Short answer: the Adam Audio T5V for better sound quality, the M-Audio BX4 D3 for the lower price. The Adam Audio T5V ranks #12 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $239.99. The M-Audio BX4 D3 ranks #56 at $149, $90.99 cheaper.
What the Adam Audio T5V offers: Better than the HS5 in terms of vocals detail and better low end. Watch for: Elevated, slightly uneven top end from the AMT tweeter, shared with Adam’s other T-series monitors - the rear treble trim only tilts the response rather than flattening it. Distortion, while better controlled than most speakers in this price range, isn’t reference quality.
What the M-Audio BX4 D3 offers: Affordable compact powered pair with 4.5-inch Kevlar woofers, rear EQ controls, balanced TRS, RCA and front-panel aux/headphone connections. Spinorama predicts a 5.14 preference score with a subwoofer and useful nearfield bass extension near 62Hz. Watch for: The third-party measurement is low confidence, and the small shared-amplifier design has limited output and bass headroom. Its raw no-subwoofer preference score is modest, the rear port complicates wall placement, and only the left cabinet contains amplification and controls.
Buy the Adam Audio T5V if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the M-Audio BX4 D3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the M-Audio BX4 D3. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Adam Audio T5V | M-Audio BX4 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239.99 | $149/pair |
| Ranked | #12 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #56 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7"W x 11.7"D (297.2 x 177.8 x 297.2 mm) | 8.9H x 6.1W x 6.9D in |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux; headphone output |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each | 9.8 lbs/pair |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 1" dome tweeter, 4.5" Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 70w Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered stereo pair, rear-ported |
| Power Output | - | 120W peak system |
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- Adam Audio T5V vs M-Audio BX5 D3
Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 AM 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 T5V: $239.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Better than the HS5 in terms of vocals detail and better low end.
Cons: Elevated, slightly uneven top end from the AMT tweeter, shared with Adam’s other T-series monitors - the rear treble trim only tilts the response rather than flattening it. Distortion, while better controlled than most speakers in this price range, isn’t reference quality.
Full Adam Audio T5V review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7"W x 11.7"D (297.2 x 177.8 x 297.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 70w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs Adam Audio T5V 6-Track Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Adam Audio T5V sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Presonus Eris E5 5 Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Adam Audio T5V Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Bright and brighter. PreSonus E5 XT takes on Adam Audio T5V SOUND & FREQUENCY RESPONSE COMPARISON
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Adam Audio T7V Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for Adam Audio T5V Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Adam Audio T5V vs JBL 305P MKII
- Adam Audio T5V vs Yamaha HS5
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M-Audio BX4 D3: $149/pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Affordable compact powered pair with 4.5-inch Kevlar woofers, rear EQ controls, balanced TRS, RCA and front-panel aux/headphone connections. Spinorama predicts a 5.14 preference score with a subwoofer and useful nearfield bass extension near 62Hz.
Cons: The third-party measurement is low confidence, and the small shared-amplifier design has limited output and bass headroom. Its raw no-subwoofer preference score is modest, the rear port complicates wall placement, and only the left cabinet contains amplification and controls.
Full M-Audio BX4 D3 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 8.9H x 6.1W x 6.9D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1" dome tweeter, 4.5" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered stereo pair, rear-ported |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux; headphone output |
| Power Output | 120W peak system |
| Weight | 9.8 lbs/pair |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons