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: A simple powered bookshelf pair with fairly balanced sound and no separate amplifier needed. 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. A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound. 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.
A simple powered bookshelf pair with fairly balanced sound and no separate amplifier needed.
A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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
| 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) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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