Dayton Audio MK402BTX vs. Presonus Eris E3.5

Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
MSRP
$150 $100
Dimensions (H × W × D)
9.50” × 5.75” × 6.63”
241mm × 146mm × 168mm
10.24” × 7.00” × 7.68”
260mm × 178mm × 195mm
Power Type
Powered Powered
Frequency Response
60-20,000 Hz 80-20,000 Hz
ASR Score
3.7 1.5
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
6.1 4.3
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: Navigating the compact powered speaker landscape, the Dayton Audio MK402BTX brings affordable Bluetooth convenience with a punchy sound profile, aimed at casual listening. Its built-in amplifier and wireless capabilities offer a user-friendly experience. In contrast, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 is tailored for the budding audio engineer, with its flat frequency response and detailed imaging for precise near-field monitoring. These speakers emphasize accuracy over embellishment, crucial for mixing tasks. Choosing between them hinges on usage: the MK402BTX for easy, everyday listening, and the Eris E3.5 for critical audio work in a home studio setup.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to setting up an intimate listening space, the quest for the perfect set of compact speakers can be both exciting and daunting. Among the myriad of options vying for the audiophile's attention, two models stand out for their affordability and performance: the Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers and the Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor. Both these units promise to deliver an immersive sound experience, but they cater to slightly different audiences and use cases, which is what we'll explore in this side-by-side comparison.

The Tale of Connectivity and Convenience

The Dayton Audio MK402BTX steps ahead with its built-in Bluetooth functionality, making it a breeze for users to wirelessly stream music from their smartphones, tablets, or computers. This feature speaks to the casual listener who prioritizes convenience and ease of use in their daily listening routine. On the flip side, the Presonus Eris E3.5, being a studio monitor, leans more towards a wired setup, emphasizing stable and static connections that are crucial in a professional or semi-professional audio production environment.

Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Dayton Audio MK402BTX arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sound Signature and Accuracy

The Presonus Eris E3.5 studio monitors are engineered for accuracy, offering a flat frequency response that's essential for mixing and mastering tasks. They convey every nuance of the sound, uncolored and precise, which is a must for audio professionals needing to make critical decisions based on what they hear. The Dayton Audio MK402BTX, while offering an enjoyable listening experience, is tailored more towards consumer enjoyment, with a sound signature that's likely to be more colored and less flat, emphasizing certain frequencies to deliver a more "fun" listening experience.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design, both the Dayton and Presonus speakers exhibit a no-nonsense, functional aesthetic, with the latter sporting a more industrial look that's common in studio environments. The build quality of the Presonus Eris E3.5 is robust, designed to withstand the rigors of studio use. The Dayton Audio MK402BTX speakers, while decently constructed for their price point, may not match the tank-like build of studio monitors but are more than adequate for everyday home use.

Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 arrow (at Amazon.com)

The Dayton speakers have a unique trait in their form factor, with a slightly angled front baffle that aims to enhance the stereo imaging and deliver a better soundstage to the listener in a typical home environment. This thoughtful design touch shows Dayton's commitment to providing an immersive experience despite the speakers' compact size and budget-friendly nature.

Bass Response and Low-End Handling

Bass response is another critical differentiator between these two contenders. The MK402BTX boasts a 4" woofer, which coupled with a rear bass port, attempts to churn out a satisfying low-end punch. However, the smaller drivers in both these sets mean that neither will compete with larger systems when it comes to earth-shattering bass. The Eris E3.5, with its equally modest 3.5" driver, focuses on clarity over depth in the low frequencies, again highlighting its purpose for critical listening where accurate reproduction trumps raw power.

In conclusion, the Dayton Audio MK402BTX and the Presonus Eris E3.5 bring distinct advantages to the table, depending on the listener's preferences and requirements. The MK402BTX is the more casual, user-friendly option with wireless connectivity and a sound engineered for enjoyment right out of the box. The Eris E3.5, in contrast, serves the audio purist who seeks the truth in recordings, making it a staple in home studios. In the end, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize the convenience and warmth of the Dayton or the precision and honesty of the Presonus.


Check Current Prices:

Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Dayton Audio MK402BTX Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Disclaimer: the speaker data listed on this website are correct to the best of our knowledge, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of the data. Please double-check any measurements with the manufacturer before making a final purchasing decision.