Short answer: the Audioengine HD6 for better sound quality, the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus for the lower price. The Audioengine HD6 ranks #25 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $817.44. The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus ranks #30 at $699.99, $117.45 cheaper.
What the Audioengine HD6 offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: A bit of an accentuated treble and bass.
What the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus offers: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. Watch for: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it.
Buy the Audioengine HD6 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It ranks near the bottom of the 36 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine HD6 | Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $817.44 | $699.99 |
| Ranked | #25 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 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) | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | RCA Output | - |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs / 7.9 kg | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Klipsch The Fives
- Klipsch The Fives vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Edifier R1280DB vs Genelec 8030C
- Audioengine HD6 vs Klipsch The Fives
- Audioengine HD6 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
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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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 Amazon
Pros: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. A waveguide plus phase plug on the tweeter helps spread off-axis energy more evenly, giving good vertical consistency. Included remote controls volume, source, and separate treble/mid-bass trim, letting you tune the tonal balance without a computer or app. Subwoofer output with automatic 80/125 Hz crossover engagement when a sub is connected. Extensive wired inputs: USB, optical, coax, and analog, plus Bluetooth. 240W total power is enough headroom for near-field desktop use or a small-to-medium living room.
Cons: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it. A minor scoop in the 1-2 kHz mid-range is audible in A/B comparison but not problematic on its own. No HDMI input, a drawback if you want to use these as TV speakers via ARC. Like most stand-mount speakers this size, real output below about 40 Hz needs a subwoofer - the reviewer recommends pairing one regardless of use case just to take headroom pressure off the mains.
Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Klipsch The Fives
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier R2000DB
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Dayton Audio M4
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII