Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #27 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $399. The Onkyo GX-30ARC ranks #39, rated 3.7/5, at $349, $50 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick 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. 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: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical and analog inputs make it a convenient compact system for a desk or TV. 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.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Onkyo GX-30ARC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $349 per pair |
| Ranked | #27 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 67 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, 5.3 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Country | - | Japan (design) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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 B&H Photo Video eBay
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 →
| 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
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Onkyo GX-30ARC: $349 per pair Onkyo eBay
Pros: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical and analog inputs make it a convenient compact system for a desk or TV. Erin’s Klippel data gives a 3.69 standalone preference score and 6.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The midrange response spans 3.8dB, offering usable but not reference-level tonal performance.
Cons: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave. Bass reaches -3dB around 74Hz, not the lower LFX value used inside the preference model. Vertical listening position affects crossover balance. Its extensive connectivity does not compensate for response irregularities, and the published tonal data alone does not establish maximum clean output.
Full Onkyo GX-30ARC review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Class D amplification |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.3 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Japan (design) |
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons