Short answer: the Audioengine HD4. It ranks #58 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $429. The Avantone Pro Active MixCube ranks #67, rated 1.7/5, at $259, $170 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Avantone Pro Active MixCube: A deliberately bandwidth-limited single-driver monitor for checking midrange balance and mix translation. The catch: It is not a full-range music speaker.
Why pick the Audioengine HD4: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. The tradeoff: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system.
Buy the Audioengine HD4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $170 saving on the Avantone Pro Active MixCube is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Avantone Pro Active MixCube | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $518 per pair | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #67 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 67 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 |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Avantone Pro Active MixCube: $518 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A deliberately bandwidth-limited single-driver monitor for checking midrange balance and mix translation. The powered, sealed format, isolation pad and stand mounting make it useful as a secondary studio reference.
Cons: It is not a full-range music speaker. The measured -3dB point is around 297Hz, and scores of -3.58 standalone and 1.16 with an ideal subwoofer reflect severe bandwidth and response limitations for general listening. A subwoofer cannot restore the missing high-frequency coverage. This low general-purpose rank does not measure its usefulness for the specialist task of checking a mix.
Full Avantone Pro Active MixCube review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W RMS Class AB |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.5H x 6.5W x 6.5D in |
| 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 |
| Enclosure | Powered sealed full-range monitor |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz-17kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR/TRS combo |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB at 1m |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | -3.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 1.16 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Audioengine HD4: $429.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. Its modest footprint is useful where larger studio monitors are impractical.
Cons: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system. A separate subwoofer adds cost and space if deeper bass is a priority.
Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine HD4 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
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