Short answer: the Dayton Audio M4. It ranks #52 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $249.98; the Edifier S1000W ranks #79, rated 3.3/5, and costs $419.98, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the Edifier S1000W does well: Network playback and multiple digital and analog connections make it a convenient all-in-one music system. The tradeoff: High-resolution input support does not itself improve acoustic accuracy.
The Dayton Audio M4 is the better-sounding option. A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Edifier S1000W lacks. The catch: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB.
Buy the Dayton Audio M4. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Edifier S1000W and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S1000W | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $419.98 per pair | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #79 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #52 of 100 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) | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | None | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (RCA) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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 S1000W: $419.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Network playback and multiple digital and analog connections make it a convenient all-in-one music system. Support for high-resolution input is useful for compatibility with different sources.
Cons: High-resolution input support does not itself improve acoustic accuracy. The all-in-one format offers less component flexibility than separate speakers and amplification. No independent measurements exist; reviews are limited to informal listening comparisons.
Full Edifier S1000W review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| 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 (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Wifi, 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
Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. The existing review describes reasonable linearity for the price and a subdued upper treble that avoids an aggressively bright presentation. It is best considered for a close desktop setup. Measured bass extension of 121Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB. The soft treble is a tonal preference, not evidence of reference neutrality; a subwoofer does not establish greater midrange headroom.
Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (RCA) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons