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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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus reaches 34 Hz (10 dB down) against 60 Hz for the Dayton Audio M4, about an octave deeper. Low bass that the other only hints at comes through with real weight.
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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 | #54 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 108 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 | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.38 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Dayton Audio M4: reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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