Short answer: the Onkyo GX-30ARC for better sound quality, the Edifier MR4 for the lower price. The Onkyo GX-30ARC ranks #57 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.7/5, at $349. The Edifier MR4 ranks #72, rated 3.5/5, at $169.99, $179.01 cheaper.
What the Onkyo GX-30ARC does well: A compact desk or TV speaker pair with HDMI ARC, optical and USB inputs in one simple setup. Watch for: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave.
Why pick the Edifier MR4: A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend.
Buy the Onkyo GX-30ARC if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier MR4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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
| Onkyo GX-30ARC | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 per pair | $169.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Class D amplification | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | Headphone |
| Country | Japan (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 | 3.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 | 6.00 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | - |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| 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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