If you hate the "gamer" aesthetic of flashing RGB lights and plastic chrome rings, the Audio Pro SP3 New is therapy for your eyes. The design is timeless. The new model features slightly rounded edges on the MDF cabinet compared to the sharper box of the original.

The removable magnetic grille is a nice touch. With the grille off, you see the contrast of the yellow/copper-colored Kevlar woofer against the silk dome tweeter—it looks expensive. The new model has also upgraded the terminal connections to proper binding posts (accepting banana plugs and bare wire), whereas the old version used spring clips.

Score: 9/10 – They look like they cost twice their actual price.

When you press play, the SP3 reveals its true identity: a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

The Low End: For a 4.5-inch driver, the bass is staggering. It doesn't just thump; it extends. Listening to a track like Billie Eilish’s “bad guy” or James Blake’s “Limit to Your Love”, the SP3 reproduces the deep synth drops with a visceral pressure that makes you check if a subwoofer is hidden nearby. It reaches down to approximately 50Hz before rolling off, a frequency usually reserved for floor-standing towers.

The Midrange: This is where vocals live. Because the cabinet is so well-damped, the midrange is clean and uncolored. Voices from artists like Norah Jones or Matt Berninger (The National) feel present—located in the center of the room rather than trapped inside the wooden box. There is a warmth here that takes the digital edge off compressed streaming files, making long listening sessions fatigue-free.

The Highs: The soft dome tweeter is rolled off slightly compared to analytical studio monitors. This means cymbals have shimmer but no sibilance (harsh “S” sounds). It is a forgiving sound signature, perfect for poorly recorded pop music or high-bitrate jazz alike.

First, let's clear up the naming. Audio Pro’s naming scheme can be confusing. The "SP3" generally refers to the passive version of their famous Addon series. However, the Audio Pro SP3 New usually refers to the updated iteration of the Addon T3 or the passive SP3 bookshelf units sold with the new T-link connectivity.

In this review, we are focusing on the newest iteration of the passive bookshelf speakers (Model: SP3). These are compact, 2-way speakers designed to be paired with a separate amplifier or an Audio Pro subwoofer.

Intro: Swedish brand Audio Pro is famous for high-end home audio. With the P3 New, they’ve bottled that magic into a portable, waterproof shell.

1. 360° Realism
Unlike directional speakers, the P3 disperses sound evenly. Set it in the center of a picnic – everyone hears the same mix.

2. Proper Waterproofing (IPX7)
Many “splashproof” speakers die in shallow water. The P3 survives full submersion. Rinse it under a tap after the beach.

3. 15-Hour Marathon Battery
At 50% volume, you’ll easily hit 15 hours. At max volume (loud for its size), expect 8-10 hours.

4. USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0
No micro-USB frustration. Fast pairing, stable connection up to 30m (100ft).

5. Subtle Scandinavian Design
No flashy logos or gamer RGB lights. Just clean matte finish and a functional strap. Fits any bag or decor.

Verdict: The best sub-$120 compact speaker for those who prioritize sound quality and durability over maximum volume.

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.

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.

Audio Pro understands that a modern desktop needs options. The SP3 is packed with inputs, making it incredibly versatile:

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: