Short answer: the Fiio SP3, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #38 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $299.99. The Monoprice DT-3 ranks #48, 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 48 powered bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the ADAM Audio D3v instead, ranked #3 at $349.99.
Why pick the Monoprice DT-3: An inexpensive compact powered pair with a front volume knob, aux input and headphone output for a simple desk setup. Watch for: The measured response spans 7.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with large irregularities both on-axis and across the listening window.
The Fiio SP3 is the more accurate choice. Small angled desktop speakers that fit a tight desk and reach a little deeper in the bass than many similar sized pairs. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.56 against 0.10 for the Monoprice DT-3. The tradeoff: 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice DT-3 | Fiio SP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #48 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 48 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) |
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