Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Presonus Eris E5 XT is the better pick: it ranks #68 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.5/5), against #93 (rated 2.8/5) for the JBL One Series 104. If you want one new, the PreSonus Eris Studio 5 replaces the Presonus Eris E5 XT and is rated 3.6/5 at $299.98.
The Presonus Eris E5 XT is the better-sounding option. ASR’s measurements show reasonably consistent directivity through the crossover, so EQ changes are more likely to benefit both direct and reflected sound. 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.
The JBL One Series 104 is the deeper-bass option. ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. Its bass reaches about 45Hz before falling 3dB, against 56.4Hz for the Presonus Eris E5 XT. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Presonus Eris E5 XT lacks. Watch for: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the Presonus Eris E5 XT only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the PreSonus Eris Studio 5, which replaces the Presonus Eris E5 XT.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Presonus Eris E5 XT | JBL One Series 104 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.98 per pair Discontinued | $129 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #68 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #93 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) |
| Amplifier Power | 80w Per Speaker | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.58 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| DSP | - | Yes |
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- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Neumann KH120 MKII
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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
JBL One Series 104: $129 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. Its internal equalization is part of the working speaker and should be included when assessing it, rather than judging the passive drivers with that correction bypassed. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer. The 4.9dB midrange span and a high-frequency cancellation around 7.4kHz indicate significant unevenness; the review also found some vocals bright and irritating. These are results for the original 104, not a verification of the later 104-BT. Discontinued.
Full JBL One Series 104 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) |
| Drivers | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL One Series 104 vs Edifier R1280T
- JBL One Series 104 vs NHT Pro M-00
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