The Lowdown
The M-Audio BX5-D3 studio reference monitors are updates to the company’s popular BX-D2 series monitors. These speakers certainly look the part considering how inexpensive they are, however for a bit more money, you can get better sounding monitors such as the KRK Rokits. Just about decent for cash-strapped beginner DJ/producers.
First Impressions / Setting up
The M-Audio BX5-D3 is an affordable 100-watt studio monitor speakers with a 5” woofer and a 1” tweeter.
Compared to the previous versions of the BX series, the D3 are made of better material. The cone is made of Kevlar for extra durability while the tweeter is made of silk. A single volume knob is at the back of the unit as well as a low-frequency toggle switch for an option to tune the speaker to the room.
You can connect your DJ controller or audio interface to the BX5-D3 by either balanced XLRs and balanced / unbalanced 1/4″ jacks.
In Use
The sound of the BX5-D3 has a strong emphasis on the top end with a recessed/sweeter mid range. There is a very apparent lack of low end with these monitor speakers but we had some success with careful positioning and taking advantage of the speakers’ rear bass port.
Since the woofer on the BX5-D3 are only five inches, some more demanding users may want to consider pairing it with a sub to get more bass. The low-frequency switch on the back helps in tuning the speaker when placed in a room.
M-Audio claims that the light in front of the speaker helps in finding the sweet spot where the stereo image is the clearest but we just found it confusing since the process just boils down to getting measurements right.
The BX5-D3 may be affordable but for a bit more money, you can get better products from the brands such as KRK and JBL.
Amazon reviewers were satisfied the sound they were getting from their consumer-level equipment, though this is hardly the best sound in its class.
Conclusion
With some nice build choices and good looks, the M-Audio BX5-D3 is an affordable option for the budding DJ/producer. Unfortunately, the price range it’s in is quite competitive and there are better choices out there from other brands like KRK, Tannoy and even Pioneer DJ.
