Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $399 and is still sold new; the M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #42 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Audioengine A5+ Classic is the more accurate option. A simple powered bookshelf pair with fairly balanced sound and no separate amplifier needed. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.59 against 4.09 for the M-Audio BX5 D3. It keeps a wired aux input, which the M-Audio BX5 D3 lacks. The tradeoff: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
What the M-Audio BX5 D3 does well: A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. Watch for: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality; the M-Audio BX5 D3 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A simple powered bookshelf pair with fairly balanced sound and no separate amplifier needed.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 100W each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 6.69 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | XLR and TRS |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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