Short answer: the Monoprice Monolith MM-3, if you are buying new. The Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex ranks higher than it (#18 vs #28 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.5/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 is still sold new at $299.99.
The case for the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex: A compact wireless streaming speaker with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Roon, which can pair as a cable-free stereo set. The tradeoff: Standalone preference is only 3.69.
The case for the Monoprice Monolith MM-3: A compact desktop pair with Bluetooth, analog inputs, a headphone jack and angled stands. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex lacks. The tradeoff: Its measurements and rating are for the ports plugged; left stock, the bass has a boomy peak and the midrange has more resonances.
Buy the Monoprice Monolith MM-3, since the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex | Monoprice Monolith MM-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £898 per pair Discontinued | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active wireless | 2-way active, rear slot port |
| Drivers | 1” decoupled double-dome tweeter, 4” woven-glass woofer | 0.75” silk-dome tweeter, 3” polypropylene woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.5H x 5.1W x 5.1D in | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in |
| Weight | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) each | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 100W each (2 x 50W) | 50W total, bi-amplified |
| Wireless | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, Formation mesh | - |
| Country | United Kingdom (design) | United States (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.69 | 3.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.43 | 6.24 |
| Inputs | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | - |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
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