Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It ranks #6 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $299.99. The Mackie CR3-X ranks #34, rated 3.0/5, at $99.99, $200 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
What the Mackie CR3-X does well: 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 IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor is the better-sounding, deeper-bass choice. A tiny desktop pair with surprisingly big bass and Bluetooth, made for close listening at a desk. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 3dB, against 80Hz for the Mackie CR3-X. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Mackie CR3-X lacks. Watch for: The existing review evidence indicates some bass emphasis and upper-treble rolloff rather than strict neutrality.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $200 with the Mackie CR3-X does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor reaches 45 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie CR3-X | IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $99.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #34 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 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) | 7.1”H x 3.5”W x 5.3”D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | RCA, Aux |
| Outputs | 1/8” headphone jack | - |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes (A2DP) |
| EQ | No | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) | 50W total (combined) |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.50 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.42 | - |
| 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 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Mackie CR3-X: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, Audio Science Review and DSAUDIO.review.
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: reviews by Audio Science Review, DSAUDIO.review and DSAUDIOreview.
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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