Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic for better sound quality, the Neumi BS5P for the lower price. The Audioengine A5+ Classic ranks #27 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $399. The Neumi BS5P ranks #35 at $150, $249 cheaper.
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 Neumi BS5P offers: Exceptionally broad connectivity for the price: Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, remote control and 75W total amplification. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer/1-inch silk-dome platform has generally useful directivity outside port resonances and therefore responds well to corrective EQ. Compact dimensions and ample nearfield volume make it practical for a desk or small room. Watch for: The original firmware Erin reviewed produces a pronounced V-curve (excess midbass and treble with recessed dialogue/midrange) and is a fidelity step backward from the passive BS5. Nearfield treble above 8kHz rises as much as 4dB relative to farfield, distortion is already substantial at 86dB, and compression becomes severe above 96dB. Port resonances further contaminate the response. Erin later measured improved firmware, but buyers must confirm revision. Passive sensitivity and impedance are not applicable.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumi BS5P if the price matters more than sound quality.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Neumi BS5P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $150 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #27 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #35 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 90.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 56.1Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) | - |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | - |
| Drivers | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 75W total |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.68 | 3.96 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.15 | 6.95 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Bass Extension | - | Erin's response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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. 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 →
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.68 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.15 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| 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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Neumi BS5P: $150 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: Erin’s retest with corrected tweeter polarity, updated internal EQ and plugged ports gives a much more neutral result: 3.96 standalone and 6.95 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The reviewer also found that configuration substantially better in listening. Its analog and digital inputs make it a flexible inexpensive system. Measured bass extension of 90.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: That result is conditional on the tested firmware and port configuration, not a guarantee for an unknown stock or used pair. The first sample had reversed tweeter polarity, so its poor initial result should not be generalized to every unit either. Plugged-port bass reaches -3dB around 91Hz. Confirm configuration before expecting the improved balance; tonal scores do not remove output limits. Discontinued.
Full Neumi BS5P review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 75W total |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension | Erin's response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56.1Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 90.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.96 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.95 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons