Short answer: the E5, and the XT’s own review admits it. The E5 ranks #77 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers at $186.98; the XT ranks #70 at $239.98, $53 more, with cons that state directly it isn’t as good as the standard E5. The PreSonus Eris E5 has been replaced by the PreSonus Eris Studio 5. The PreSonus Eris E5 XT has been replaced by the PreSonus Eris Studio 5. If you are buying new, get the PreSonus Eris Studio 5.
Both are pitched as more hifi than reference-neutral, with the E5 described as not quite as detailed as the Yamaha HS5 but with deeper bass and a more fun listen. The XT is compared instead to the KRK Rokit 5 G4, very close but slightly more colored.
There isn’t a clear reason the XT costs more, since our own notes don’t identify a specific advantage it holds over its cheaper sibling.
Buy the E5. Between two speakers from the same brand where one’s own review says it’s worse, the choice is straightforward.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A low cost 5 inch studio monitor with a fuller low end, balanced and RCA inputs, and placement adjustment.
An affordable 5 inch studio monitor with fairly deep bass and balanced XLR, TRS and RCA inputs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| PreSonus Eris E5 | PreSonus Eris E5 XT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $186.98 per pair Discontinued | $239.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #77 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #70 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 80w Per Speaker | 80w Per Speaker |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | 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 | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 56.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 46.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.00 |
Watch Them Compared
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