Short answer: the Monoprice Monolith MM-3. Both are rated 3.2/5 for sound quality (#16 and #17 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers), and the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 costs $299.99 against $359 for the Audioengine HD3, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
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. The catch: These measurements describe modified, port-plugged speakers, not the stock product.
Why pick the Audioengine HD3: A compact desktop stereo option when cabinet size is a priority. Watch for: Limited bass makes a subwoofer useful for fuller music reproduction.
Buy the Monoprice Monolith MM-3. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $59.01 less than the Audioengine HD3.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice Monolith MM-3 | Audioengine HD3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 per pair | $359.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #17 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear slot port | - |
| Drivers | 0.75" silk-dome tweeter, 3" polypropylene woofer | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Weight | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total, bi-amplified | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.82 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 | - |
| 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| App | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| EQ | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Audioengine A2+
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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
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- 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
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Monoprice DT-3
- See all 9 comparisons
Audioengine HD3: $359.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A compact desktop stereo option when cabinet size is a priority. Measured bass extension of 65Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Limited bass makes a subwoofer useful for fuller music reproduction. Its compact format is better suited to close listening than filling a large room.
Full Audioengine HD3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Maximum SPL | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine HD3 vs Fluid Audio C35BT
- Audioengine HD3 vs Kanto YU4
- Audioengine HD3 vs Monacor SOUND-4BT
- Audioengine HD3 vs M-Audio BX3
- Audioengine HD3 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- Audioengine HD3 vs Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex
- Audioengine HD3 vs Midiplus MI3 II
- Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier MR3
- See all 18 comparisons