expert evaluation
Strong Points
- clean audio
- TRS, RCA, and Bluetooth connectivity
- Capable of very loud volumes
- Easy access to AUX input and headset output jack
Cons
- Audio sounds a little hollow to some ears
- Audio distortion at high volumes
our verdict
Monoprice offers a robust set of speakers with the DT-3BT. Its sound profile isn’t for everyone, but many will find it a hassle-free option to upgrade their desk’s audio output, making listening to the device a breeze.
Price at time of review
99.99
Today’s Best Price: Monoprice DT-3BT
$99.99
Monoprice may not be a household name, but for decades it has quietly sold high-tech gadgets of brand-name quality. Monoprice branded items take a solid, no-frills approach by boosting some key features and then slashing others, rather than tearing down more expensive brands. doing.
The Monoprice DT-3BT adheres to that philosophy. For $100, these 50W desktop speakers of his offer unobtrusive looks and clear audio that blend well with typical computer desk setups. It also focuses more on functionality than controlling audio tuning. Along with TRS and RCA jacks, it supports Bluetooth 5.0 so you can use it with a wide variety of devices.
Each speaker measures 5.5 x 8.0 x 5.9 inches (140 x 204 x 150 mm) and weighs 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) each. No wood tones here. The all-black coloring is intended to blend in with the background. Inside is a 3 inch woofer his driver and his 0.75 inch tweeter his driver. All action takes place in his primary speaker. Up front, you’ll find a comfortably sized volume knob, his separate 3.5 mm jacks for auxiliary inputs (such as compatible smartphones and tablets) and headphone output, and two status lights. Power and Bluetooth state. On the back are RCA and 1/4″ TRS inputs, outputs for connecting to secondary speakers, and buttons for power and Bluetooth pairing.
Note: To learn more about the competition, what to look for in budget computer speakers, and buying recommendations, visit our ongoing roundup of the best budget computer speakers.
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To set up, simply connect your primary speakers to your PC using color-coded RCA-to-3.5mm cables, and link your primary and secondary speakers using color-coded speaker interconnect cables. Also, the primary speaker must be powered by plugging it into a polarized 2-pin outlet.
Compared to its competitors, the DT-3BT focuses more on high and low frequencies, similar to Monoprice’s other audio products. Some ears may find this sound profile focused on clarity and crispness, while others may find it a bit hollow. Either way, you can clearly hear the layered musical elements.
And if you want, you can listen to these songs very loud (albeit with some distortion). These speakers can easily fill a small living room. I usually kept the knob well below his quarter mark (figuratively speaking) for daytime listening, and even lower during the later hours. And you can play from different devices at the same time, so you don’t have to switch between devices. Simply start playing from the gear you want.
Should I buy the Monoprice DT-3BT?
As speakers go, $100 may not seem like a big deal. But if you’re on a tight budget, that amount can feel like a splurge, and the Monoprice DT-3BT’s feature set makes it feel worth its price. The speaker features easy setup and controls, works with multiple audio sources right out of the box, and boasts crystal clear audio. Anyone interested in the DT-3BT’s sound profile should be satisfied.
