Short answer: the Fluid Audio C35BT. It ranks #35 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $139. The M-Audio BX3 ranks #39, rated 2.9/5, at $99.99, $39.01 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Fluid Audio C35BT is the more accurate option. An inexpensive desktop pair with Bluetooth, balanced inputs, a front volume knob and a headphone jack for a basic computer setup. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 2.57 against 2.04 for the M-Audio BX3. Watch for: 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 M-Audio BX3: A budget desktop pair with balanced, RCA and aux inputs, a headphone output and tone controls to adjust for placement. The tradeoff: ASR’s data gives only 2.04 standalone and 5.18 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the Fluid Audio C35BT. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $39.01 with the M-Audio BX3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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
| Fluid Audio C35BT | M-Audio BX3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.00 per pair | $99.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #35 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, front-ported | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Drivers | 0.8” silk-dome tweeter, 3.5” composite woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 3.5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 64W total | 50W RMS per pair |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA, 3.5mm, balanced TRS | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux |
| Outputs | Headphone | Headphone |
| Dimensions | 7.3H x 4.9W x 5.9D in | 8.2H x 5.5W x 5.7D in |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.57 | 2.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.57 | 5.18 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.52 kg) pair | 7.4 lbs (3.35 kg) each |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz-22kHz |
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