Short answer: the Monoprice Monolith MM-3. It ranks #28 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $299.99. The Monoprice DT-3 ranks #48, 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 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 Monoprice Monolith MM-3 is the more accurate option. A compact desktop pair with Bluetooth, analog inputs, a headphone jack and angled stands. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.82 against 0.10 for the Monoprice DT-3. The catch: Its measurements and rating are for the ports plugged; left stock, the bass has a boomy peak and the midrange has more resonances.
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.
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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 | Monoprice Monolith MM-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #48 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 48 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) |
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