Short answer: the Fluid Audio C35BT. It ranks #35 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $139; the Monoprice DT-3 ranks #48, rated 2.3/5, and costs $139.99, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
What the Monoprice DT-3 does well: 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 Fluid Audio C35BT is the more accurate option. An inexpensive desktop pair with Bluetooth, balanced inputs, a front volume knob and a headphone jack for a basic computer setup. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 2.57 against 0.10 for the Monoprice DT-3. The tradeoff: Preference scores of 2.57 standalone and 5.57 with an ideal subwoofer indicate that the limitations are not just missing bass.
Buy the Fluid Audio C35BT. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Monoprice DT-3 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice DT-3 | Fluid Audio C35BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $139.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #48 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #35 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way stereo pair, rear-ported | Powered 2-way, front-ported |
| Drivers | 0.75-inch tweeter, 3.5-inch woofer | 0.8” silk-dome tweeter, 3.5” composite woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 50W system | 64W total |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 69Hz (measured, Spinorama) | - |
| Inputs | Rear stereo RCA and front 3.5mm auxiliary | Bluetooth, RCA, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Outputs | Front headphone | Headphone |
| Dimensions | 8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each | 7.3H x 4.9W x 5.9D in |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.10 | 2.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.03 | 5.57 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 10 lbs (4.52 kg) pair |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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