Short answer: the ADAM Audio D3v. It ranks #3 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $349; the Cambridge Audio L/R S ranks #4, rated 4.4/5, and costs $549, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The D3v is the more accurate tiny desktop pair. Erin’s measurements show a very even midrange, spanning just 1.7dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and its side passive radiators take the bass to 50Hz before falling 3dB. It has USB-C, analog inputs and placement filters, and comes with stands. Its limiter caps usable output around 89 to 90dB at 1m, so it is a near-field speaker.
The L/R S is the better-connected wireless pair. Its aluminum tweeter and 3-inch woofer measured very neutral on-axis with wide horizontal coverage of about 60 degrees, reaching 57Hz before falling 3dB. It adds optical, RCA, USB-C, aptX HD, app room settings and a subwoofer output. Its clean output tops out around 86dB, so it suits a desk or small room.
Buy the ADAM Audio D3v. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Cambridge Audio L/R S and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Small desktop monitors with very accurate sound and surprisingly deep bass for their size, plus a simple USB connection.
Compact desk speakers with very accurate sound, Bluetooth and optical and USB inputs, best for close listening.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ADAM Audio D3v | Cambridge Audio L/R S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 per pair | $549.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 200H (240H on included stand) x 115W x 150D mm | 5.3” (134 mm) W x 226mm H x 180mm D (each) |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment filters) | - |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 22.6kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB-C, balanced 1/4-inch TRS | RCA, optical digital, USB-C |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 3.5” aluminium woofer, D-ART folded ribbon tweeter, 2 x 3.5” passive radiators (each) | 21mm aluminum dome tweeter, 3” long-throw woofer |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs (3.58 kg) (pair) | 6.6 lbs (3.0kg) primary speaker, 5.7 lbs (2.6kg) secondary speaker |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS per speaker (70W woofer + 30W tweeter) (Manufacturer specified) | 100W total (50W to woofer, 50W to tweeter, per speaker) |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB peak @ 1m (IEC-weighted noise, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.37 | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.59 | 7.72 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone | Subwoofer, wired speaker-to-speaker link |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| DSP | - | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction; desktop-placement and near-wall/free-space switches |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
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