Short answer: the Audioengine HD6 for better sound quality, the Pioneer DJ VM-50 for the lower price. The Audioengine HD6 ranks #25 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $817.44. The Pioneer DJ VM-50 ranks #32 at $169, $648.44 cheaper.
What the Audioengine HD6 offers: Rated 4.1 out of 5 in its category. Watch for: A bit of an accentuated treble and bass.
What the Pioneer DJ VM-50 offers: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Watch for: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter.
Buy the Audioengine HD6 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Pioneer DJ VM-50 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Pioneer DJ VM-50. It ranks near the bottom of the 36 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD6 | Pioneer DJ VM-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $817.44 | $169 each |
| Ranked | #25 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #32 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.2"W x 10"D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) | - |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Outputs | RCA Output | - |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg | - |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) |
| Amplification | - | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF |
| DSP | - | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine HD6: $817.44 Amazon
Cons: A bit of an accentuated treble and bass. Slight dip in the midrange.
Full Audioengine HD6 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.2"W x 10"D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg |
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Pioneer DJ VM-50: $169 each Amazon
Pros: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Erin measured F3 at 61Hz, low distortion at 86 and 96dB, almost no long-term compression above 50Hz and only roughly quarter-decibel dynamic nonlinearity. Four-position low- and high-EQ controls yield 16 useful voicings, while balanced TRS/XLR and RCA inputs suit studio and consumer sources.
Cons: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter. Bass does not reach 50Hz at reference level despite its pleasing punch, making a subwoofer useful. Output is appropriate for nearfield use rather than home-theater distance. As an internally amplified monitor, passive impedance and sensitivity measurements are not applicable.
Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons