In a time of constantly rising prices, finding a bargain seems to get harder, especially in the tech arena. With financial headwinds like currency fluctuations, shipping costs and import tariffs, there is real pressure now on tech pricing.
However, now and again, a product comes along that appears to offer more features and performance than its headline price would suggest. One of those products is the new Eris Accent range of powered speakers from PreSonus, a division of the mighty Fender Corporation, makers of some of the most iconic guitars on the planet.
Movies, Music Or Studio
Designed for anyone looking for a pair of premium-sounding powered speakers without being bulky like a lot of studio gear these days, the compact Eris Accent bookshelf speakers are designed for playing music, movies or just everyday entertainment, but they could easily double as a pair of studio monitors for anyone setting up their first home recording studio.
Wired Or Bluetooth
PreSonus offers two versions of these speakers. The first is the Eris Accent, while the second is the Eris Accent BT. The second model comes with Bluetooth connectivity; more output and a few extra inputs. The base model Eris Accent speakers are equipped with both USB-C and RCA inputs so they can connect to record players, radio receivers, computers and other audio sources.
These speakers also come with an RCA sub-out, which means you can add a subwoofer to deliver a bit of extra oomph in the bottom end of the frequency range. There’s no need to download any apps or software to set up and drive these speakers, as they are plug-and-play and work straight out of the box.
The Eris Accent have a built-in amplifier with a total of 50W output, which is 25W per channel. The frequency range starts at a rumbly 55Hz and goes up to a bat-squeaking 20kHz, while the SPL tops out at 85dB. The speaker cabinets have a wood-grain finish that can blend in with most styles of décor, whether they are used in the living room, bedroom, office or home studio.
Bookshelf Powered Speakers
PreSonus has fitted a 4-inch woofer in each speaker and paired it with a ½-inch silk dome tweeter. The crossover is set at 2.8kHz to give an even balance between clear highs, rich mids and a reasonably punchy bass.
The primary speaker has controls for volume, treble and bass to shape the sound to suit your tastes. There are also controls for power and source selection. There is even an infrared remote control included to avoid fiddling with the rotary controls built into the main speaker cabinet.
If you want a little more from your speakers, then PreSonus also sells the Eris Accent BT, which is virtually the same physical speaker but comes with a few important extras for not a lot more money.
Bluetooth Connectivity
To begin with, the Eris Accent BT speakers offer a little more power with an output of 60W or 30W per channel. The frequency range goes from 55Hz to 20kHz while the peak SPL is a tad higher at 88dB, making the speakers suitable for playing music, watching movies, gaming or creative work in a home studio.
The Eris Accent BT have the same 4-inch woofer and crisp 1/2″ silk dome tweeter with a 2.8kHz crossover as the base model. There are also the same controls onboard for volume, treble, bass, power and source selection. You also get a remote control to save your legs.
Thanks to support for Bluetooth 5.3, these speakers can be used to stream using a computer, tablet or smartphone. The Eris Accent BT speakers also have inputs for USB-C, optical and coaxial for high-quality wired connections with TVs, media streamers or gaming consoles. In addition, there are also analog RCA and ⅛-inch stereo inputs that can turn the speakers into a compact audio hub for almost any setup.
Pricing and Availability:
The PreSonus Eris Accent powered speakers are available now and priced at $139.99 / £89 / €100. The Eris Accent BT with Bluetooth, more output and extra inputs are priced at $159.99 / £129 / €149. Available from PreSonus, Amazon UK and Amazon EU as well as other retailers.
Tech Specs:
PreSonus Eris Accent.
- Type: Powered bookshelf speakers.
- Woofer: 4-inch.
- Tweeter: ½-inch silk dome.
- Output: 50W / 25W per channel.
- Max SPL: 85db.
- Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Power, Source.
- Remote control: Yes.
- Inputs: RCA, USB-C.
- Outputs: RCA Sub.
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 160 x 232 x 160mm.
- Weight: 4kg.
PreSonus Eris Accent BT
- Type: Powered bookshelf speakers.
- Woofer: 4-inch.
- Tweeter: ½-inch silk dome.
- Output: 60W / 30W per channel.
- Max SPL: 88db.
- Controls: Volume, Treble, Bass, Power, Source.
- Remote control: Yes.
- Inputs: RCA, USB-C, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth audio codecs: SBC, AAC.
- Digital file support via USB: MP3, MP2, WMA, APE, FLAC, AAC, MP4 / M4A, WAV (PCM, IMA-ADPCM), AIF / AIFF, AIFC.
- Outputs: RCA Sub.
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 160 x 232 x 160mm.
- Weight: 4.3kg.
