Short answer: the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB for better sound quality, the Audioengine A5+ Classic for the lower price. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks higher than the Audioengine A5+ Classic (#11 vs #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998; the Audioengine A5+ Classic is rated 4.0/5 at $399, $3,599 cheaper.
The case for the Audioengine A5+ Classic: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB lacks. The catch: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. The manufacturer-supplied measurement shows unusually deep bass for the enclosure size: -3dB at 30Hz. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.87 against 4.59 for the Audioengine A5+ Classic. Its bass reaches about 30Hz before falling 3dB, against 68Hz for the Audioengine A5+ Classic. The tradeoff: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic if price matters most. For better sound quality, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, the replacement for the discontinued Devialet Phantom II 98 dB, is rated higher but costs $3,998.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span.
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The manufacturer-supplied measurement shows unusually deep bass for the enclosure size: -3dB at 30Hz.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $2,998 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 400W RMS each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 6.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 7.95 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Audioengine A5+ Classic (measured by Audio Science Review) and Devialet Phantom II 98 dB (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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