Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the PreSonus Eris E5 is the better pick: it ranks #77 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.3/5), against #97 (rated 3.0/5) for the Midiplus MI5 II. If you want one new, the PreSonus Eris Studio 5 replaces the PreSonus Eris E5 and is rated 3.6/5 at $299.98.
Why pick the Midiplus MI5 II: An inexpensive powered monitor pair with balanced inputs, Bluetooth and fairly deep bass for the size. It keeps a wired aux input, which the PreSonus Eris E5 lacks. Watch for: The 2.24 standalone and 4.53 ideal-subwoofer scores show significant problems above the bass region.
The case for the PreSonus Eris E5: A low cost 5 inch studio monitor with a fuller low end, balanced and RCA inputs, and placement adjustment. The catch: A fuller bass balance is not necessarily neutral.
Buy the PreSonus Eris E5 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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Midiplus MI5 II | PreSonus Eris E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $169 per pair Discontinued | $186.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #97 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #77 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Weight | 9.1 lbs (4.14 kg) | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch fiberglass woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS per pair | 80w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB | - |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Dimensions | 10.1H x 6.7W x 9.4D in | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.24 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.53 | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
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