Short answer: the Avantone Pro Active MixCube, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #104 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 1.7/5, at $518. The Klipsch Reference R-40PM ranks #105, rated 1.5/5, at $349.99, $168.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 105 powered bookshelf speakers; for better sound, the Topping MA4 ranks #12 at $378.
The case for 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.
What the Klipsch Reference R-40PM does well: Compact powered stereo monitors featuring a 70W total RMS Class-D amplifier driving 4-inch spun-copper TCP woofers and 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeters on edge-to-edge 90x90 Tractrix horns. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Avantone Pro Active MixCube lacks. Watch for: Natural acoustic low-frequency extension rolls off below 60Hz from the small 4-inch woofer, making a companion subwoofer necessary for full bass weight in home theater or music listening.
Buy the Avantone Pro Active MixCube. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $168.01 with the Klipsch Reference R-40PM does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Worth knowing: the Klipsch Reference R-40PM has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 1.3 to 1.7, so treat this verdict as provisional.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Avantone Pro Active MixCube | Klipsch Reference R-40PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $518 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #104 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #105 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Enclosure | Powered sealed full-range monitor | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60W RMS Class AB | 70W total (140W peak) |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz-17kHz | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB at 1m | 100dB |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR/TRS combo | Bluetooth, Phono/Line RCA, 3.5mm Aux, USB, Optical |
| Dimensions | 6.5H x 6.5W x 6.5D in | 11.7” x 5.7” x 8.5” (298 x 146 x 216 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 15 lbs (6.8 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 | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on Tractrix horn, 4” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | -3.58 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 1.16 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | - |
| RCA Input | No | Yes (switchable phono preamp) |
| TRS Input | Yes | - |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | Yes (USB-B audio) |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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Klipsch Reference R-40PM: $349.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Klipsch Reference R-50PM (larger bookshelf, estimated 1.8/5).
Pros: Compact powered stereo monitors featuring a 70W total RMS Class-D amplifier driving 4-inch spun-copper TCP woofers and 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeters on edge-to-edge 90x90 Tractrix horns. Low-end reproduction benefits from dynamic bass EQ, extending bass perception down to 60Hz. Versatile connectivity includes a built-in phono preamp with ground terminal, 3.5mm analog, optical digital, USB audio (supporting up to 24-bit/96kHz), Bluetooth, and a dedicated RCA subwoofer output.
Cons: Natural acoustic low-frequency extension rolls off below 60Hz from the small 4-inch woofer, making a companion subwoofer necessary for full bass weight in home theater or music listening. Awaiting independent Klippel NFS Spinorama linearity data.
Full Klipsch Reference R-40PM review and specifications →
| Released | 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 70W total (140W peak) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.7” x 5.7” x 8.5” (298 x 146 x 216 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on Tractrix horn, 4” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Phono/Line RCA, 3.5mm Aux, USB, Optical |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes (switchable phono preamp) |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes (USB-B audio) |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons