Sound quality: Mackie's CR3-XBT had Very Good overall sound quality - although it has some noticeable sonic quirks, this model reproduces music and dialog very well. Bass has good impact, but is a bit prominent, somewhat boomy, and doesn't go deep. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat hazy, a bit grainy, and a touch nasal. Treble is extended, but is somewhat smeared and a bit sizzly. Does a decent job of recovering room ambience, but sounds somewhat congested. This two speaker model comes as a stereo pair, and its sound stage width and focus depends on how well it is placed. When it is well placed the sound field extends somewhat above and to the sides of the speakers and there is a hint depth. Individual instruments and voices are identifiable and have a bit of a sense of body. Can provide a decent volume level in a large sized room. No significant difference between Bluetooth and line-in sound quality.
Ease of use: We found the Mackie CR3-XBT ease of use to be good overall. Wired Setup: Speaker cable provided for left/right interconnect of speakers is pre-cut with split and tinned ends that are ready for connection to the speaker's spring loaded terminals. Instructions state how to connect to insure proper polarity. Bluetooth Setup: Unit requires the press of an unmarked multi-function button for Bluetooth pairing (also used for Bluetooth last source connection and Bluetooth play/pause control), shows a pairing mode indicator. Indicates when pairing mode has occurred and never times out. The volume control is an unlabeled multi-function (also serves as a power on/standby control) knob located on the front of the speaker, but the fact that it is a knob suggests that it is a volume control. Lacks index markings for volume levels, but has a tactile indication when max volume is reached. Plug-unplug: Bluetooth and both line inputs can play at the same time. Have to turn off audio from source so no overlap.
