Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $399. The Onkyo GX-30ARC ranks #57, rated 3.7/5, at $349, $50 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Audioengine A5+ Classic is the more accurate choice. 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 3.69 for the Onkyo GX-30ARC. 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 Onkyo GX-30ARC: A compact desk or TV speaker pair with HDMI ARC, optical and USB inputs in one simple setup. The tradeoff: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $50 saving on the Onkyo GX-30ARC is not enough to make up the difference.
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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 | Onkyo GX-30ARC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $349.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #57 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) | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | Class D amplification |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 6.42 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | Subwoofer |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Country | - | Japan (design) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
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