Short answer: the Fluid Audio C35BT. It ranks #19 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $139; the Fiio SP3 ranks #20, rated 2.9/5, and costs $299.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the Fluid Audio C35BT: Balanced TRS inputs, Bluetooth, front volume control and a headphone output make this inexpensive pair practical for a basic desktop setup. The tradeoff: Preference scores of 2.57 standalone and 5.57 with an ideal subwoofer indicate that the limitations are not just missing bass.
The case for the Fiio SP3: Compact cabinets and angled bases fit a small desk. Watch for: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior.
Buy the Fluid Audio C35BT. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Fiio SP3 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Fluid Audio C35BT | Fiio SP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #19 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, front-ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.8" silk-dome tweeter, 3.5" composite woofer | 3.5" carbon fiber midwoofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 64W total | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA, 3.5mm, balanced TRS | AUX, RCA |
| Outputs | Headphone | - |
| Dimensions | 7.3H x 4.9W x 5.9D in | 6.4"H x 4.7"W x 5.2"D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.57 | 3.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.57 | 6.17 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.52 kg) pair | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 | No |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Fluid Audio C35BT: $139 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Balanced TRS inputs, Bluetooth, front volume control and a headphone output make this inexpensive pair practical for a basic desktop setup. ASR’s measured -3dB point is about 78Hz, so it covers more upper bass than the shallowest-reaching mini speakers.
Cons: Preference scores of 2.57 standalone and 5.57 with an ideal subwoofer indicate that the limitations are not just missing bass. Listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.555 and sound-power deviation of 0.657 show that response irregularities affect both direct and room-reflected sound. A subwoofer cannot correct those tonal problems, and the small drivers are not a basis for expecting high clean output.
Full Fluid Audio C35BT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 64W total |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.3H x 4.9W x 5.9D in |
| Drivers | 0.8" silk-dome tweeter, 3.5" composite woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, front-ported |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.57 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.52 kg) pair |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Mackie CR3-X
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs M-Audio BX3
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Audioengine HD3
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Monoprice Monolith MM-3
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Midiplus MI3 II
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Monoprice DT-3
- See all 9 comparisons
Fiio SP3: $299.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact cabinets and angled bases fit a small desk. The existing review found useful dynamic capability at higher frequencies, so lack of output is not the only issue. Erin’s Klippel data shows a measured -3dB bass point around 60Hz, deeper than several similarly sized alternatives. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior. Its 3.56 standalone and 6.17 ideal-subwoofer scores do not capture the full practical impact of the review’s boomy bass and off-axis tonal problems. Changing angle trades one coloration for another. Those audible limitations weigh against it more heavily than its numerical score or build quality.
Full Fiio SP3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.4"H x 4.7"W x 5.2"D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5" carbon fiber midwoofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | AUX, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.17 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons