Short answer: the Edifier MR3. It ranks #11 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $149.99; the Audioengine A2+ ranks #19, rated 3.4/5, and costs $299, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
MR3 posts a 3.91 standalone preference score and 6.53 with an ideal subwoofer in Erin’s Klippel testing, with little overall tilt across the listening window and bass reaching -3dB around 60Hz. App-based EQ and tone controls add flexibility a fixed-volume desktop speaker can’t match.
A2+ scores lower standalone (2.78) and needs reinforcement to sound its best, with a measured -3dB point around 106Hz. Its RCA, 3.5mm, USB and Bluetooth inputs plus a tiny footprint and variable RCA output make it a genuinely flexible desktop hub, just not a strong standalone performer.
Buy the Edifier MR3 for the better standalone measurements and lower price. Buy the Audioengine A2+ if the smaller footprint and extra inputs matter more than tonal accuracy on their own.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Edifier MR3 scores 6.5 against 6.1 for the Audioengine A2+ on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (53 Hz vs 58.9 Hz, 10 dB down).
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR3 | Audioengine A2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149.99 per pair | $299.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7”H x 4.9”W x 7.3”D (220 x 125.5 x 185 mm) (active); 220H x 125.5W x 176D mm (passive) | 6” x 4” x 5.2” (152 x 102 x 133 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (rear knobs and app room compensation) | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced TRS, RCA, Aux, Bluetooth | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs (3.85 kg) | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) left / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) right |
| Drivers | 3.5” mid-low driver, 1” silk dome tweeter | 0.75” silk dome tweeter, 2.75” fiber woofer |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 105.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Amplifier Power | 36W total (18W per speaker) | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 93dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.91 | 2.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.53 | 6.10 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Edifier MR3: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Jasper Tech.
- Audioengine A2+: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and DSAUDIO.review.
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.
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Edifier MR3: