Short answer: the HEDD Type 05 A-CORE on measured sound quality, the Audioengine A5+ Classic on price. The HEDD Type 05 A-CORE ranks #18 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $1,398. The Audioengine A5+ Classic ranks #27, rated 4.0/5, at $399, $999 cheaper.
Why pick the HEDD Type 05 A-CORE: ASR’s Klippel data shows useful bass reach for this size, with -3dB around 44Hz. Watch for: The 2.7dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.404 trail the most linear monitors here.
The case for the Audioengine A5+ Classic: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The catch: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
Buy the HEDD Type 05 A-CORE if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| HEDD Type 05 A-CORE | Audioengine A5+ Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,398 per pair | $399.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #27 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | RCA unbalanced, XLR/TRS combo balanced | RCA, Aux |
| Drivers | AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter, 5” Honeycomb-compound woofer | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| App | None (analog-only, no DSP) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes, analog High/Low shelving, ±6dB continuous | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) each | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) |
| Amplifier Power | 200W total, bi-amped (2x100W ICEpower Class D) | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Dimensions | 12.1” x 7.1” x 9.6” (308 x 180 x 245 mm) each | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 50kHz | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 112dB per pair at 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.35 | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.23 | 7.06 |
| 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 |
| DSP | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 PM 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
HEDD Type 05 A-CORE: $1,398 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data shows useful bass reach for this size, with -3dB around 44Hz. Preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.23 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a balanced all-round option. The AMT tweeter and analog signal path appeal to users who want a studio monitor without digital conversion or firmware dependence. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.7dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.404 trail the most linear monitors here. The response rises modestly toward the treble. The analog-only design does not provide built-in room correction or digital inputs, and published amplification power should not be read as a measured clean-output rating.
Full HEDD Type 05 A-CORE review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 200W total, bi-amped (2x100W ICEpower Class D) |
| App | None (analog-only, no DSP) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.1” x 7.1” x 9.6” (308 x 180 x 245 mm) each |
| Drivers | AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter, 5” Honeycomb-compound woofer |
| EQ | Yes, analog High/Low shelving, ±6dB continuous |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 50kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA unbalanced, XLR/TRS combo balanced |
| Maximum SPL | 112dB per pair at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.23 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
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- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs JBL 305P MKII
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs Klipsch The Fives
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs KEF LSX II LT
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs Adam Audio T5V
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Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The analog powered pair is straightforward to use without an external amplifier. The measured result supports a more capable tonal balance than its former low position suggested. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments. The existing review reports crossover-region directivity errors and a distortion feature around 800-900Hz. The score does not make it a reference monitor, and adding a subwoofer cannot correct those midrange and off-axis issues.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs KEF LSX II LT
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- Audioengine A5+ Classic vs Airpulse A100
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