Short answer: the Genelec 8030C. It ranks #3 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $1,750 and is still sold new; the PreSonus Eris E5 ranks #77 (rated 3.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The PreSonus Eris E5’s replacement, the PreSonus Eris Studio 5, is rated 3.6/5 at $299.98.
What the Genelec 8030C gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-flat on-axis response with smooth directivity. Predicted in-room response is excellent. The catch: A minor but measurable dip between 2-3kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements.
Buy the Genelec 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the PreSonus Eris E5 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | PreSonus Eris E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $186.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #77 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 80w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
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