In this review, we will be comparing Mackie CR3-XBT and EGG, two Powered Bookshelf speakers from Mackie and KEF. 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 KEF EGG first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Mackie CR3-XBT and KEF EGG compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
Drivers
Both Mackie CR3-XBT and EGG are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Mackie CR3-XBT |
KEF EGG |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
0.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 3-inch
|
1 x 4.25-inch
|
Mackie CR3-XBT features a 0.75" Silk Dome Tweeter and 1 x 3" Polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the EGG features a 0.75" Aluminum Dome Tweeter and 1 x 4.25" Aluminum Woofer .
Frequency Response
Mackie CR3-XBT has a frequency range of 80-20k Hz whereas EGG has a frequency range of 90-33k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 80Hz, the Mackie CR3-XBT can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the EGG's min frequency of 90Hz.
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.
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.
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 KEF EGG'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 KEF EGG has external dimensions of 274.6 x 138.1 x 184.1mm ( 10.8125 x 5.4375 x 7.25inch) .
KEF EGG is 1.6mm narrower and 6.4mm less deeper than Mackie CR3-XBT but it is also 68.2mm taller.
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 KEF EGG is approximately 254.2cm2 / 39.4inch2. The Mackie CR3-XBT requires 5% more surface area than the EGG which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.