Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #27 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $399; the Edifier R2000DB ranks #51 and costs $399.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the Audioengine A5+ Classic offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. Internal Class AB amplification (50W RMS, 75W peak) with a linear power supply drives a 5” Kevlar woofer and 0.75” tweeter. Watch for: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL. Off-axis response doesn’t track the on-axis curve well through the crossover, suggesting the waveguide isn’t fully optimized. Resonances appear at 900Hz and 4.4kHz.
What the Edifier R2000DB offers: Rated 3.7 in the SpeakerRanking database. Watch for: Slight lacking of bass and treble, slight inverted V EQ profile
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Edifier R2000DB and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R2000DB. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Edifier R2000DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $399.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #27 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 64 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) | 11.3"H x 7.5"W x 9.5"D (285.8 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
| Drivers | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Bluetooth | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 11, 2026 at 8:40 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
Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 3.68 standalone and 6.15 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The analog powered pair is straightforward to use without an external amplifier. The measured result supports a more capable tonal balance than its former low position suggested.
Cons: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments. The existing review reports crossover-region directivity errors and a distortion feature around 800-900Hz. The score does not make it a reference monitor, and adding a subwoofer cannot correct those midrange and off-axis issues.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Edifier R2000DB: $399.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Multiple analog inputs and optical connectivity make it convenient for a simple powered stereo system. It can suit general desktop listening when source flexibility matters more than professional monitoring functions.
Cons: Listening impressions suggest a midrange-forward presentation. It is better suited to a simple home stereo setup than a studio workflow requiring balanced inputs.
Full Edifier R2000DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 7.5"W x 9.5"D (285.8 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Output Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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