Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $399. The Fluid Audio FX50 V2 ranks #103, rated 2.7/5, at $298, $101 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
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 1.80 for the Fluid Audio FX50 V2. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Fluid Audio FX50 V2 lacks. The catch: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
Why pick the Fluid Audio FX50 V2: A coaxial studio monitor with balanced inputs, boundary controls and flexible mounting for compact installs. Watch for: Scores of 1.80 standalone and 4.42 with an ideal subwoofer indicate poor native tonal accuracy.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $101 you would save on the Fluid Audio FX50 V2 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Fluid Audio FX50 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $298 per pair |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #103 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) | 9.2H x 6.9W x 9.1D in |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 49Hz-22kHz +/-2dB |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter coaxially mounted in 5-inch paper woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 90W each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 1.80 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 4.42 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | XLR/TRS and RCA |
| 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 | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Active coaxial, front-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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