Short answer: the Monoprice Monolith MM-3. It ranks #27 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.2/5, at $299.99. The Yamaha HS4 ranks #32, rated 3.1/5, at $249.99, $50 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Monoprice Monolith MM-3: 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.
What the Yamaha HS4 does well: Active compact desktop monitor featuring a 4.5-inch white cone woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter driven by a clean 26W + 26W Class-D amplifier. The tradeoff: Rating estimated from HS-series measured lineage.
Buy the Monoprice Monolith MM-3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $50 you would save on the Yamaha HS4 does not close the gap.
About the ratings: the Yamaha HS4’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 2.9 to 3.3, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Monoprice Monolith MM-3 | Yamaha HS4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 per pair | $249.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #27 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #32 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, rear slot port | - |
| Drivers | 0.75” silk-dome tweeter, 3” polypropylene woofer | 1” soft dome tweeter, 4.5” cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in | 9.4” x 5.9” x 8.4” (240 x 150 x 213 mm) |
| Weight | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each | 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg) (pair total) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total, bi-amplified | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.82 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.24 | - |
| XLR Input | No | - |
| RCA Input | Yes | - |
| TRS Input | No | - |
| Optical Input | No | - |
| Coaxial Input | No | - |
| USB Input | No | - |
| HDMI Input | No | - |
| AES Input | No | - |
| Aux Input | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2.3kHz |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Monoprice Monolith MM-3:
- ADAM Audio D3v vs Monoprice Monolith MM-3
- Edifier M60 vs Monoprice Monolith MM-3
- HiVi Swan X3 vs Monoprice Monolith MM-3
- Edifier MR3 vs Monoprice Monolith MM-3
- Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex vs Monoprice Monolith MM-3
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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 →
| Released | Aug 2019 (7 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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 Audioengine HD3
- 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 Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Fiio SP3
- Monoprice Monolith MM-3 vs Edifier MR3
- See all 13 comparisons
Yamaha HS4: $249.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 2.9/5), the Yamaha HS5 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the Yamaha HS7 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5), the Yamaha HS8 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Yamaha HS8S (subwoofer, rated 3/5).
Pros: Active compact desktop monitor featuring a 4.5-inch white cone woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter driven by a clean 26W + 26W Class-D amplifier. Delivers a more balanced low-end response (reaching down to 60Hz at -10dB) and smoother high-frequency dispersion than the Yamaha HS3, while including flexible XLR/TRS, RCA, and 3.5mm stereo inputs along with Room Control and High Trim boundary acoustic switches.
Cons: Rating estimated from HS-series measured lineage. Lower output capability and less bass extension than the dedicated bi-amplified Yamaha HS5; master/slave passive wire configuration for the second speaker.
Full Yamaha HS4 review and specifications →
| Released | Nov 2023 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 52W (26W + 26W dynamic) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.3kHz |
| Dimensions | 9.4” x 5.9” x 8.4” (240 x 150 x 213 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” soft dome tweeter, 4.5” cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 22kHz (-10dB) |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg) (pair total) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons