Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the better pick: it ranks #11 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5), against #42 (rated 3.9/5) for the M-Audio BX5 D3. If you want one new, the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB replaces the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB and is rated 4.4/5 at $3,998.
The Devialet Phantom II 98 dB is the more accurate pick. A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.87 against 4.09 for the M-Audio BX5 D3. The tradeoff: Small-enclosure bass extension at the measurement level does not guarantee the same response at high volume.
The case for the M-Audio BX5 D3: A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. The catch: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, buy the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB, which replaces the Devialet Phantom II 98 dB.
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A compact wireless streaming speaker with startlingly deep bass for its size and an even, well balanced sound.
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
| Devialet Phantom II 98 dB | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,998 per pair Discontinued | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #11 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 30Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 22.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Drivers | One aluminum full-range driver; two aluminum bass drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, UPnP, Roon Ready, analog/optical combo jack | XLR and TRS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Amplifier Power | 400W RMS each | 100W each |
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 6.2 x 8.6 in each | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB at 1m each (manufacturer specified) | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.87 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.95 | 6.69 |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Frequency Response | 18Hz - 21kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
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