Short answer: the Presonus Eris E5 XT. It ranks #16 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $119.99; the Neumi BS5P ranks #35 and costs $150, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Presonus Eris E5 XT offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: More HiFi sounding than a studio monitor.
What the Neumi BS5P offers: Exceptionally broad connectivity for the price: Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, remote control and 75W total amplification. Watch for: The original firmware Erin reviewed produces a pronounced V-curve—excess midbass and treble with recessed dialogue/midrange—and is a fidelity step backward from the passive BS5.
Buy the Presonus Eris E5 XT. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Neumi BS5P and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Neumi BS5P. It ranks near the bottom of the 36 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Presonus Eris E5 XT | Neumi BS5P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $119.99 | $150/pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #35 of 36 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) | - |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 80w Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension | - | Erin’s response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Power | - | 75W total |
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More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Edifier R1700BT vs Donner Dyna 3
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Donner Dyna 3
- Dayton Audio M4 vs Donner Dyna 3
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Edifier M60 vs Presonus Eris E5 XT
The Two Speakers In Full
Presonus Eris E5 XT: $119.99 Amazon
Cons: More HiFi sounding than a studio monitor. Not as good as the E5. Very close to the Rokit 5, but these sound slightly colored.
Full Presonus Eris E5 XT review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 80w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- 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
- 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
- Reddit Search for Presonus Eris E5 XT Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Presonus Eris E5
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs JBL 305P MKII
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs KRK Classic 5
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Edifier R1700BT
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Audioengine HD4
- Presonus Eris E5 XT vs Donner Dyna 3
- See all 9 comparisons
Neumi BS5P: $150/pair Amazon
Pros: Exceptionally broad connectivity for the price: Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA inputs, remote control and 75W total amplification. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer/1-inch silk-dome platform has generally useful directivity outside port resonances and therefore responds well to corrective EQ. Compact dimensions and ample nearfield volume make it practical for a desk or small room.
Cons: The original firmware Erin reviewed produces a pronounced V-curve—excess midbass and treble with recessed dialogue/midrange—and is a fidelity step backward from the passive BS5. Nearfield treble above 8kHz rises as much as 4dB relative to farfield, distortion is already substantial at 86dB, and compression becomes severe above 96dB. Port resonances further contaminate the response. Erin later measured improved firmware, but buyers must confirm revision. Passive sensitivity and impedance are not applicable.
Full Neumi BS5P review and specifications →
| Bass Extension | Erin's response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter; 5" fiberglass woofer |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA |
| Power | 75W total |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons