Short answer: the Presonus Eris E5. It ranks #39 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $109.99; the Klipsch The Fives ranks #42 and costs $699, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Klipsch The Fives offers: 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. Watch for: 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.
What the Presonus Eris E5 offers: Rated 3.8 in the SpeakerRanking database. Watch for: More HiFi sounding than the HS5 and not quite as detailed, although with deeper bass and a more fun listen.
Buy the Presonus Eris E5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Klipsch The Fives and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Klipsch The Fives | Presonus Eris E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699/pair | $109.99 |
| Ranked | #42 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 60 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) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5" woofer | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| DSP | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles | - |
| Dimensions | - | 10.2"H x 7"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | - | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Output Power | - | 80w Per Speaker |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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: $699/pair Amazon eBay
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 (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| 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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Presonus Eris E5: $109.99 Amazon eBay
Cons: More HiFi sounding than the HS5 and not quite as detailed, although with deeper bass and a more fun listen.
Full Presonus Eris E5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2"H x 7"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 80w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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