Short answer: the Palmer STUDIMON 5 for better sound quality, the Edifier MR4 for the lower price. The Palmer STUDIMON 5 ranks #68 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.6/5, at $599.98. The Edifier MR4 ranks #72, rated 3.5/5, at $169.99, $429.99 cheaper.
The case for the Palmer STUDIMON 5: A plain compact studio monitor with balanced XLR and TRS inputs that fits easily into a home studio setup. Watch for: The trace spans 4.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and estimates -3dB bass around 80Hz, with local irregularities despite the level overall trend.
What the Edifier MR4 does well: A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Palmer STUDIMON 5 lacks. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend.
Buy the Palmer STUDIMON 5 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Edifier MR4 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
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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
| Palmer STUDIMON 5 | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599.98 per pair | $169.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #68 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.75” soft-dome tweeter, 5” woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 7.5W x 8.5D in | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) each | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 60W each (30W LF, 30W HF) | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Country | Germany (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.48 | 3.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 | 6.00 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| 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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