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 #28 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.2/5, at $299.99. The Fluid Audio C35BT ranks #35, rated 3.0/5, at $139, $160.99 cheaper.
The Monoprice Monolith MM-3 is the more accurate choice. 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 2.57 for the Fluid Audio C35BT. 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.
What the Fluid Audio C35BT does well: An inexpensive desktop pair with Bluetooth, balanced inputs, a front volume knob and a headphone jack for a basic computer 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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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 Monolith MM-3 | Fluid Audio C35BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 per pair | $139.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #28 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #35 of 48 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 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
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