Short answer: the M-Audio BX3, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #39 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 2.9/5, at $99.99; 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. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 48 powered bookshelf speakers, so if sound quality matters, consider the Edifier MR3 instead, ranked #11 at $149.99.
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. The tradeoff: The measured response spans 7.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with large irregularities both on-axis and across the listening window.
The M-Audio BX3 is the more accurate choice. A budget desktop pair with balanced, RCA and aux inputs, a headphone output and tone controls to adjust for placement. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 2.04 against 0.10 for the Monoprice DT-3. Watch for: ASR’s data gives only 2.04 standalone and 5.18 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the M-Audio BX3. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Monoprice DT-3 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice DT-3 | M-Audio BX3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $99.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #48 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way stereo pair, rear-ported | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Drivers | 0.75-inch tweeter, 3.5-inch woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 3.5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 50W system | 50W RMS per pair |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 69Hz (measured, Spinorama) | - |
| Inputs | Rear stereo RCA and front 3.5mm auxiliary | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux |
| Outputs | Front headphone | Headphone |
| Dimensions | 8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each | 8.2H x 5.5W x 5.7D in |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.10 | 2.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.03 | 5.18 |
| 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 | No |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz-22kHz |
| Weight | - | 7.4 lbs (3.35 kg) each |
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