Short answer: the Mackie CR3-X. It ranks #34 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.0/5, at $99.99; the Monoprice DT-3 ranks #48, rated 2.3/5, and costs $139.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for 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 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 0.10 for the Monoprice DT-3. The catch: 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 than the Monoprice DT-3 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice DT-3 | Mackie CR3-X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $99.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #48 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 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” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| Amplifier Power | 50W system | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 69Hz (measured, Spinorama) | - |
| Inputs | Rear stereo RCA and front 3.5mm auxiliary | RCA, Aux |
| Outputs | Front headphone | 1/8” headphone jack |
| Dimensions | 8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each | 8.1”H x 5.5”W x 7.1”D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.10 | 2.50 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.03 | 5.42 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | 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) | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) |
| 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) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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