In this review, we will be comparing A1-MR and Mackie CR3-XBT, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Audioengine and Mackie. Being Powered speakers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Audioengine A1-MR and Mackie CR3-XBT first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Audioengine A1-MR Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 30-watt RMS Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Soft-Dome Tweeter
- 2.75" Aramid Fiber Woofer
- 65-22k Hz Frequency Response
- 16-bit Max Depth / 48 kHz Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 5.0 Bluetooth
- App Control Feature
- Weight:1.10kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 158.8" x 4.1875" x 7.125"( 158.8 x 106.4 x 181.0mm )
Mackie CR3-XBT Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 25-watt RMS( 50-watt Peak) Integrated Amplifier
- 0.75" Dome Tweeter
- 3" Polypropylene Woofer
- 80-20k Hz Frequency Response
- N/A Max Depth / N/A Max Sample Rate
- Built-in 4.2 Bluetooth
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 206.4" x 5.5" x 7.5"( 206.4 x 139.7 x 190.5mm )
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Audioengine A1-MR and Mackie CR3-XBT compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both A1-MR and Mackie CR3-XBT are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Audioengine A1-MR |
Mackie CR3-XBT |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 2.75-inch
|
1 x 3-inch
|
A1-MR features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Aramid Fiber Woofer . On the other hand, the Mackie CR3-XBT features a 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 3" Polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
A1-MR has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz whereas Mackie CR3-XBT has a frequency range of 80-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the A1-MR can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Mackie CR3-XBT's min frequency of 80Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
A1-MR has a front firing port whereas Mackie CR3-XBT has a rear firing ports. Audioengine A1-MR's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Mackie CR3-XBT with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Audioengine A1-MR's and Mackie CR3-XBT's external dimensions. Audioengine A1-MR has external dimensions of 158.8 x 106.4 x 181.0mm ( 6.25 x 4.1875 x 7.125inch) whereas Mackie CR3-XBT has external dimensions of 206.4 x 139.7 x 190.5mm ( 8.125 x 5.5 x 7.5inch) .
Mackie CR3-XBT is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 33.3mm wider, 47.6mm taller and 9.5mm deeper than Audioengine A1-MR.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Audioengine A1-MR is approximately 192.6cm2 / 29.9inch2 and base area of the Mackie CR3-XBT is approximately 266.1cm2 / 41.2inch2. The A1-MR requires 28% less surface area than the Mackie CR3-XBT which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Audioengine A1-MR?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of A1-MR:
Wireless powered left speakerPassive right speaker6-feet AC power cord6.5-feet Length of 18 gauge speaker wire6.5-feet Stereo minijack-to-RCA cable6-feet Stereo minijack cableQuick Start GuideAudioengine product brochure
What's in the Box of Mackie CR3-XBT?
Here are the items that come with the Mackie CR3-XBT:
Powered monitor w/ attached 5.5-feet power cord (C7 unpolarized)Passive monitor6.5-feet Speaker wire5-feet Stereo mini to RCA cableQuick Start Guide