: 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.
What the NHT Pro M-00 gets right: Cast aluminum-zinc alloy enclosure doubles as a heatsink for the built-in discrete Class AB amplifier, and both RCA and XLR/TRS inputs are provided with a near-field/far-field voicing switch. The catch: Amir identified a critical flaw: a sudden suck-out in the upper bass frequencies that affects many commonly-used notes.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the NHT Pro M-00 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 42 powered bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | NHT Pro M-00 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699/pair | $498 pair, discontinued (used market; originally $249 each) |
| Ranked | #34 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | 1" ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5" treated paper-cone woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | No |
| Dimensions | - | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Weight | - | 14 lbs / 6.35 kg each |
| Output Power | - | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
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- Kali Audio IN-UNF vs NHT Pro M-00
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The Two Speakers In Full
Klipsch The Fives: $699/pair Amazon
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 (-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) |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Klipsch The Fives vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Klipsch The Fives vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Klipsch The Fives vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Klipsch The Fives vs Audioengine HD4
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Klipsch The Fives vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier S1000W
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier S2000MKIII
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NHT Pro M-00: $498 pair, discontinued (used market; originally $249 each)
Pros: Cast aluminum-zinc alloy enclosure doubles as a heatsink for the built-in discrete Class AB amplifier, and both RCA and XLR/TRS inputs are provided with a near-field/far-field voicing switch.
Cons: Amir identified a critical flaw: a sudden suck-out in the upper bass frequencies that affects many commonly-used notes. Treble peaks on-axis, and vertical-axis performance is particularly problematic. In-room response turns notably bright in rooms with absorptive surfaces. Comparing directly to the JBL 305P Mark II, Amir found the NHT sounded “dead and bright” while the JBL was “balanced” with “rich and warm detail,” concluding, “I would not remotely use the NHT M-00 relative to JBL 305P Mark ii. The difference in overall fidelity and pleasantness is immense.” Long discontinued; not recommended even on the used market.
Full NHT Pro M-00 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in |
| Drivers | 1" ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5" treated paper-cone woofer |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/TRS |
| Output Power | 75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker) |
| Weight | 14 lbs / 6.35 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons