Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $399; the Palmer STUDIMON 5 ranks #68, rated 3.6/5, and costs $599.98, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Audioengine A5+ Classic is the more accurate option. 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 3.48 for the Palmer STUDIMON 5. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Palmer STUDIMON 5 lacks. The catch: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
The case for the Palmer STUDIMON 5: A plain compact studio monitor with balanced XLR and TRS inputs that fits easily into a home studio setup. The catch: The trace spans 4.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and estimates -3dB bass around 80Hz, with local irregularities despite the level overall trend.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Palmer STUDIMON 5 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Palmer STUDIMON 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $599.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #68 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 7.5W x 8.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 70Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 0.75” soft-dome tweeter, 5” woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 60W each (30W LF, 30W HF) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 3.48 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 6.37 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, rear-ported |
| Country | - | Germany (design) |
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