Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Thomann Swissonic A306 is the better pick: it ranks #54 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5), against #80 (rated 4.0/5) for the M-Audio BX8 D3. If you want one new, the JBL 308P MKII ranks #34 at $287.98.
The case for the M-Audio BX8 D3: An 8 inch studio monitor with useful bass and simple analog connections for a straightforward studio setup. Watch for: A 3.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and downward tonal tilt suggest a darker, less even presentation than the leaders.
The Thomann Swissonic A306 is the more accurate pick. Affordable studio monitors with useful bass and tone controls that make a capable budget setup when carefully tuned. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.41 against 4.65 for the M-Audio BX8 D3. Watch for: The published result is not the flat-control setting: it specifically uses -2dB treble.
Buy the Thomann Swissonic A306 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the JBL 308P MKII instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| M-Audio BX8 D3 | Thomann Swissonic A306 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $258 per pair Discontinued | $250 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #80 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1.25” silk-dome tweeter, 8” Kevlar woofer | 6.5” woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Dimensions | 15.1H x 9.8W x 11.9D in | 8.8”W x 14.2”H x 11.1”D (224 x 361 x 282 mm) |
| Weight | 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) each | 13.6 lbs (6.17 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 150W each (80W LF, 70W HF) | 100W bi-amplified total (50W + 50W, Class D) |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS | XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced) |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.65 | 5.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.66 | 7.29 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 37Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 43Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2600Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | 89.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DSP | - | Yes (rear-panel treble/bass trim, wall/near-wall placement switches) |
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