Dayton Audio T652-AIR vs. Presonus Eris E3.5

Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers Presonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitor
MSRP
$250 $100
Dimensions (H × W × D)
30.00” × 7.10” × 9.50”
762mm × 180mm × 241mm
10.24” × 7.00” × 7.68”
260mm × 178mm × 195mm
Power Type
Passive Powered
Frequency Response
45-20,000 Hz 80-20,000 Hz
ASR Score
n/a 1.5
ASR Score w/Subwoofer
n/a 4.3
Amazon.com
Amazon.com

Key Takeaways

TLDR Summary: In the realm of accessible high-fidelity sound, the Dayton Audio T652-AIR tower speakers and PreSonus Eris E3.5 studio monitors cater to different audio enthusiasts. The T652-AIRs stand tall, delivering spacious sound with their Air Motion Transformer tweeters offering detailed highs, while the compact Eris E3.5s provide a clear and accurate near-field experience for critical listening. The Dayton towers excel in filling rooms with sound, while PreSonus monitors are designed for precise audio production work. Choosing between them hinges on user needs: immersive listening or studio mixing. Both, however, represent remarkable value in their respective classes.

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to creating an immersive audio experience in the comfort of your own space, few things are as crucial as the choice of speakers. Today, we're venturing into the realm of budget-friendly, yet sonically impressive offerings from two reputable brands. The Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 3.5” Near Field Studio Monitors are poised on opposite ends of the speaker spectrum, one aimed at the audiophile home listener and the other at the budding audio professional. Yet, both seek to offer the best bang for the buck in their respective categories.

Design Philosophy: Home Audio vs. Studio Precision

The Dayton Audio T652-AIR stands tall, quite literally, as a slender floor-standing speaker designed for the home audio enthusiast. With its dual 6.5" woofers, it promises room-filling sound and a presence that's hard to overlook. Conversely, the PreSonus Eris E3.5, with its compact 3.5" drivers, is a near-field studio monitor built for precision and accuracy, catering to content creators and audio professionals looking for an intimate listening experience. The disparities in design are reflective of their intended use; the T652-AIR aims to blend with your living space, while the E3.5 focuses on a no-frills approach to critical listening.

Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers
Dayton Audio T652-AIR arrow (at Amazon.com)

Sonic Characteristics: Embracing the Air

Dayton Audio has equipped the T652-AIR with an 'Air Motion Transformer' (AMT) tweeter to deliver detailed highs with a lifelike presence. This technology allows for speedy response times and delicate sound reproduction, often found in more expensive speakers. The T652-AIR's soundstage is remarkably broad for its price point, offering a sense of openness that is rare in budget tower speakers. Meanwhile, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 monitors present a more restrained high end, designed to reveal flaws in mixes rather than embellish the audio. Their goal is accuracy, ensuring that what you hear is what you get, making them ideal for audio editing and mixing tasks.

Power and Versatility: Meeting Different Needs

Power handling is another area where these two contenders diverge significantly. The T652-AIR, being a passive speaker, requires a separate amplifier to drive it, allowing users the flexibility to pair it with an amp that matches their desired sound signature. On the other hand, the Eris E3.5 monitors are active, with a built-in amplifier tuned specifically for the speakers it houses. This plug-and-play convenience is a boon for those with limited space or without the desire to explore the world of amplifiers. As such, the E3.5s offer an easier setup process, particularly appealing to those who crave simplicity with their setup.

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

The versatility of the PreSonus Eris E3.5 also extends to its connectivity options, including balanced TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs, which allow for direct connection to audio interfaces or mixers. This is a stark contrast to the single wire terminal found on the Dayton T652-AIR, which is standard for passive home speakers but less flexible when it comes to professional audio setups. However, this simplicity in connection methods is often what the home audio enthusiast is looking for – a straightforward path to enjoying music and other multimedia content.

Value for Money: Maximizing the Audio Dollar

In terms of value, both the Dayton Audio T652-AIR and the PreSonus Eris E3.5 provide exceptional returns on investment, albeit serving different niches within the audio industry. The T652-AIR offers an impressive scale of sound that belies its modest price tag, making it an attractive proposition for those looking to venture into the world of hi-fi without breaking the bank. In contrast, the Eris E3.5 studio monitors, though slightly pricier per pair than a single T652-AIR speaker, come as a complete package designed for critical listening and multimedia production, presenting a clear value proposition for the aspiring audio professional or serious hobbyist.

The final verdict rests on the unique needs and desires of the listener. If your heart beats for expansive sound that fills your living space and wraps you in the warmth of your favorite tunes, the Dayton Audio T652-AIR towers could very well be your next speakers. For the meticulous ears of an audio editor, producer, or anyone who values precision over power, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 stands as a gateway to professional-grade monitoring. Whichever path you choose, both these options remind us that great sound doesn't have to empty your wallet, and that, dear audiophiles, is music to our ears.


Check Current Prices:

Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower Speakers
Dayton Audio T652-AIR Tower 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

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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.