Short answer: the Fiio SP3, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #20 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $299.99. The Monoprice DT-3 ranks #24, rated 2.3/5, at $139.99, $160 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 24 powered bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Adam Audio D3v instead, ranked #3 at $344.99.
Why pick the Monoprice DT-3: An inexpensive, compact powered pair with front volume control, auxiliary input and headphone output. Watch for: The measured response spans 7.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with large irregularities both on-axis and across the listening window.
Why pick the Fiio SP3: 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 Fiio SP3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $160 you would save on the Monoprice DT-3 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice DT-3 | Fiio SP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way stereo pair, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 0.75-inch tweeter, 3.5-inch woofer | 3.5" carbon fiber midwoofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 50W system | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 69Hz (measured, Spinorama) | - |
| Inputs | Rear stereo RCA and front 3.5mm auxiliary | AUX, RCA |
| Outputs | Front headphone | - |
| Dimensions | 8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each | 6.4"H x 4.7"W x 5.2"D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.10 | 3.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.03 | 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 |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 20kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Edifier M60 vs Fiio SP3
Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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
Monoprice DT-3: $139.99 per pair Monoprice eBay
Pros: An inexpensive, compact powered pair with front volume control, auxiliary input and headphone output. Erin’s Klippel measurements put the -3dB bass point around 74Hz, sufficient for some upper-bass content at a desk.
Cons: The measured response spans 7.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with large irregularities both on-axis and across the listening window. Preference scores are 0.10 standalone and only 3.03 with an ideal subwoofer, the weakest comparable result in this group. That means adding bass support does not remove its major tonal problems. It offers little reason to choose it for accurate listening over better-measuring budget alternatives.
Full Monoprice DT-3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W system |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 69Hz (measured, Spinorama) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each |
| Drivers | 0.75-inch tweeter, 3.5-inch woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way stereo pair, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Rear stereo RCA and front 3.5mm auxiliary |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Front headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.10 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.03 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- 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