Short answer: the Mackie CR3-X. It ranks #34 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.0/5) at $99.99 and is still sold new; the Midiplus MI3 II ranks #47 (rated 2.4/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Midiplus MI3 II’s replacement, the Midiplus MI3 II V2, is rated 2.5/5 at $139.
Why pick the Midiplus MI3 II: Compact desktop speakers with Bluetooth, analog inputs and a treble adjustment for a basic computer setup. The tradeoff: Preference scores of 0.99 standalone and 3.84 with an ideal subwoofer are poor.
The Mackie CR3-X is the more accurate option. Inexpensive small desktop speakers with RCA and aux inputs for casual listening at moderate volume. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 2.50 against 0.99 for the Midiplus MI3 II. The tradeoff: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz.
Buy the Mackie CR3-X. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Midiplus MI3 II is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Midiplus MI3 II | Mackie CR3-X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139 per pair Discontinued | $99.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #47 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Weight | 3.9 lbs (1.77 kg) | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way | - |
| Drivers | 0.75-inch silk tweeter, 3-inch fiberglass woofer | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 70Hz-25kHz | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 60W RMS per pair | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Maximum SPL | 98dB | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth | RCA, Aux |
| Dimensions | 6.5H x 4.7W x 6D in | 8.1”H x 5.5”W x 7.1”D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.99 | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.84 | 5.42 |
| 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 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | - |
| Outputs | - | 1/8” headphone jack |
| App | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| EQ | - | No |
| Sensitivity | - | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
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