Short answer: the Edifier S2000MKIII for better sound quality, the Audioengine A5+ Classic for the lower price. The Edifier S2000MKIII ranks #29 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $594.98. The Audioengine A5+ Classic ranks #33 at $399, $195.98 cheaper.
The case for the Edifier S2000MKIII: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit. The tradeoff: No independent measurements exist - reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos.
What the Audioengine A5+ Classic gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. The catch: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL.
Buy the Edifier S2000MKIII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks near the bottom of the 42 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S2000MKIII | Audioengine A5+ Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $594.98 | $399 |
| Ranked | #29 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.5"H x 7.8"W x 10.8"D (342.9 x 198.1 x 274.3 mm) | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | - |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | No |
| Output Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | - | No |
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- Edifier S1000W vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier S2000MKIII: $594.98 Amazon
Pros: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit
Cons: No independent measurements exist - reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos. As one of Edifier’s warmer-tuned lifestyle HiFi speakers, it isn’t voiced for the flat, neutral response of a measurement-verified monitor.
Full Edifier S2000MKIII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 13.5"H x 7.8"W x 10.8"D (342.9 x 198.1 x 274.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S2000MKIII vs Klipsch The Three II sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier R2850DB vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier S3000PRO Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Reddit Search for Edifier S2000MKIII Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier S1000W
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier R1280T
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier R1280DB
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Klipsch The Fives
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier MR4
- See all 28 comparisons
Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. Internal Class AB amplification (50W RMS, 75W peak) with a linear power supply drives a 5” Kevlar woofer and 0.75” tweeter.
Cons: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL. Off-axis response doesn’t track the on-axis curve well through the crossover, suggesting the waveguide isn’t fully optimized. Resonances appear at 900Hz and 4.4kHz.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Klipsch The Fives
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier S1000W
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Edifier R1280T
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs JBL One Series 104
- See all 14 comparisons