Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-UNF, if you are buying new. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks higher than it (#42 vs #83 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Kali Audio IN-UNF is still sold new at $699.
The M-Audio BX5 D3 is the better-sounding choice. A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. The catch: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Why pick the Kali Audio IN-UNF: A desk system of small coaxial satellites and a bass module, with DSP placement controls and USB-C, optical and balanced inputs. It keeps a wired aux input, which the M-Audio BX5 D3 lacks. Watch for: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-UNF if you want one new; the M-Audio BX5 D3 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
A desk system of small coaxial satellites and a bass module, with DSP placement controls and USB-C, optical and balanced inputs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| M-Audio BX5 D3 | Kali Audio IN-UNF | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $637.22 per pair Discontinued | $699 per pair |
| Ranked | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #83 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W each | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.09 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| DSP | - | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
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