Short answer: the Cambridge Audio L/R S. It ranks #4 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $549. The Fiio SP3 ranks #38, rated 2.9/5, at $299.99, $249.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Cambridge Audio L/R S is the more accurate choice. Compact desk speakers with very accurate sound, Bluetooth and optical and USB inputs, best for close listening. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.08 against 3.56 for the Fiio SP3. Watch for: Maximum clean output is limited: Erin’s Audio Corner measured about 86dB before the onboard limiter engages around 96dB to protect the drivers, so this is a near-field or small-room speaker rather than one built to fill a living room.
The case for the Fiio SP3: Small angled desktop speakers that fit a tight desk and reach a little deeper in the bass than many similar sized pairs. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Cambridge Audio L/R S lacks. The tradeoff: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior.
Buy the Cambridge Audio L/R S. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $249.01 with the Fiio SP3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Compact desk speakers with very accurate sound, Bluetooth and optical and USB inputs, best for close listening.
Small angled desktop speakers that fit a tight desk and reach a little deeper in the bass than many similar sized pairs.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Cambridge Audio L/R S | Fiio SP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.00 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 21mm aluminum dome tweeter, 3” long-throw woofer | 3.5” carbon fiber midwoofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W to woofer, 50W to tweeter, per speaker) | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Inputs | RCA, optical digital, USB-C | AUX, RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD | - |
| App | Yes | - |
| DSP | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction; desktop-placement and near-wall/free-space switches | - |
| Dimensions | 5.3” (134 mm) W x 226mm H x 180mm D (each) | 6.4”H x 4.7”W x 5.2”D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs (3.0kg) primary speaker, 5.7 lbs (2.6kg) secondary speaker | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer, wired speaker-to-speaker link | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.08 | 3.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.72 | 6.17 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Cambridge Audio L/R S: