Short answer: the Audioengine HD4. It ranks #87 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $429. The Fluid Audio FX50 V2 ranks #103, rated 2.7/5, at $298, $131 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Fluid Audio FX50 V2: A coaxial studio monitor with balanced inputs, boundary controls and flexible mounting for compact installs. The catch: Scores of 1.80 standalone and 4.42 with an ideal subwoofer indicate poor native tonal accuracy.
The Audioengine HD4 is the better-sounding pick. A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, analog inputs and an RCA output for a tidy desktop stereo. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Fluid Audio FX50 V2 lacks. Watch for: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system.
Buy the Audioengine HD4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $131 you would save on the Fluid Audio FX50 V2 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Fluid Audio FX50 V2 | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $298 per pair | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #103 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #87 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Active coaxial, front-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter coaxially mounted in 5-inch paper woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz-22kHz +/-2dB | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 90W each | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB | - |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS and RCA | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Dimensions | 9.2H x 6.9W x 9.1D in | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) each | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.80 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.42 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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