Short answer: the Edifier S2000MKIII for better sound quality, the Pioneer DJ VM-50 for the lower price. The Edifier S2000MKIII ranks #29 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $594.98. The Pioneer DJ VM-50 ranks #35 at $169, $425.98 cheaper.
What the Edifier S2000MKIII offers: High resolution digital input up to 192khz/24bit. Watch for: No independent measurements exist - reviews are limited to informal YouTube sound-comparison videos.
On the Pioneer DJ VM-50 side: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Set against that: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter.
Buy the Edifier S2000MKIII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Pioneer DJ VM-50 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Pioneer DJ VM-50. It ranks near the bottom of the 42 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S2000MKIII | Pioneer DJ VM-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $594.98 | $169 each |
| Ranked | #29 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #35 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) | - |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-40KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| Output Power | 65w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) |
| Amplification | - | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF |
| DSP | - | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
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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 |
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- 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 Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Klipsch The Fives
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- Edifier S2000MKIII vs Edifier MR4
- See all 28 comparisons
Pioneer DJ VM-50: $169 each Amazon
Pros: Compact active monitor with 96kHz DSP, 4mm aluminum front baffle, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and constant-directivity horn. Erin measured F3 at 61Hz, low distortion at 86 and 96dB, almost no long-term compression above 50Hz and only roughly quarter-decibel dynamic nonlinearity. Four-position low- and high-EQ controls yield 16 useful voicings, while balanced TRS/XLR and RCA inputs suit studio and consumer sources.
Cons: The default axial response is not reference-flat and the upper-mid/treble directivity behavior varies with angle; correct EQ-switch selection and listening geometry matter. Bass does not reach 50Hz at reference level despite its pleasing punch, making a subwoofer useful. Output is appropriate for nearfield use rather than home-theater distance. As an internally amplified monitor, passive impedance and sensitivity measurements are not applicable.
Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Class D, 30W LF + 30W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter in horn; 5.25" aramid-fiber woofer |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP monitor) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Klipsch The Fives
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Neumi BS5P
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Edifier S1000MKII
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Edifier S1000W
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs JBL One Series 104
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