Short answer: the Edifier MR4. It ranks #72 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.5/5, at $169.99. The M-Audio BX4 D3 ranks #75, rated 3.4/5, at $149, $20.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The MR4 is the more even of two very similar budget monitors. Erin’s measurements show a 3.0dB midrange span with little overall tilt, and it has balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and Monitor and Music modes. Its bass stops around 79Hz (-3dB), and distortion climbs fast when pushed past moderate desk levels. It has no Bluetooth.
The BX4 D3 reaches a little lower but sounds brighter. Its 4.5-inch Kevlar woofers reach an estimated 67Hz before falling 3dB, and it has balanced TRS, RCA and front aux and headphone jacks. Its response rises about 0.62dB per octave toward the treble with some local unevenness, so it can sound bright. Both suit close desk listening rather than filling a room.
Buy the Edifier MR4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $20.99 with the M-Audio BX4 D3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| M-Audio BX4 D3 | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 per pair | $169.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #75 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered stereo pair, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” dome tweeter, 4.5” Kevlar woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.9H x 6.1W x 6.9D in | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)/pair | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 120W peak system | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux; headphone output | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.29 | 3.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.03 | 6.00 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 69Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
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