M-Audio BX5 D3 | Active Monitor | Measurements, Teardown & Subjective Impressions

[AnalogSteph]

Should I prefer this speakers over the MR4?

Assuming that (1) you'd be applying EQ either way and (2) you don't mind the slightly larger size, they do look to be somewhat better, yes. The larger 5" driver (with more amplifier power behind it) has substantially better level handling, and resonances and dispersion are somewhat better controlled as well.

I would look out for some extruded Al heatsink stock (with sizable fins) and thermal adhesive though, the back panel gets mighty toasty and I can't imagine that's doing the electronics much good in the long run. I would expect something around 10 W of idle power consumption per speaker. The Edifiers are likely to be more economic in this regard.

And speaking of power, they are IEC Class II with a 2-prong power plug, so can be used with unbalanced outputs no problem. The M-Audios are more traditional monitors and IEC Class I, so avoiding ground loops will be a major concern if you don't have a balanced output (this may require additional purchases like a Behringer HD400 or making a custom cable or modifying one).

 

[keizereizer]

i own the bx5 d2 for 7 years now they perfect for daw mixing&production etc.. this monitors are not design to listen to music as they are very flat___________
next buy will bx8 d3. p.s dont let ur monitors on over nigh.

 

[Weeb Labs]

this monitors are not design to listen to music as they are very flat

It is a common misconception that a flat response is undesirable for music listening. Research has consistently found that a flat on-axis response in conjunction with even directivity are reliable predictors of listener preference.

 

[Gabe33]

This is how the Bx5 D3 measure in my semi treated room with -4db bass switch on , i know

 

[Miota]

I have generated two EQs. The APO config files are attached.

• The first one, labelled, LW is targeted at making the LW flat
• The second, labelled Score, starts with the first one and adds the score as an optimization variable.
• The EQs are designed in the context of regular stereo use i.e. domestic environment, no warranty is provided for a near field use in a studio environment although the LW might be better suited for this purpose.
• Quite a few sharp boost that may not translate well with other units and would definitively warant listening tests...

Score EQ LW: 5.8
with sub: 8.4

Score EQ Score: 6.2
with sub: 8.8

M-Audio BX5 D3 by Weeb Labs APO Score LW 96000Hz
December292021-111919

Preamp: -2.5 dB

Filter 1: ON HPQ Fc 53.33,    0.00,    1.29
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 132.74,    -5.27,    0.78
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 459.00,    2.32,    4.36
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 885.43,    -0.75,    3.38
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 1222.33,    2.56,    6.91
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 1771.00,    -1.45,    2.27
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 3164.49,    2.26,    1.70
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 6533.77,    1.51,    2.38
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 12142.26,    -1.31,    3.74
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 17068.65,    2.55,    1.76

M-Audio BX5 D3 by Weeb Labs APO Score EQ 96000Hz
December292021-111829

Preamp: -2.4 dB

Filter 1: ON HPQ Fc 51.33,    0.00,    1.29
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 124.83,    -5.27,    0.66
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 461.00,    2.45,    4.86
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 865.93,    -0.75,    4.88
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 1220.33,    2.56,    6.16
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 1605.33,    -1.16,    1.55
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 2821.90,    2.53,    3.20
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 5874.77,    1.06,    1.63
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 12827.15,    -1.68,    2.10
Filter 10: ON PK Fc 22244.08,    3.05,    1.36

Hello! Thank you for the detaling info!

I tried to add the APO config files, but I can't see the difference on the Analisys panel with EQ.

And what configuration should I need to use at my home studio? Score LW or Score EQ?

Is this how it should be - just lowering the gain level without visualizing the EQ?
Or should I add something else?

It’s just that when I import the configuration file for headphones, I see a change in frequencies in the equalizer and understand that everything works here))
And, unfortunately, after importing the files attached to the post, I do not hear any changes ((

Maybe I'm doing something wrong? Help me, please!

 

[Reggiejackson]

Anyone know what the difference is between BX5 Carbon, D3, and Graphite is? The graphite is 89 for a speaker while the BX5 Carbon is almost 200 yet the have the same name and look the same, lol

 

[Weeb Labs]

Anyone know what the difference is between BX5 Carbon, D3, and Graphite is? The graphite is 89 for a speaker while the BX5 Carbon is almost 200 yet the have the same name and look the same, lol

Carbon and Graphite are older variants. The former has an inadequate waveguide (directivity mismatch and diffraction) and we have no measurements for the latter.

 

[Reggiejackson]

^Thanks
I was gonna ask where you got it for 80, but I googled Thomann.. I knew European gear was half price in Europe [compared to north america with brands like Marshal and various guitar amp and audio makers], but why is American gear [M-Audio] half price in Europe? It's not the only product either.

 

[Unanimous]

Thanks for these measurements.

With regard to the distortion chart, this looks amazing. There was mention of a ground plane measurement at times in the measurements. Is the 92 dB SPL level at 1m on the distortion chart label a raw level (i.e. with ground plane reinforcement), so perhaps the speaker was working at the euivalent of 86 dB SPL measured at 1 m in free space? I

Even at 86 dB SPL at 1 m the distortion chart is still good.

Sorry if I'm coming to this too long after the fact and you can't remember.

 

[munin]

Thanks for the review. Got my hands on a pair for 80€ on second hands.
I am impatient to check them out!

It's strange that they are not more "hyped" over here considering the value for the price.
Even if now they are a bit more expensive around a 100€ each, I still think that considering this review it's really cheap for what they can offer.

 

[munin]

I(ve received them today! Ran some first tests: end even in a not ideal condition, man, they sound good!
I had a pair of Fostex PM0.5 mk II and Some Alesis M&Activ 620 in the past: these M-audio destrou the Alesis and are much better than the fostex avorall.

Tomorrow il will take more time to place them better and try them more. For now I am really happy about my buying! Thanks again audiosciencereview. I was ignoring this speaker because they were so cheap in price. how wrond I was.