Short answer: the Genelec 8020D. It ranks #13 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5) at $1,390 and is still sold new; the M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #42 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Genelec 8020D is the better-sounding pick. A compact, accurate studio monitor with well controlled sound across the desk, ideal for small studios. Watch for: Small size limits deep-bass reach and headroom.
What the M-Audio BX5 D3 does well: A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. The tradeoff: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the Genelec 8020D. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the M-Audio BX5 D3 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A compact, accurate studio monitor with well controlled sound across the desk, ideal for small studios.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8020D | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,390 per pair | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #13 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 5.8”W x 5.6”D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and TRS |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 100W each |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 110dB |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.69 |
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