Short answer: the Dayton Audio M4. It ranks #54 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $249.98; the Onkyo GX-30ARC ranks #57, rated 3.7/5, and costs $349, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Onkyo GX-30ARC: A compact desk or TV speaker pair with HDMI ARC, optical and USB inputs in one simple setup. The catch: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave.
Why pick the Dayton Audio M4: A compact, affordable powered desk pair with Bluetooth, USB-C, a subwoofer output and a soft, unfatiguing treble. Watch for: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB.
Buy the Dayton Audio M4. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Onkyo GX-30ARC and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Onkyo GX-30ARC | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 per pair | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Amplifier Power | Class D amplification | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Country | Japan (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes (RCA) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| App | - | No |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
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