Short answer: the Mackie CR3-X. It ranks #18 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $99.99; the Fiio SP3 ranks #20, rated 2.9/5, and costs $299.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
Why pick the Mackie CR3-X: Erin’s Klippel data predicts 2.50 standalone and 5.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The tradeoff: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz.
What the Fiio SP3 does well: Compact cabinets and angled bases fit a small desk. The catch: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior.
Buy the Mackie CR3-X. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Fiio SP3 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie CR3-X | Fiio SP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #18 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 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) | 6.4”H x 4.7”W x 5.2”D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | AUX, RCA |
| Outputs | 1/8” headphone jack | - |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 3.5” carbon fiber midwoofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 | 3.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.42 | 6.17 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Mackie CR3-X 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
Fiio SP3: $299.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact cabinets and angled bases fit a small desk. The existing review found useful dynamic capability at higher frequencies, so lack of output is not the only issue. Erin’s Klippel data shows a measured -3dB bass point around 60Hz, deeper than several similarly sized alternatives. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior. Its 3.56 standalone and 6.17 ideal-subwoofer scores do not capture the full practical impact of the review’s boomy bass and off-axis tonal problems. Changing angle trades one coloration for another. Those audible limitations weigh against it more heavily than its numerical score or build quality.
Full Fiio SP3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.4”H x 4.7”W x 5.2”D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5” carbon fiber midwoofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | AUX, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.17 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons