Short answer: the M-Audio BX3, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #38 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $99.99. The Logitech Z200 ranks #45, rated 2.5/5, at $64.99, $35 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 47 powered bookshelf speakers, and the Creative Pebble Pro, ranked #31 at $59.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The M-Audio BX3 is the better-sounding choice. Balanced TRS, RCA and auxiliary inputs, headphone output and high/low tone controls offer useful flexibility for an inexpensive desktop pair. Watch for: ASR’s data gives only 2.04 standalone and 5.18 with an ideal subwoofer.
The case for the Logitech Z200: One of the most ubiquitous desktop PC multimedia speaker sets on the market. The catch: No independent Spinorama measurements have been published.
Buy the M-Audio BX3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $35 with the Logitech Z200 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
About the ratings: the Logitech Z200’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 2.3 to 2.7, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| M-Audio BX3 | Logitech Z200 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 per pair | $64.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #38 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #45 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 3.5-inch Kevlar woofer | 2.5” driver + 2.5” passive radiator per satellite |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-22kHz | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS per pair | 5W RMS |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux | Dual 3.5mm Aux |
| Outputs | Headphone | - |
| Dimensions | 8.2H x 5.5W x 5.7D in | 9.5” x 3.5” x 4.9” (241 x 90 x 124 mm) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.04 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.18 | - |
| Headphone Output | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 7.4 lbs (3.35 kg) each | 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) per pair |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
M-Audio BX3: $99.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the M-Audio BX3 BT (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 2.9/5).
Pros: Balanced TRS, RCA and auxiliary inputs, headphone output and high/low tone controls offer useful flexibility for an inexpensive desktop pair. The controls give some scope to adjust broad tonal balance for placement.
Cons: ASR’s data gives only 2.04 standalone and 5.18 with an ideal subwoofer. Listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.580 indicates persistent tonal irregularities, while bass reaches -3dB at about 88Hz. The limited bass and uneven response make it a weak choice for accurate monitoring even with a subwoofer. Broad tone controls cannot precisely fix crossover or dispersion problems.
Full M-Audio BX3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS per pair |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.2H x 5.5W x 5.7D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 3.5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-22kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.18 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.4 lbs (3.35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Logitech Z200: $64.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Pros: One of the most ubiquitous desktop PC multimedia speaker sets on the market. Compact design features two 2.5-inch drivers per satellite (one active driver and one passive radiator) to extend low-end response beyond typical budget speakers. A convenient front volume knob doubles as the power switch with an adjacent 3.5mm headphone jack and auxiliary input, plus an integrated tone control wheel on the side for dialing in bass.
Cons: No independent Spinorama measurements have been published. Modest 5W RMS total amplification restricts maximum clean volume, and the compact enclosures naturally roll off deep sub-bass below 80Hz. Lacks Bluetooth or USB connectivity.
Full Logitech Z200 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 5W RMS |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5” x 3.5” x 4.9” (241 x 90 x 124 mm) each |
| Drivers | 2.5” driver + 2.5” passive radiator per satellite |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Dual 3.5mm Aux |
| RCA Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg) per pair |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons