Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP. It ranks #4 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,198. The Edifier MR5 ranks #78, rated 3.3/5, at $349.99, $848.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Neumann KH80 DSP is the better-sounding option. Compact studio monitors with extremely accurate sound and room tuning, ideal for a desk or small studio. Watch for: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II.
The Edifier MR5 is the deeper-bass choice. A three way desktop monitor pair with a dedicated midrange, LDAC Bluetooth, balanced inputs, app EQ and a headphone jack. Its bass reaches about 51Hz before falling 3dB, against 57Hz for the Neumann KH80 DSP. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Neumann KH80 DSP lacks. The catch: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $848.01 with the Edifier MR5 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | Edifier MR5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #78 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 10.8”W x 9.6”D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) | 6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 22.9 lbs (10.38 kg) |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | Yes (Edifier ConneX) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls) |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified) |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | 3.5mm headphone |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 6.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | LDAC, SBC |
| Measurement Source | - | Erin’s Audio Corner |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
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