Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $399. The Neumi BS5P-ARC ranks #51, rated 3.8/5, at $219.99, $179.01 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Audioengine A5+ Classic is the more accurate pick. 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 3.84 for the Neumi BS5P-ARC. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Neumi BS5P-ARC lacks. Watch for: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
The case for the Neumi BS5P-ARC: An inexpensive powered pair with HDMI ARC, an easy way to upgrade TV sound with stereo speakers. Watch for: Bass is thin: response is down 3dB at about 113Hz and 6dB at about 83Hz, which pulls the standalone score down to 3.84, so plan on adding a subwoofer for movies and music.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $179.01 you would save on the Neumi BS5P-ARC does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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 | Neumi BS5P-ARC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $219.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #51 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) | 10.6H x 7.2W x 8.5D in each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Typical In-Room) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) pair |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 1” silk dome tweeter with integrated waveguide, 5” poly-cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 75W total (37.5W per channel) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 3.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 7.03 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB-C, optical, coaxial, RCA analog |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active |
| Country | - | China |
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