Short answer: the Audioengine HD4. It ranks #87 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $429; the Avantone Pro Active MixCube ranks #107, rated 1.7/5, and costs $518, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the Avantone Pro Active MixCube: A single driver studio reference cube for checking how mixes translate to small speakers, not for general listening. The catch: It is not a full-range music speaker.
The Audioengine HD4 is the better-sounding option. A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, analog inputs and an RCA output for a tidy desktop stereo. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Avantone Pro Active MixCube lacks. The catch: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system.
Buy the Audioengine HD4. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Avantone Pro Active MixCube and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Avantone Pro Active MixCube | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $518 per pair | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #107 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #87 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered sealed full-range monitor | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60W RMS Class AB | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz-17kHz | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB at 1m | - |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR/TRS combo | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Dimensions | 6.5H x 6.5W x 6.5D in | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | -3.58 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 1.16 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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