Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $399; the ADAM Audio A4V ranks #67, rated 3.6/5, and costs $1,079.98, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Audioengine A5+ Classic is the more accurate option. A simple powered bookshelf pair with fairly balanced sound and no separate amplifier needed. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.59 against 3.92 for the ADAM Audio A4V. It keeps a wired aux input, which the ADAM Audio A4V lacks. The tradeoff: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
The case for the ADAM Audio A4V: A compact studio monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room correction support for tricky rooms. Watch for: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ADAM Audio A4V and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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A simple powered bookshelf pair with fairly balanced sound and no separate amplifier needed.
A compact studio monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room correction support for tricky rooms.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | ADAM Audio A4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $1,079.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #67 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 41kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4” MLM woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 130W RMS each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 3.92 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 6.33 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, dual front ports |
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