Short answer: the Edifier MR4. It ranks #72 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5) at $169.99 and is still sold new; the Midiplus MI5 II ranks #97 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Midiplus MI5 II’s replacement, the Midiplus MI5 II V2, is rated 3.1/5 at $169.
Why pick the Midiplus MI5 II: An inexpensive powered monitor pair with balanced inputs, Bluetooth and fairly deep bass for the size. Watch for: The 2.24 standalone and 4.53 ideal-subwoofer scores show significant problems above the bass region.
The Edifier MR4 is the more accurate pick. A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.25 against 2.24 for the Midiplus MI5 II. The catch: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend.
Buy the Edifier MR4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Midiplus MI5 II is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Midiplus MI5 II | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 per pair Discontinued | $169.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #97 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Weight | 9.1 lbs (4.14 kg) | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch fiberglass woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS per pair | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB | - |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Dimensions | 10.1H x 6.7W x 9.4D in | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.24 | 3.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.53 | 6.00 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
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