Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $399; the Kanto Ren ranks #49, rated 3.9/5, and costs $474.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
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. The tradeoff: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
The case for the Kanto Ren: Audioholics measured a listening window within about 1.5dB to 20kHz with only minor directivity ripples, so it sounds accurate and balanced, with wide horizontal dispersion past 50 degrees. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Audioengine A5+ Classic lacks. Watch for: Bass begins rolling off around 90Hz in ground plane measurements, and the ports get noisy when pushed hard without a subwoofer, so maximum volume is modest on its own.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Kanto Ren and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Worth knowing: the Kanto Ren has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 3.7 to 4.1, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Kanto Ren | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $474.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| 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) | 7”W x 10.9”H x 8.5”D (178 x 277 x 216 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 5.25” aluminium concave cone woofer + 1” silk dome tweeter in waveguide (each) |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (bass and treble via remote, Vocal Boost and Night modes) |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 100W RMS total (200W peak) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | HDMI ARC, USB-C (24-bit/96kHz), Optical, RCA, 3.5mm Aux, Bluetooth; Sub out (auto 80Hz high pass) |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | Yes | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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 $399.00 B&H Photo Video $469 eBay
Same family: the Audioengine A2+ (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.4/5).
Pros: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 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. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB).
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 →
| Released | Oct 2011 (15 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Kanto Ren: $474.99 per pair Estimated Amazon $474.99 eBay
Pros: Audioholics measured a listening window within about 1.5dB to 20kHz with only minor directivity ripples, so it sounds accurate and balanced, with wide horizontal dispersion past 50 degrees. HDMI ARC with TV remote control, USB-C, optical, RCA, aux and Bluetooth with AAC cover nearly every source, and the sub out automatically high passes the speakers at 80Hz.
Cons: Bass begins rolling off around 90Hz in ground plane measurements, and the ports get noisy when pushed hard without a subwoofer, so maximum volume is modest on its own. A deep vertical null just below the tweeter axis means it should be placed at or below ear height, and there is no app or phono input.
Full Kanto Ren review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS total (200W peak) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 7”W x 10.9”H x 8.5”D (178 x 277 x 216 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” aluminium concave cone woofer + 1” silk dome tweeter in waveguide (each) |
| EQ | Yes (bass and treble via remote, Vocal Boost and Night modes) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C (24-bit/96kHz), Optical, RCA, 3.5mm Aux, Bluetooth; Sub out (auto 80Hz high pass) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audioholics: Kanto Ren Powered Speakers Review Discussion
- cheapaudioman: My Ultimate Audiophile Guilty Pleasure! These Speakers
- GearUP with Aaron: I replaced my soundbar with this // KANTO REN (subwoofer optional)
- Walts TV: KANTO REN Speakers The Soundbar KILLER? | Review + Sound Test More from Williston Audio Labs →
- Z Reviews: The Very BLUE Kanto Ren is the Softer Kanto with Beautiful Features.
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