Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII. It ranks #2 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $1,898 and is still sold new; the M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #42 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Neumann KH120 MKII is the more accurate choice. An extremely accurate compact studio monitor, with very low distortion and bass to about 45Hz. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.49 against 4.09 for the M-Audio BX5 D3. The catch: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
Why pick the M-Audio BX5 D3: A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. The tradeoff: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality; the M-Audio BX5 D3 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
An extremely accurate compact studio monitor, with very low distortion and bass to about 45Hz.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH120 MKII | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,898.00 per pair | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #2 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and TRS |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | - |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) | 100W each |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 | 6.69 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| 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 | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
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