Short answer: the Audioengine HD3 for the higher ranking, the Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen for the lower price. The Audioengine HD3 ranks #4 of 8 powered bookshelf speakers at $359. The Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen ranks #7 at $99.99, $259.01 cheaper.
On the Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen side: Includes rear-panel high- and low-frequency shelf tone controls, letting you tailor the sound (helpful for near-wall placement. The catch: Stock on-axis response has a pronounced “smiley face” V-curve.
Buy the Audioengine HD3 if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD3 | Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $359.00 | $99.99 |
| Ranked | #4 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 8 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 6.0"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 Output | 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 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz | 80Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Acoustic space) |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m | 95dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine HD3: $359.00 Amazon
Cons: Small woofer doesn’t have very deep bass. Slightly boosted treble. High priced
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
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Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen: $99.99 Amazon
Pros: Includes rear-panel high- and low-frequency shelf tone controls, letting you tailor the sound (helpful for near-wall placement, where the reviewer suggests reducing the bass knob). Distortion and neutrality can be meaningfully improved with simple mods - sealing the rear port and adjusting the tone controls (low +3dB, high -6dB in testing) noticeably flattened the default V-shaped response.
Cons: Stock on-axis response has a pronounced “smiley face” V-curve, with the midrange scooped roughly 6-7dB below the bass and treble - problematic for any mixing or monitoring use. The rear port is too small for the cabinet, producing peaky, boomy bass rather than genuine extension. A strong resonance around 1-2kHz persists even with the port sealed, suggesting an internal standing wave rather than a purely port-related issue. Directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer as the woofer narrows with frequency. Hard limiting kicks in above about 86dB, and distortion at 96dB is high - not intended for loud listening. Frequency response measurably drifts over time at moderate-to-high volume (about 1dB shift after 4 minutes at 86dB, worse within a couple minutes at 96dB). In direct comparison, measures 3-5dB hotter in the treble than the Mackie CR3-X, and even after sealing the port and adjusting the tone controls, still measured behind the Mackie overall. Best used aimed off-axis (about 30-40°) and with the port sealed; without EQ/DSP correction, significant tonal problems remain.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 8.3"H x 6.0"W x 5.5"D (210.8 x 152.4 x 139.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5" woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Acoustic space) |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, 1/4" Balanced |
| Max SPL | 95dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Outputs | 1/8" headphone jack |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs / 3.9 kg |
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.