Short answer: the Genelec 8030C. It ranks #3 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $1,750 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 8030C is the better-sounding option. A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice. The catch: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
The case for the M-Audio BX5 D3: 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 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the M-Audio BX5 D3 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and TRS |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | - |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 100W each |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 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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