Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the M-Audio BX5 D3 is the better pick: it ranks #42 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5), against #76 (rated 3.3/5) for the PreSonus Eris E5. If you want one new, the PreSonus Eris Studio 5 replaces the PreSonus Eris E5 and is rated 3.6/5 at $299.98.
The M-Audio BX5 D3 is the better-sounding choice. The third-party measurements suggest scores of 4.09 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. The tradeoff: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
The case for the PreSonus Eris E5: Balanced XLR/TRS and RCA inputs plus placement adjustment make the original Eris E5 easy to connect to studio or consumer sources. Watch for: A fuller bass balance is not necessarily neutral.
Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the PreSonus Eris Studio 5, which replaces the PreSonus Eris E5.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| M-Audio BX5 D3 | PreSonus Eris E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 per pair Discontinued | $186.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #42 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #76 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W each | 80w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB | - |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.09 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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
M-Audio BX5 D3: $299 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Same family: the M-Audio BX4 D3 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.4/5), the M-Audio BX4 BT (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.3/5) and the M-Audio BX8 D3 (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5).
Pros: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 4.09 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz.
Cons: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom. Discontinued.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| Released | 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 100W each |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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PreSonus Eris E5: $186.98 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the PreSonus Eris Studio 5, ranked higher, estimated 3.6/5, released Sep 2023. See every PreSonus Eris generation.
Same family: the PreSonus Eris E3.5 (smaller bookshelf, rated 2.6/5).
Pros: Balanced XLR/TRS and RCA inputs plus placement adjustment make the original Eris E5 easy to connect to studio or consumer sources. Existing listening notes describe a fuller low end than some small, bass-light monitors, which may suit casual nearfield listening.
Cons: A fuller bass balance is not necessarily neutral. Placement adjustment is useful, but it does not replace a properly integrated subwoofer for deep-bass monitoring. Discontinued.
Full PreSonus Eris E5 review and specifications →
| Released | Jan 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 80w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Presonus Eris E5 5 Track Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- DSAUDIO.review: M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Presonus Eris E5 5 Track Comparison
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