Short answer: the Edifier M60. It ranks #9 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $199.99. The Mackie CR3-X ranks #34, rated 3.0/5, at $99.99, $100 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the Mackie CR3-X: Inexpensive small desktop speakers with RCA and aux inputs for casual listening at moderate volume. The catch: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz.
The Edifier M60 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Small desktop speakers with even sound, USB, Bluetooth and included stands, easy to set up at a desk. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.60 against 2.50 for the Mackie CR3-X. Its bass reaches about 67Hz before falling 3dB, against 80Hz for the Mackie CR3-X. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Mackie CR3-X lacks. The tradeoff: 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.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Edifier M60 reaches 57 Hz (10 dB down) against 70 Hz for the Mackie CR3-X, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Edifier M60 scores 7.3 against 5.4 for the Mackie CR3-X on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Efficiency: the Mackie CR3-X is rated at 96 dB sensitivity against 87.5 dB for the Edifier M60, so it plays as loud with roughly a third of the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie CR3-X | Edifier M60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 per pair | $199.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #34 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #9 of 48 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 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Mackie CR3-X: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, Audio Science Review and DSAUDIO.review.
- Edifier M60: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Jasper Tech.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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