Short answer: the Edifier MR5. It ranks #77 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $349.99; the Klipsch Reference R-40PM ranks #105, rated 1.5/5, at $349.99. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
The Edifier MR5 is the better-sounding option. Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. The tradeoff: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz.
The case for the Klipsch Reference R-40PM: 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. The tradeoff: 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 Edifier MR5. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Klipsch Reference R-40PM at the same price, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
About the ratings: the Klipsch Reference R-40PM’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 1.3 to 1.7, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR5 | Klipsch Reference R-40PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #77 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #105 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Dimensions | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) | 11.7” x 5.7” x 8.5” (298 x 146 x 216 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux | Bluetooth, Phono/Line RCA, 3.5mm Aux, USB, Optical |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone | - |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| Drivers | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) | 1” aluminum LTS tweeter on Tractrix horn, 4” spun-copper TCP woofer |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC | - |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) | 70W total (140W peak) |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) | 100dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Measurement Source | Erin’s Audio Corner | - |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | - |
| RCA Input | Yes | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | 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
Edifier MR5: $349.99 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Edifier MR3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.8/5), the Edifier MR4 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.5/5) and the Edifier MR4.5 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5).
Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. The three-way active design adds a dedicated 3.75-inch midrange, and the 110W RMS system, app EQ, room-compensation controls, LDAC, balanced XLR/TRS inputs, and front headphone output make it unusually well equipped at $350 per pair. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz. Bass output is level-limited below about 70Hz and distortion/compression rise at higher levels, so it suits moderate nearfield use better than loud mid-field playback.
Full Edifier MR5 review and specifications →
| Released | Jun 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | LDAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 6.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) |
| Drivers | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| EQ | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) |
| Frequency Response | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| Measurement Source | Erin’s Audio Corner |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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