Short answer: the Audioengine HD3 for better sound quality, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen for the lower price. The Audioengine HD3 ranks #29 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.2/5, at $359. The PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen ranks #45, rated 2.5/5, at $99.99, $259.01 cheaper.
Why pick the PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen: Small desktop monitors with bass and treble controls on the back to adjust for desk or wall placement. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Audioengine HD3 lacks. Watch for: The stock response spans 7.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and has a strong rising trend of about 1.27dB per octave, emphasizing treble over the midrange.
Buy the Audioengine HD3 if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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 HD3 | PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 per pair | $99.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #45 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) | 8.3”H x 6”W x 5.5”D (210.8 x 152.4 x 139.7 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input | RCA, 1/4” Balanced |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | 1/8” headphone jack |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| Drivers | 2.75” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 3.5” woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Acoustic space) |
| Amplifier Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 95dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Sensitivity | - | 87.4dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 1.51 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 4.17 |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
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