Short answer: the Edifier S2000MKIII for better sound quality, the Onkyo GX-30ARC for the lower price. The Edifier S2000MKIII ranks #29 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $699.99. The Onkyo GX-30ARC ranks #43 at $349, $350.99 cheaper.
What the Edifier S2000MKIII offers: Spinorama’s digitized measurements show unusually deep extension for a powered bookshelf speaker: 40.5Hz at -3dB and 37Hz at -6dB. Its preference score is 3.58 without a subwoofer and 5.34 with one, placing it just above the KRK Classic 5 and Edifier MR4 on the same with-subwoofer measure. It also accepts digital input up to 24-bit/192kHz. Watch for: The Spinorama record is low-quality data digitized from a scanned graph rather than an independent Klippel measurement, so the score carries more uncertainty. Frequency deviation is 4.0dB, predicted in-room smoothness is only 0.107, and the response needs substantial EQ around 1kHz and 3.3kHz to approach neutrality.
What the Onkyo GX-30ARC offers: A compact powered pair with unusually complete connectivity: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, aux and Bluetooth 5.3. Erin’s data predicts a 5.55 score with a subwoofer, low 0.091 on-axis roughness and useful 62Hz in-room extension. Watch for: The response rises about +0.48dB per octave and narrows vertically, while directivity-index consistency is a mediocre 3.84. Its 0.232 sound-power smoothness suggests some room-response unevenness, and low bass still benefits from a subwoofer.
Buy the Edifier S2000MKIII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Onkyo GX-30ARC if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S2000MKIII | Onkyo GX-30ARC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $349/pair |
| Ranked | #29 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #43 of 64 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) | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Frequency Response | 40.5Hz at -3dB; 37Hz at -6dB (Spinorama) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.58 without subwoofer; 5.34 with subwoofer | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Outputs | None | Subwoofer |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 1" tweeter, 4" woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Power Output | - | Class D amplification |
| Country | - | Japan (design) |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 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 S2000MKIII: $699.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Spinorama’s digitized measurements show unusually deep extension for a powered bookshelf speaker: 40.5Hz at -3dB and 37Hz at -6dB. Its preference score is 3.58 without a subwoofer and 5.34 with one, placing it just above the KRK Classic 5 and Edifier MR4 on the same with-subwoofer measure. It also accepts digital input up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Cons: The Spinorama record is low-quality data digitized from a scanned graph rather than an independent Klippel measurement, so the score carries more uncertainty. Frequency deviation is 4.0dB, predicted in-room smoothness is only 0.107, and the response needs substantial EQ around 1kHz and 3.3kHz to approach neutrality.
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 | 40.5Hz at -3dB; 37Hz at -6dB (Spinorama) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | None |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.58 without subwoofer; 5.34 with subwoofer |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- 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
- Archimago Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for Edifier S2000MKIII Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs KRK Classic 5
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Dayton Audio M4
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs KEF LSX II LT
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier MR4
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Onkyo GX-30ARC: $349/pair Onkyo eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with unusually complete connectivity: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, aux and Bluetooth 5.3. Erin’s data predicts a 5.55 score with a subwoofer, low 0.091 on-axis roughness and useful 62Hz in-room extension.
Cons: The response rises about +0.48dB per octave and narrows vertically, while directivity-index consistency is a mediocre 3.84. Its 0.232 sound-power smoothness suggests some room-response unevenness, and low bass still benefits from a subwoofer.
Full Onkyo GX-30ARC review and specifications →
| Country | Japan (design) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter, 4" woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Power Output | Class D amplification |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons