Short answer: the Edifier S1000MKII. It ranks #57 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $499.99. The Audioengine HD4 ranks #59, rated 3.2/5, at $429, $70.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Edifier S1000MKII: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. The tradeoff: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates.
The case for the Audioengine HD4: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. The catch: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system.
Buy the Edifier S1000MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $70.99 you would save on the Audioengine HD4 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S1000MKII | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Outputs | None | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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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
Edifier S1000MKII: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. Consumer Reports rates its sound accurate and detailed, so it is a strong one-box alternative to separate amplifier-and-speaker systems for nearfield or small-room listening.
Cons: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates. These are mains-powered speakers rather than portable wireless speakers, and their size and left/right cabling need a planned desktop or stand setup. No independent measurements exist; reviews are limited to informal listening comparisons.
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier R2000DB
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier R1700BT
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Audioengine HD6
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier MR5
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier R1280T
- See all 66 comparisons
Audioengine HD4: $429.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. Its modest footprint is useful where larger studio monitors are impractical.
Cons: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system. A separate subwoofer adds cost and space if deeper bass is a priority.
Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine HD4 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier R1700BT
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier R1280DB
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier S1000W
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier R1280T
- Audioengine HD4 vs Edifier R2000DB
- Audioengine HD4 vs JBL One Series 104
- Audioengine HD4 vs Audioengine HD6
- See all 45 comparisons