Short answer: the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 for better sound quality, the Fluid Audio C35BT for the lower price. The Monoprice Monolith MM-3 ranks #16 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.2/5, at $299.99. The Fluid Audio C35BT ranks #19, rated 3.0/5, at $139, $160.99 cheaper.
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 tradeoff: These measurements describe modified, port-plugged speakers, not the stock product.
What the Fluid Audio C35BT does well: Balanced TRS inputs, Bluetooth, front volume control and a headphone output make this inexpensive pair practical for a basic desktop setup. The catch: Preference scores of 2.57 standalone and 5.57 with an ideal subwoofer indicate that the limitations are not just missing bass.
Buy the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Fluid Audio C35BT if the price matters more than sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice Monolith MM-3 | Fluid Audio C35BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 per pair | $139 per pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear slot port | Powered 2-way, front-ported |
| Drivers | 0.75" silk-dome tweeter, 3" polypropylene woofer | 0.8" silk-dome tweeter, 3.5" composite woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in | 7.3H x 4.9W x 5.9D in |
| Weight | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each | 10 lbs (4.52 kg) pair |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total, bi-amplified | 64W total |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm | Bluetooth, RCA, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.82 | 2.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 | 5.57 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| 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, 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
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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 Audioengine HD3
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Kanto YU4
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Monacor SOUND-4BT
- 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
Fluid Audio C35BT: $139 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Balanced TRS inputs, Bluetooth, front volume control and a headphone output make this inexpensive pair practical for a basic desktop setup. ASR’s measured -3dB point is about 78Hz, so it covers more upper bass than the shallowest-reaching mini speakers.
Cons: Preference scores of 2.57 standalone and 5.57 with an ideal subwoofer indicate that the limitations are not just missing bass. Listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.555 and sound-power deviation of 0.657 show that response irregularities affect both direct and room-reflected sound. A subwoofer cannot correct those tonal problems, and the small drivers are not a basis for expecting high clean output.
Full Fluid Audio C35BT review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 64W total |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.3H x 4.9W x 5.9D in |
| Drivers | 0.8" silk-dome tweeter, 3.5" composite woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, front-ported |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA, 3.5mm, balanced TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.57 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.52 kg) pair |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Mackie CR3-X
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Fiio SP3
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs M-Audio BX3
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Audioengine HD3
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Midiplus MI3 II
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- Fluid Audio C35BT vs Monoprice DT-3
- See all 9 comparisons