Short answer: the Audioengine HD6, if you are buying new. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks higher than it (#42 vs #79 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.3/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Audioengine HD6 is still sold new at $1,048.
The M-Audio BX5 D3 is the better-sounding choice. 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.
The case for the Audioengine HD6: A self-contained powered stereo pair with Bluetooth, analog and optical inputs, and an RCA output, no separate amplifier needed. It keeps a wired aux input, which the M-Audio BX5 D3 lacks. Watch for: Listening impressions describe bass and treble emphasis with a recessed midrange, which may suit casual listening better than neutral monitoring.
Buy the Audioengine HD6 new; the M-Audio BX5 D3 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
A self-contained powered stereo pair with Bluetooth, analog and optical inputs, and an RCA output, no separate amplifier needed.
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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| M-Audio BX5 D3 | Audioengine HD6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $637.22 per pair Discontinued | $1,048.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #79 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz | 45Hz-40kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W each | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB | - |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input, Digital Optical |
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in | 11.7”H x 7.2”W x 10”D (298.4 x 184.1 x 254 mm) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each | 17.4 lbs (7.9 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.09 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| EQ | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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