Audio Pro Sp3 New Repack Here
Audio Pro SP3 New: Is This the Best Budget-Friendly Active Speaker for 2024? In the crowded world of entry-level hi-fi and desktop audio, a familiar name has re-entered the chat. Audio Pro, the renowned Swedish manufacturer famous for their legendary Addon series and the multi-room C-series , has quietly refreshed one of their most accessible products: the Audio Pro SP3 New . If you’ve been searching for a compact, active speaker system that bridges the gap between cheap PC speakers and high-end studio monitors, the "New" SP3 demands your attention. But does this refresh bring meaningful upgrades, or is it just a facelift? In this deep-dive review, we break down the design, sound profile, connectivity, and real-world performance of the Audio Pro SP3 New . What Exactly is the "Audio Pro SP3 New"? First, a quick classification. The Audio Pro SP3 is a 2-way active speaker system. Unlike passive speakers that require a separate amplifier, the SP3 has the amplifier built directly into the left speaker (the master unit), which then connects to the right passive speaker via a standard speaker wire. The "New" designation is critical. The original SP3 was a sleeper hit for budget audiophiles around 2018-2019. The New version arrives with updated aesthetics, revised electronics, and—most importantly—a modernized input stage. Key Specs at a Glance:
Power: 2 x 10W Class-D amplification Tweeter: ¾-inch silk dome Woofer: 3-inch long-throw fiberglass Frequency Response: 70Hz – 20kHz Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Optical (Toslink), 3.5mm Aux, Subwoofer out
Unboxing & First Impressions: Scandinavian Minimalism Right out of the box, the Audio Pro SP3 New exudes that signature Scandinavian design language: clean, uncluttered, and functional. Available in matte Black or White, the MDF cabinets are surprisingly heavy for their size (roughly 5.5 x 4 x 6 inches). This weight is a good sign—it suggests dense internal bracing that reduces cabinet resonance. The removable fabric grille is magnetic, a luxury you usually don't find at this price point. Without the grille, the exposed black drivers and the recessed tweeter give the speaker a slightly aggressive, modern look. On the front baffle of the master speaker, you’ll find a subtle LED indicator and a volume knob that doubles as an input selector (press to cycle sources). The "New" vs. The Old: The most obvious change is the rear panel. The old SP3 had a clunky, recessed switch for high-frequency adjustment. The New version replaces this with a smoother EQ presets system controlled via the volume knob. More importantly, the old micro-USB port is gone; replaced by a modern USB-C port (though primarily for service, not audio streaming) and a dedicated optical input. Connectivity: The Silent Upgrade This is where the Audio Pro SP3 New wins big. The original SP3 was analog-only (RCA + Aux). The new model brings it into the modern era.
Bluetooth 5.0: Pairing is instantaneous. The range is roughly 30 feet with clear line of sight. Codec support holds at SBC, which is standard for this price range. While it doesn't support aptX, the connection stability is rock solid. Optical (Toslink) Input: This is the killer feature. You can now plug these directly into your TV, gaming console (PS5/Xbox), or computer’s optical out. This bypasses your computer’s cheap internal DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and uses Audio Pro’s internal chip. Subwoofer Output: For a 3-inch woofer, the bass is decent (more on that later), but having an RCA sub-out means you can add a small subwoofer (like Audio Pro’s own Sub Fi) later to build a 2.1 system. audio pro sp3 new
Sound Quality: The "Swedish Sound" Let’s get to the meat. You can have all the features in the world, but if a speaker sounds bad, it is useless. The Audio Pro SP3 New does not sound bad. In fact, for $129 (MSRP), it sounds remarkably mature. The Low End: Don’t expect house-shaking bass. With 3-inch woofers, physics is the limit. However, the bass you do get is tight and fast. The long-throw fiberglass cone does a great job avoiding the "flabby" sound typical of cheap plastic speakers. Bass guitar lines (think The Less I Know The Better by Tame Impala) are articulate. Low kick drums have a satisfying thump , but deep sub-bass (below 60Hz) is naturally rolled off. The Midrange (The Sweet Spot): This is the SP3’s specialty. Vocals are forward and clear without being shouty. The silk dome tweeter crosses over effectively, meaning there is no harsh spike in the upper mids. Acoustic tracks (like Cherry Wine by Hozier) sound intimate. Podcasts and dialogue are exceptionally easy to understand, making these a sleeper pick for a small TV room. The Highs: The ¾-inch soft dome is polite. It doesn't have the razor-sharp detail of a metal dome tweeter (like on Klipsch or some Edifiers), but it also has zero listener fatigue. Cymbals have a realistic "shimmer" rather than a "hiss." For long listening sessions while working from home, this gentle high end is a blessing. Soundstage: Given the close driver spacing, the soundstage is more "heads-up" than holographic. Separation is good—you can pick out individual instruments—but don't expect wall-to-wall imaging. Keep these speakers at arm's length (2 to 3 feet apart) for the best results. Where Does the "Audio Pro SP3 New" Belong? Because of its specific feature set, this speaker isn't for everyone. Here is the target audience: ✅ The Ideal User:
The Desk Worker: You need speakers that fit under a monitor, connect via Bluetooth to your laptop, but also take an optical cable from your desktop PC. The Second-Room TV Owner: You have a small bedroom or kitchen TV with awful built-in sound. The optical input on the SP3 New fixes that instantly. Minimalists: You hate speaker wire clutter (only one wire connects the two speakers) and giant amplifiers. Budget Vinyl Starters: Plug a cheap phono pre-amp into the Aux input for a tiny, stylish vinyl setup.
❌ Avoid if:
You need "party volume" (10 watts is enough for a bedroom, not a living room party). You are a bass head (buy the SP3 New plus the Sub Fi, or look for 4-inch woofers). You need a remote control (volume is only on the back knob or via your Bluetooth device).
Audio Pro SP3 New vs. The Competition At the $100-$150 price point, the competition is fierce. How does it stack up?
Vs. Creative Pebble Pro: The Pebble is cheaper but plastic and tinny. The SP3 New destroys it in midrange clarity and build quality. Vs. Edifier R1280T: The Edifier is larger, louder, and has deeper bass. However, the Edifier lacks Bluetooth 5.0 (older versions) and generally lacks an optical input in the base model. The SP3 New is for those who prioritize small size and modern digital connectivity over raw volume. Vs. Audioengine A1: The A1 is more expensive and sounds slightly wider, but it lacks Bluetooth and optical. The SP3 New is the better value purely for connectivity. Audio Pro SP3 New: Is This the Best
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the "New" Version? If you already own the original Audio Pro SP3, is the New version worth the upgrade? Only if you need the optical input. The drivers are largely the same. However, if you are buying new today, the Audio Pro SP3 New is arguably the best "swiss army knife" speaker for under $150. Pros:
Excellent vocal clarity for the size Bluetooth + Optical + Aux trifecta is rare at this price Magnetic grilles & premium Swedish design Subwoofer output for future expansion