Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus for better sound quality, the Topping MA4 for the lower price. The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus ranks #32 of 60 powered bookshelf speakers at $699.99. The Topping MA4 ranks #33 at $449, $250.99 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 Topping MA4 offers: Topping’s first loudspeaker, notable for deliberately skipping the DAC and DSP the company built its reputation on. A single balanced XLR input feeds a fully analog crossover, which Topping argues keeps the signal path free of extra conversion stages. The bass alignment measures a low Q of 0.452, rolling off cleanly rather than peaking, and extension reaches 49.8Hz at -3dB for a compact 4 inch two way, at a genuinely low price. Watch for: On axis deviation measures 0.503dB average, on the rougher side for this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.44. No USB, Bluetooth, or digital input of any kind, an unusual limitation from a DAC company and a real constraint if you want a simple all in one desktop setup. This is Topping’s first speaker with no track record in the category, and current US retail availability is limited, most confirmed stock is through European or Indian resellers.
Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Topping MA4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | Topping MA4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 | 449 EUR/pair |
| Ranked | #32 of 60 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 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 | 1" soft dome tweeter with waveguide, 4" paper cone woofer |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) | - |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth | - |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) | 10"H x 5.5"W x 11.3"D (255 x 140 x 288 mm) (10.04 x 5.51 x 11.34 in) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) | 8.3 lbs / 3.78 kg (8.33 lbs) each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 49.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 42.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) | 49Hz-20kHz +/-3dB |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Power Output (Watts) | - | 75W total (50W woofer, 25W tweeter, Class D) |
| Max SPL | - | 105dB @ 1m |
| Sensitivity | - | 92dB |
| Crossover Points | - | 1.3kHz |
| Warranty | - | 1-2 years (varies by region) |
| Country | - | China |
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- Edifier MR4 vs Dynaudio LYD 5
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- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Audioengine HD4
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs NHT Pro M-00
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) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier S2000MKIII
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Topping MA4: 449 EUR/pair Audiophonics eBay
Pros: Topping’s first loudspeaker, notable for deliberately skipping the DAC and DSP the company built its reputation on. A single balanced XLR input feeds a fully analog crossover, which Topping argues keeps the signal path free of extra conversion stages. The bass alignment measures a low Q of 0.452, rolling off cleanly rather than peaking, and extension reaches 49.8Hz at -3dB for a compact 4 inch two way, at a genuinely low price.
Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.503dB average, on the rougher side for this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.44. No USB, Bluetooth, or digital input of any kind, an unusual limitation from a DAC company and a real constraint if you want a simple all in one desktop setup. This is Topping’s first speaker with no track record in the category, and current US retail availability is limited, most confirmed stock is through European or Indian resellers.
Full Topping MA4 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data) |
| Country | China |
| Crossover Points | 1.3kHz |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 5.5"W x 11.3"D (255 x 140 x 288 mm) (10.04 x 5.51 x 11.34 in) |
| Drivers | 1" soft dome tweeter with waveguide, 4" paper cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz-20kHz +/-3dB |
| Max SPL | 105dB @ 1m |
| Power Output (Watts) | 75W total (50W woofer, 25W tweeter, Class D) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB |
| Warranty | 1-2 years (varies by region) |
| Weight | 8.3 lbs / 3.78 kg (8.33 lbs) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons