Short answer: the Genelec 8331A. It ranks #1 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5) at $5,750 and is still sold new; the Presonus Eris E5 XT ranks #68 (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.
Why pick the Presonus Eris E5 XT: ASR’s measurements show reasonably consistent directivity through the crossover, so EQ changes are more likely to benefit both direct and reflected sound. The tradeoff: The response has bass and treble emphasis with a recessed crossover region; smooth directivity carries that imbalance into room reflections rather than fixing it.
The Genelec 8331A is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.57 against 3.58 for the Presonus Eris E5 XT. Its bass reaches about 49Hz before falling 3dB, against 56.4Hz for the Presonus Eris E5 XT. The catch: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
Buy the Genelec 8331A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Presonus Eris E5 XT is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Presonus Eris E5 XT | Genelec 8331A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.98 per pair Discontinued | $5,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #68 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 39Hz (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) | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 80w Per Speaker | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.58 | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | 8.51 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8331A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8331A
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
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).
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
Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8341A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8361A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.
Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons