Short answer: the ADAM Audio D3v. It ranks #3 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $349.99. The M-Audio BX3 ranks #39, rated 2.9/5, at $99.99, $250 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The ADAM Audio D3v is the more accurate option. Small desktop monitors with very accurate sound and surprisingly deep bass for their size, plus a simple USB connection. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.37 against 2.04 for the M-Audio BX3. Watch for: A rising upper-frequency balance and vertical crossover interference keep it from being uniformly neutral at every angle; aim the tweeters toward ear height.
The case for the M-Audio BX3: A budget desktop pair with balanced, RCA and aux inputs, a headphone output and tone controls to adjust for placement. It keeps a wired aux input, which the ADAM Audio D3v lacks. Watch for: ASR’s data gives only 2.04 standalone and 5.18 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the ADAM Audio D3v. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $250 with the M-Audio BX3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the ADAM Audio D3v scores 7.6 against 5.2 for the M-Audio BX3 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ADAM Audio D3v | M-Audio BX3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair | $99.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 48 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 | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Dimensions | 200H (240H on included stand) x 115W x 150D mm | 8.2H x 5.5W x 5.7D in |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment filters) | - |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 22.6kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz-22kHz |
| Inputs | USB-C, balanced 1/4-inch TRS | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux |
| 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) | 1-inch silk tweeter, 3.5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs (3.58 kg) (pair) | 7.4 lbs (3.35 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS per speaker (70W woofer + 30W tweeter) (Manufacturer specified) | 50W RMS per pair |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB peak @ 1m (IEC-weighted noise, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.37 | 2.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.59 | 5.18 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone | Headphone |
| Headphone Output | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
Where the Ratings Come From
- ADAM Audio D3v: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Jasper Tech.
- M-Audio BX3: Spinorama.org measurements.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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