Short answer: the Yamaha HS5. It ranks #64 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $399.98; the Kali Audio IN-UNF ranks #81, rated 3.3/5, and costs $699, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Yamaha HS5 is the better-sounding option. ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly. Watch for: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance.
The Kali Audio IN-UNF is the deeper-bass choice. A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. Its bass reaches about 39Hz before falling 10dB, against 68Hz for the Yamaha HS5. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Yamaha HS5 lacks. The catch: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design.
Buy the Yamaha HS5. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Kali Audio IN-UNF and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | Kali Audio IN-UNF | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.98 per pair | $699 per pair |
| Ranked | #64 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #81 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 45w Per Speaker | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.70 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.32 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | 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 |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| DSP | - | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Yamaha HS5: $399.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 2.9/5), the Yamaha HS4 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.1/5), the Yamaha HS7 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5), the Yamaha HS8 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Yamaha HS8S (subwoofer, rated 3/5).
Pros: ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly. Balanced inputs and placement controls suit studio use. The measured preference scores are 3.70 standalone and 6.32 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 88Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance. The 300Hz-5kHz span is 4.3dB. Its automated -3dB crossing is affected by response shape, so it should not be treated as a simple bass-cutoff specification. A subwoofer adds low bass but does not fix the elevated midrange.
Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.32 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS5 Soun & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs Yamaha HS5 6-Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Yamaha HS5 5 Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS5 vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound Demo
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: New PreSonus E5 XT and Yamaha HS5 could not sound any more different! SOUND AND RESPONSE COMPARISON
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio IN-UNF: $699 per pair Kali Audio eBay
Same family: the Kali Audio IN-5 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5) and the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).
Pros: A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. Erin found it worked much better when positioned using Kali’s placement template, with useful agreement between the intended response and close-range moving-microphone measurements. DSP placement controls and varied inputs make it a thoughtful solution for the right desk.
Cons: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design. The bass module and prescribed spacing occupy considerable desk space and may conflict with large monitors. It is not designed for arbitrary room placement.
Full Kali Audio IN-UNF review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF |
| DSP | Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims) |
| Dimensions | Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter |
| Drivers | Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 24.7 lbs (11.2 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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