Short answer: the KEF LSX II LT. It ranks #35 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $699.99 and is still sold new; the M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #41 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The KEF LSX II LT is the more accurate pick. The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.81 against 4.09 for the M-Audio BX5 D3. The tradeoff: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors.
The case for the M-Audio BX5 D3: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 4.09 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Watch for: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the KEF LSX II LT. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the M-Audio BX5 D3 is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KEF LSX II LT | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $299 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #35 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 6.1”W x 7.1”D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth | XLR and TRS |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer | - |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker | 100W each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 6.69 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
KEF LSX II LT: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the KEF LSX II (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the KEF LS50 Wireless II (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).
Pros: The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 4.81 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer, with -3dB bass around 56Hz. HDMI and USB connectivity make it convenient for a small TV or desktop system. Horizontal and vertical dispersion both reach about ±60°, giving a broad sweet spot for more than one seat. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.
Cons: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors. The existing review finds bass compression around 88-92dB/1m and rising distortion at higher levels, so the small drivers suit close listening rather than a large room. This LT version has no analog input; a turntable cannot plug straight into it.
Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5”H x 6.1”W x 7.1”D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.81 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 15 lbs (6.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Transform Your Sound System with the KEF LSX II LT Speaker More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: KEF LSX II LT
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Bookshelf Speakers For TV & Gaming - 2025
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
M-Audio BX5 D3: $299 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Same family: the M-Audio BX4 D3 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.4/5) and the M-Audio BX8 D3 (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5).
Pros: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 4.09 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz.
Cons: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom. Discontinued.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W each |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kanto YU6
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kali LP-UNF
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Adam Audio T5V
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Airpulse A100
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Neumi BS5P-ARC
- See all 43 comparisons