Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $399. The Edifier MR5 ranks #78, rated 3.3/5, at $349.99, $49.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Audioengine A5+ Classic is the better-sounding choice. ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. Watch for: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
The Edifier MR5 is the deeper-bass choice. Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. Its bass reaches about 51Hz before falling 3dB, against 68Hz for the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Audioengine A5+ Classic lacks. Watch for: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $49.01 with the Edifier MR5 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span.
Amazon $399.00 B&H Photo Video $469 eBay
Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz.
Amazon $349.99 B&H Photo Video $349.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Edifier MR5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #78 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| 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) | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| App | No | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| EQ | No | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | 3.5mm headphone |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 6.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | LDAC, SBC |
| Maximum SPL | - | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| Sensitivity | - | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Measurement Source | - | Erin’s Audio Corner |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Audioengine A5+ Classic compares with other leading options: