Short answer: the KEF LS50 Wireless II. It ranks #19 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $2,999.99 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 KEF LS50 Wireless II is the more accurate option. An all in one wireless stereo system with accurate, consistent sound, HDMI eARC and built in streaming. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.43 against 4.09 for the M-Audio BX5 D3. It keeps a wired aux input, which the M-Audio BX5 D3 lacks. Watch for: The 3.0dB response span is good but not reference-leading, and dispersion still varies with frequency.
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 KEF LS50 Wireless II. It is rated higher for sound quality; the M-Audio BX5 D3 is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
An all in one wireless stereo system with accurate, consistent sound, HDMI eARC and built in streaming.
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
| KEF LS50 Wireless II | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,999.99 per pair | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #19 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, optical, digital coaxial, 3.5mm analog, USB-A (service), Ethernet | XLR and TRS |
| Drivers | Uni-Q coincident array: 130mm aluminum woofer + 25mm MAT aluminum dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | KEF Connect (placement EQ presets, source selection, firmware updates) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| EQ | Yes, fixed placement presets (desk/bookshelf/wall-mount) - no automatic room correction | - |
| Weight | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) for the pair | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 280W (LF) + 100W (HF) per speaker, bi-amped | 100W each |
| Dimensions | 12” x 7.9” x 12.2” (305 x 200 x 311 mm) each | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 28kHz ±3dB | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB at 1m (manufacturer specified) | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.43 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.51 | 6.69 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to KEF LS50 Wireless II: