Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if the budget allows, the Dayton Audio M4 for a close desktop setup. Its Klippel data shows a 1.7dB midrange span, a -3dB point around 44Hz and standalone and ideal-subwoofer scores of 5.57 and 7.38, though a 4-6kHz edge and 1-2kHz recession remain audible. The Dayton M4 is compact and linear for the price, but its bass is limited and distortion rises above roughly 93dB.
Dayton Audio M4 is a compact powered pair with a subwoofer output and reasonable linearity for the price, but bass is limited, tonal balance shifts with listening distance, and distortion rises above roughly 93dB.
Vanatoo’s Klippel data combines a small 1.7dB midrange response span with a -3dB point around 44Hz, alongside standalone and ideal-subwoofer scores of 5.57 and 7.38. Remote tone controls and automatic subwoofer crossover engagement simplify setup, though a mild 4-6kHz edge and 1-2kHz recession are still audible.
Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if you want the better-measuring, more capable powered system and the price gap is acceptable. Buy the Dayton Audio M4 if you want a compact, budget powered pair for a close desktop setup and can live with its more limited bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Dayton Audio M4 | Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.98 per pair | $699.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #39 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #15 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) | - |
| Aux Input | Yes (RCA) | No |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) |
| Dimensions | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) |
| App | No | - |
| Stereo | Yes | - |
| Power Input | AC Power cord | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) | RCA subwoofer |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Inputs | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.38 |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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
Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. The existing review describes reasonable linearity for the price and a subdued upper treble that avoids an aggressively bright presentation. It is best considered for a close desktop setup. Measured bass extension of 121Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB. The soft treble is a tonal preference, not evidence of reference neutrality; a subwoofer does not establish greater midrange headroom.
Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (RCA) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s Klippel data combines a small 1.7dB midrange response span with a -3dB point around 44Hz. Scores of 5.57 standalone and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer make it an attractive standalone system as well as a subwoofer partner. Remote tone controls, multiple digital and analog inputs, and automatic subwoofer crossover engagement simplify setup. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ. No HDMI ARC. Deep bass and louder playback still benefit from a subwoofer; amplifier wattage alone does not establish clean room-filling output.
Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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