Short answer: the Edifier S1000MKII. It ranks #21 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $399.99; the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus ranks #30 and costs $699.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Edifier S1000MKII offers: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit. Watch for: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class.
What the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus offers: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. Watch for: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it.
Buy the Edifier S1000MKII. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It ranks near the bottom of the 36 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S1000MKII | Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 | $699.99 |
| Ranked | #21 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 of 36 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) | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 37 lbs / 16.8 kg | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | - | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- JBL 305P MKII vs KEF LSX II LT
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KEF LSX II LT
- Kali LP-UNF vs KEF LSX II LT
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Edifier S1000MKII vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier S1000MKII: $399.99 Amazon
Pros: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit. Very close to the S2000MKIII, almost no reason to pay more
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| 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 |
| Output Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 37 lbs / 16.8 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 Amazon
Pros: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. A waveguide plus phase plug on the tweeter helps spread off-axis energy more evenly, giving good vertical consistency. Included remote controls volume, source, and separate treble/mid-bass trim, letting you tune the tonal balance without a computer or app. Subwoofer output with automatic 80/125 Hz crossover engagement when a sub is connected. Extensive wired inputs: USB, optical, coax, and analog, plus Bluetooth. 240W total power is enough headroom for near-field desktop use or a small-to-medium living room.
Cons: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it. A minor scoop in the 1-2 kHz mid-range is audible in A/B comparison but not problematic on its own. No HDMI input, a drawback if you want to use these as TV speakers via ARC. Like most stand-mount speakers this size, real output below about 40 Hz needs a subwoofer - the reviewer recommends pairing one regardless of use case just to take headroom pressure off the mains.
Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Klipsch The Fives
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier R2000DB
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Audioengine HD6
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Dayton Audio M4
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII