For these D3 models, the onboard Clasts AB bi-amplification has been upgraded, now delivering 60 Watts and 40 Watts to the LF and HF units respectively; the crossover is now set at 2.5kHz (rather than 3kHz on the Carbon); and the front baffle has had a makeover. The two-part design retains the familiar M-Audio styling, with a rubberised feel to the speaker surround section. There’s an improved tweeter waveguide providing broader dispersion for a wider listening sweet spot.
When we tried the last BX5 Carbon model, we felt it was a bit too full in the low mids, but this isn’t the case with the D3, which is good news. Even so, the bass port still delivers somewhat hyped lower frequencies, and even with a good half a metre between the rear port and the back wall, we had to go for the -2dB Acoustic Space setting. In fact, we’d say the Flat setting should be reserved solely for circumstances where you have the monitors free standing in an open space.
Looking back at our notes for the BX5 Carbon, we reckon the D3 sound smoother in the top end. Yes, they are still bright and lack any form of HF tweak, which is a shame. We didn’t find them particularly fatiguing, though, and we think that the new waveguide does help deliver a broad sweet spot.