Presonus eris 5bt 2nd gen Active Studio Monitors

The PreSonus Eris 5BT 2nd Generation is a pair of active media reference monitors designed to bridge the gap between casual listening and home studio production. Released in late 2023, this update brings more power and refined voicing to one of the most popular budget monitor lines.

Key Improvements (2nd Gen vs. 1st Gen)

• Amplification Shift: The 2nd Gen moves to Class D amplification (100W total), providing more headroom and power efficiency compared to the older Class AB designs in this size category.

• Refined Voicing: PreSonus tuned the 2nd Gen for a smoother crossover transition and a slightly richer low-end response.

• Power Saver Mode: A new “Auto-Standby” feature kicks in after about 40 minutes of inactivity to save electricity (a feature that has received mixed feedback from users who prefer instant-on).

• Updated Industrial Design: A sleeker, more modern aesthetic that fits better in non-studio environments like gaming setups or living rooms.

Performance Profile

• The Sound: These are “Media Reference” monitors, meaning they are relatively flat but still pleasant for gaming and movies. The 5.25-inch woofer provides a much more substantial “thump” than the smaller 3.5 or 4.5 models.

• Connectivity: They are highly versatile. You can have your PC plugged into the balanced TRS inputs while simultaneously streaming music from your phone via Bluetooth.

• Controls: Unlike professional monitors where the power switch is often on the back, the Eris 5BT has the volume and power on the front, making them very convenient for desk use.

Points to Consider

• Active-Passive Design: Like most speakers in this price bracket, all the electronics are in the left speaker. The right speaker is “passive” and connects via a standard speaker wire.

• Acoustic Tuning: On the back, you’ll find ±6 dB knobs for both High and Low frequencies. This is helpful if you have them tucked into a corner and need to cut some “boomy” bass.

• Strict Monitoring: While great for content creation and hobbyist mixing, some audiophile reviews (like Audio Science Review) note that they have some resonances and distortion at very high volumes. If you are doing professional-level mastering, you might eventually want to look at the Eris Studio or Eris Pro series instead.

Build & Design

• Form Factor: Mid‑sized desktop monitors, ideal for medium rooms and studios
• Construction: Sturdy MDF cabinet with matte black finish
• Design: Rear‑ported for extended bass response
• Dimensions: ~260 × 180 × 200 mm
• Weight: ~6.4 kg (pair)

Applications

• Home Studio: Accurate monitoring with more bass depth than smaller Eris BT models
• Content Creation: Perfect for YouTubers, podcasters, and streamers needing reliable near‑field sound
• Casual Listening: Bluetooth makes them convenient for everyday music playback
• Education/Office: Suitable for classrooms or multimedia setups needing higher output

The PreSonus Eris 5BT (2nd Gen) are powerful, versatile studio monitors that balance accurate sound reproduction, Bluetooth convenience, and deeper bass response. They’re best suited for home studios, content creators, and casual listeners who want more low‑end and output than the smaller Eris BT models. For even more bass extension, pairing them with the PreSonus Eris Sub8 is a great option.