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Mackie CR3-XBT vs Audioengine A1 Wireless Comparison

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Mackie CR3-XBT

Powered Bookshelf | 80-20k Hz

Mackie CR3-XBT
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Audioengine A1 Wireless

Powered Bookshelf | 65-22k Hz

Audioengine A1 Wireless
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Mackie CR3-XBT Mackie CR3-XBT
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Audioengine A1 Wireless Audioengine A1 Wirel...
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Mackie CR3-XBT
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Audioengine A1 Wirel...
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Mackie CR3-XBT vs Audioengine A1 Wireless Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing Mackie CR3-XBT and A1 Wireless, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Mackie and Audioengine. 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 Mackie CR3-XBT and Audioengine A1 Wireless first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

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 )

Audioengine A1 Wireless 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
  • 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 )

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Mackie CR3-XBT and Audioengine A1 Wireless compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Drivers

Both Mackie CR3-XBT and A1 Wireless are 2-way speakers.

Driver Mackie CR3-XBT Audioengine A1 Wireless
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 0.75-inch 0.75-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 3-inch 1 x 2.75-inch

Mackie CR3-XBT features a 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 3" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the A1 Wireless features a 0.75" Silk Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 2.75" Aramid Fiber Woofer .

Frequency Response

Mackie CR3-XBT has a frequency range of 80-20k Hz whereas A1 Wireless has a frequency range of 65-22k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 65Hz, the A1 Wireless 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

Mackie CR3-XBT
A1 Wireless
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

Mackie CR3-XBT
Audioengine A1 Wireless
Min
Average
Max

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

Mackie CR3-XBT has a rear firing port whereas A1 Wireless has a front firing ports. Audioengine A1 Wireless'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 Mackie CR3-XBT's and Audioengine A1 Wireless's external dimensions. Mackie CR3-XBT has external dimensions of 206.4 x 139.7 x 190.5mm ( 8.125 x 5.5 x 7.5inch) whereas Audioengine A1 Wireless has external dimensions of 158.8 x 106.4 x 181.0mm ( 6.25 x 4.1875 x 7.125inch) .

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 Wireless.

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 Mackie CR3-XBT is approximately 266.1cm2 / 41.2inch2 and base area of the Audioengine A1 Wireless is approximately 192.6cm2 / 29.9inch2. The Mackie CR3-XBT requires 38% more surface area than the A1 Wireless which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.

What's in the Box of Mackie CR3-XBT?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Mackie CR3-XBT:
  • Powered monitor w/ attached 5.5-feet power cord (C7 unpolarized)
  • Passive monitor
  • 6.5-feet Speaker wire
  • 5-feet Stereo mini to RCA cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • What's in the Box of Audioengine A1 Wireless?

    Here are the items that come with the A1 Wireless:
  • Wireless powered left speaker
  • Passive right speaker
  • 6-feet AC power cord
  • 6.5-feet Length of 18 gauge speaker wire
  • 6.5-feet Stereo minijack-to-RCA cable
  • 6-feet Stereo minijack cable
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Audioengine product brochure

  • Reasons to choose Mackie CR3-XBT over Audioengine A1 Wireless
    Woofer Size 3 inches vs 2.75 inches Larger woofer
    Price per pair* 120USD vs 199USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
    RCA Connection Yes vs No Connection via RCA input
    Headphone Output 3.5mm vs No Connect your headphone

    Reasons to choose Audioengine A1 Wireless over Mackie CR3-XBT

    Low Frequency Response 65 Hz vs 80 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 22k Hz vs 20k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Port Position Front vs Rear Gives more flexibility placing close to walls
    Height 158mm vs 206mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 192cm2 vs 266cm2 Takes less floor space
    3.5mm Connection Yes vs No Connection via 3.5mm AUX input
    Subwoofer Output Wired vs No Pair your speakers with external subwoofer
    Mackie CR3-XBT vs Audioengine A1 Wireless Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General Mackie CR3-XBT Audioengine A1 Wireless
    Brand Mackie Audioengine
    Speaker Type Powered Stereo Speakers Powered Stereo Speakers
    Frequency Response 80-20k Hz 65-22k Hz
    Amplifier
    Watts RMS (Continuous) 25-watt RMS 30-watt RMS
    Watts Peak (Max) 50-watt RMS n/a
    Max Bit Depth N/A 16-bit
    Max Sample Rate N/A 48 kHz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 3" 2.75"
    Woofer Composition Polypropylene Aramid Fiber
    Tweeter Size 0.75" 0.75"
    Tweeter Type Dome Soft-Dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Firing Direction rear front
    Physical Specs
    Height 206.4mm (8.1") 158.8mm (6.3")
    Width 139.7mm (5.5") 106.4mm (4.2")
    Depth 190.5mm (7.5") 181.0mm (7.1")
    Weight n/a 1.10kg (2.4lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Aux Inputs RCA 3.5mm
    USB Port No No
    Phone Input No No
    Subwoofer Output No Wired
    Digital Input No No
    HDMI Input No No
    Headphone Jack 3.5mm No
    Ethernet Port No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 1 Year 3 Years
    Labor Warranty 1 Year 3 Years

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