Short answer: the Genelec 8331A. It ranks #1 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5) at $5,750 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 8331A is the more accurate choice. Compact studio monitors with reference level accuracy and automatic room calibration, for critical listening and mixing. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.57 against 4.09 for the M-Audio BX5 D3. Watch for: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
What the M-Audio BX5 D3 does well: A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. The catch: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the Genelec 8331A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the M-Audio BX5 D3 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Compact studio monitors with reference level accuracy and automatic room calibration, for critical listening and mixing.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8331A | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,750 per pair | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 110dB |
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF | 100W each |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 | 6.69 |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU | XLR and TRS |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8331A compares with other leading options: