This page ranks 11 small powered bookshelf speakers with woofers under 4”. These fit easily on a desk but trade bass extension for their compact size. They have no battery, come in pairs, and generally sound better than portable Bluetooth speakers. All include a built-in amp so you can play directly from your phone or laptop.
For general listening, nearly all of these sound fantastic, I’d recommend any except those labeled not recommended at the bottom. For studio monitoring, I’d generally recommend something near the top with an added subwoofer.
| Select to compare | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genelec 8010A | $700 | 50W | 67 Hz-25 kHz | No | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg | |
| 2 | IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | $299.99 | 50W total | 55Hz - 20kHz | Yes | 2 lbs / 0.9 kg | |
| 3 | Adam Audio D3v | $349.99 | 50W | 50Hz - 50kHz | No | 3.7 lbs / 1.7 kg | |
| 4 | Audioengine HD3 | $359.00 | 30W total | 65 Hz-20 kHz | Yes | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg | |
| 5 | Edifier MR3 | $149.99 | 36W total | 60Hz - 20kHz | Yes | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg | |
| 6 | Edifier M60 | $169.98 | 66W total | 55Hz - 40kHz | - | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg | |
| 7 | Audioengine A2+ | $279.00 | 15W RMS / 30W peak pe… | 65Hz - 22kHz | - | 3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg | |
| 8 | Klipsch ProMedia Lumina | $299.99 | 100W RMS, 200W peak | 40Hz - 20kHz | - | Satellite: 2.1 lbs /… | |
| 9 | Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen | $99.99 | 50W total | 80 Hz-20 kHz | No | 8.6 lbs / 3.9 kg | |
| 10 | Mackie CR3-X | $99.99 | 50W total | 80 Hz-20 kHz | No | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg | |
| 11 | Fiio SP3 | $299.99 | 40W total | - | - | 4.3 lbs / 1.95 kg each |
Prices on this page were last checked August 16, 2026 at 7:02 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.
#1 Genelec 8010A: $700 Bhphotovideo
Pros: An extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing recordings. Although for mastering, it’s highly recommended to use a larger speaker with deeper bass extension or add a subwoofer
Cons: Not as deep of bass as the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. Probably not the best choice for general music listening due to the price and limited bass extension.
Full Genelec 8010A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 67Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 7.7"H x 4.8"W x 4.5"D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity) |
| Frequency Response | 67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter) |
| Weight | 3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs iLoud Micro Monitor Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Presonus Eris E4.5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (G One) vs JBL LSR305 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Audioengine A2+ Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Reddit Search for Genelec 8010A Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#2 IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: $299.99 Amazon
Pros: Much deeper bass than any other speaker this size. Wide, consistent horizontal directivity out to about 15kHz gives an unusually good soundstage for such a small speaker, and vertical response stays flat well above the tweeter axis, forgiving desktop placement where the tweeters sit below ear height.
Cons: Slightly boosted bass. Some treble rolloff up high. More hifi sounding than neutral
Full IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) |
| Dimensions | 7.1"H x 3.5"W x 5.3"D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W total (combined) |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Adam Audio D3v
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Genelec 8010A
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Audioengine HD3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier MR3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier M60
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Mackie CR3-X
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- See all 10 comparisons
#3 Adam Audio D3v: $349.99 Amazon
Pros: Compact powered desktop monitor with passive radiators on the sides for extra bass extension, designed specifically for near-field (about 1 meter) listening. Bass extends flat to about 50Hz before rolling off sharply. On-axis linearity holds within about ±2dB - notably better linearity than its similarly-priced rival, the Kali LP-UNF. USB-C plus analog inputs, with the secondary speaker powered through a cable from the primary unit so only one power outlet is needed. Adjustable back-panel settings compensate for desk, wall, corner, or stand placement. Distortion in the midrange is better controlled than the larger Kali LP-UNF at moderate output levels. Smaller footprint than similarly-priced alternatives, useful for tight desk space, while still a clear step up from cheap sub-$150 desktop speakers.
Cons: Built-in limiter chops off both low-frequency and midrange content as output increases - not intended for loud or far-field listening. Best output window is roughly 78-86dB based on multitone distortion testing; long-term compression testing puts effective maximum SPL around 89dB, and instantaneous compression around 90dB. A slight treble tip-up appears around 4-6kHz on-axis. Vertical listening window is tight, typical of compact two-way designs - needs to stay close to the tweeter axis. Narrower horizontal dispersion (about ±60°) and less vertical placement tolerance than the Kali LP-UNF (about ±70° horizontal). The Kali LP-UNF, at the same price, offers roughly 2dB more maximum output and a bit more bass boost, if either matters more than the compact size.
Full Adam Audio D3v review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 6.7"H x 4.3"W x 5.9"D (170.2 x 109.2 x 149.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5" woofer, U-ART accelerated ribbon tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment filters) |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Max SPL | 102dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W (30W woofer + 20W tweeter) |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 3.7 lbs / 1.7 kg |
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#4 Audioengine HD3: $359.00 Amazon
Cons: Small woofer doesn’t have very deep bass. Slightly boosted treble. High priced
Full Audioengine HD3 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 65Hz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 6.5"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 2.75" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Max SPL | 90dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audioengine HD3 vs Adam Audio D3v
- Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier MR3
- Audioengine HD3 vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier M60
- Audioengine HD3 vs Genelec 8010A
- Audioengine HD3 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- Audioengine HD3 vs Audioengine HD4
- Audioengine HD3 vs Edifier R1700BT
- See all 10 comparisons
#5 Edifier MR3: $149.99 Amazon
Pros: 3.5” mid-range driver and 1” waveguided dome tweeter, with all amplification built into the primary cabinet and speaker-level output feeding the secondary unit. Extensive back-panel tone controls (treble and bass boost/cut) plus a Bluetooth app with low-frequency cutoff, acoustic-space compensation, and a 6-band custom EQ - unusually flexible tuning for the price. On-axis linearity holds within about ±2dB, notably flatter than most rivals in this price bracket. The reviewer considers it the best desktop speaker he’s tested in its size and price class, edging out its own predecessor, the Edifier MR4. Tonal consistency holds within about ±60° horizontally, giving some flexibility to move around at a desk without a major shift in sound. A built-in limiter protects the speaker from overdrive rather than letting distortion climb uncontrolled at higher volumes.
Cons: Limited maximum output - measured around 86dB at 1 meter for a single speaker (about 92dB for a pair), a clear ceiling for anyone wanting to play loud. Compression is significant when pushed toward its output limit: targeting 96dB nets about 9dB of compression, meaning effective output tops out closer to 87dB. Bass extends only to about 60Hz without added room or desk gain. Vertical placement is fairly critical - sitting more than about 20° above the tweeter axis (for example, speakers placed low on a desk with the listener seated well above them) causes a significant midrange suckout, hurting dialogue clarity and attack. Strictly a near-field/small-room solution - fine for desktop or modest TV/Bluetooth duty, but not intended as a serious hi-fi speaker.
Full Edifier MR3 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 5.9"H x 3.7"W x 5.9"D (149.9 x 94 x 149.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA |
| Max SPL | 93dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 36W total (18W per speaker) |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier MR3 vs Audioengine HD3
- Edifier MR3 vs Edifier M60
- Edifier MR3 vs Adam Audio D3v
- Edifier MR3 vs Audioengine A2+
- Edifier MR3 vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Edifier MR3 vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- Edifier MR3 vs Genelec 8010A
- Edifier MR3 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- See all 11 comparisons
#6 Edifier M60: $169.98 Amazon
Pros: 1” dome tweeter paired with a 3” cone midwoofer, in a distinctively styled desktop cabinet with illuminated touch controls and a textured finish. USB-C, aux input, and a speaker-level output for the passive companion unit, plus small tilting stands (about 15°) for desk positioning. Horizontal dispersion of about ±60° through the upper midrange, right in the reviewer’s preferred range for near-field desktop use. Reasonably neutral through the midrange. Sound quality falls between Edifier’s own MR3 (better) and MR4 (worse) in the reviewer’s estimation, at an attractive price for the segment. Multiple input options make it easy to integrate into a desktop setup.
Cons: Trends noticeably brighter moving from midrange into treble; best tamed by seating position (tweeter slightly below ear level, no more than about 10° above the tweeter line) rather than relying on EQ. Sitting below the tweeter axis causes a significant suckout in the 2-4kHz crossover region and should be avoided entirely. F3 of 67Hz and F10 of 57Hz mean bass falls off a cliff below the mid-60s Hz, with essentially no low-end punch or tactile bass. Built-in limiting caps real-world output well below the theoretical 96dB target - effective maximum is closer to 86-90dB at 1 meter (low 90s dB for a pair on a desk), and multitone distortion testing suggests 78-88dB is the practical ceiling before the sound turns grainy and compressed. Strictly a near-field speaker - not intended for listening beyond arm’s length (about 2.5 feet); farther or louder use calls for a larger speaker like the Kali LP-UNF.
Full Edifier M60 review and specifications →
| App | Yes |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Dimensions | 6.6"H x 3.9"W x 5.8"D (167.6 x 99.1 x 147.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, USB-C |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 66W total (33W per speaker) |
| Sensitivity | 87.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg |
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#7 Audioengine A2+: $279.00 Amazon Audioengine
Pros: Genuinely small footprint for real desktop use, with a wide input selection (RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth) plus a rear volume knob and variable RCA output. Sound is well-behaved in its intended use case - sitting on the desk below ear level, where the natural desk-boundary reinforcement fills in the midrange the way the design expects. No port chuffing or major excursion issues noted. Better native tonal balance than its closest same-size, same-price rival tested alongside it (which had a severe 70Hz resonant boom and overly hot treble); at this size and price, a solid, inoffensive pick for background/nearfield desktop use.
Cons: Raw anechoic response has an on-axis midrange dip the reviewer called “too much” at about 6dB peak-to-peak, and a persistent 2dB dip from 3-5kHz that desk placement doesn’t fix - possibly a crossover integration issue. Bass rolls off below about 100Hz with real authority, so don’t expect low-end weight. Compression/limiting kicks in hard above roughly 87dB at 1m, well before most full-size monitors, so these aren’t for anyone who wants to push real volume. Do not put these on stands at ear level - that exposes the raw nonlinear response and makes them sound notably worse; desktop placement below ear level is required to sound right. Kali Audio’s similarly-priced LP-UNF is meaningfully more linear and extends lower, at roughly twice the cabinet size.
Full Audioengine A2+ review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Dimensions | 6"H x 4"W x 5.25"D (152 x 102 x 133mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75" silk dome tweeter, 2.75" fiber woofer |
| EQ | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Output Power | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| Weight | 3.5 lbs / 1.6 kg (3.55 lb) left / 3.1 lbs / 1.4 kg (3.15 lb) right |
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#8 Klipsch ProMedia Lumina: $299.99 Amazon
Pros: Genuinely useful bass extension for a compact desktop system thanks to the separate powered subwoofer - measured F3 at 46Hz and F10 at 38Hz, deeper than most speakers in this size and price class. The tractrix waveguide design allows for effective EQ correction if you use it. Distortion at both moderate and loud levels is reasonable for the size, and compression behavior is in line with expectations. Extensive RGB lighting and app control, plus tiltable stands.
Cons: Treble is boosted 3-5dB out of the box when pointed directly at the listener, giving a bright, somewhat digital and fatiguing character - fixed by toeing the speakers out 20-30 degrees, but that’s an extra setup step most buyers won’t know to take. The companion app only offers fixed-band EQ, not true parametric EQ, so you can’t precisely dial out the treble bump. Sounds more compressed and less neutral than pricier studio-style monitors like the Adam Audio D3v.
Full Klipsch ProMedia Lumina review and specifications →
| App | Klipsch Control app - EQ (fixed bands), RGB lighting control, night mode, music-reactive mode |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Crossover Frequency | Satellite: 3.5kHz, Subwoofer: 150Hz |
| Dimensions | Satellite: 248 x 165 x 102 mm, Subwoofer: 356 x 152 x 352 mm |
| Drivers | 1" tractrix horn tweeter, 3.5" mid, 6.5" powered subwoofer |
| EQ | Fixed-band EQ via app (not parametric) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB-C, 3.5mm Aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Max SPL | 98dB |
| Output Power | 100W RMS, 200W peak |
| Weight | Satellite: 2.1 lbs / 0.95 kg each, Subwoofer: 11 lbs / 4.99 kg |
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#9 Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen: $99.99 Amazon
Pros: Includes rear-panel high- and low-frequency shelf tone controls, letting you tailor the sound (helpful for near-wall placement, where the reviewer suggests reducing the bass knob). Distortion and neutrality can be meaningfully improved with simple mods - sealing the rear port and adjusting the tone controls (low +3dB, high -6dB in testing) noticeably flattened the default V-shaped response.
Cons: Stock on-axis response has a pronounced “smiley face” V-curve, with the midrange scooped roughly 6-7dB below the bass and treble - problematic for any mixing or monitoring use. The rear port is too small for the cabinet, producing peaky, boomy bass rather than genuine extension. A strong resonance around 1-2kHz persists even with the port sealed, suggesting an internal standing wave rather than a purely port-related issue. Directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer as the woofer narrows with frequency. Hard limiting kicks in above about 86dB, and distortion at 96dB is high - not intended for loud listening. Frequency response measurably drifts over time at moderate-to-high volume (about 1dB shift after 4 minutes at 86dB, worse within a couple minutes at 96dB). In direct comparison, measures 3-5dB hotter in the treble than the Mackie CR3-X, and even after sealing the port and adjusting the tone controls, still measured behind the Mackie overall. Best used aimed off-axis (about 30-40°) and with the port sealed; without EQ/DSP correction, significant tonal problems remain.
Full Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 8.3"H x 6"W x 5.5"D (210.8 x 152.4 x 139.7 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5" woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Acoustic space) |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, 1/4" Balanced |
| Max SPL | 95dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Outputs | 1/8" headphone jack |
| Sensitivity | 87.4dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs / 3.9 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Presonus Eris E3.5 vs Edifier R1280T Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Presonus Eris E3.5 vs Mackie CR3 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Mackie CR3-X vs PreSonus E3.5 Budget Monitor Showdown!
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 10 Great (and Terrible) Speakers Under $300!
- Reddit Search for Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen vs Mackie CR3-X
- Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen vs Fiio SP3
- Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen vs Edifier M60
- Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen vs Edifier MR3
- Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen vs Audioengine HD3
- Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen vs Adam Audio D3v
- Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen vs Genelec 8010A
#10 Mackie CR3-X: $99.99 Amazon
Pros: More neutral overall on-axis response than its closest $100 rival, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 - less of a scooped, V-shaped curve. Distortion at 96dB stays below 3% THD through most of the midrange - no real issues at typical near-field listening levels. Better long-term compression behavior than the PreSonus at both 86dB and 96dB. The reviewer’s pick between the two $100 monitors, even though the PreSonus has tone-adjustment knobs it lacks.
Cons: Still a ported design in too small a cabinet, producing boosted, boomy bass rather than genuine low-end extension. No tone-control knobs for adjusting the sound, unlike the PreSonus. Hard limiting and compression set in significantly above 86dB - not intended for loud listening. Off-axis measurements show the treble smooths out with moderate toe-out, but on-axis it reads as somewhat lifted. Vertical placement matters - going above or below tweeter-ear-level causes real deviation through the crossover region. Benefits substantially from sealing the port to tame the bass hump, a modification the reviewer recommends for both this and the PreSonus.
Full Mackie CR3-X review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 8.1"H x 5.5"W x 7.1"D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Max SPL | 92dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W total (25W per speaker) |
| Outputs | 1/8" headphone jack |
| Sensitivity | 96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Presonus Eris E3.5 vs Mackie CR3 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- DSAUDIO.review: Mackie CR3-X vs Edifier R1280T Sound, Distortion & Frequency Response Comparison
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Mackie CR3-X vs PreSonus E3.5 Budget Monitor Showdown!
- Reddit Search for Mackie CR3-X Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#11 Fiio SP3: $299.99 Amazon
Pros: Solid build quality that feels more substantial than the ribbed, 3D-printed-looking exterior would suggest. RGB lighting accent on the base. Genuinely good dynamic range and compression behavior at higher frequencies - the one area where the reviewer says the manufacturer’s marketing claims actually hold up. Compact footprint for a desktop setup, with a 7° riser built into the base to angle the drivers toward the listener.
Cons: Treble runs too hot and the mid-range is heavily scooped out on-axis, the supposedly ideal listening position. A severely mismatched enclosure-to-driver tuning creates a very high-Q bass resonance - a one-note bass “boom” rather than usable extension, with a steep 7dB rolloff between F3 (59Hz) and F10 (53Hz). Tilting the speaker to change listening angle doesn’t fix the tonal problems; because the crossover itself is poorly executed, off-axis listening just trades one set of problems (5-10dB dip at the crossover region) for another. The reviewer found no EQ or placement adjustment that made it sound acceptable, and specifically calls out the manufacturer’s marketing claims (driver size, dynamics, soundstage) as misleading relative to comparably-priced competitors like the Presonus Eris 3.5. No volume knob on the front panel. Recommended alternative: the Monoprice MM3.
Full Fiio SP3 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 6.4"H x 4.7"W x 5.2"D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5" carbon fiber midwoofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Inputs | AUX, RCA |
| Output Power | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs / 1.95 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons