Short answer: the Neumi BS5. It ranks #22 of 88 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $139.99. The Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit ranks #66, rated 2.5/5, at $119.98, $20.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Neumi BS5: Exceptional budget value: Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB on-axis linearity through most of the mid/treble, 84dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity and a manageable 4.6-ohm minimum. Watch for: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension.
The case for the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit: Inexpensive, beginner-friendly CNC flat-pack kit with a compact 8 x 5-inch desktop footprint and only one 3.5-inch full-range driver per channel. The tradeoff: Despite the ‘full-range’ label, output rolls off around 120-150Hz and a subwoofer with an unusually high 100-200Hz crossover is effectively mandatory.
Buy the Neumi BS5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $20.01 you would save on the Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Neumi BS5 | Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $119.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #22 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 88 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 98.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 69.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 84dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 81dB @ 1W/1m (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner and manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4.6 ohms minimum; approximately 6 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms (manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer | 3.5” Dayton Audio PS95-8 full-range driver |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | ported, bottom |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.60 | 2.11 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.12 | 5.35 (spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 7.2”W x 8.5”D (269.2 x 182.9 x 215.9 mm) | 8”H x 5”W x 6.5”D (203 x 127 x 165 mm) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 120Hz-20kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | - | 10W RMS / 20W maximum; 25W RMS with 50Hz high-pass |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Neumi BS5 compares with other leading options:
- KEF LS50 Meta vs Neumi BS5
- XMechanik Mechano23 DIY vs Neumi BS5
- Arendal 1961 Monitor vs Neumi BS5
- Emotiva B1+ vs Neumi BS5
- KEF Q150 vs Neumi BS5
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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
Neumi BS5: $139.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Exceptional budget value: Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB on-axis linearity through most of the mid/treble, 84dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity and a manageable 4.6-ohm minimum. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer and 1-inch silk dome provide good horizontal directivity for the price; a mild upper-bass rise adds punch, and ordinary modern AVRs can generally drive the mostly six-ohm load at sensible levels. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension. Output around 90dB began to reveal distortion and compression, limiting farfield/high-volume use. A narrow dip near 800Hz, port/cabinet resonances and imperfect crossover directivity remain visible; the tweeter itself is approximately four ohms even though the system is sold as nominal six ohms. A subwoofer is strongly preferred.
Full Neumi BS5 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 7.2”W x 8.5”D (269.2 x 182.9 x 215.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer |
| Impedance | 4.6 ohms minimum; approximately 6 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Approximately 84dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.12 |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit: $119.98 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: Inexpensive, beginner-friendly CNC flat-pack kit with a compact 8 x 5-inch desktop footprint and only one 3.5-inch full-range driver per channel. The point-source layout avoids a conventional woofer/tweeter crossover and, when listened to around 20 degrees above the driver as intended, can produce precise near-field imaging. Erin measured roughly 81dB sensitivity, consistent with Parts Express’s specification. The included baffle-step network improves lower-midrange balance, while the optional series inductor reduces the driver’s rising top end; Erin recommends retaining it. Several remaining narrow peaks can be corrected with desktop software EQ. Bottom porting conserves desk space, and unfinished MDF invites custom finishing. Measured bass extension of 98.1Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.
Cons: Despite the ‘full-range’ label, output rolls off around 120-150Hz and a subwoofer with an unusually high 100-200Hz crossover is effectively mandatory. Native response has resonances near roughly 2.1kHz and 8kHz plus a broad 14-20kHz rise of 5-8dB, so it is not smooth without the supplied network and additional EQ. Distortion already exceeds 3% in places at 86dB/1m and becomes extreme at 96dB. Erin’s multitone test approached -10dB distortion (roughly 30%) full-range at the highest level, accompanied by 3-4dB compression; even a 200Hz high-pass leaves roughly 3-5% distortion and 2-3dB compression. The angled cabinet demands a specific near-field ear height, and its very low sensitivity plus 10W RMS power rating leave almost no clean-output headroom for room listening.
Full Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 69.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 98.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | Yes |
| Dimensions | 8”H x 5”W x 6.5”D (203 x 127 x 165 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5” Dayton Audio PS95-8 full-range driver |
| Frequency Response | 120Hz-20kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms (manufacturer specified) |
| Power Handling | 10W RMS / 20W maximum; 25W RMS with 50Hz high-pass |
| Sensitivity | 81dB @ 1W/1m (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner and manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.11 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.35 (spinorama.org) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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