Short answer: the Edifier R2850DB, if you are buying new. The M-Audio BX8 D3 ranks higher than it (#80 vs #103 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers, 4.0/5 vs 3.8/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Edifier R2850DB is still sold new at $499.99.
Why pick the M-Audio BX8 D3: An 8 inch studio monitor with useful bass and simple analog connections for a straightforward studio setup. The tradeoff: A 3.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and downward tonal tilt suggest a darker, less even presentation than the leaders.
What the Edifier R2850DB does well: A big three way powered pair with deep bass, enough output for a large room, and Bluetooth, optical and RCA inputs. The tradeoff: The big cabinets need real stand or furniture space, and their bass is slightly boomy.
Buy the Edifier R2850DB new; the M-Audio BX8 D3 is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
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Specifications Side By Side
| M-Audio BX8 D3 | Edifier R2850DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $258 per pair Discontinued | $499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #80 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #103 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1.25” silk-dome tweeter, 8” Kevlar woofer | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 15.1H x 9.8W x 11.9D in | 18.1”H x 10.1”W x 12.4”D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Weight | 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) each | 50.7 lbs (23 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 150W each (80W LF, 70W HF) | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.65 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.66 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 37Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz-20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
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