Short answer: the M-Audio BX5 D3. It ranks #30 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $149.50; the Edifier S1000MKII ranks #54 and costs $399.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the Edifier S1000MKII offers: 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. Watch for: 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.
What the M-Audio BX5 D3 offers: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz. Watch for: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Edifier S1000MKII and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier S1000MKII. It ranks near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S1000MKII | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 per pair | $299 per pair |
| Ranked | #54 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 of 65 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) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR and TRS |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker | 100W each |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | - | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.94 |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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: $399.99 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.
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| 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 |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
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M-Audio BX5 D3: $299 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 3.34 standalone and 5.94 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz.
Cons: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W each |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.34 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.94 |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kanto YU6
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kali LP-UNF
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