Short answer: the M-Audio BX4 D3. It ranks #75 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $149 and is still sold new; the Midiplus MI5 II ranks #97 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Midiplus MI5 II’s replacement, the Midiplus MI5 II V2, is rated 3.1/5 at $169.
The M-Audio BX4 D3 is the more accurate pick. An inexpensive desktop pair with balanced TRS, RCA and front aux inputs, a headphone jack and tone controls. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.29 against 2.24 for the Midiplus MI5 II. The catch: A rising response of about 0.62dB per octave and listening-window deviation of 0.546 indicate bright, locally uneven reproduction.
The case for the Midiplus MI5 II: An inexpensive powered monitor pair with balanced inputs, Bluetooth and fairly deep bass for the size. The tradeoff: The 2.24 standalone and 4.53 ideal-subwoofer scores show significant problems above the bass region.
Buy the M-Audio BX4 D3. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Midiplus MI5 II is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| M-Audio BX4 D3 | Midiplus MI5 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 per pair | $169 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #75 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #97 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered stereo pair, rear-ported | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Drivers | 1” dome tweeter, 4.5” Kevlar woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch fiberglass woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.9H x 6.1W x 6.9D in | 10.1H x 6.7W x 9.4D in |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)/pair | 9.1 lbs (4.14 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 120W peak system | 100W RMS per pair |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux; headphone output | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.29 | 2.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.03 | 4.53 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 69Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz-25kHz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB |
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