Short answer: the Audioengine A2+. It ranks #12 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $279; the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 ranks #16, rated 3.2/5, and costs $299.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 does well: 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. Watch for: These measurements describe modified, port-plugged speakers, not the stock product.
The case for the Audioengine A2+: Erin’s Klippel measurements give a 5.39 predicted preference score with an ideal subwoofer. Watch for: The 2.07 standalone score and roughly 106Hz measured -3dB point reveal how much bass is missing without reinforcement or a subwoofer.
Buy the Audioengine A2+. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice Monolith MM-3 | Audioengine A2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 per pair | $279.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #12 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear slot port | - |
| Drivers | 0.75" silk-dome tweeter, 3" polypropylene woofer | 0.75" silk dome tweeter, 2.75" fiber woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in | 6" x 4" x 5.2" (152 x 102 x 133 mm) |
| Weight | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) left / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) right |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total, bi-amplified | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.82 | 1.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 | 4.81 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 105.5Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58.9Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| EQ | - | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| App | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
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How Audioengine A2+ compares with other leading options:
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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 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
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Audioengine A2+: $279.00 per pair Amazon Audioengine eBay
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements give a 5.39 predicted preference score with an ideal subwoofer. The tiny footprint, multiple inputs and variable RCA output are useful for desktop listening. The existing review found desk placement more forgiving than free-space placement, with no major port-chuffing problem in its tests. Measured bass extension of 105.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.07 standalone score and roughly 106Hz measured -3dB point reveal how much bass is missing without reinforcement or a subwoofer. Midrange and crossover-region dips remain; desk gain is placement-dependent and cannot be assumed to correct them. Compression becomes substantial above roughly 87dB at 1m in the review, so this is a quiet nearfield option rather than a high-output monitor.
Full Audioengine A2+ review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58.9Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 105.5Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6" x 4" x 5.2" (152 x 102 x 133 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75" silk dome tweeter, 2.75" fiber woofer |
| EQ | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.81 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) left / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) right |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine A2+ vs Monacor SOUND-4BT
- Audioengine A2+ vs Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex
- Audioengine A2+ vs Kanto YU4
- Audioengine A2+ vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- Audioengine A2+ vs Sovox MiniMax3
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- Audioengine A2+ vs HiVi Swan X3
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