Short answer: the Audioengine A2+ for better sound quality, the Mackie CR3-X for the lower price. The Audioengine A2+ ranks #19 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.4/5, at $299. The Mackie CR3-X ranks #34, rated 3.0/5, at $99.99, $199.01 cheaper.
The Audioengine A2+ is the better-sounding pick. Tiny desktop speakers with Bluetooth, USB and analog inputs and a variable RCA output. The tradeoff: The 2.78 standalone score and roughly 106Hz measured -3dB point reveal how much bass is missing without reinforcement or a subwoofer.
The Mackie CR3-X is the deeper-bass choice. Inexpensive small desktop speakers with RCA and aux inputs for casual listening at moderate volume. Its bass reaches about 80Hz before falling 3dB, against 105.5Hz for the Audioengine A2+. Watch for: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz.
Buy the Audioengine A2+ when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Mackie CR3-X when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Audioengine A2+ reaches 58.9 Hz (10 dB down) against 70 Hz for the Mackie CR3-X, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Audioengine A2+ scores 6.1 against 5.4 for the Mackie CR3-X 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
| Audioengine A2+ | Mackie CR3-X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 per pair | $99.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #19 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Inputs | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 | RCA, Aux |
| Drivers | 0.75” silk dome tweeter, 2.75” fiber woofer | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 105.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| EQ | No (fixed volume knob only) | No |
| App | No | No |
| Dimensions | 6” x 4” x 5.2” (152 x 102 x 133 mm) | 8.1”H x 5.5”W x 7.1”D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) left / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) right | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.78 | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.10 | 5.42 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | 1/8” headphone jack |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Sensitivity | - | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Audioengine A2+: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and DSAUDIO.review.
- Mackie CR3-X: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, Audio Science Review and DSAUDIO.review.
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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