Short answer: the PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #45 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 2.5/5, at $99.99; the Monoprice DT-3 ranks #48, rated 2.3/5, and costs $139.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one. 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.
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. It keeps a wired aux input, which the PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen lacks. The catch: The measured response spans 7.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with large irregularities both on-axis and across the listening window.
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen is the more accurate option. Small desktop monitors with bass and treble controls on the back to adjust for desk or wall placement. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 1.51 against 0.10 for the Monoprice DT-3. Watch for: The stock response spans 7.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and has a strong rising trend of about 1.27dB per octave, emphasizing treble over the midrange.
Buy the PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen. 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.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice DT-3 | PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 per pair | $99.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #48 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #45 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 | 3.5” woofer, 1” 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, 1/4” Balanced |
| Outputs | Front headphone | 1/8” headphone jack |
| Dimensions | 8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each | 8.3”H x 6”W x 5.5”D (210.8 x 152.4 x 139.7 mm) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 0.10 | 1.51 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 3.03 | 4.17 |
| 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 | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) |
| App | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| EQ | - | Yes (Acoustic space) |
| Sensitivity | - | 87.4dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 95dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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