Sub $200 Self-Powered Bookshelf Speakers in 2021 Market?

[RajuBhai]

Hi everyone,

I’m by no means an audiophile, but I want to get the best bang for buck, and after looking at many articles on Bookshelf Speakers vs Passive Speakers with Mini Amp / Receiver, I have come to the conclusion Self-Powered Bookshelf Speakers are better value. I’m looking to buy speakers in the 100 GBP - 50 GBP range (I can go a little bit over budget - up to 200 USD). I usually fall prey to marketing, and have bought Speakers based on Wattage, Dolby Digital / THX Certification, but now I’d like to buy for the long-term, and have a versatile Setup that will perform well for Gaming on the new Xbox, Movies, Music and Content Consumption (Spotify, YouTube and Netflix). Have I made the right decision going with Self-Powered Bookshelf Speakers based on my intended usage? I have considered Presonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors, as it has caught my eye being so lowly priced, and its many praises in reviews. But, I’ve held off on my purchase as I want to know the community’s recommendations (I can also integrate larger speakers in my setup too, I’m all for options)

The options I have been looking at so far:
Fluance Ai40 (2019 Model, 165 GBP) [Not Available in UK Market until May 2021]
Edifier R1280DB (2018 Model, 120 GBP) [Non-BT: 75 GBP]
Edifier R1850DB (2019 Model, 160 GBP) [Anyone know Non-BT Variant?]
Presonus Eris 3.5 Studio Monitors (2018 Model, 110 GBP) [Non-BT: 85 GBP]
Mackie CR series? Who are Edifier "S" series of Speakers for?

• Are these Speakers still worth it or has Competition released an Edifier R1280 Killer? (Should I wait for new products to make its way onto the market)
• In order to receive Audio from Xbox (HDMI Connection), I’m going to hook it up to my Monitor (3.5mm Input Available). RCA to 3.5 mm or 1/4" TRS Cable to PC ? I’d appreciate some Suggestions on how to hook up 1/4" TRS to PC

 

[Rayman30]

B stock JBL LSR305's if you can get them are great bang for the buck, also for a 2.1 Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 are great for games and movies. But if I had to choose from that list, I think I would get the Edifier R1850DB,

Put on a pair of neutral headphones and checkout this Youtube channel for comparisons, its not the same as auditioning in person but it beats a blank.

 

[witchdoctor]

Yes, you have made the right decision to get self powered speakers. I have been able to score amazing active speakers that were 75% off retail that are part of DTS Play-Fi. DTS Play-Fi is a home audio network that you operate with an app via a wireless network. Basically you connect the speaker to wireless, open the app, and play a music service like Tidal or from files stored on your network. I have bought speakers from Polk, Deftech, and Klipsch for less than $100 USD that were originally $400 USD and are great. I have them in rooms around the house. See here:

https://play-fi.com/products/

 

[Dan R]

JBL 305P MKII are $99 each, free shipping, on Amazon now. If you'd like them in "Super White" you can get the same deal at Guitar Center.

 

[M00ndancer]

JBL 305P MKII are $99 each, free shipping, on Amazon now. If you'd like them in "Super White" you can get the same deal at Guitar Center.

Really great value, go get them NOW! Before they are out of stock.

 

[M00ndancer]

In order to receive Audio from Xbox (HDMI Connection), I’m going to hook it up to my Monitor (3.5mm Input Available). RCA to 3.5 mm or 1/4" TRS Cable to PC ? I’d appreciate some Suggestions on how to hook up 1/4" TRS to PC

What model of Xbox? What else is going to get connected to the speakers?