Short answer: the Edifier M60. It ranks #6 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $199.99. The Mackie CR3-X ranks #18, rated 3.0/5, at $99.99, $100 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the Mackie CR3-X: Erin’s Klippel data predicts 2.50 standalone and 5.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The catch: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz.
Why pick the Edifier M60: Erin’s Klippel data shows a reasonably even midrange, spanning 2.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with broad horizontal coverage for desktop listening. The catch: The on-axis response rises by about 0.57dB per octave, so the tonal balance becomes brighter toward the treble.
Buy the Edifier M60. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $100 with the Mackie CR3-X does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie CR3-X | Edifier M60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 per pair | $199.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 8.1”H x 5.5”W x 7.1”D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) | 6.6”H x 3.9”W x 5.8”D (167.6 x 99.1 x 147.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | Bluetooth, Aux, USB-C |
| Outputs | 1/8” headphone jack | - |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 3” woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) | 66W total (33W per speaker) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 | 4.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.42 | 7.33 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Edifier M60 compares with other leading options:
- Edifier M60 vs Genelec 8010A
- Adam Audio D3v vs Edifier M60
- Edifier M60 vs Cambridge Audio L/R S
- Edifier M60 vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- HiVi Swan X3 vs Edifier M60
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Mackie CR3-X: $99.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s Klippel data predicts 2.50 standalone and 5.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The existing comparative review found less exaggerated tonal shaping and better sustained-output behavior than the original PreSonus E3.5 tested alongside it. Midrange distortion was reasonably controlled for inexpensive desktop speakers at moderate listening levels. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 96dB.
Cons: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz. Bass peaking and crossover-region changes with listening height prevent neutral monitoring. Limiting becomes intrusive above modest desktop levels, and there are no tone controls. Comparisons with the original E3.5 should not be treated as measurements of its second generation.
Full Mackie CR3-X review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.1”H x 5.5”W x 7.1”D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | 1/8” headphone jack |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.42 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: Presonus Eris E3.5 vs Mackie CR3 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Mackie CR3-X vs Edifier R1280T Sound, Distortion & Frequency Response Comparison
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Mackie CR3-X vs PreSonus E3.5 Budget Monitor Showdown!
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Edifier M60: $199.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s Klippel data shows a reasonably even midrange, spanning 2.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with broad horizontal coverage for desktop listening. Predicted preference scores are 4.60 standalone and 7.33 with an ideal subwoofer, a comparatively strong result in this compact category. USB-C, auxiliary input, Bluetooth and included angled stands make it easy to integrate into a small desk setup. LDAC Bluetooth support and illuminated touch controls round out the features. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.5dB.
Cons: The on-axis response rises by about 0.57dB per octave, so the tonal balance becomes brighter toward the treble. Measured -3dB bass extension is about 70Hz; it cannot reproduce deep bass at full level. Sitting below the tweeter axis worsens the crossover-region response. Limiting and compression constrain louder playback, so use it nearfield rather than expecting room-filling output.
Full Edifier M60 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 66W total (33W per speaker) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.6”H x 3.9”W x 5.8”D (167.6 x 99.1 x 147.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, USB-C |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Sensitivity | 87.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.33 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Edifier M60 Desktop Speaker Delivers Big Fun! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Best Budget Desktop Speakers, Tested & Rated
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Edifier M60
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons