Short answer: the Onkyo GX-30ARC. It ranks #39 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $349; the Edifier S1000MKII ranks #56, rated 3.3/5, and costs $499.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
Why pick the Onkyo GX-30ARC: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical and analog inputs make it a convenient compact system for a desk or TV. Watch for: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave.
The case for the Edifier S1000MKII: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. The catch: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates.
Buy the Onkyo GX-30ARC. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Edifier S1000MKII and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Onkyo GX-30ARC | Edifier S1000MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349 per pair | $499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #39 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #56 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Amplifier Power | Class D amplification | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | None |
| Country | Japan (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.3 | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX HD |
| EQ | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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
Onkyo GX-30ARC: $349 per pair Onkyo eBay
Pros: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical and analog inputs make it a convenient compact system for a desk or TV. Erin’s Klippel data gives a 3.69 standalone preference score and 6.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The midrange response spans 3.8dB, offering usable but not reference-level tonal performance.
Cons: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave. Bass reaches -3dB around 74Hz, not the lower LFX value used inside the preference model. Vertical listening position affects crossover balance. Its extensive connectivity does not compensate for response irregularities, and the published tonal data alone does not establish maximum clean output.
Full Onkyo GX-30ARC review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | Class D amplification |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.3 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Japan (design) |
| Dimensions | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.42 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier S1000MKII: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. Consumer Reports rates its sound accurate and detailed, so it is a strong one-box alternative to separate amplifier-and-speaker systems for nearfield or small-room listening.
Cons: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates. These are mains-powered speakers rather than portable wireless speakers, and their size and left/right cabling need a planned desktop or stand setup. No independent measurements exist; reviews are limited to informal listening comparisons.
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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