Short answer: the Mackie MR524. It ranks #23 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $379.98; the Edifier S1000MKII ranks #56, rated 3.3/5, and costs $499.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Mackie MR524: The available third-party data suggests a useful combination of bass reach and midrange balance: -3dB around 46Hz, a 2.0dB midrange span, and preference estimates of 5.11 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer. Watch for: The measured response trends upward toward the treble by about 0.47dB per octave, which can lend a brighter balance.
Why pick the Edifier S1000MKII: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. The tradeoff: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates.
Buy the Mackie MR524. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Edifier S1000MKII and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie MR524 | Edifier S1000MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $379.98 per pair | $499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #23 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #56 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 38Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Drivers | 5-inch polypropylene woofer; 1-inch silk-dome tweeter | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Amplifier Power | 50W bi-amplified per speaker | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-20kHz | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.11 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.1” x 7.1” x 8.7” (281 x 180 x 221 mm) (H x W x D) | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
| Outputs | - | None |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX HD |
| EQ | - | No |
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How Mackie MR524 compares with other leading options:
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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
Mackie MR524: $379.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The available third-party data suggests a useful combination of bass reach and midrange balance: -3dB around 46Hz, a 2.0dB midrange span, and preference estimates of 5.11 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer. Balanced inputs, boundary compensation and treble trim are practical studio features. Measured bass extension of 46.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured response trends upward toward the treble by about 0.47dB per octave, which can lend a brighter balance. Boundary compensation and treble trim help with setup but are less flexible than parametric correction.
Full Mackie MR524 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W bi-amplified per speaker |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 38Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.1” x 7.1” x 8.7” (281 x 180 x 221 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 5-inch polypropylene woofer; 1-inch silk-dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-20kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier S1000MKII: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. Consumer Reports rates its sound accurate and detailed, so it is a strong one-box alternative to separate amplifier-and-speaker systems for nearfield or small-room listening.
Cons: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates. These are mains-powered speakers rather than portable wireless speakers, and their size and left/right cabling need a planned desktop or stand setup. No independent measurements exist; reviews are limited to informal listening comparisons.
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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