Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus for better sound quality, the Presonus Eris E5 for the lower price. The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus ranks #32 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers at $699.99. The Presonus Eris E5 ranks #39 at $109.99, $590 cheaper.
What the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus offers: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. A waveguide plus phase plug on the tweeter helps spread off-axis energy more evenly, giving good vertical consistency. Included remote controls volume, source, and separate treble/mid-bass trim, letting you tune the tonal balance without a computer or app. Subwoofer output with automatic 80/125 Hz crossover engagement when a sub is connected. Extensive wired inputs: USB, optical, coax, and analog, plus Bluetooth. 240W total power is enough headroom for near-field desktop use or a small-to-medium living room. Watch for: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it. A minor scoop in the 1-2 kHz mid-range is audible in A/B comparison but not problematic on its own. No HDMI input, a drawback if you want to use these as TV speakers via ARC. Like most stand-mount speakers this size, real output below about 40 Hz needs a subwoofer - the reviewer recommends pairing one regardless of use case just to take headroom pressure off the mains.
What the Presonus Eris E5 offers: Rated 3.8 in the SpeakerRanking database. Watch for: More HiFi sounding than the HS5 and not quite as detailed, although with deeper bass and a more fun listen.
Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Presonus Eris E5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | Presonus Eris E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | $109.99 |
| Ranked | #32 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) | 80w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) | 10.2"H x 7"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. A waveguide plus phase plug on the tweeter helps spread off-axis energy more evenly, giving good vertical consistency. Included remote controls volume, source, and separate treble/mid-bass trim, letting you tune the tonal balance without a computer or app. Subwoofer output with automatic 80/125 Hz crossover engagement when a sub is connected. Extensive wired inputs: USB, optical, coax, and analog, plus Bluetooth. 240W total power is enough headroom for near-field desktop use or a small-to-medium living room.
Cons: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it. A minor scoop in the 1-2 kHz mid-range is audible in A/B comparison but not problematic on its own. No HDMI input, a drawback if you want to use these as TV speakers via ARC. Like most stand-mount speakers this size, real output below about 40 Hz needs a subwoofer - the reviewer recommends pairing one regardless of use case just to take headroom pressure off the mains.
Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) |
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Presonus Eris E5: $109.99 Amazon eBay
Cons: More HiFi sounding than the HS5 and not quite as detailed, although with deeper bass and a more fun listen.
Full Presonus Eris E5 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 |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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