Short answer: the Sovox MiniMax3. It ranks #14 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.7/5) at $650 and is still sold new; the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex ranks #18 (rated 3.5/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick the Sovox MiniMax3: A tiny aluminum coaxial monitor with a wide sweet spot, deep bass for its size and placement presets for desk or wall. Watch for: Output tops out around 86dB, with heavy compression and very high distortion as it gets there, so it only suits nearfield listening at modest volume.
Why pick the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex: A compact wireless streaming speaker with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Roon, which can pair as a cable-free stereo set. The catch: Standalone preference is only 3.69.
Buy the Sovox MiniMax3. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Sovox MiniMax3 | Bowers & Wilkins Formation Flex | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $650 per pair | £898 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #14 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Dimensions | 7.7”H x 4.3”W x 7.9”D (195 x 110 x 200 mm) | 8.5H x 5.1W x 5.1D in |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 5.1 lbs (2.3 kg) each |
| Drivers | 3 in. carbon fiber coaxial midrange with 1 in. silk dome tweeter, 3.5 in. carbon fiber woofer, 5 in. passive radiator | 1” decoupled double-dome tweeter, 4” woven-glass woofer |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (Free, Desk, Wall and Desk & Wall presets; treble and bass trims) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 68.6W total (44.3W LF + 17.95W MF + 6.32W HF Class D) | 100W each (2 x 50W) |
| Maximum SPL | 97dB @ 1m short term (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 20kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 28kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.84 | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.48 | 6.43 |
| Subwoofer Output | No | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| 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 | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active wireless |
| Wireless | - | AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, Formation mesh |
| Country | - | United Kingdom (design) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.1 |
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