Short answer: the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB for better sound quality, the Edifier MR4 for the lower price. The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB ranks higher than the Edifier MR4 (#11 vs #72 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued. Its replacement, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998; the Edifier MR4 is rated 3.5/5 at $129.99, $3,868.01 cheaper.
The case for the Edifier MR4: A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB lacks. The catch: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.87 against 3.25 for the Edifier MR4. Its bass reaches about 30Hz before falling 3dB, against 79Hz for the Edifier MR4. The tradeoff: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
Buy the Edifier MR4 if price matters most. For better sound quality, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, the replacement for the discontinued Devialet Phantom II 98 dB, is rated higher but costs $3,998.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack.
A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR4 | Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 per pair | $2,998 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack |
| Outputs | Headphone | - |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) | 400W RMS each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.25 | 6.87 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | 7.95 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Maximum SPL | - | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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