Short answer: the Adam Audio D3v for better sound quality, the Audioengine A2+ for the lower price. The Adam Audio D3v ranks #3 of 12 powered bookshelf speakers at $349.99. The Audioengine A2+ ranks #8 at $279, $70.99 cheaper.
On the Adam Audio D3v side: Compact powered desktop monitor with passive radiators on the sides for extra bass extension, designed specifically for near-field (about 1 meter) listening. Set against that: Built-in limiter chops off both low-frequency and midrange content as output increases - not intended for loud or far-field listening.
The case for the Audioengine A2+: Genuinely small footprint for real desktop use, with a wide input selection (RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth) plus a rear volume knob and variable RCA output. The tradeoff: Raw anechoic response has an on-axis midrange dip the reviewer called “too much” at about 6dB peak-to-peak, and a persistent 2dB dip from 3-5kHz that desk placement doesn’t fix - possibly a crossover integration issue.
Buy the Adam Audio D3v if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Audioengine A2+ if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Adam Audio D3v | Audioengine A2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 | $279.00 |
| Ranked | #3 of 12 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #8 of 12 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| Dimensions | 6.7"H x 4.3"W x 5.9"D (170.2 x 109.2 x 149.9 mm) | 6"H x 4"W x 5.25"D (152 x 102 x 133mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment filters) | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Max SPL | 102dB @ 1m | - |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 3.5" woofer, U-ART accelerated ribbon tweeter | 0.75" silk dome tweeter, 2.75" fiber woofer |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs / 1.7 kg | 3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg (3.55 lb) left / 3.1 lbs / 1.4 kg (3.15 lb) right |
| Output Power | 50W (30W woofer + 20W tweeter) | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs JBL 305P MKII
- Audioengine HD3 vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Adam Audio D3v vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Audioengine A2+ vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
The Two Speakers In Full
Adam Audio D3v: $349.99 Amazon
Pros: Compact powered desktop monitor with passive radiators on the sides for extra bass extension, designed specifically for near-field (about 1 meter) listening. Bass extends flat to about 50Hz before rolling off sharply. On-axis linearity holds within about ±2dB - notably better linearity than its similarly-priced rival, the Kali LP-UNF. USB-C plus analog inputs, with the secondary speaker powered through a cable from the primary unit so only one power outlet is needed. Adjustable back-panel settings compensate for desk, wall, corner, or stand placement. Distortion in the midrange is better controlled than the larger Kali LP-UNF at moderate output levels. Smaller footprint than similarly-priced alternatives, useful for tight desk space, while still a clear step up from cheap sub-$150 desktop speakers.
Cons: Built-in limiter chops off both low-frequency and midrange content as output increases - not intended for loud or far-field listening. Best output window is roughly 78-86dB based on multitone distortion testing; long-term compression testing puts effective maximum SPL around 89dB, and instantaneous compression around 90dB. A slight treble tip-up appears around 4-6kHz on-axis. Vertical listening window is tight, typical of compact two-way designs - needs to stay close to the tweeter axis. Narrower horizontal dispersion (about ±60°) and less vertical placement tolerance than the Kali LP-UNF (about ±70° horizontal). The Kali LP-UNF, at the same price, offers roughly 2dB more maximum output and a bit more bass boost, if either matters more than the compact size.
Full Adam Audio D3v review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7"H x 4.3"W x 5.9"D (170.2 x 109.2 x 149.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5" woofer, U-ART accelerated ribbon tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment filters) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Max SPL | 102dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W (30W woofer + 20W tweeter) |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs / 1.7 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Adam Audio D3v vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Adam Audio D3v vs Edifier MR3
- Adam Audio D3v vs Audioengine HD3
- Adam Audio D3v vs Genelec 8010A
- Adam Audio D3v vs Edifier M60
- Adam Audio D3v vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- Adam Audio D3v vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- Adam Audio D3v vs Mackie CR3-X
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Audioengine A2+: $279.00 Amazon Audioengine
Pros: Genuinely small footprint for real desktop use, with a wide input selection (RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth) plus a rear volume knob and variable RCA output. Sound is well-behaved in its intended use case - sitting on the desk below ear level, where the natural desk-boundary reinforcement fills in the midrange the way the design expects. No port chuffing or major excursion issues noted. Better native tonal balance than its closest same-size, same-price rival tested alongside it (which had a severe 70Hz resonant boom and overly hot treble); at this size and price, a solid, inoffensive pick for background/nearfield desktop use.
Cons: Raw anechoic response has an on-axis midrange dip the reviewer called “too much” at about 6dB peak-to-peak, and a persistent 2dB dip from 3-5kHz that desk placement doesn’t fix - possibly a crossover integration issue. Bass rolls off below about 100Hz with real authority, so don’t expect low-end weight. Compression/limiting kicks in hard above roughly 87dB at 1m, well before most full-size monitors, so these aren’t for anyone who wants to push real volume. Do not put these on stands at ear level - that exposes the raw nonlinear response and makes them sound notably worse; desktop placement below ear level is required to sound right. Kali Audio’s similarly-priced LP-UNF is meaningfully more linear and extends lower, at roughly twice the cabinet size.
Full Audioengine A2+ review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 6"H x 4"W x 5.25"D (152 x 102 x 133mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75" silk dome tweeter, 2.75" fiber woofer |
| EQ | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Output Power | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg (3.55 lb) left / 3.1 lbs / 1.4 kg (3.15 lb) right |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons