A pair of Sony MDR-7506s and a cheap Lenovo laptop were all I used for quite a while, but eventually, I knew I needed to step up and get serious about it like Arnold in pumping iron.
I loved my time with the 305s, but had to sell them in 2019 for some quick cash.
Fast forward to now, and I demo a LOT of gear: Headphones, Amps, and DACS primarily.
I’m also getting back into making beats, so I thought I’d kill two birds with one boulder.
Since a lot of DACS and Amps can also be used as preamps, I knew I needed another pair of speakers that had single-ended and balanced inputs.
Enter the Eris e3.5, an affordable, versatile set of studio monitors that pack quite a punch!
Let’s take a gander at these unassuming little buddies and find out if they’re worth a purchase.
Front Panel
On the front, we’ve got an auxiliary input, a headphone input, a power switch, and a very convenient volume potentiometer.
This is nice because you can control the volume from the speakers themselves and/or the DAC, which adds a bit of flexibility.
What’s more, the volume knob comes in handy when you want to switch from listening on speakers to listening with headphones.
For example, I’m using the e3.5s with the FiiO K3 at the moment. If I want to use headphones, I’d just turn the volume down on the speakers and use the DAC’s volume pot.
A DAC like iFi’s Zen, which can also be used with the e3.5s, has a variable/fixed switch on the back that can be a bit confusing if you’re new.
The analog volume control on the Zen can be used to control the headphone volume or preamp volume into the speakers (on variable mode).
For the preamp section into the e3.5, keep it on fixed if you prefer to use the Volume control on the speakers and not the DAC, and variable if you prefer to control the volume on the Zen.
As a personal preference, with the e3.5s, I like to keep it on fixed as it’s easier to manage and I like the output voltage being constant.
For speakers without volume control, you’ll have to use variable mode.
Auxiliary & Headphone Input
One thing I’m not a huge fan of is the 3.5mm (Aux In) appearing on the front.
I would much prefer they had put this on the back of the unit, as having a wire out in the open looks really tacky in the studio.
The headphone input is fine, but because I review a lot of gear, I’m pretty much never going to use it.
Your mileage may vary.
Back Panel
The back panel is where the fun begins.
fOlLoW mE!
What makes the e3.5 so valuable is that it has both balanced inputs (TRS) and unbalanced (RCA).
For around $100, I believe this to be quite a steal as you can hook them up to any audio interface with balanced outputs (99.9% of them have these) for a more professional sound.
Additionally, they work with any DAC/Amp unbalanced (RCA), proving to be an incredibly valuable purchase at a sensible price.
In addition to the choice of inputs, there’s an “Acoustic Tuning” section that allows you to adjust the treble and bass levels, which I thought was a nice added touch.
Setup & Overall Value
If all that wasn’t enough, the package contained a lot more than I was expecting.
In addition to the speakers and power cable, Presonus also includes a 3.5mm line cable and an RCA to mini (aux), which I thought was fantastic at the price point.
Perhaps I’m just jaded by the fact that DAC companies rarely ever include extra cables in the package, but it really warmed my heart.
Of course, including balanced cables would have been even more awesome, but I can’t fault them for not doing so.
Do keep in mind you will need something to get these babies playing music, whether that be an Audio Interface like the Scarlett 2i2, Universal Audio Volt 2, or some sort of DAC/Amp that has preamp capabilities (K3,Zen,K5 Pro,ATOM 2, etc.)
If you don’t feel like investing in a DAC right away, that’s fine. For now, you can simply use a 3.5mm jack on your PC/Laptop until you decide to purchase something separate.
How to connect the Eris e3.5s to your computer
Step 1. Plug the speakers into wall power using the supplied cable.
Step 2. Connect your PC, DAC, or interface to the speakers using your preferred method. Again, I like RCA to line or RCA to RCA in the case of a standard DAC with line/RCA out. In the case of something like a 2i2, use balanced TRS cables. Don’t forget you’ll need 2.
Step 3. Turn on the power switch.
Step 4. Open up your sound settings and make sure the correct DAC or interface is chosen.
Another aspect of these speakers that makes them such a great value is their sound.
Perfect for small to medium-sized rooms, they’re crisp, snappy, and hit hard.
Not only that, but they pack a ridiculous wallop for being so tiny.
Could the bass use a little more reach? Sure, it only digs down to about 80Hz, and I’d put the cutoff around 40 (since bass below that is largely inaudible.
For instance, both the LSR305 and Yamaha HS7, 2 very respected monitors in their own right, reach down to around 43Hz. That’s no coincidence.
Related Video
(This shows how the formation should be (5:50), so worth a look.):
So yeah, the e3.5 could stand some more bass, but the resolution more than makes up for that here.
Still, if you need some extra slam, there’s a small dial on the back with up to +6dB of low end, so there’s some wiggle room there, which is nice.
Upon unboxing, you may find them a bit underwhelming to hold in your hands.
It’s almost like you’re cradling a newborn. Heck, the right-side speaker can’t weigh much more than a pound.
But gosh darn it if they don’t slap you in the face once you get some music pumpin’.
Presonus Eris e3.5 vs. JBL LSR305
Did my LSR305s get louder?
Yeah, probably. In taking a look at specs, the 305’s max SPL level is 108dB vs. 100 for the 3.5. In addition to that, the e3.5 provides a total of 50W vs. 82W for the 305.
Is it enough to warrant a $200+ increase in price?
That’s a toughie.
Perhaps, but because I live in an apartment and can’t blast the volume that high, it’s completely fine. If you’re in a townhouse or own a home, you’ll probably want something more powerful at some point.
Still, I wasn’t expecting the e3.5s to get very loud, and they certainly proved me wrong.
Is the sound quality better on the 305?
It’s been a while since I’ve heard those, and I would say yes, but it’s likely a small increase.
All you need to know is that the e3.5 punches way above its price point in terms of sound, and it’s really impressive what Presonus did with such small speakers.
No, the 3.5s may not be your forever monitors, but they’ll last you quite a while until you’re ready to upgrade.
Absolutely. In fact, if you need something quick and affordable to get started, I would purchase these without thinking twice. With over 25,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating (subject to change), the reviews don’t lie; they are superb.
I’ve had experience with the LSR305s, then I bought a pair of e3.5s as a stopgap before investing in the Yamaha HS7. The e3.5 is perhaps the best bang for your buck you’ll find, and competes with monitors way out of its price range.
The sound is ruler flat, with excellent resolution and a lot more impact and weight than you would expect. Do keep in mind that the bass, as mentioned previously, only reaches down to around 80Hz. But there’s a bass dial, and they punch harder than they’re supposed to and, because the bass is tuned correctly, allow you to easily identify flaws in a mix.
Is the Presonus Eris e3.5 good for gaming?
Yes. All of the great qualities about them translate very well for gaming, as you’ll be able to pinpoint footsteps, gun reloads, and other directional cues exceptionally well. This is due to their excellent Soundstage when angled properly. Make sure they form an equilateral triangle towards your mleon and ensure the tweeters are around ear level.
What is the best setting for the Eris e3.5?
This depends on your goals and listening environment, but the E3.5 is nearly spot-on right out of the box. You might consider a slight bass boost (around 3–5dB) and then reassess for both mixing and casual listening. I personally leave the treble alone—it’s already crisp and airy enough without adjustment.
Are the Eris e3.5s shielded?
The magnetic shielding status of the PreSonus Eris E3.5 studio monitors depends on the specific version.
While the original Eris E3.5 models are often believed to be magnetically shielded—supported by anecdotal use near CRT monitors—PreSonus does not explicitly confirm this in official documentation.
The Eris E3.5 BT (Bluetooth) version, however, is confirmed to be shielded according to its user manual.
In contrast, the newer Eris E3.5 2nd Gen is listed by retailers such as Thomann and Keynote Music as lacking magnetic shielding. For users with gear sensitive to magnetic interference, it’s important to verify the shielding status of the exact model before use.
Potential Caveats
Here I will update my impressions as I get more hours with the speakers and learn how they perform over time.
One update I can make since the original purchase (1/2022) is that the right speaker developed an ever-so-slight hum/buzz, but it has since gone away.
Per my experience with tech products dating back to 2007, these issues can be fatal flaws, but more often than not are minor anomalies and, to some degree, should be expected.
In the case of the e3.5s, a simple reboot of the monitors and PC rectified the issue. Also, make sure all cables and wiring are organized and not in close proximity to each other. This can be a challenge at times, but it’s worth the effort, as poorly routed or tangled cables can introduce noise or interference, especially in compact setups.
Keeping power cords separate from audio and data lines can help maintain signal integrity and avoid frustrating issues like the one I experienced.
Other potential fixes to these types of problems, as in the case of something like a K9 Pro, can range from driver updates to firmware updates, etc., and will fix 99% of the roadblocks you may encounter.
Stay tuned for updates to the e3.5s as I continue to demo more music on them.
January to September 2023 Update: These are still going strong, and I’m super impressed with the fact that the quality is so good for such a cheap product price-wise.
September 2023 Update and beyond: I have since gifted them to a friend and bought the Yamaha HS7, but I loved my time with the e3.5 and absolutely recommend them for those just starting.
Closing Thoughts: Is the Eris e3.5 worth it?
From my purchase in January 2022 to when I gave them away around September of 2023, I’ve likely played hundreds of hours of music with these.
With that being said, are they worth the investment?
I think you know the answer to that one. Yes, they are worth it and then some.
The Presonus Eris e3.5 is a compact, affordable, well-built monitor that packs a ridiculous punch for the price. For new audio enthusiasts desiring a reliable set of speakers that sound excellent, the e3.5 is an incredible value proposition, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Add these to the list of the easiest and most fruitful purchases I’ve ever made.
PreSonus Eris E3.5-3.5" Near Field Studio Monitors (Pair) – Powered Desktop Speakers for Music Production, Studio-Quality Recording, and Active Media Reference
Preview
Monitor Type
Active 2-Way
Power Rating
25W RMS per Channel
Frequency Response
80Hz - 20kHz
EQ
LF Shelf: -6 to +6 dB at 100 Hz (Continuously Variable dB Increments) HF Shelf: -6 to +6 dB at 10 kHz (Continuously Variable dB Increments)
Audio I/O
2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Female Analog Input (10 Kilohms) 2 x RCA Unbalanced Female Analog Input 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Female Analog Input 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Female Analog Output
PreSonus Eris E3.5-3.5" Near Field Studio Monitors (Pair) – Powered Desktop Speakers for Music Production, Studio-Quality Recording, and Active Media Reference
Preview
Monitor Type
Active 2-Way
Power Rating
25W RMS per Channel
Frequency Response
80Hz - 20kHz
EQ
LF Shelf: -6 to +6 dB at 100 Hz (Continuously Variable dB Increments) HF Shelf: -6 to +6 dB at 10 kHz (Continuously Variable dB Increments)
Audio I/O
2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Female Analog Input (10 Kilohms) 2 x RCA Unbalanced Female Analog Input 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Female Analog Input 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Female Analog Output
Audio I/O:2 x 1/4″ TRS Balanced Female Analog Input (10 Kilohms) 2 x RCA Unbalanced Female Analog Input 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Female Analog Input 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Female Analog Output
AC Input Power: 100 to 120 VAC, 50/60 Hz
220 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Enclosure Material: MDF
Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.6 x 8.3 x 6.4″ / 14.2 x 21.1 x 16.3 cm
Weight: 6.4 lb. / 2.9kg
Package Weight: 8.215 lb.
Box Dimensions: 15.1 x 10.6 x 8.25″
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Presonus Eris e3.5 Review and came away with some valuable insight.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!
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Stu is determined to help you make sound decisions, and strives to deliver the best and most in depth content on the internet! In his spare time, he likes to fish, paint, play guitar, pray, rap, make beats, take photos, record videos, graphic design, and more. His sense of humour, coupled with a knack for excellence and strict attention to detail are what allow him to stand out in an crowded industry.
Thank you for the great and honest review. What I am missing is an alternative of the same size. The JBL have 2 times the volume.
Actually I could spent 300$ but I can’t increase in size.
Please don’t laugh too hard or long, but I use the LABTEC PULSE 485 “subwoofer” I bought many years ago with my e3.5 non-bluetooth speakers. Allegedly, that gets my bass response down to 48 Hz. I really can’t tell it does when I test my hearing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URrEtyFSENc&ab_channel=DoctorMix, but I’d like to think I can tell the difference. Thanks.
No problem Jonathan! I mean, if the sub sounds good to you, then who am I to judge? In any event, you have a fantastic set of monitors in the e3.5 as well.
4 comments
Thank you for the great and honest review. What I am missing is an alternative of the same size. The JBL have 2 times the volume.
Actually I could spent 300$ but I can’t increase in size.
Hey you’re welcome! Why do you need an alternative to the e3.5?
Please don’t laugh too hard or long, but I use the LABTEC PULSE 485 “subwoofer” I bought many years ago with my e3.5 non-bluetooth speakers. Allegedly, that gets my bass response down to 48 Hz. I really can’t tell it does when I test my hearing at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URrEtyFSENc&ab_channel=DoctorMix, but I’d like to think I can tell the difference. Thanks.
No problem Jonathan! I mean, if the sub sounds good to you, then who am I to judge? In any event, you have a fantastic set of monitors in the e3.5 as well.