Short answer: the Mesanovic CDM65 if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R2850DB if price matters most. The Mesanovic CDM65 ranks #2 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.9/5, at $5,998. The Edifier R2850DB ranks #61, rated 3.8/5, at $499.99, $5,498.01 cheaper.
On the Mesanovic CDM65 side: Erin measured an exceptionally flat, smooth listening window (smoothness score 0.73, among the best in this class) with a genuine 36.6dB extension point down to 32Hz despite a compact sealed cabinet. Set against that: Pricing is inconsistent across sources, ranging from a $3,799 demo bundle direct from Mesanovic to $5,998 at Front End Audio, so confirm the current listing before buying.
What the Edifier R2850DB offers: 3 way speaker. Deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the neutral sound of the HS8. The catch: Quite large and heavy.
Buy the Mesanovic CDM65 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R2850DB if the price matters more than sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Mesanovic CDM65 | Edifier R2850DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,998 per pair | $499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | sealed | - |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome waveguide tweeter, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 2x 6.5” paper Kevlar side mounted subwoofers | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 15”H x 8”W x 14”D (381 x 203 x 356 mm) | 18.1”H x 10.1”W x 12.4”D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined) | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-20kHz +/-1.0dB | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 36.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 2,300Hz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | United States | - |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.07 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.57 | - |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog), WiSA wireless | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | 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, 5.1 |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 3, 2026 at 10:26 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
Mesanovic CDM65: $5,998 per pair Front End Audio eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show a very even 1.1dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and an 8.57 ideal-subwoofer preference score, strong evidence for natural tonal balance. Measured -3dB bass extension is 36.6Hz. Switchable cardioid operation offers useful control of rearward radiation; an optional WiSA hub adds wireless system integration. Measured bass extension of 36.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Cardioid operation and bass tuning affect placement and output, so use the appropriate mode for the room. A subwoofer is still useful for deep bass at high levels. These are substantial, roughly 14.5kg cabinets, and the optional hub adds cost rather than being necessary for wired playback.
Full Mesanovic CDM65 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 29.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 36.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | United States |
| Crossover Frequency | 150Hz, 2,300Hz |
| Dimensions | 15”H x 8”W x 14”D (381 x 203 x 356 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” aluminum dome waveguide tweeter, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 2x 6.5” paper Kevlar side mounted subwoofers |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz-20kHz +/-1.0dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog), WiSA wireless |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.57 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier R2850DB: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A large self-powered three-way pair with digital and analog source switching and proper left/right separation. Consumer Reports found accurate, detailed sound with strong, deep bass, a broad enough soundfield and enough clean output for a large room. It is a compelling simple system for TV, desktop or living-room music without buying a separate amplifier.
Cons: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy. Consumer Reports also hears mildly grainy/hazy mids, subdued treble and a two-dimensional image despite the two cabinets. As an integrated system it is less upgradeable than separate passive speakers and an amplifier.
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1”H x 10.1”W x 12.4”D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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