Short answer: the Monoprice Monolith MM-3. It ranks #16 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $299.99. The Monoprice DT-3 ranks #24, rated 2.3/5, at $139.99, $160 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
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 Monoprice Monolith MM-3: With the ports plugged, Erin’s Klippel data yields preference scores of 3.82 standalone and 6.24 with an ideal subwoofer, and a measured -3dB point around 62Hz. The tradeoff: These measurements describe modified, port-plugged speakers, not the stock product.
Buy the Monoprice Monolith MM-3. 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 | Monoprice Monolith MM-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #24 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way stereo pair, rear-ported | 2-way active, rear slot port |
| Drivers | 0.75-inch tweeter, 3.5-inch woofer | 0.75" silk-dome tweeter, 3" polypropylene woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 50W system | 50W total, bi-amplified |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 69Hz (measured, Spinorama) | - |
| Inputs | Rear stereo RCA and front 3.5mm auxiliary | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm |
| Outputs | Front headphone | - |
| Dimensions | 8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.10 | 3.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.03 | 6.24 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | United States (design) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Audioengine A2+
- Monacor SOUND-4BT vs Monoprice Monolith MM-3
- Kanto YU4 vs Monoprice Monolith MM-3
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
Monoprice Monolith MM-3: $299.99 per pair Monoprice eBay
Pros: With the ports plugged, Erin’s Klippel data yields preference scores of 3.82 standalone and 6.24 with an ideal subwoofer, and a measured -3dB point around 62Hz. The reviewer found blocking the ports improved the bass peak and midrange resonances. Bluetooth, analog inputs, a headphone jack and angled stands provide a convenient compact desktop package.
Cons: These measurements describe modified, port-plugged speakers, not the stock product. Even in that configuration the review identifies substantial tonal problems and recommends off-axis placement to reduce excess treble. The score therefore does not justify ranking the stock MM-3 alongside better-balanced monitors. Small drivers limit its application, and the proprietary inter-speaker cable complicates replacement.
Full Monoprice Monolith MM-3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W total, bi-amplified |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | United States (design) |
| Dimensions | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in |
| Drivers | 0.75" silk-dome tweeter, 3" polypropylene woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear slot port |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Audioengine HD3
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Kanto YU4
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Monacor SOUND-4BT
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Fluid Audio C35BT
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Audioengine A2+
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Fiio SP3
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex
- See all 9 comparisons