Short answer: the Edifier MR4, if you are buying new. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks higher than it (#42 vs #72 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.5/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Edifier MR4 is still sold new at $129.99.
The MR4 is the current, cheaper budget monitor. Erin’s measurements show a 3.0dB midrange span with little tilt, and it has balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and Monitor and Music modes. Its 4-inch woofer stops around 79Hz (-3dB), and it distorts fast when pushed past moderate desk levels.
The BX5 D3 is the larger, discontinued monitor that measures better. Its 5-inch Kevlar woofer reaches an estimated 64Hz before falling 3dB, its midrange spans 2.4dB, and it has balanced inputs and an acoustic-space switch. Its response slopes downward toward the treble, so highs sound slightly soft. It is sold individually and now only used.
Buy the Edifier MR4, since the M-Audio BX5 D3 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR4 | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 per pair | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux | XLR and TRS |
| Outputs | Headphone | - |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) | 100W each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.25 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | 6.69 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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