Short answer: the Klipsch The Fives for better sound quality, the Pioneer DJ VM-50 for the lower price. The Klipsch The Fives ranks #34 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $699. The Pioneer DJ VM-50 ranks #35 at $169, $530 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 Pioneer DJ VM-50 offers: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Watch for: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter.
Buy the Klipsch The Fives if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Pioneer DJ VM-50 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 | Pioneer DJ VM-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699/pair | $169 each |
| Ranked | #34 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #35 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Amplification | - | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF |
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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 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
- Klipsch The Fives vs Edifier R1280T
- See all 18 comparisons
Pioneer DJ VM-50: $169 each Amazon
Pros: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Erin measured F3 at 61Hz, low distortion at 86 and 96dB, almost no long-term compression above 50Hz and only roughly quarter-decibel dynamic nonlinearity. Four-position low- and high-EQ controls yield 16 useful voicings, while balanced TRS/XLR and RCA inputs suit studio and consumer sources.
Cons: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter. Bass does not reach 50Hz at reference level despite its pleasing punch, making a subwoofer useful. Output is appropriate for nearfield use rather than home-theater distance. As an internally amplified monitor, passive impedance and sensitivity measurements are not applicable.
Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Neumi BS5P
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Edifier S1000W
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs JBL One Series 104
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Donner Dyna 3
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