Short answer: the Dayton Audio M4. It ranks #53 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $249.98 and is still sold new; the PreSonus Eris E5 XT ranks #69 (rated 3.5/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The PreSonus Eris E5 XT’s replacement, the PreSonus Eris Studio 5, is rated 3.6/5.
The PreSonus Eris E5 XT is the deeper-bass pick. ASR’s measurements show reasonably consistent directivity through the crossover, so EQ changes are more likely to benefit both direct and reflected sound. Its bass reaches about 56.4Hz before falling 3dB, against 121Hz for the Dayton Audio M4. Watch for: The response has bass and treble emphasis with a recessed crossover region; smooth directivity carries that imbalance into room reflections rather than fixing it.
Why pick the Dayton Audio M4: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. It keeps a wired aux input, which the PreSonus Eris E5 XT lacks. 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; the PreSonus Eris E5 XT is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| PreSonus Eris E5 XT | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.98 per pair Discontinued | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #69 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #53 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 80w Per Speaker | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.58 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (RCA) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Dayton Audio M4 compares with other leading options:
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Dayton Audio M4
- Genelec 8030C vs Dayton Audio M4
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Dayton Audio M4
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Dayton Audio M4
- Genelec 8320A vs Dayton Audio M4
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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
PreSonus Eris E5 XT: $239.98 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the PreSonus Eris Studio 5, ranked higher, estimated 3.6/5.
Older model: the PreSonus Eris E5 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every PreSonus Eris generation.
Same family: the PreSonus Eris E8 XT (larger bookshelf, estimated 3.7/5).
Pros: ASR’s measurements show reasonably consistent directivity through the crossover, so EQ changes are more likely to benefit both direct and reflected sound. Bass reaches -3dB around 56Hz. A standalone preference score of 3.58 rises to 6.00 with an ideal subwoofer, indicating useful bass reach but only moderate native tonal performance. Measured bass extension of 56.4Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The response has bass and treble emphasis with a recessed crossover region; smooth directivity carries that imbalance into room reflections rather than fixing it. Existing distortion testing shows problems across a broad range when pushed to 96dB. Tone correction and moderate levels help, but it is not a reference-flat monitor out of the box. Discontinued.
Full PreSonus Eris E5 XT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: New PreSonus E5 XT and Yamaha HS5 could not sound any more different! SOUND AND RESPONSE COMPARISON More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Bright and brighter. PreSonus E5 XT takes on Adam Audio T5V SOUND & FREQUENCY RESPONSE COMPARISON
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs PreSonus Eris E5 (new vs old) Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus E7 XT vs PreSonus E5 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus Eris E8 XT vs PreSonus Eris E5 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus E5 XT vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs Edifier MR4.5
- PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs Edifier MR4
- PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs Palmer STUDIMON 5
- PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs ADAM Audio A4V
- PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs KRK Classic 5
- PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs Yamaha HS5
- PreSonus Eris E5 XT vs M-Audio BX4 D3
- See all 54 comparisons
Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. The existing review describes reasonable linearity for the price and a subdued upper treble that avoids an aggressively bright presentation. It is best considered for a close desktop setup. Measured bass extension of 121Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB. The soft treble is a tonal preference, not evidence of reference neutrality; a subwoofer does not establish greater midrange headroom.
Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (RCA) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dayton Audio M4 vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- Dayton Audio M4 vs Onkyo GX-30ARC
- Dayton Audio M4 vs Kanto YU
- Dayton Audio M4 vs KRK Rokit 5 G4
- Dayton Audio M4 vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- Dayton Audio M4 vs Kali Audio LP-UNF
- Dayton Audio M4 vs JBL 705P
- Dayton Audio M4 vs M-Audio BX5 D3
- See all 45 comparisons