Short answer: the ADAM Audio D3v. It ranks #3 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $349.99. The Monoprice DT-3 ranks #47, rated 2.3/5, at $139.99, $210 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The ADAM Audio D3v is the more accurate option. Excellent midrange linearity for a tiny desktop speaker: Erin’s Klippel data spans just 1.7dB from 300Hz to 5kHz. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.37 against 0.10 for the Monoprice DT-3. The catch: 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 Monoprice DT-3: An inexpensive, compact powered pair with front volume control, auxiliary input and headphone output. It keeps a wired aux input, which the ADAM Audio D3v lacks. The catch: The measured response spans 7.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with large irregularities both on-axis and across the listening window.
Buy the ADAM Audio D3v. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $210 saving on the Monoprice DT-3 is not enough to make up the difference.
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Specifications Side By Side
| ADAM Audio D3v | Monoprice DT-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair | $139.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #47 of 47 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 | 8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment filters) | - |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 22.6kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB-C, balanced 1/4-inch TRS | Rear stereo RCA and front 3.5mm auxiliary |
| 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) | 0.75-inch tweeter, 3.5-inch woofer |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs (3.58 kg) (pair) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS per speaker (70W woofer + 30W tweeter) (Manufacturer specified) | 50W system |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB peak @ 1m (IEC-weighted noise, manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.37 | 0.10 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.59 | 3.03 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| 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 | Front headphone |
| Headphone Output | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | Powered 2-way stereo pair, rear-ported |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 69Hz (measured, Spinorama) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: ADAM Audio D3v (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and Monoprice DT-3 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner), via spinorama.org.
Related Speaker Comparisons
How ADAM Audio D3v compares with other leading options:
- Audio Smile Little British Monitor vs ADAM Audio D3v
- ADAM Audio D3v vs Genelec 8010A
- ADAM Audio D3v vs Cambridge Audio L/R S
- ADAM Audio D3v vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- ADAM Audio D3v vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro
Prices on this page were last checked October 15, 2026 at 5:41 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
ADAM Audio D3v: $349.99 per pair Amazon $349.99 eBay
Pros: Excellent midrange linearity for a tiny desktop speaker: Erin’s Klippel data spans just 1.7dB from 300Hz to 5kHz. Side passive radiators help bass reach -3dB at about 51Hz, substantially deeper than the Genelec 8010A or Audio Smile Little British Monitor. Predicted preference scores of 5.37 standalone and 7.59 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a particularly useful compact system without a sub. USB-C, analog inputs and placement filters simplify desk setup. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.5dB.
Cons: 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 limiter reduces bass and midrange output as volume rises, with the existing review’s compression tests putting usable maximum output around 89-90dB at 1m. Deep bass at moderate volume should not be confused with high output capability.
Full ADAM Audio D3v review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2024 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS per speaker (70W woofer + 30W tweeter) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 200H (240H on included stand) x 115W x 150D mm |
| Drivers | 3.5” aluminium woofer, D-ART folded ribbon tweeter, 2 x 3.5” passive radiators (each) |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment filters) |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 22.6kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | USB-C, balanced 1/4-inch TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB peak @ 1m (IEC-weighted noise, manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | 3.5mm headphone |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.37 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.59 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs (3.58 kg) (pair) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: ADAM Audio D3V: Mighty Small But Mighty Awesome Desktop Speaker More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Best Budget Desktop Speakers, Tested & Rated
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Are the D3V The Best Studio Monitors For The Money? More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026
- Erin’s Audio Review Adam Audio D3v
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- ADAM Audio D3v vs Genelec 8010A
- ADAM Audio D3v vs Cambridge Audio L/R S
- ADAM Audio D3v vs Audio Smile Little British Monitor
- ADAM Audio D3v vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- ADAM Audio D3v vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro
- ADAM Audio D3v vs Edifier M60
- ADAM Audio D3v vs HiVi Swan X3
- ADAM Audio D3v vs Edifier MR3
- See all 25 comparisons
Monoprice DT-3: $139.99 per pair Amazon $139.99 Monoprice $139.99 eBay
Pros: An inexpensive, compact powered pair with front volume control, auxiliary input and headphone output. Erin’s Klippel measurements put the -3dB bass point around 74Hz, sufficient for some upper-bass content at a desk.
Cons: The measured response spans 7.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with large irregularities both on-axis and across the listening window. Preference scores are 0.10 standalone and only 3.03 with an ideal subwoofer, among the weakest results for a powered speaker. That means adding bass support does not remove its major tonal problems. It offers little reason to choose it for accurate listening over better-measuring budget alternatives.
Full Monoprice DT-3 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W system |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 69Hz (measured, Spinorama) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each |
| Drivers | 0.75-inch tweeter, 3.5-inch woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way stereo pair, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Rear stereo RCA and front 3.5mm auxiliary |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Front headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.10 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.03 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons