Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus, if you are buying new. The Klipsch The Fives measures as well as it (#17 vs #20 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus is still sold new at $699.99. The Klipsch The Fives’s replacement, the Klipsch The Fives II, is rated 4.3/5 at $1,399.99.
The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus is the deeper-bass option. Powered speakers with natural, even sound and deep bass for their size, plus lots of digital inputs and a subwoofer output. Its bass reaches about 42Hz before falling 3dB, against 57Hz for the Klipsch The Fives. Watch for: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ.
Why pick the Klipsch The Fives: A versatile powered pair that replaces a soundbar, with good balance in Bass Cut mode plus HDMI ARC, phono and a subwoofer output. Watch for: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting.
Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus new; the Klipsch The Fives is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus reaches 34 Hz (10 dB down) against 47.3 Hz for the Klipsch The Fives, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Klipsch The Fives scores 7.9 against 7.4 for the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 PM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | Klipsch The Fives | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $324.95 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #20 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #17 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug | 1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) | 160W total system power (320W peak) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth | HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) | 12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) | Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) | 50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.57 | 5.52 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 | 7.89 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| DSP | - | Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Klipsch The Fives: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Jasper Tech.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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