When comparing Mackie CR3 vs Monoprice MP-65RT Bookshelf Speaker, the Slant community recommends Mackie CR3 for most people. In the question“What are the best bookshelf speakers for $100?” Mackie CR3 is ranked 4th while Monoprice MP-65RT Bookshelf Speaker is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose Mackie CR3 is:
It’ll be easier for you to position the main speaker as you prefer. At the back of the main speaker is a switch that allows you to select if the main speaker will be left or right channel. The other speaker will automatically be set to the other channel.
Specs
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Pros
Pro You can select what channel the main speaker will be
It’ll be easier for you to position the main speaker as you prefer. At the back of the main speaker is a switch that allows you to select if the main speaker will be left or right channel. The other speaker will automatically be set to the other channel.
Pro Clear sound with good bass levels
The highs are clear and have okay detail. The mids are not very forward but they sound natural and full. The bass is quite powerful and will give music a boomy and thumpy feel.
Pro Two analog input options to choose from
You’ll have some flexibility as to the source devices that you can use with these speakers. You can choose between TRS or RCA inputs.
Pro Loud volume output
Despite the small size, these speakers can output good volume levels, enough to fill a small room with sound.
Pro Foam isolation pads included
Excess vibrations from the speakers to your desk won’t be too much of a big issue. Instead of stick on rubber feet, the CR3 speakers come with foam isolation pads which are quite good at minimizing vibrations.
Pro It has a ribbon tweeter
Ribbon speakers are specialized tweeters for the high range that have a much quicker response rate than regular tweeters, and it is very rare to see such an economic product that includes one.
Pro Good value for such an economic product
They have good enough sound quality for such an economic product.
Cons
Con No room compensation controls
You’ll have to take the extra time and effort to properly position these speakers. There are no bass compensation controls to adjust low-end output when positioning these speakers near a wall, so it’ll be much harder for you to get the proper bass response.
Con Bass can overpower the overall sound
The overall sound can get boomy and muddy. The bass is quite powerful so on bass-heavy tracks, the details of the music may be washed out.
Con The woofer also handles the highs - no crossover circuit
Woofers are specialized in handling low frequencies. Usually, crossover circuits filter the high frequencies so that woofers can only play what they are best at, but this one has no filtering, meaning that the highs will be played throughout the woofer as well, deducting sound clarity.
Con Muddy bass frequencies
The low frequencies aren't good at all. Don't expect much bass.