Best Black Friday Speaker Deals 2026

Editor's top picks

Start with these speakers

Our leading recommendations at a glance. Each card links to its primary retailer.

Portable Bluetooth Worth Buying Anytime Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 4.5 $39.99 See the full review →

Powered Home Worth Buying Anytime Amazon Echo Studio 2nd Gen 3.8 $219.99 each See the full review →

Passive Home Worth Buying Anytime KEF LS50 Meta 4.5 $1,599.00 per pair See the full review →

Subwoofers Worth Buying Anytime Edifier T5s 3.8 $169.99 See the full review →

On Sale Now Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 4.2 $49.98 See the full review →

A discount only matters if the speaker is worth buying. Most Black Friday lists rank deals by the size of the markdown, which rewards speakers that were overpriced to begin with. This page starts from our rankings instead: the best rated speakers in each size first, because many of them are already the best value at their normal price, then the well rated speakers that are genuinely selling for less than usual right now.

How a deal is judged here. We track the price of every speaker we rank each time prices are refreshed, and compare today’s price with that speaker’s own typical price over the last three months. A speaker only counts as on sale when it is at least 15% below that. Retailer “list prices” are often set high so a sale looks bigger, so they are only used, with a stricter cutoff, for speakers we have not been tracking long enough.

Prices on this page update automatically. Ratings are relative to each size class, so compare a speaker with others its size. For the full lists, see the portable, powered, passive and subwoofer rankings.

Portable Bluetooth Worth Buying Anytime
Powered Home Worth Buying Anytime
Passive Home Worth Buying Anytime
Subwoofers Worth Buying Anytime
On Sale Now

Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Portable Bluetooth Worth Buying Anytime

The top rated speaker in each size, plus a much cheaper one that comes close where there is one. A sale on these is a bonus, not the reason to buy.

The best small size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2: $39.99 Amazon $39.99 AliExpress $34.19 eBay

Newer model: the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5, released Apr 2026. It adds AAC. Battery life goes from 12 to 24 hours. Water resistance goes from IP67 to IP68.

Older model: the Tribit Stormbox Micro (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5). See every Tribit Stormbox generation.

Same family: the Tribit Stormbox Flow (larger model, rated 3.5/5), the Tribit Stormbox Pro (larger model, rated 3.7/5) and the Tribit Stormbox Blast (larger model, rated 4.5/5).

Pros: Best in class sound. Much deeper bass than most other speakers in the size. Built in strap is super useful for attaching it to things. Very neutral. To have it aimed directly at you unclip the strap and the speaker will sit upright with a slight lean back. Measured bass extension of 65Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Finicky phone charging, which doesn’t usually work.

Setup: Use in Music EQ mode, when you switch to custom it’s not able to boost the bass properly as it is missing an EQ band that Music EQ mode uses

Featured on:

Full Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2022 (4 years ago)
Amplifier Power	10W
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	65Hz
Battery Life	12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Latency	265ms
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	3.9” x 3.9” x 1.7” (99.1 x 99.1 x 42.7 mm)
Drivers	48mm NdFeB driver
EQ	Yes (9 Band)
IP Rating	IP67
Maximum SPL	94dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	Pointing up
Party Mode	No
Power Bank	Yes (but it doesn’t usually work; USB-C, 10W)
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	No
Strap	Yes (built-in strap)
TWS	Yes
Weight	0.7 lbs (317 g)

Check current price at Amazon ($39.99) →Check current price at AliExpress ($34.19) →Search eBay for Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 →

The best medium size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the EarFun Uboom L: $49.79 after coupon UBOOMLWC Amazon $49.79 EarFun eBay

Pros: One of the strongest small-speaker values for music: reviews praise clear vocals, a natural overall balance and a genuinely convincing stereo image when two are paired. IP67 protection, indoor/outdoor sound modes and Video Mode make it unusually adaptable; Video Mode substantially improves lip-sync for a single speaker. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).

Cons: It cannot produce real low-bass rumble or fill a large, noisy space, and the top end loses some detail. Low-latency Video Mode disables stereo pairing, so a two-speaker setup is not a good movie system. Firmware and app behavior have also varied over the model’s long life, and the physical controls can be easy to trigger in a bag. Latency is about 400ms by default and 66ms in Video Mode, which you enable by pressing the Bluetooth button twice.

Setup: Try setting up the Earfun App (Android or iOS) to see if that works. If not, you’ll need to flash firmware 1.2.7 to work with the app and set with Oluv’s EQ in the Earfun app which sounds the best. The instructions say that you need a USB3 cable, but most USB2 cables work just fine, try the one included with your phone. Check the current firmware version by turning it on, then pressing the power and Bluetooth buttons at the same time. To flash, turn the speaker off then hold down the Bluetooth button while plugging in the cable. To flash on a mac, see these instructions. In TWS mode, long press the outdoor button for 2 seconds to change TWS to Party mode and back.

Featured on:

Full EarFun Uboom L review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2022 (4 years ago)
Amplifier Power	28W
App	Yes (firmware >= 1.2.6)
Aux Input	Yes
Aux Latency	216ms
Bass Extension (-10dB)	56Hz
Battery Life	16 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	AAC, SBC
Bluetooth Latency	400ms normal / 66ms low latency mode
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	3.1” x 8.3” x 2.8” (78 x 210 x 72 mm)
Drivers	2x 55mm drivers + 2x passive radiators
EQ	Yes (10 band, firmware >= 1.2.6)
IP Rating	IP67
Maximum SPL	103dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	No
Power Bank	No
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	Yes
TWS	Yes
Weight	1.4 lbs (650 g)

Check current price at Amazon ($49.79) →Check current price at EarFun →Search eBay for EarFun Uboom L →

The best large size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the JBL Xtreme 5: $349.99 Amazon $349.99 B&H Photo Video eBay

Older models: the JBL Xtreme 3 (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5), the JBL Xtreme 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5), the JBL Xtreme 2 (ranked lower, rated 3.4/5) and the JBL Xtreme (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every JBL Xtreme generation.

Pros: Removable battery. Quite deep bass, reaching well below 40Hz. A fantastic sounding speaker with excellent off-axis dispersion, a big step up from older JBL portables. Beats the Soundcore Boom 2 and Tribit Stormbox Blast on bass depth and clarity. Plays clean at volume, unlike the JBL Boombox 4.

Cons: High priced. Some bass boost. A hole in the mid-upper bass which can’t be EQ’d out. Default EQ presets are weak (Signature is boring, Chill and Vocal are close to unusable): needs the custom EQ to sound its best. Bigger and heavier than the JBL Xtreme 4.

Setup: Try this Oluv EQ for the most neutral sound

Featured on:

Full JBL Xtreme 5 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2026 (6 months ago)
Amplifier Power	1 x 90W RMS Woofer + 2 x 20W RMS Tweeter (AC power mode) 1 x 60W RMS Woofer + 2 x 15W RMS Tweeter (Battery mode)
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Battery Life	28 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, LC3
Bluetooth Version	6.0
Built-in Microphone	No
Digital Aux Input	Yes (USB-C)
Dimensions	13.6” x 6.5” x 6.1” (346 x 165 x 155 mm)
Drivers	98x145mm woofer, 2x 20mm tweeters + 2x passive radiators
EQ	Yes (7 band)
Frequency Response	40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP Rating	IP68
Maximum SPL	110dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	Yes (Auracast)
Power Bank	Yes (USB-C, 5V/3A)
Power Input	USB-C
Removable Battery	Yes
Stereo	Partially (1 woofer)
Strap	Yes (detachable shoulder strap)
TWS	Yes
Weight	6.4 lbs (2.9 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($349.99) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video →Search eBay for JBL Xtreme 5 →

For much less, the large size speaker that comes closest is the Tribit Stormbox Lava: $119.99 Amazon $119.99 Lowest AliExpress $180.61 eBay

Pros: A powerful, IP67-rated portable speaker with a measured 44Hz -10dB bass point, 10-band app EQ, aux input and 24-hour claimed battery life. Independent reviews find that it gets loud with impactful bass, and careful EQ or current firmware can produce relatively clean sound through the mids and highs. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-10dB).

Cons: XBass can make the low end muddy and obscure vocals, while the deepest notes lose authority and clarity falls at maximum volume. It is heavy for its size, its front-facing design has a narrow soundstage, and one review noted a brief sound interruption while changing volume.

Setup: Update the firmware to version 2 or later first, since version 2 was a big step up in sound quality. Then try out the Alan Ross EQ’s at this timestamp in his video. There’s also a max bass EQ from Oluv and you can turn down the lowest slider for it to be more neutral.

Featured on:

Full Tribit Stormbox Lava review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2025 (1 year ago)
Amplifier Power	80W
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Aux Latency	20ms
Bass Extension (-10dB)	44Hz
Battery Life	24 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	AAC, SBC
Bluetooth Latency	128ms AAC, 144ms SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.4
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	12.2” x 5.8” x 6” (310 x 147 x 152 mm)
Drivers	2x 70mm woofers, 2x 30mm tweeters
EQ	Yes (10 band)
Frequency Response	43Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
IP Rating	IP67
Maximum SPL	108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	No
Power Bank	Yes (USB-A)
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	Yes
Strap	Yes (detachable shoulder strap)
TWS	Yes
Weight	5.2 lbs (2.37 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($119.99) →Check current price at AliExpress ($180.61) →Search eBay for Tribit Stormbox Lava →

The best boombox size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Tribit Stormbox Blast: $179.99 Amazon $179.99 eBay

Newer model: the Tribit Stormbox Blast 2, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5, released Oct 2024. It adds AAC. See every Tribit Stormbox generation.

Same family: the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 (smaller model, rated 4.5/5), the Tribit Stormbox Flow (smaller model, rated 3.5/5) and the Tribit Stormbox Pro (smaller model, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: Amazing speaker given its size, competes well with some speakers in the Party size class, bass almost as deep as a JBL Partybox 100. Quite neutral in the default and xbass modes, but try Oluv’s EQ or Alan Ross’s EQ for a slightly more neutral sound. Oluv has mentioned v3.5 now uses his EQ as the defaults and sounds extremely good. 2 different light modes or can be turned off. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Lacks a bit of detail compared to the top ranked speakers in other size categories, dip at 5.5kHz. Without the above EQ this speaker would rank around #4 in the rankings. The curved underside of the handle makes it a little harder to grip and can be uncomfortable to carry long distances.

Featured on:

Full Tribit Stormbox Blast review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
Amplifier Power	90W RMS (140W peak)
App	Yes (Tribit App)
Aux Input	Yes
Aux Latency	0ms
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz
Battery Life	30 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Latency	66ms
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Built-in Microphone	No
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	15.7” x 6.3” x 9.1” (400 x 160 x 230 mm)
Drivers	2x ~107mm (4.2”) woofers + 2x ~25mm tweeters
EQ	Yes (10 band)
FM Tuner	No
IP Rating	IPX7
Lights	Yes
Maximum SPL	108dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
MicroSD Playback	No
Microphone Input	No
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	No
Power Bank	Yes (USB-A)
Power Input	AC Power cord
Stereo	Yes
Strap	No
TWS	Yes
USB Playback	No
Weight	12 lbs (5.45 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($179.99) →Search eBay for Tribit Stormbox Blast →

The best party size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Sony ULT Tower 7: $648.00 Amazon $648.00 eBay

Older model: the Sony SRS-XV800 (ranked lower, rated 4.1/5). See every Sony XB and ULT generation.

Same family: the Sony ULT Field 1 (smaller model, rated 3.1/5), the Sony ULT Field 7 (smaller model, rated 3.2/5), the Sony ULT Tower 10 (smaller model, rated 3.9/5), the Sony ULT Field 3 (smaller model, rated 3.4/5), the Sony ULT Field 5 (smaller model, rated 3.5/5), the Sony ULT Tower 5 (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 4.5/5), the Sony ULT Tower 9 (larger model, rated 4.2/5) and the Sony ULT Tower Max (larger model, rated 4.8/5).

Pros: A compelling large-party value at $648: 420W output, an IPX4-rated 30-hour battery, 360-degree sound, wheels and four carry handles at 22.8kg. The full review praises its punchy, clean ULT1 bass, ULT2’s higher-output mode, simplified controls and unusually complete I/O: USB-C, USB-A, RCA, balanced XLR and mic input.

Cons: The reviewer notes that Auracast pairing is not backward-compatible with Sony’s older Party Connect speakers, and the hard-plastic corners lack protective rubber bumpers. IPX4 is splash resistance rather than full weatherproofing; the 30-hour claim requires lights off.

Featured on:

Full Sony ULT Tower 7 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2026 (new)
Amplifier Power	420W
App	Yes (Sony Sound Connect)
Aux Input	RCA input
Battery Life	30 hours (lights off; manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Built-in Microphone	No
Digital Aux Input	Yes (USB-C)
Dimensions	13.7” x 16.6” x 28” (348 x 422 x 711 mm)
Drivers	7 drivers: 1x woofer, 2x midrange, 2x front tweeter, 2x rear tweeter
EQ	Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat)
Guitar Input	No
IP Rating	IPX4
Lights	Yes
Microphone Input	Yes
Omnidirectional	Yes (360 degree Party Sound)
Party Mode	Yes (Auracast)
Power Bank	Yes (USB charging)
Power Input	AC power cord
Removable Battery	No
Stereo	Yes
Strap	No
TWS	Yes (Stereo Pair)
USB Playback	Yes (USB-A)
Weight	50.3 lbs (22.8 kg)
Wheels	Yes
Wi-Fi	No

Check current price at Amazon ($648.00) →Search eBay for Sony ULT Tower 7 →

For much less, the party size speaker that comes closest is the JBL Partybox Club 120: $349.95 Amazon $349.95 eBay

Older models: the JBL Partybox 110 (ranked lower, rated 4.4/5) and the JBL Partybox 100 (ranked lower, rated 4.4/5). See every JBL PartyBox generation.

Same family: the JBL Partybox Stage 320 (larger model, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5) and the JBL Partybox Ultimate (larger model, rated 4.7/5).

Pros: JBL Partybox Club 120 uses 2x 5.25” woofers, 2x 2.25” tweeters. Its 10.8 kg, claimed 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX4 protection, aux input and limited-stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. Handle and wheels, customizable lighting, and quite neutral sound with deeper bass than the JBL Partybox 100 and 110.

Cons: Its 40Hz to 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification points to limited deep-bass reach for the cabinet size. High price, and JBL’s wired daisy chain only works with other JBL speakers.

Featured on:

Full JBL Partybox Club 120 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2024 (2 years ago)
Amplifier Power	160W
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Battery Life	12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.4
Charging Time	3.5 hours
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	22.4”H x 11.4”W x 11.7”D (570 x 288.4 x 297 mm)
Drivers	2x 5.25” woofers, 2x 2.25” tweeters
EQ	Yes (5 band)
Frequency Response	40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Guitar Input	Yes
IP Rating	IPX4
Lights	Yes
Microphone Input	Yes (Karaoke mode with echo effect)
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	Yes (Auracast)
Power Bank	Yes (USB-A, 5V/2.1A)
Power Input	AC Power cord
Removable Battery	Yes
Stereo	Partially
Strap	No
TWS	Yes
USB Playback	Yes
Weight	23.8 lbs (10.8 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($349.95) →Search eBay for JBL Partybox Club 120 →

The best large party size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Sony ULT Tower Max: $1,198.00 Amazon $1,198.00 eBay

Same family: the Sony ULT Field 1 (smaller model, rated 3.1/5), the Sony ULT Field 7 (smaller model, rated 3.2/5), the Sony ULT Tower 10 (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the Sony ULT Field 3 (smaller model, rated 3.4/5), the Sony ULT Field 5 (smaller model, rated 3.5/5), the Sony ULT Tower 5 (smaller model, rated 4.5/5), the Sony ULT Tower 7 (smaller model, rated 4.7/5) and the Sony ULT Tower 9 (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every Sony XB and ULT generation.

Pros: AudioTribe measured 110.6dBC at roughly 6m outdoors with Flat EQ and ULT1 enabled, 4.4dB above the JBL Partybox Ultimate in the same setup. Its three 11-inch woofers held about 110dB from 40-100Hz; Sony also provides 10-band EQ, Sound Field Optimization, RCA and XLR inputs, USB-C, a mic input, and XLR output.

Cons: The same comparison found it 1.2dB behind the JBL in A-weighted loudness and weaker below 40Hz. At 56.3kg (124lb) and AC-only, this is a wheeled event speaker rather than a portable battery model.

Featured on:

Full Sony ULT Tower Max review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2026 (new)
Amplifier Power	2,150W (manufacturer specified)
App	Yes (Sony Sound Connect)
Aux Input	RCA input
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Built-in Microphone	No
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm)
Drivers	9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter
EQ	Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live)
Guitar Input	No
IP Rating	Splashproof top surface
Lights	Yes
Microphone Input	Yes (6.3mm)
Omnidirectional	Yes (360 degree Party Sound)
Party Mode	Yes (Party Chain)
Power Bank	Yes (USB charging)
Power Input	AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz
Removable Battery	No
Stereo	Yes
Strap	No
TWS	Yes (Stereo Pair)
USB Playback	Yes (USB-A)
Weight	124.1 lbs (56.3 kg)
Wheels	Yes
Wi-Fi	No

Check current price at Amazon ($1,198.00) →Search eBay for Sony ULT Tower Max →

Powered Home Worth Buying Anytime

The top rated speaker in each size, plus a much cheaper one that comes close where there is one. A sale on these is a bonus, not the reason to buy.

The best small desktop powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Amazon Echo Studio 2nd Gen: $219.99 each Amazon $219.99 eBay

Same family: the Amazon Echo Dot Max (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.5/5).

Pros: SoundGuys called it the best-sounding Amazon speaker they have tested, scoring it 7.8 of 10. A 3.75-inch high-excursion woofer and three 2.25-inch full-range drivers fire left, right and upward, giving a real sense of width and instrument separation from a single enclosure, with vocals sitting forward and clean cymbals even at moderate volume. It supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio on compatible content, stays distortion-free up to about 70% volume, and includes a built-in Zigbee, Matter and Thread smart home hub plus a 3-band EQ with a Dolby Virtualizer toggle.

Cons: SoundGuys still marked it down on Value (4.0 of 10) given the $219.99 list price, and it is explicitly not true left-right stereo from one cabinet, so a stereo pair is needed for real width in a larger room. There are no wired audio inputs of any kind and no battery, so it must stay plugged in, and Bluetooth is limited to the SBC codec. Voice recognition wasn’t perfectly reliable in testing, occasionally playing the wrong track for a specific artist-title request.

Featured on:

Voice Assistant

Full Amazon Echo Studio 2nd Gen review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2025 (1 year ago)
AES Input	No
App	Yes (Alexa)
Aux Input	No
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Built-in Microphone	Yes (mic mute button, far-field)
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	6.1” x 5.6” x 5.8” (155 x 142 x 147 mm)
Drivers	3.75in high-excursion woofer, 3x 2.25in full-range drivers (L/R/up)
EQ	Yes (Bass/Mid/Treble + Dolby Virtualizer, via Alexa app)
HDMI Input	No
IP Rating	None
Inputs	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Optical Input	No
Party Mode	Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Alexa Home Theater)
Power Bank	No
Power Input	External AC adapter
RCA Input	No
Stereo	No
Streaming Services	Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM
TRS Input	No
TWS	Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Alexa app)
USB Input	No
Voice Assistants	Amazon Alexa / Alexa+
Weight	3.6 lbs (1.632 kg)
Wi-Fi	Yes (Wi-Fi 6E)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($219.99) →Search eBay for Amazon Echo Studio 2nd Gen →

For much less, the small desktop powered speaker that comes closest is the Amazon Echo Dot Max: $119.99 each Amazon $119.99 eBay

Same family: the Amazon Echo Studio 2nd Gen (larger model, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5).

Pros: Engadget’s direct verdict against the base Echo Dot: “it’s worth stepping up to the Dot Max over the standard Dot” for sound, since it’s louder and bassier from a 2.5-inch woofer plus a dedicated tweeter rather than one small full-range driver. RTINGS names it their best budget Alexa speaker, finding the microphone excellent at picking up commands from a distance or in noise, with a balanced midrange for accurate voices, consistent sound across listening angles, and sound quality it calls good for the price. It supports Alexa+ and Alexa Home Theater pairing with a Fire TV Stick.

Cons: Engadget’s main complaint was that it is a real step down from the discontinued Amazon Echo (4th Gen) it effectively replaces at the same price: that older speaker paired a 3-inch woofer with dual 0.8-inch tweeters, against the Dot Max’s single 2.5-inch woofer and one tweeter, and frequencies felt smushed together without a clean bass-to-treble separation. RTINGS’ one listed con is that the wired-only design means you cannot carry it around. There is no 3.5mm input, no battery, and Bluetooth is limited to SBC and AAC.

Featured on:

Voice Assistant

Full Amazon Echo Dot Max review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2025 (1 year ago)
AES Input	No
App	Yes (Alexa)
Aux Input	No
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC
Built-in Microphone	Yes (far-field, mic mute)
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	3.9” x 4.4” x 4.9” (99 x 112 x 124 mm)
Drivers	2.5in woofer, 1x tweeter
EQ	No
HDMI Input	No
IP Rating	None
Inputs	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Optical Input	No
Party Mode	Yes (Wi-Fi multi-room, Alexa Home Theater)
Power Bank	No
Power Input	External AC adapter
RCA Input	No
Stereo	No
Streaming Services	Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, TuneIn
TRS Input	No
TWS	Yes (Wi-Fi stereo pairing via Alexa app)
USB Input	No
Voice Assistants	Amazon Alexa / Alexa+
Wi-Fi	Yes
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($119.99) →Search eBay for Amazon Echo Dot Max →

Links
- Official Amazon Echo Dot Max Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

The best medium desktop powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Marshall Woburn III: $449.99 each Amazon $449.99 eBay

Older models: the Marshall Woburn II (ranked lower, rated 4/5) and the Marshall Woburn I (ranked lower, rated 4/5). See every Marshall home speakers generation.

Same family: the Marshall Acton III (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5) and the Marshall Stanmore III (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5).

Pros: At 7.44 kg, Marshall Woburn III combines 6” woofer, 2x 2” midranges, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters with Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, RCA, Aux. Up to 100.5db @ 1m and stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use. Measured bass extension of ~45Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Bass is limited by its ~45Hz specification.

Full Marshall Woburn III review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	150W (Woofer: 90W, Midrange: 2x15W, Tweeters: 2x15W)
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	~45Hz
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.2
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	15.7” x 12.5” x 8” (400 x 317 x 203 mm)
Drivers	6” woofer, 2x 2” midranges, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters
EQ	Yes (Bass/Treble)
Frequency Response	35Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
IP Rating	None
Inputs	Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, RCA, Aux
Maximum SPL	100.5dB @ 1m
Optical Input	No
Party Mode	No
Power Input	AC Power cord
RCA Input	Yes
Stereo	Yes
TRS Input	No
TWS	No
USB Input	No
Weight	16.4 lbs (7.44 kg)
Wi-Fi	No
Woofer Cabinet	ported
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($449.99) →Search eBay for Marshall Woburn III →

For much less, the medium desktop powered speaker that comes closest is the Marshall Stanmore III: $249.99 each Amazon $249.99 eBay

Newer model: the Marshall Stanmore IV, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5, released Jul 2026. It adds party mode, AAC, LC3 and LDAC.

Older models: the Marshall Stanmore II (ranked lower, rated 3.7/5) and the Marshall Stanmore (ranked lower, estimated 3.5/5). See every Marshall home speakers generation.

Same family: the Marshall Acton III (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5) and the Marshall Woburn III (larger model, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: At 4.4 kg, Marshall Stanmore III combines 5” (midrange/woofer), 1x 5” midrange, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters with Bluetooth, RCA, Aux. Ac-powered operation and limited-stereo playback make its feature set practical for its intended room or portable use.

Cons: Bass is limited by its 45Hz to 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) specification.

Full Marshall Stanmore III review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	80W (Woofer: 50W, Tweeters: 2x15W)
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.2
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	13.8” x 8” x 7.4” (350 x 203 x 188 mm)
Drivers	5” (midrange/woofer), 1x 5” midrange, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters
EQ	Yes (Bass/Treble)
Frequency Response	45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
IP Rating	None
Inputs	Bluetooth, RCA, Aux
Optical Input	No
Party Mode	No
Power Bank	No
Power Input	AC Power cord
RCA Input	Yes
Stereo	Partially (1 woofer)
TRS Input	No
TWS	No
USB Input	No
Weight	9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)
Wi-Fi	No
Woofer Cabinet	ported
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($249.99) →Search eBay for Marshall Stanmore III →

Links
- Official Marshall Stanmore III Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Storytripper HD: Marshall Stanmore 2 vs Marshall Stanmore 3 More from storytripperhd →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

The best large desktop powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro: $899.00 each Amazon $899.00 eBay

Older model: the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5). See every Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin generation.

Pros: Titanium dome tweeters and an improved 24-bit DAC over the standard Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin for slightly better high-frequency detail on hi-res streams. Dynamic EQ DSP. Customizable downward-firing light. Same wide soundstage and deep bass extension as the standard Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin.

Cons: Same price as the standard Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin for a fairly modest tweeter/DAC upgrade. Nothing besides the lack of battery, lack of waterproofing, high cost and the EarFun Uboom X that’s so close to it in terms of sound quality for 7x less money. Basically an indoor only speaker. At this price point the Top Recommended Bookshelf Speakers are the better buy, with even better soundstage.

Featured on:

Full Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	240W (80W woofer, 2x 40W midrange, 2x 40W tweeter)
App	No
Aux Input	No
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	25.6” x 8.3” x 7.6” (650 x 210 x 194 mm)
Drivers	150mm woofer, 2x 90mm FST midrange drivers, 2x 25mm Titanium Dome tweeters
EQ	Yes (Dynamic EQ)
Frequency Response	35Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
IP Rating	None
Inputs	Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
Optical Input	No
Party Mode	No
Power Bank	No
Power Input	AC Power cord
RCA Input	No
Stereo	Yes
Streaming Services	AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect
TRS Input	No
TWS	No
USB Input	No
Weight	14.6 lbs (6.6 kg)
Wi-Fi	Yes
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($899.00) →Search eBay for Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro →

For much less, the large desktop powered speaker that comes closest is the Audio Pro C10 MkII: $425.00 each Amazon $425.00 eBay

Same family: the Audio Pro C5 MkII (smaller model, rated 4.5/5).

Pros: The larger sibling of the Audio Pro C5 MkII, with a 5.25” long-throw woofer and two 0.75” textile-dome tweeters driven by 80W, and a specified range of 45Hz to 22kHz, so it plays fuller and deeper than the Audio Pro C5 MkII. It streams over Wi-Fi with AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Spotify Connect, adds Bluetooth and an RCA input, and has a subwoofer output. Two can pair as a stereo set or join a multiroom system.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the Audio Pro C5 MkII. One cabinet with closely spaced tweeters gives only limited stereo separation, and it needs mains power.

Full Audio Pro C10 MkII review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2021 (5 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	80W (2x 20W + 40W)
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	6.5” x 12.6” x 7.1” (166 x 320 x 180 mm)
Drivers	5.25” long-throw woofer, 2x 0.75” textile dome tweeters
Frequency Response	45Hz - 22kHz (manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RCA
Optical Input	No
Outputs	Subwoofer line out
Party Mode	Yes (multiroom)
Power Input	AC Power cord
RCA Input	Yes
Stereo	Partially
Streaming Services	Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, Google Cast
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	8.6 lbs (3.9 kg)
Wi-Fi	Yes
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($425.00) →Search eBay for Audio Pro C10 MkII →

Links
- Official Audio Pro C10 MkII Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Smart Home Sounds: Audio Pro Addon Series: A serious multi-room contender? More from Smart Home Sounds →
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audio Pro C10 MkII vs Audio Pro C5 MkII

The best subwoofer & satellites (2.1) powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX: $167.49 Amazon $167.49 eBay

Pros: The long-standing benchmark in high-output 2.1 multimedia audio, delivering 200W continuous / 260W peak power across a 6.5-inch side-firing ported subwoofer and dual two-way horn-loaded satellites. Klipsch’s 90 x 40 MicroTractrix horns deliver energetic, dynamic highs and exceptional dialogue clarity, while the dedicated subwoofer delivers authoritative desktop bass punch down to approximately 40Hz with THX certification headroom. Simple plug-and-play 3.5mm analog connection makes it universally compatible with PCs, monitors, gaming consoles, and DACs.

Cons: The tonal signature exhibits Klipsch’s characteristic forward treble elevation that can sound bright on poorly recorded material without EQ. The proprietary control pod cable and hardwired satellite wiring can be vulnerable to wear over long-term use. No digital optical or USB inputs.

Full Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	200W continuous (260W peak)
Aux Input	Yes
Bluetooth	No
Country	United States
Dimensions	Subwoofer: 241 x 249 x 259 mm, Satellite: 216 x 107 x 144 mm
Drivers	6.5” side-firing subwoofer, 3” poly cone midbass, 0.75” MicroTractrix horn tweeter
Frequency Response	35Hz - 22kHz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Headphone Output	Yes (3.5mm)
Inputs	3.5mm miniplug, 3.5mm Aux
Maximum SPL	110dB (in-room)
RCA Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) total system

Check current price at Amazon ($167.49) →Search eBay for Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX →

Links
- Official Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audioholics: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Computer Speaker System Review
Head-to-Head Comparisons

The best small bookshelf powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Genelec 8010A: $900 per pair B&H Photo Video $450 eBay

Same family: the Genelec 8020D (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5), the Genelec 8030C (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Genelec 8040B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Genelec 8050B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5). See every Genelec 8000 and 8300 Series generation.

Pros: ASR’s Klippel measurements support a neutral compact monitor: the response spans 2.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with lower narrow-band variation in the listening window than directly on-axis. Spinorama predicts 4.10 standalone and 7.01 with an ideal subwoofer, making it a strong choice when bass is handled separately. Its measured balance provides firmer evidence for critical listening than a recorded sound demonstration alone. Measured bass extension of 74Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The measured -3dB point is about 78Hz, so deep bass is missing without a subwoofer. The small enclosure and woofer are better suited to close listening than room-filling levels; the preference score does not measure headroom. The ADAM Audio D3v offers substantially deeper measured bass in a similarly compact format, while the Genelec’s premium price is harder to justify for casual desktop use.

Featured on:

Full Genelec 8010A review and specifications →

Released	2014 (12 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter)
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	67Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	7.7”H x 4.8”W x 4.5”D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm)
Drivers	3” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity)
Frequency Response	67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Maximum SPL	96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($450) →Search eBay for Genelec 8010A →

For much less, the small bookshelf powered speaker that comes closest is the ADAM Audio D3v: $349.99 per pair Amazon $349.99 eBay

Pros: Excellent midrange linearity for a tiny desktop speaker: Erin’s Klippel data spans just 1.7dB from 300Hz to 5kHz. Side passive radiators help bass reach -3dB at about 51Hz, substantially deeper than the Genelec 8010A or Audio Smile Little British Monitor. Predicted preference scores of 5.37 standalone and 7.59 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a particularly useful compact system without a sub. USB-C, analog inputs and placement filters simplify desk setup. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.5dB.

Cons: A rising upper-frequency balance and vertical crossover interference keep it from being uniformly neutral at every angle; aim the tweeters toward ear height. The limiter reduces bass and midrange output as volume rises, with the existing review’s compression tests putting usable maximum output around 89-90dB at 1m. Deep bass at moderate volume should not be confused with high output capability.

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Full ADAM Audio D3v review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2024 (1 year ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100W RMS per speaker (70W woofer + 30W tweeter) (Manufacturer specified)
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	200H (240H on included stand) x 115W x 150D mm
Drivers	3.5” aluminium woofer, D-ART folded ribbon tweeter, 2 x 3.5” passive radiators (each)
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment filters)
Frequency Response	48Hz - 22.6kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Headphone Output	Yes
Inputs	USB-C, balanced 1/4-inch TRS
Maximum SPL	98dB peak @ 1m (IEC-weighted noise, manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
Outputs	3.5mm headphone
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	86.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.37
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.59
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	Yes
Weight	7.9 lbs (3.58 kg) (pair)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($349.99) →Search eBay for ADAM Audio D3v →

The best medium bookshelf powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video $2,875.00 eBay

Same family: the Genelec 8341A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8361A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5). See every Genelec 8351 and The Ones generation.

Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.

Featured on:

Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2020 (6 years ago)
AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm)
Drivers	Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter
Frequency Response	45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, AES/EBU
Maximum SPL	100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	6.57
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.51
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($2,875.00) →Search eBay for Genelec 8331A →

For much less, the medium bookshelf powered speaker that comes closest is the Neumann KH120 MKII: $1,898.00 per pair B&H Photo Video $1,898.00 eBay

Older model: the Neumann KH 120 A (ranked lower, rated 4.4/5). See every Neumann KH generation.

Same family: the Neumann KH80 DSP (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH 150 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Neumann KH 310 A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH420 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Neumann KH 750 DSP (subwoofer, rated 3.5/5).

Pros: ASR’s Klippel data shows exceptional neutrality: only a 1.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.208. Scores of 6.49 standalone and 8.44 with an ideal subwoofer place it among the strongest measured options here. Bass reaches -3dB around 45Hz. The review reports very low distortion at 86dB/1m and clean performance outside deep bass at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 46Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled. A small directivity irregularity remains around 2kHz. Distortion increases below about 50Hz at high output; a subwoofer can extend the system and reduce low-frequency demands. High price, and a flat anechoic response still needs suitable placement in the room.

Featured on:

Studio Monitors

Full Neumann KH120 MKII review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter)
App	Yes (MA 1 alignment)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm)
Drivers	5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (via DSP)
Frequency Response	44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Maximum SPL	116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	6.49
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.44
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($1,898.00) →Search eBay for Neumann KH120 MKII →

Links
- Official Neumann KH120 MKII Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

The best large bookshelf powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Genelec 8351B: $9,900 per pair B&H Photo Video $4,950.00 eBay

Older model: the Genelec 8351A (ranked lower, estimated 4.6/5). See every Genelec 8351 and The Ones generation.

Same family: the Genelec 8331A (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8341A (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8361A (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5).

Pros: The vertical ASR measurement scores 7.75 with an ideal subwoofer and reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB. Coaxial midrange and treble help maintain consistent sound as the listening angle changes. Low measured distortion at ordinary listening levels and GLM calibration make it a strong precision-monitoring choice. Measured bass extension of 33Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass distortion increases at higher playback levels, so a subwoofer remains useful for demanding material. Upper-treble distortion in the test also cautions against assuming unlimited output. Calibration hardware adds to an already expensive system, and the quoted result is for the measured vertical orientation.

Full Genelec 8351B review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2019 (7 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	550w Per Speaker
App	Yes (GLM)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	17”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm)
Drivers	8.6” woofer, 5” coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75” (19mm) coaxial tweeter
EQ	Yes (via GLM software)
Frequency Response	32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Maximum SPL	113dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	31.1 lbs (14.1 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($4,950.00) →Search eBay for Genelec 8351B →

Links
- Official Genelec 8351B Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

For much less, the large bookshelf powered speaker that comes closest is the Neumann KH 150: $3,398 per pair B&H Photo Video $1,699.00 eBay

Same family: the Neumann KH80 DSP (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH120 MKII (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.7/5), the Neumann KH 310 A (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH420 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.8/5) and the Neumann KH 750 DSP (subwoofer, rated 3.5/5). See every Neumann KH generation.

Pros: An exceptionally tight 1.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports neutral vocals and instruments. The measured ideal-subwoofer score is 8.38, with -3dB bass extension to 39.6Hz. DSP and optional MA 1 alignment offer useful control over room-related response errors. Measured bass extension of 39.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: A two-way nearfield monitor cannot match the largest three-way systems for deep-bass output at distance. Keep the tweeter near ear height to avoid crossover-related changes off the vertical axis. MA 1 calibration requires additional equipment, and studio connections are less convenient than a consumer streaming system.

Featured on:

Full Neumann KH 150 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	Yes
Country	Germany
Crossover Frequency	1.7kHz
Dimensions	13.6”H x 8.9”W x 10.7”D (345 x 225 x 273 mm)
Drivers	1” tweeter, 6.5” woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (balanced analog), RCA S/PDIF (digital)
Maximum SPL	118.7dB @ 1m half space (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	6.65
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.38
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Warranty	2 years
Weight	17.6 lbs (8.0 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($1,699.00) →Search eBay for Neumann KH 150 →

Links
- Neumann KH 150 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

The best large floorstanding powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Genelec 8381A: $64,000 per pair B&H Photo Video $64,000 eBay

Same family: the Genelec 8331A (smallest bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8341A (bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8361A (largest bookshelf, rated 4.8/5). See every Genelec 8351 and The Ones generation.

Pros: Genelec’s flagship main monitor: each speaker combines three 15” woofers, four 5” midrange drivers and a coaxial 5” midrange with 1” tweeter, specified at ±1.5dB from 20Hz to 35kHz, so it reaches the bottom of the audible range with no subwoofer. It is specified at 126dB short-term output from 5,426W of Class D amplification. GLM room calibration, analog XLR and AES/EBU digital inputs are included.

Cons: Only listening reviews have been published, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Each speaker is 1.46m tall and weighs 162kg, and the amplifiers live in a separate 3U rack, so it only suits a large dedicated room.

Full Genelec 8381A review and specifications →

Released	May 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	5426W Class D (external 3U rack amplifiers)
App	Yes (GLM)
Aux Input	No
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	57.4”H x 19.7”W x 27.3”D (1458 x 500 x 694 mm)
Drivers	3x 15” (380mm) woofers, 4x 5” (125mm) midrange, 5” (125mm) coaxial midrange with 1” (25mm) coaxial tweeter
EQ	Yes (via GLM software)
Frequency Response	20Hz - 35kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, AES/EBU
Maximum SPL	126dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	357.1 lbs (162 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($64,000) →Search eBay for Genelec 8381A →

Links
- Official Genelec 8381A Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Genelec 8381A vs Genelec 8361A
- Genelec 8381A vs Kii THREE

For much less, the large floorstanding powered speaker that comes closest is the KEF LS60: $5,999.99 per pair Amazon $5,999.99 Crutchfield $5,999.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF LSX II LT (smallest bookshelf, rated 4/5), the KEF LSX II (bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5) and the KEF LS50 Wireless II (largest bookshelf, rated 4.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s on-axis measurement combines a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz with a 7.91 ideal-subwoofer preference score, supporting even vocal and instrumental balance. Extended-mode bass reaches roughly 25Hz at -3dB. The coaxial Uni-Q arrangement maintains unusually consistent tonality across listening positions, while HDMI, digital and analog inputs plus network streaming make this a convenient complete music and TV system. Measured bass extension of 23Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 97.7dB.

Cons: A diffraction dip around 9kHz can soften cymbal shimmer when aimed directly at the listener; 10-20 degrees of toe-out helps. DSP limiting reduces bass reach and dynamic output at high volume, so its deep low-level extension is not a promise of the same performance on loud peaks. App placement and tone controls are less flexible than parametric room correction. Each roughly 31kg tower is awkward to move.

Featured on:

Full KEF LS60 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	700W (500W LF Class D + 100W MF Class D + 100W HF Class AB)
App	Yes (KEF Connect)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	<20Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	23Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	Yes
DSP	Yes (Music Integrity Engine)
Dimensions	42.9”H x 8.3”W x 15.5”D (1089.7 x 210.8 x 393.7 mm)
Drivers	4 x 135 mm (5.25 in.) Uni-Core Force Cancelling Driver: woofers, 100 mm (4in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology tweeter
EQ	Yes (Normal and Expert modes, room adaptation)
Frequency Response	31Hz - 24kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	Wifi, Optical, Digital coaxial, RCA, HDMI eARC, Ethernet
Maximum SPL	111dB @ 1m (pink noise) (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer RCA
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	97.7dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	7.26
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.91
Streaming Services	Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer)
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	69 lbs (31.3 kg) each
Wi-Fi	Yes (dual-band)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($5,999.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($5,999.99) →Search eBay for KEF LS60 →

Passive Home Worth Buying Anytime

The top rated speaker in each size, plus a much cheaper one that comes close where there is one. A sale on these is a bonus, not the reason to buy.

The best medium bookshelf passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the KEF LS50 Meta: $1,599.00 per pair Amazon $1,599.00 Crutchfield $1599.99 eBay

Older model: the KEF LS50 (ranked lower, rated 3.9/5). See every KEF LS50 generation.

Pros: Uni-Q concentric driver mounts a 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter at the center of a 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, rated 79Hz-20kHz+. Speaker-to-speaker matching measured tight at roughly 0.5dB deviation between the pair tested, versus 2-3dB seen on some other speakers: likely why imaging stayed so precise. Imaging stays tight and focused even toed out, unlike most coincident designs where toe-out typically diffuses the image, giving more of an oval-shaped soundstage than a hard rectangular boundary. Horizontal and vertical directivity both hold to about ±50° at the -6dB point, so tonality stays consistent across roughly a 100° listening cone. The extended bass shelf is deliberately tuned for near-wall/boundary placement rather than the usual “pull it 3 feet into the room” advice, playing lower without excess boominess when placed close to a wall. At its frequent sale price, well below list, called a no-brainer for a compact stand-mount speaker. Independent ASR Klippel measurements corroborate this: very good directivity with the on- and off-axis curves tracking closely, and a predicted in-room response the reviewer called “very close to ideal.”. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.

Cons: F3 of 67Hz and F10 of 42Hz mean it doesn’t get much below 50Hz in-room; a subwoofer is recommended for real bass. A 2-3dB scoop around 2-4kHz shows up in both the listening window and sound power measurements, matching a subjectively noticed lack of attack and vocal clarity that the reviewer wanted to correct with about 2dB of EQ. An on-axis diffraction dip around 8kHz smooths out with about 15° of toe-out (typical for concentric designs, but still present at 0°). Distortion is elevated at low frequencies since the single 5.25” cone shares surface area with the tweeter housing, reducing effective radiating area; multitone distortion crosses the 3% threshold at 96dB/1m, making roughly 88dB or below the safer output ceiling. Moderate sensitivity (~83dB average) needed 2-3dB more amplifier gain than typical in testing. Adding a subwoofer at an 80Hz crossover only helps lower-midrange distortion, not the elevated distortion in the 1-2kHz and above-5kHz regions. ASR’s own Klippel testing found the same pattern in starker terms: THD is very good at 86dB SPL/1m but climbs past 100% in the bass at 96dB SPL/1m, confirming this is not a near-field speaker for high-output bass-heavy material. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) also shows a couple of resonances lingering in the 1-2kHz region.

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Under $2,000

Full KEF LS50 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.9”H x 7.9”W x 11”D (302 x 200 x 280.5 mm)
Drivers	130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	83dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; 85dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.74
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.88
Weight	17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,599.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($1599.99) →Search eBay for KEF LS50 Meta →

The best large bookshelf passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the KEF R3 Meta: $2,499.99 per pair Amazon $2,499.99 Crutchfield $2,499.99 eBay

Older models: the KEF R3 (ranked lower, rated 4.5/5) and the KEF R300 (ranked lower, estimated 3.9/5). See every KEF R Series generation.

Same family: the KEF R5 Meta (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.6/5), the KEF R7 Meta (floorstanding, estimated 4.6/5), the KEF R11 Meta (largest floorstanding, rated 4.4/5), the KEF R2 Meta (smaller center, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF R6 Meta (larger center, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: Three-way design with an unconventional concentric layout: the 1” tweeter is recessed into the throat of the 5.25” midrange driver, deeper integration than a standard coaxial arrangement. A quasi sealed/ported bass alignment gives an extended low-end shelf tuned to match typical in-room gain, reaching about 50Hz for most content: deeper than recently-tested rivals like the Focal Aria 906, Polk R200, and an 8” Aperion design. Spinorama measurements show class-leading directivity and sound power, plus very linear on-axis response (at the recommended 10° toe-out) and early-reflections directivity, so it takes EQ exceptionally well. The vertical sweet spot extends to about ±20-30° off the reference axis with nearly identical tonality, unusually wide for a two- or three-way design. A clear upgrade over the earlier, non-Meta KEF R3, eliminating the treble brightness the original had even when toed off-axis. Outperforms similarly-priced rivals (Revel M106, Wharfedale Linton, Philharmonic BMR V2, JBL HDI 1600) specifically on directivity and linearity in the reviewer’s measurements. At $2500/pair, called the best value in its class with near-reference-level anechoic performance. Measured bass extension of 76Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.9dB.

Cons: Pointed straight on-axis, there’s a 1-2dB bump around 9kHz that stays consistent across angles thanks to the constant-directivity waveguide: only toeing the speaker out about 10° tames it. Minimum impedance dips to about 3.2 ohms nominal (EPDR as low as 1.9 ohms), so it needs a 4-ohm-stable amplifier; a standard AVR likely won’t cut it. Distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 80Hz at 96dB output and shows added deviation again near 50Hz, indicating it runs out of headroom at higher volumes: a subwoofer is recommended for loud listening. Horizontal radiation narrows from about ±70° at low frequency to ±40° at high frequency. Below about 100Hz, compression testing shows fairly wide deviations at both 86dB and 96dB output, though the reviewer notes this is typical for speakers in this size and price class. Current KEF R3 owners who are already happy with that speaker have little reason to upgrade.

Full KEF R3 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D (421.6 x 200.7 x 335.3 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.10
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.91
Weight	27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($2,499.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($2,499.99) →Search eBay for KEF R3 Meta →

For much less, the large bookshelf passive speaker that comes closest is the KEF Q Concerto Meta: $1,399.99 per pair Amazon $1,399.99 Crutchfield $1,399.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF Q1 Meta (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the KEF Q4 Meta (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.4/5), the KEF Q3 Meta (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.4/5), the KEF Q7 Meta (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the KEF Q11 Meta (larger floorstanding, rated 4/5), the KEF Q6 Meta (center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q8 Meta (surround, rated 3.4/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.

Pros: Really good in-room neutrality with consistent horizontal directivity from seat to seat. Directivity holds remarkably steady from lower treble into upper treble, where many similarly-priced speakers narrow sharply as frequency rises: one of the reviewer’s top 10 picks under $1,500. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.2dB.

Cons: Radiation pattern measures about ±50°, narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60° for a stronger sense of envelopment. Needs to be pointed closer to on-axis rather than heavily toed out: combined with its rolled-off, shelved-down top end, too much toe-out makes it sound noticeably dark.

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full KEF Q Concerto Meta review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm)
Drivers	165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofer, 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.01
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.71
Weight	20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,399.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($1,399.99) →Search eBay for KEF Q Concerto Meta →

The best large floorstanding passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition: $7995 per pair Crutchfield $7995 eBay

Pros: Extended bass to approximately 30 Hz in-room without subwoofer; images with excellent precision indicating tight frequency response matching between speakers. Integrated bass management with three-way treble attenuation switches for room tuning. New design from Andrew Jones represents reviewer personal second choice (behind only KEF Blade Two Meta at 29k) among hundreds of systems auditioned; ranks above Dutch & Dutch 8C, JBL 4367, and JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor. Measured bass extension of 38Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.8dB.

Cons: Moderate sensitivity (~89 dB) means amplifier power requirements higher than many alternatives. Deep bass extension ends above subsonic frequencies (pipe organ territory below 17 Hz requires subwoofer).

Full MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2025 (1 year ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	25Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	48.8”H x 15.5”W x 19.9”D (1239.5 x 393.7 x 505.5 mm)
Drivers	10” woofer, 10” paper‑cone concentric midrange, 1.25” soft‑dome concentric tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88.8dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.00
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.31
Weight	160.9 lbs (73 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at Crutchfield ($7995) →Search eBay for MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition →

For much less, the large floorstanding passive speaker that comes closest is the Revel Concerta2 F35: $900 per pair Crutchfield $900 eBay

Same family: the Revel Concerta2 M16 (bookshelf, rated 4.1/5), the Revel Concerta2 F36 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.6/5) and the Revel Concerta2 C25 (center, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: Two-and-a-half-way, four-driver design: a 1” aluminum dome tweeter on a waveguide, a 5.25” mid-range, and dual 5.25” mid-bass drivers in a rear-ported cabinet. Measured sensitivity of 89.4dB closely matches the 90dB spec, and distortion looks good at both 86dB and 96dB, holding up well even with a high-pass filter applied. At its sale price of $900/pair, down from full retail, the reviewer calls it a “no-brainer,” undercutting comparable budget floorstanders like the ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63. Frequency response and directivity mismatches are largely EQ-able, since most of what shows up in measurements traces to physical tweeter/mid-range separation rather than a fundamental flaw. Compression is fairly well controlled for the price: about 1dB of loss around 100Hz under long-term compression, described as “par for the course” at this cost. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.4dB.

Cons: F3 of 61Hz and F10 of 39Hz mean a subwoofer is needed for real bass extension. A dip in the lower midrange/2-3kHz region reduces attack and detail, and a peak around 5kHz adds some edge and sibilance in the lower treble. A peak in off-axis energy around 3kHz reflects off sidewalls at roughly 60-70° off-axis and arrives louder than the direct sound: this specific issue can’t be fixed with EQ (boosting the direct sound would boost the stronger reflection too) and would need acoustic absorption to properly address, though the reviewer considers it a minor, optional fix at this price. A couple of minor resonances appear in the impedance plot, including one around 300Hz that may partly explain a subtle sense of vocal warmth noticed in listening, though it’s more likely room-related. Minimum impedance around 3.8 ohms. Short-term compression testing shows some increased distortion in the tweeter and higher-frequency compression at loud output.

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Full Revel Concerta2 F35 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	40.3”H x 8.4”W x 12.2”D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm)
Drivers	3x 5.25” deep anodized aluminum cone woofers, 1” Aluminum Tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	89.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 90dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.35
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.30
Weight	41 lbs (18.6 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($900) →Search eBay for Revel Concerta2 F35 →

The best center channel passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the KEF R2 Meta: $1,599.99 each Amazon $1,599.99 eBay

Older model: the KEF R2c (ranked lower, rated 4/5). See every KEF R Series generation.

Same family: the KEF R3 Meta (bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the KEF R5 Meta (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.6/5), the KEF R7 Meta (floorstanding, estimated 4.6/5), the KEF R11 Meta (largest floorstanding, rated 4.4/5) and the KEF R6 Meta (larger center, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: A compact three-way sealed center with KEF’s 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver (25mm vented aluminium tweeter with MAT inside a 125mm midrange) and two 5.25” bass drivers. KEF’s Spinorama data shows low on-axis deviation (0.29) and a listening window within 2.3dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, for a preference score of 5.03 that reaches 7.75 with an ideal subwoofer. At 175mm tall it fits under most TVs.

Cons: The only measurements are KEF’s own and have not been independently verified. Bass rolls off at 78.1Hz (-3dB) and about 53Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer for movies. The 4 ohm load dips to 3.2 ohms, which suits a receiver with solid current delivery.

Featured on:

Center Channel

Full KEF R2 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 52.9Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78.1Hz (measured, manufacturer data via spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	6.9”H x 21.7”W x 12.2”D (175 x 550 x 309 mm)
Drivers	Uni-Q: 25mm vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT, 125mm aluminium midrange; 2x 130mm (5.25”) hybrid aluminium bass units
Frequency Response	67Hz-28kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.03
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.75
Weight	34 lbs (15.4 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Amazon ($1,599.99) →Search eBay for KEF R2 Meta →

Links
- Official KEF R2 Meta Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Manufacturer Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

For much less, the center channel passive speaker that comes closest is the Polk Audio XT35: $268.05 each Amazon $268.05 eBay

Same family: the Polk Audio XT15 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Polk Monitor XT20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio XT60 (smaller floorstanding, rated 3.5/5), the Polk Audio XT70 (larger floorstanding, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT30 (smaller center, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio Monitor XT10 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.1/5) and the Polk Audio Monitor XT12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.3/5). See every Polk Monitor generation.

Pros: A slim center only 106mm tall, built to sit under a TV, with a 1” Terylene dome tweeter between four 3” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured very low on-axis deviation (0.19, among the flattest of any center here) and a listening window within 2.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, for a preference score of 4.43 that reaches 7.34 with an ideal subwoofer. That is a remarkable result at $268. Measured bass extension of 85.0Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Small woofers limit bass to 85Hz (-3dB) and about 59Hz (-10dB), so it really needs a subwoofer with a crossover around 100Hz. Its predicted in-room response is less smooth (0.57) than the top centers here, so reflections color the sound more in a lively room.

Featured on:

Center Channel

Full Polk Audio XT35 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 59.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	4.2”H x 24.4”W x 5.6”D (106 x 620 x 141 mm)
Drivers	1” Terylene dome tweeter, 4x 3” bi-laminate paper woofers
Frequency Response	84Hz-26kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.43
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.34
Weight	14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($268.05) →Search eBay for Polk Audio XT35 →

Links
- Official Polk Audio XT35 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Polk Monitor XT35
Head-to-Head Comparisons

The best surround & height passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the SVS Ultra Evolution Elevation: $899.00 per pair Amazon $899.00 eBay

Same family: the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.9/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Tower (smallest floorstanding, estimated 4.1/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Titan (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle (largest floorstanding, rated 3.8/5) and the SVS Ultra Evolution Center (center, estimated 4.1/5). See every SVS Ultra and Ultra Evolution generation.

Pros: An angled height or surround speaker with the diamond coated tweeter and 5.25” glass fiber woofer of the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano, rated from 48Hz.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Designed for height or surround duty, so it is not a main speaker.

Full SVS Ultra Evolution Elevation review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2024 (2 years ago)
Amplifier Power	20-150W recommended
Bass Extension (-3dB)	48Hz (manufacturer specified)
Dimensions	11.1”H x 7.3”W x 8.8”D (283 x 185 x 223 mm)
Drivers	1x 1” diamond-coated aluminum dome tweeter, 1x 5.25” glass-fiber composite midwoofer
Enclosure	Ported (rear 1.4” flared port)
Frequency Response	48Hz - 40kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87dB (manufacturer specified)
Weight	12.3 lbs (5.6 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($899.00) →Search eBay for SVS Ultra Evolution Elevation →

Links
- Official SVS Ultra Evolution Elevation Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

For much less, the surround & height passive speaker that comes closest is the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II: $449.99 per pair Amazon $449.99 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smallest floorstanding, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, ranked lower, estimated 3.5/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Pros: A Dolby Atmos elevation speaker that also works as a surround, with the 5.25” Cerametallic woofer and horn loaded titanium tweeter of the Klipsch RP-500M II.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Its angled cabinet suits only height or surround duty, and it needs a subwoofer for bass.

Full Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
Amplifier Power	70W RMS (300W peak) handling
Dimensions	8.6”H x 6.9”W x 12.7”D (218 x 175 x 322 mm)
Drivers	1x 1” titanium LTS tweeter on 90x90 Tractrix horn, 1x 5.25” Cerametallic woofer
Enclosure	MDF, switchable Atmos/Surround crossover
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	93dB (manufacturer specified)
Weight	8 lbs (3.63 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($449.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II →

Links
- Official Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

The best in-wall & in-ceiling passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the KEF Ci3160RLM-THX: $4,579.98 per pair Amazon $2,289.99 eBay

Older model: the KEF Ci3160RL-THX (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5). See every KEF Ci THX In-Wall generation.

Same family: the KEF CI250RRM-THX (smaller in-wall, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: Independently measured by Audio Science Review on a Klippel rig to a genuine 58.6Hz at -3dB and roughly 36Hz at -10dB, with an on-axis slope of just -0.02dB per octave, essentially flat. Directivity is the most consistent of any in-wall or in-ceiling speaker in this category, with the tightest spread in its sound-power directivity index across the measured band. The rotatable, tiltable driver module (the RLM in its name) lets the tweeter and midrange aim toward the listening area even when the cabinet itself has to be installed off to one side. THX Ultra2 certified, with a 4-driver, 3-way layout: dual 6.5” woofers flanking a 6.5” Uni-Q coaxial midrange/tweeter. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: At $2290 each, a stereo pair costs twice that, among the most expensive options in this category. Listening-window and sound-power smoothness are moderate rather than class-leading, meaning some unevenness remains once you move off the main listening axis despite the flat on-axis trace. The 660 x 209mm cutout and 106mm mounting depth are large enough that they won’t fit inside a standard 2x4 wall stud bay without modification.

Full KEF Ci3160RLM-THX review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2023 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	58.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org ASR data)
Certification	THX Ultra2
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	26.8” x 9.1” x 4.2” (680 x 230 x 105.7 mm)
Drivers	2x 6.5” LF woofers, 6.5” Uni-Q coaxial midrange, 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT (rotatable/tiltable module)
Enclosure	Open-backed, in-wall
Frequency Response	43Hz-28kHz +/-6dB (manufacturer, open-backed)
Impedance	4 ohms
Mounting Cutout	660mm (H) x 209mm (W)
Power Handling	50-350W recommended amplifier power
Sensitivity	89dB
Spinorama Preference Score	5.32
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.83
Weight	26.5 lbs (12 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($2,289.99) →Search eBay for KEF Ci3160RLM-THX →

Links
- KEF Ci3160RLM-THX Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

For much less, the in-wall & in-ceiling passive speaker that comes closest is the Revel W553L: $1,089.90 per pair Crutchfield $544.95 eBay

Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner’s Klippel measurement gives a preference score of 4.84, or 7.50 with a perfect subwoofer, a strong result for an in-wall speaker at this price. On-axis response is smooth (0.68 smoothness) and directivity is well controlled (SPDI deviation 2.35dB), so the sound off to the sides stays close to the sound you hear straight on. Bass measures to 64.5Hz at -3dB and 51.3Hz at -6dB. The 1” aluminum dome tweeter swivels toward the listening seat, a three-position switch trims treble to suit the room, and the cabinet mounts vertically or horizontally, so it works as a left, right or center channel. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: At $545 each a stereo pair costs twice that, and a separate amplifier is required. Bass ends early for a main speaker, with -3dB at 64.5Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for music and movies. Audio Science Review’s own measurement was less flattering (preference score 4.04, -3dB at 82Hz), so results differ between test benches. Two 5.25” woofers give less output headroom than the larger Revel in-wall models.

Full Revel W553L review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	39.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.1”H x 7.4”W (384 x 188 mm) (74mm mounting depth)
Drivers	2x 5.25” micro-ceramic composite (MCC) woofers, 1” swiveling aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide
Enclosure	In-wall, LCR (vertical or horizontal mounting)
Mounting Cutout	163W x 359H mm
Power Handling	10-150W recommended amplifier power
Sensitivity	90dB
Spinorama Preference Score	4.84
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.50
Warranty	Lifetime
Weight	7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Check current price at Crutchfield ($544.95) →Search eBay for Revel W553L →

The best outdoor passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Focal 100 OD6: $590 per pair Amazon $295.00 Crutchfield $399.00 eBay

Older model: the Focal Chorus OD 706 V (ranked higher, rated 3.7/5). See every Focal Outdoor generation.

Pros: Modern outdoor successor to the Focal Chorus OD 706 V featuring Focal’s signature 6.5” Polyglass mid-bass woofer and inverted aluminum dome tweeter in an updated IP66-certified high-density polypropylene enclosure. Excellent weatherproofing protects against intense rain and UV exposure, while the reinforced notched aluminum bracket allows 180° rotation for flexible horizontal or vertical mounting.

Cons: Sealed cabinet acoustic design limits low-frequency bass punch, rolling off below 65Hz (-3dB) and 55Hz (-6dB) without boundary wall assistance. Full laboratory-grade Klippel NFS Spinorama directivity curves have not yet been published, so preference scores are estimated from the measured Chorus predecessor.

Featured on:

Outdoor

Full Focal 100 OD6 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2025 (11 months ago)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	65Hz (manufacturer specified)
Configuration	Passive 2-way
Dimensions	12.6”H x 8.8”W x 10.1”D (319 x 224 x 256 mm)
Drivers	6.5” (165mm) Polyglass mid-bass woofer, 1” (25mm) inverted aluminum dome tweeter
Enclosure	Sealed UV-treated high-density polypropylene, IP66 weather-resistant
Frequency Response	65Hz - 23kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms
Recommended Power	20-120W
Sensitivity	87dB (2.83V @ 1m)
Weight	9 lbs (4.1 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($295.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($399.00) →Search eBay for Focal 100 OD6 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Subwoofers Worth Buying Anytime

The top rated subwoofer in each size, plus a much cheaper one that comes close where there is one. A sale on these is a bonus, not the reason to buy.

The best small size subwoofer, worth buying at its normal price, is the Edifier T5s: $169.99 Amazon $169.99 eBay

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 115.7 dB through 40-80 Hz, strong output for its 8” driver. The ported enclosure suits a small-to-mid room.

Cons: The 400.0H x 398.8W x 169.9D mm cabinet and 10.4 kg mass still need deliberate placement and calibration. Warranty is a below-average 2 years.

Featured on:

Under $500

Full Edifier T5s review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2025 (1 year ago)
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	115.7 dB
Country	China
Dimensions	15.7”H x 15.7”W x 6.7”D (400.0 x 398.8 x 169.9 mm)
Drivers	8” (203mm) driver
Enclosure	ported
Measurement Source	Brent Butterworth
Output SPL at 25 Hz	99.9 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	106.7 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	111.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	115.5 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	117.6 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	118.5 dB
Warranty	2
Weight	22.9 lbs (10.4 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($169.99) →Search eBay for Edifier T5s →

Links
- Official Edifier T5s Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

The best medium size subwoofer, worth buying at its normal price, is the Monoprice SW-12: $266.37 Amazon $266.37 eBay

Same family: the Monoprice SW-10 (smaller subwoofer, ranked lower, estimated 3.7/5) and the Monoprice SW-15 (larger subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: 12-inch ported with 400W RMS (600W peak) on a budget at just $266. Hits hard with clean tight transient response. Variable crossover and volume controls for setup flexibility. Speaker-level and line-level inputs for easy integration.

Cons: Entry-level build quality, ported enclosure room interaction, and lower 112.3 dB output capability.

Notes: Product # 41498

Featured on:

Full Monoprice SW-12 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	400W RMS / 600W peak
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	121.2 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	14.9”H x 18.3”W x 19.1”D (378.5 x 464.8 x 485.1 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, bottom
Frequency Response	35-150Hz, -10dB
Measurement Source	Brent Butterworth
Output SPL at 16 Hz	90.6 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	102.7 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	111.1 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	115.2 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	119.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	119.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	122.9 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	123.0 dB
Warranty	1
Weight	50.7 lbs (23.0 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($266.37) →Search eBay for Monoprice SW-12 →

Links
- Monoprice SW-12 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

The best large size subwoofer, worth buying at its normal price, is the Klipsch RP-1600SW: $1,999.99 B&H Photo Video $1,999.99 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch RP-1000SW (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.6/5), the Klipsch RP-1200SW (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.8/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1400SW (smaller subwoofer, ranked lower, estimated 4/5).

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 112.5 dB at 20 Hz and 120.4 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 16” (406mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.

Cons: The 594.1H x 596.9W x 694.7D mm cabinet and 50.3 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential.

Full Klipsch RP-1600SW review and specifications →

Released	2023 (3 years ago)
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	120.4 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	23.4”H x 23.5”W x 27.4”D (594.1 x 596.9 x 694.7 mm)
Drivers	16” (406mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, front
Measurement Source	Audioholics
Output SPL at 10 Hz	85.2 dB
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz	101.0 dB
Output SPL at 15 Hz	108.5 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	112.5 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	116.3 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	120.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	121.5 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	120.6 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	120.0 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	119.6 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	118.8 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	118.5 dB
Warranty	5
Weight	110.9 lbs (50.3 kg)

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($1,999.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-1600SW →

Links
- Klipsch RP-1600SW Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

On Sale Now

Well rated speakers selling at least 15% below their usual price, judged against their own recent prices rather than a list price.

Down 17% from its usual $59.99, the best small size speaker deal is the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3: $49.98 Amazon $49.98 AliExpress $59.71 eBay

Older models: the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2 (ranked higher, rated 4.5/5) and the Tribit Stormbox Micro (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5). See every Tribit Stormbox generation.

Pros: Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 uses 48mm NdFeB driver with coaxial passive radiators. Its 330 g, claimed 24 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IP68 protection, up to 93dB and mono playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. PartyUp and Auracast party mode link multiple speakers. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Bass is limited by its 62Hz specification. Bass is thuddy and distorted by default and needs EQ.

Featured on:

Full Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2026 (6 months ago)
Amplifier Power	13W
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz
Battery Life	24 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	AAC, SBC
Bluetooth Version	6.0
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	4.4” x 4.2” x 1.8” (112 x 107.9 x 45 mm)
Drivers	48mm NdFeB driver with coaxial passive radiators
EQ	Yes (9 Band)
IP Rating	IP68
Maximum SPL	93dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	Pointing up
Party Mode	No
Power Bank	Yes (USB-C)
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	No
Strap	Yes (built-in strap)
TWS	Yes
Weight	0.7 lbs (330 g)

Check current price at Amazon ($49.98) →Check current price at AliExpress ($59.71) →Search eBay for Tribit Stormbox Micro 3 →

Down 30% from its usual $114.95, the best medium size speaker deal is the JBL Flip 6: $79.95 Amazon $114.95 Woot $79.95 Lowest eBay

Newer model: the JBL Flip 7, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5, released Mar 2025. It adds USB audio input, but drops stereo pairing. Water resistance goes from IP67 to IP68.

Older models: the JBL Flip 5 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5) and the JBL Flip 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every JBL Flip generation.

Pros: A very neutral speaker, very small, almost pocket size, a huge sound quality leap over the JBL Flip 5. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Not stereo. Some slight upper mids emphasis. The TL version (made in Vietnam) tweeter can sound somewhat scratchy and doesn’t sound as good as the GG version (made in China)

Full JBL Flip 6 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2021 (5 years ago)
Amplifier Power	30W
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	56Hz
Battery Life	12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	AAC, SBC
Bluetooth Latency	116ms
Bluetooth Version	5.1
Built-in Microphone	No
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	6.9” x 2.7” x 2.8” (176 x 68 x 72 mm)
Drivers	44mm x 80mm woofer, 16mm tweeter
EQ	Yes (3 band)
IP Rating	IP67
Maximum SPL	98dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	Yes (PartyBoost up to 100 speakers)
Power Bank	No
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	No
Strap	Yes (built-in loop)
TWS	Yes
Weight	1.2 lbs (544 g)

Check current price at Woot ($79.95) →Check current price at Amazon ($114.95) →Search eBay for JBL Flip 6 →

Down 31% from its usual $129.95, the next best medium size speaker deal is the JBL Flip 7: $89.95 Amazon $119.95 Woot $89.95 Lowest eBay

Older models: the JBL Flip 6 (ranked higher, rated 4.2/5), the JBL Flip 5 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5) and the JBL Flip 4 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every JBL Flip generation.

Pros: A very neutral speaker, very small, almost pocket size. Just slightly more treble than the JBL Flip 6 which was already a great speaker. Slightly deeper bass than the JBL Flip 6. IP68 protection, a 7-band app EQ, Auracast and a USB-C digital audio input. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-10dB).

Cons: A little bit of a bump at 4kHz, not quite as neutral as the JBL Flip 6. On balance it is the slightly worse of the two.

Featured on:

Travel

Full JBL Flip 7 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2025 (1 year ago)
Amplifier Power	35W total (25W main + 10W tweeter)
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	59Hz
Battery Life	14 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC
Bluetooth Version	5.4
Built-in Microphone	No
Digital Aux Input	Yes (USB-C)
Dimensions	7.2” x 2.7” x 2.8” (182.5 x 69.5 x 71.5 mm)
Drivers	45x80mm racetrack driver + 16mm tweeter
EQ	Yes (7 band)
IP Rating	IP68
Maximum SPL	100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	Yes (Auracast)
Power Bank	No
Power Input	USB-C (5V 7.5W-15W)
Stereo	No
Strap	Yes (detachable PushLock accessory)
TWS	No
Weight	1.2 lbs (560 g)

Check current price at Woot ($89.95) →Check current price at Amazon ($119.95) →Search eBay for JBL Flip 7 →

Down 25% from its usual $399, the next best medium size speaker deal is the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: $299.99 Amazon $299.99 B&H Photo Video eBay

Older models: the B&O Beosound A1 2nd gen (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the B&O Beosound A1 (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5). See every B&O Beosound A1 generation.

Pros: Longer battery than the 2nd gen (~24 hours at sensible volumes). IP67 rated with a serviceable, replaceable battery: the first Bluetooth speaker with Cradle to Cradle certification. Multipoint connectivity and aptX Adaptive.

Cons: Distorts easier than the 2nd gen with deeper bass. Dipped area in the upper mids. Not as deep of bass as the 2nd gen

Featured on:

Travel

Full B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen review and specifications →

Released	May 2025 (1 year ago)
Amplifier Power	60W
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Battery Life	24 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
Bluetooth Version	5.1
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	Yes (USB-C)
Dimensions	5.2” x 1.8” x 5.2” (133 x 46 x 133 mm)
Drivers	82.5mm woofer, 15mm tweeter
EQ	Yes
IP Rating	IP67
Omnidirectional	Pointing up
Power Bank	No
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	No
Strap	Yes (built-in strap)
TWS	Yes
Weight	1.2 lbs (558 g)

Check current price at Amazon ($299.99) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video →Search eBay for B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen →

Down 29% from its usual $119.29, the best large size speaker deal is the Soundcore Rave Neo 2: $84.99 Amazon $119.29 B&H Photo Video Woot $84.99 Lowest eBay

Older model: the Soundcore Rave Neo (ranked lower, rated 2.7/5). See every Soundcore Rave Neo generation.

Pros: Soundcore Rave Neo 2 uses 4” woofer, 2x 2” tweeters. Its 3.6 kg, claimed 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) battery life, IPX7 protection, aux input, up to 107dB and limited-stereo playback make it a practical option for its intended room or portable use. BassUp helps at higher volumes but is best left off at lower volumes. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Bass is limited by its 44Hz specification. Slight treble rolloff.

Full Soundcore Rave Neo 2 review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2022 (4 years ago)
Amplifier Power	80W
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	44Hz
Battery Life	18 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	7.8” x 6.1” x 11.8” (198 x 154 x 299 mm)
Drivers	4” woofer, 2x 2” tweeters
EQ	Yes
IP Rating	IPX7
Lights	Yes
Maximum SPL	107dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews)
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	Yes (PartyCast 2.0 up to 100 speakers)
Power Bank	Yes (USB-A)
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	Partially (1 woofer)
Strap	No
TWS	Yes
Weight	7.9 lbs (3.6 kg)

Check current price at Woot ($84.99) →Check current price at Amazon ($119.29) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video →Search eBay for Soundcore Rave Neo 2 →

Down 19% from its usual $169.99, the next best large size speaker deal is the Mee Audio PartySPKR: $138.28 Amazon $138.28 eBay

Pros: 60W RMS stereo sound with dual tweeters, dual woofers, dual passive radiators. Excellent sound quality with real bass delivery. Three audio modes (Dynamic, Bass Boost, Vocal Boost) for preference customization. 8 LED light modes including multicolor, Bluetooth 5.3, Party Mode connects 1000+ speakers. IPX6 weather-resistant, USB-A charging port, three audio inputs (Bluetooth/USB/aux). Measured bass extension of ~50Hz (-10dB).

Cons: Not very deep bass. Possibly slightly bright treble. Will need more sound samples to make a better determination. Only 12 hours of battery life which is about the worst in the category.

Full Mee Audio PartySPKR review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2024 (2 years ago)
Amplifier Power	60W
App	No
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	~50Hz
Battery Life	12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	7.5” x 6” x 14.5” (191 x 152 x 368 mm)
Drivers	2x woofers, 2x tweeters + 2x passive radiators
EQ	Yes (Bass Boost, Vocal Boost, Dynamic)
IP Rating	IPX6
Lights	Yes
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	Yes (Multi-Link)
Power Bank	No
Power Input	USB-C
Stereo	Yes
TWS	No
Weight	6.3 lbs (2850 g)
Wi-Fi	No

Check current price at Amazon ($138.28) →Search eBay for Mee Audio PartySPKR →

Links
- Official Mee Audio PartySPKR Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Feelin Tech Today: JBL Should be worried? (MEE audio partySPKR) [2024]
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Down 20% from its usual $1,499.99, the best large party size speaker deal is the Sony ULT Tower Max: $1,198.00 Amazon $1,198.00 eBay

Featured on:

Full Sony ULT Tower Max review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2026 (new)
Amplifier Power	2,150W (manufacturer specified)
App	Yes (Sony Sound Connect)
Aux Input	RCA input
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, LDAC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Built-in Microphone	No
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	21” x 41.8” x 18.6” (534 x 1062 x 472 mm)
Drivers	9 drivers: 3x 11” woofer (2 front, 1 rear), 2x 4.7” midrange, 2x 1” tweeter, 2x 1.6” rear tweeter
EQ	Yes (10 band; ULT1 / ULT2 / Flat / Live)
Guitar Input	No
IP Rating	Splashproof top surface
Lights	Yes
Microphone Input	Yes (6.3mm)
Omnidirectional	Yes (360 degree Party Sound)
Party Mode	Yes (Party Chain)
Power Bank	Yes (USB charging)
Power Input	AC 120-240V, 50/60Hz
Removable Battery	No
Stereo	Yes
Strap	No
TWS	Yes (Stereo Pair)
USB Playback	Yes (USB-A)
Weight	124.1 lbs (56.3 kg)
Wheels	Yes
Wi-Fi	No

Check current price at Amazon ($1,198.00) →Search eBay for Sony ULT Tower Max →

Down 25% from its usual $599.99, the best medium desktop powered speaker deal is the Marshall Woburn III: $449.99 each Amazon $449.99 eBay

Older models: the Marshall Woburn II (ranked lower, rated 4/5) and the Marshall Woburn I (ranked lower, rated 4/5). See every Marshall home speakers generation.

Same family: the Marshall Acton III (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5) and the Marshall Stanmore III (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5).

Cons: Bass is limited by its ~45Hz specification.

Full Marshall Woburn III review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	150W (Woofer: 90W, Midrange: 2x15W, Tweeters: 2x15W)
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	~45Hz
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.2
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	15.7” x 12.5” x 8” (400 x 317 x 203 mm)
Drivers	6” woofer, 2x 2” midranges, 2x 0.75” Dome tweeters
EQ	Yes (Bass/Treble)
Frequency Response	35Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
IP Rating	None
Inputs	Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, RCA, Aux
Maximum SPL	100.5dB @ 1m
Optical Input	No
Party Mode	No
Power Input	AC Power cord
RCA Input	Yes
Stereo	Yes
TRS Input	No
TWS	No
USB Input	No
Weight	16.4 lbs (7.44 kg)
Wi-Fi	No
Woofer Cabinet	ported
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($449.99) →Search eBay for Marshall Woburn III →

20% below its $499 list price, the best large desktop powered speaker deal is the Sonos Era 300: $399.00 each Amazon $399.00 eBay

Same family: the Sonos Era 100 (smaller model, rated 3.6/5).

Pros: RTINGS calls it an excellent choice for voice assistants: built-in Alexa has no trouble hearing commands from a distance or in a noisy room, with a mic mute button on the back. Six drivers, one forward-firing tweeter, two side-firing tweeters, one upward-firing tweeter, and two angled woofers, each with its own Class D amp, give real stereo separation plus Dolby Atmos spatial audio on supported content. Trueplay room correction (now including a quicker Android tuning option) is a genuine strength, and it pairs with Sonos soundbars like the Arc Ultra for a home theater setup.

Cons: RTINGS’ one listed con is some compression at max volume. Out of the box the tuning leans bass-heavy enough that vocals can get shrouded in the mix on some tracks, though Trueplay largely corrects this. There’s no Google Assistant, no battery, and at $399 it’s the most expensive speaker in this ecosystem comparison.

Featured on:

Voice Assistant

Full Sonos Era 300 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
App	Yes (Sonos S2)
Aux Input	No
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Built-in Microphone	Yes (far-field, mic mute button)
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	7.3” x 10.2” x 6.3” (185 x 260 x 160 mm)
Drivers	4x tweeters (1 forward, 2 side, 1 upward-firing), 2x angled woofers
EQ	Yes (Bass/Treble + Trueplay room correction)
HDMI Input	No
IP Rating	None
Inputs	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C (line-in adapter sold separately)
Optical Input	No
Party Mode	Yes (Sonos multi-room, AirPlay 2)
Power Bank	No
Power Input	External AC adapter
RCA Input	No
Stereo	Yes
Streaming Services	Sonos app streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and more), AirPlay 2, Dolby Atmos Music
TRS Input	No
TWS	Yes (stereo pairing via Sonos app)
USB Input	Yes (line-in adapter sold separately)
Voice Assistants	Amazon Alexa
Weight	9.9 lbs (4.47 kg)
Wi-Fi	Yes (Wi-Fi 6)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($399.00) →Search eBay for Sonos Era 300 →

Links
- Official Sonos Era 300 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- RTINGS: Sonos Era 300 Review More from Rtings.com →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Down 15% from its usual $199.99, the best small bookshelf powered speaker deal is the Edifier M60: $169.99 per pair Amazon $169.99 eBay

Same family: the Edifier M90 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s Klippel data shows a reasonably even midrange, spanning 2.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with broad horizontal coverage for desktop listening. Predicted preference scores are 4.60 standalone and 7.33 with an ideal subwoofer, a comparatively strong result in this compact category. USB-C, auxiliary input, Bluetooth and included angled stands make it easy to integrate into a small desk setup. LDAC Bluetooth support and illuminated touch controls round out the features. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.5dB.

Cons: The on-axis response rises by about 0.57dB per octave, so the tonal balance becomes brighter toward the treble. Measured -3dB bass extension is about 70Hz; it cannot reproduce deep bass at full level. Sitting below the tweeter axis worsens the crossover-region response. Limiting and compression constrain louder playback, so use it nearfield rather than expecting room-filling output.

Featured on:

Full Edifier M60 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2024 (1 year ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	66W total (33W per speaker)
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, LDAC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	6.6”H x 3.9”W x 5.8”D (167.6 x 99.1 x 147.3 mm)
Drivers	3” woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter
EQ	Yes
Frequency Response	55Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Bluetooth, Aux, USB-C
Maximum SPL	96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	87.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.60
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.33
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	6.6 lbs (3 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($169.99) →Search eBay for Edifier M60 →

Down 36% from its usual $1,396, the best medium bookshelf powered speaker deal is the Kali Audio IN-5: $898 per pair Amazon $449.00 B&H Photo Video $449.00 eBay

Same family: the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Kali Audio IN-UNF (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.3/5).

Pros: The active three-way layout separates bass duties from the coaxial mid/tweeter, giving flexible listening geometry. Erin’s data shows a 1.8dB midrange response span and -3dB bass around 45Hz, with scores of 5.12 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer. Placement switches and balanced inputs help integrate it into a studio; moderate-level distortion is well controlled in the existing review. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Local listening-window irregularities remain despite the small overall midrange span. The review reports midrange distortion rising above 3% at 96dB and a brighter perceived balance at closer distances. Limiting makes it unsuitable for demanding farfield playback. Coaxial construction improves geometry but does not remove response errors or guarantee unlimited output.

Full Kali Audio IN-5 review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D)
Drivers	1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer
Frequency Response	39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, TRS, RCA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	5.12
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.13
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($449.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($449.00) →Search eBay for Kali Audio IN-5 →

Down 38% from its usual $676, the next best medium bookshelf powered speaker deal is the Pioneer DJ VM-50: $418 per pair Amazon $209.00 B&H Photo Video $209.00 eBay

Same family: the Pioneer DJ VM-70 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5) and the Pioneer DJ VM-80 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5).

Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements give scores of 4.64 standalone and 7.00 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 60Hz. The existing review reports low distortion and little sustained compression, supporting practical clean playback beyond what the tonal score alone captures. Separate bass and treble voicings and balanced inputs make adjustment straightforward. Measured bass extension of 61Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The default response spans 3.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the upper-midrange/treble balance varies with angle. EQ-switch selection and aiming therefore matter. Bass below about 50Hz is reduced, so it is not a full-range substitute for a monitor-and-subwoofer system. Its output evidence supports nearfield use, not unrestricted home-theater levels.

Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2021 (5 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	30W LF + 30W HF; Class D
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Four LF and four HF EQ settings
Dimensions	7.8” x 11.8” x 10.1” (198 x 300 x 256 mm) (W x H x D)
Drivers	1” tweeter in horn; 5.25” aramid-fiber woofer
Frequency Response	40Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR/TRS combo and RCA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	4.64
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.00
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	12.1 lbs (5.5 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($209.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($209.00) →Search eBay for Pioneer DJ VM-50 →

23% below its $1,299.99 list price, the next best medium bookshelf powered speaker deal is the Airpulse A200T: $999.99 per pair Amazon $999.99 eBay

Same family: the Airpulse A60 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.8/5), the Airpulse A80 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.9/5) and the Airpulse A100 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4/5).

Pros: A step up from the Airpulse A100 in the AirPulse range, with a horn-loaded aluminum ribbon tweeter and a 5.5” aluminum-cone woofer, amplified separately with 55W per woofer and 10W per tweeter (130W total). It adds a phono input for a turntable alongside aptX HD Bluetooth and other wired inputs, plus a subwoofer output and a remote.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the Airpulse A100. The horn tweeter can narrow vertical dispersion, so it sounds best with the tweeters near ear height.

Full Airpulse A200T review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	130W total (2x 55W woofer + 2x 10W tweeter)
Bluetooth	Yes
Drivers	Horn-loaded aluminum ribbon tweeter, 5.5” aluminum-cone woofer
Subwoofer Output	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($999.99) →Search eBay for Airpulse A200T →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Down 40% from its usual $498, the best large bookshelf powered speaker deal is the JBL 308P MKII: $298 per pair Amazon $149.00 B&H Photo Video $149 eBay

Older model: the JBL LSR308 (ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5). See every JBL 3 Series generation.

Same family: the JBL 305P MKII (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the JBL 306P MKII (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.69 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs. A resonance around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.

Featured on:

Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2020 (6 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	112W total
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm)
Drivers	8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, 1/4” TRS
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.88
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.69
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($149.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($149) →Search eBay for JBL 308P MKII →

Links
- Official JBL 308P MKII Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Down 32% from its usual $2,200, the next best large bookshelf powered speaker deal is the JBL 4305P: $1,499.99 per pair Amazon $1,499.99 JBL eBay

Same family: the JBL 4329P (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: The measured 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, with a 7.45 ideal-subwoofer score and 45.4Hz -3dB bass extension. Integrated consumer connectivity makes this a more convenient living-room system than many studio monitors. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Crossover-region directivity changes mean the narrow on-axis span does not describe every listening angle. Limiting becomes relevant at high output, particularly with bass-heavy music. It suits near- to midfield listening better than the largest high-output systems here. Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive level and reached roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room.

Featured on:

Full JBL 4305P review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Version	5.1
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches
Drivers	5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver
Frequency Response	45Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm Aux, Optical, USB-B, Ethernet
Maximum SPL	~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.44
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.45
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	Yes
Weight	Primary 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg), Secondary 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($1,499.99) →Check current price at JBL →Search eBay for JBL 4305P →

Down 40% from its usual $398, the next best large bookshelf powered speaker deal is the JBL 306P MKII: $238 per pair Amazon $119.00 B&H Photo Video $119.00 eBay

Same family: the JBL 305P MKII (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the JBL 308P MKII (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5). See every JBL 3 Series generation.

Pros: A 6.94 ideal-subwoofer score and 46.9Hz measured -3dB extension make this a useful affordable nearfield monitor. The waveguide supports broad horizontal listening coverage, and basic boundary controls help with setup. Measured bass extension of 46.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The 3.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz is less even than the JBL 308P MKII’s, with midrange resonances affecting neutrality. Hiss can matter at a quiet desk, while bass distortion limits demanding playback. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove the midrange irregularities. A narrow dip around 1.6kHz shows in the on-axis and listening-window curves.

Full JBL 306P MKII review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2018 (8 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	112W total
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	46.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	16.1”H x 11.2”W x 12.9”D (408 x 285 x 328 mm)
Drivers	6.5” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, 1/4” TRS
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.06
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.94
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($119.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($119.00) →Search eBay for JBL 306P MKII →

Down 30% from its usual $2,200, the best large bookshelf passive speaker deal is the KEF R3: $1,545.56 per pair Amazon $1,545.56 eBay

Newer model: the KEF R3 Meta, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5, released Mar 2023.

Older model: the KEF R300 (ranked lower, estimated 3.9/5). See every KEF R Series generation.

Same family: the KEF R5 (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.4/5), the KEF R7 (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the KEF R11 (largest floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5) and the KEF R2c (center, rated 4/5).

Pros: True three-way stand-mount with a 6.5-inch woofer below KEF’s 5-inch Uni-Q midrange/1-inch tweeter. Erin measured approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, exceptionally low sub-1% distortion at 86dB and orderly directivity in both planes. The coaxial geometry maintains image stability across seats, while Flexible Port Technology avoids the strong midrange port resonance common to rear-vented competitors. A 110W Parasound drove it successfully in Erin’s listening. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-10dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.

Cons: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Narrow high-frequency features and natural Uni-Q narrowing toward the top octave make toe angle audible, although off-axis tracking remains smooth. Sensitivity is moderate, the cabinet weighs almost 30 lb, and this original R3 lacks the Meta successor’s MAT absorber.

Full KEF R3 review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2018 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D
Drivers	1” tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; 6.5” woofer
Impedance	8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin’s 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier
Sensitivity	Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.2 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.97 (spinorama.org)
Weight	29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear Flexible Port

Check current price at Amazon ($1,545.56) →Search eBay for KEF R3 →

Down 17% from its usual $799, the next best large bookshelf passive speaker deal is the ELAC DBR62: $664.99 per pair Amazon $664.99 Crutchfield $799.00 eBay

Same family: the ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 (floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5) and the ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 (center, estimated 3.4/5).

Pros: Two-way design with a 6.5” woofer and 1” dome tweeter in a shallow waveguide, with the tweeter positioned close to the woofer for near-point-source coherence: giving more vertical listening leeway than typical two-ways. Notably forgiving of placement and aiming: sounds good from directly on-axis all the way to 30° of toe-out (parallel with the rear wall), making it more room-independent than many speakers this price. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±70° until the tweeter starts beaming, right in the reviewer’s preferred sweet spot. A mild, wide-Q bass bump centered around 100Hz adds a bit of extra punch that the reviewer personally likes. On-axis linearity within about ±2.5dB, with a strong measured preference score of 5.3. Distortion stays below 3% at both 86dB and 96dB until around 50Hz. Vertical sweet spot of about ±10-20° works well for multi-row home theater seating. The reviewer calls it “the epitome of a good speaker” for its price, with no reservations recommending it. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.3dB.

Cons: A slight recess in the 1-2kHz region reduces vocal presence somewhat compared to other speakers in direct comparison. A mild hot spot around 4-5kHz can read as slight sibilance when pointed directly on-axis. Low-to-mid sensitivity (about 84.3dB) combined with a current draw that behaves like roughly 2.4 ohms between 100-200Hz means it’s best driven by a dedicated 4-ohm-capable amplifier rather than an AVR. A diffraction dip from the baffle edge is visible in measurements: typical of any standard rectangular-baffle speaker and not correctable without a much more expensive curved-baffle design. Multitone distortion testing suggests some potential midrange distortion could be audible on certain material, though the reviewer didn’t personally notice it. Minor resonances appear around 700Hz and 1-1.5kHz, possibly tied to the enclosure, port, or cone/surround edge termination, though their audible impact appears minimal. F3 of 53Hz means a subwoofer is still needed for real bass extension below about 40Hz.

Full ELAC DBR62 review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.1”H x 8.2”W x 10.8”D (358.1 x 208.3 x 274.3 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.2 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.3dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.27
Weight	18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Amazon ($664.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($799.00) →Search eBay for ELAC DBR62 →

20% below its $1,798 list price, the best large floorstanding passive speaker deal is the Polk Reserve R600: $1,438 per pair Passive Amazon $719.00 eBay

Same family: the Polk Reserve R100 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk R200 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the Polk Reserve R500 (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R700 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R300 (smallest center, estimated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R350 (center, rated 3.7/5) and the Polk Audio Reserve R400 (largest center, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: Slim floorstanding tower in Polk’s flagship Reserve series combining a 1-inch Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter with dual 6.5-inch molded Turbine Cone woofers. Leverages Polk’s patented down-firing Power Port 2.0 and Cross-Bracing cabinet tuning for smooth low-frequency extension down to 38Hz without port chuffing. Exceptional listening-window linearity and controlled high-frequency dispersion inherited from the comprehensively measured Polk R200, Polk Reserve R500, and Polk Audio Reserve R700 lineup siblings.

Cons: Rating estimated from measured Reserve series siblings (Polk R200, Polk Reserve R500, and Polk Audio Reserve R700). 4-ohm nominal impedance with dips into low-impedance territory requires an amplifier capable of supplying solid current during demanding dynamic passages.

Full Polk Reserve R600 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Crossover Frequency	2.7kHz
Dimensions	41.9” x 11.1” x 15” (1064 x 281 x 382 mm)
Drivers	1” Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter, two 6.5” Turbine Cone woofers
Frequency Response	38Hz - 38kHz (±3dB)
Impedance	4 ohms (4-8 ohm compatible)
Passive	Yes
Sensitivity	87.5dB (2.83V @ 1m)
Weight	47.4 lbs (21.5 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($719.00) →Search eBay for Polk Reserve R600 →

Links
- Official Polk Audio Reserve R600 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

20% below its $1,099.90 list price, the next best large floorstanding passive speaker deal is the JBL Stage 2 260F: $879.90 per pair Passive Amazon $439.95 eBay

Same family: the JBL Stage 2 240B (smaller bookshelf, estimated 2.7/5), the JBL Stage 250B (larger bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the JBL Stage 2 280F (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.4/5), the JBL Stage 2 245C (center, estimated 3.2/5), the JBL Stage 200P (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.5/5) and the JBL Stage 220P (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.7/5). See every JBL Arena and Stage generation.

Pros: 2.5-way floorstanding tower in JBL’s Stage 2 lineup featuring dual 6.5-inch ribbed polycellulose woofers and a 1-inch anodized aluminum dome tweeter mated to a next-generation High-Definition Imaging (HDI) waveguide horn. Delivers wide, controlled horizontal dispersion and clean off-axis response consistent with its measured JBL Stage 2 280F and JBL Stage 250B siblings. Dual rear-firing flared bass-reflex ports provide extended low-end response down to 40Hz with minimal turbulence, and dedicated top terminals enable seamless integration with Atmos height toppers.

Cons: Rating estimated based on JBL Stage 2 280F and JBL Stage 250B Klippel NFS measurements; awaiting independent laboratory testing. Dual 6.5-inch woofers yield slightly less maximum SPL and ultra-deep bass authority than the flagship dual 8-inch JBL Stage 2 280F.

Full JBL Stage 2 260F review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2025 (11 months ago)
Crossover Frequency	1.3kHz / 1.7kHz
Dimensions	40.8” x 7.9” x 13.9” (1036 x 200 x 354 mm)
Drivers	1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter in HDI horn, two 6.5” polycellulose ribbed cone woofers
Frequency Response	40Hz - 25kHz (±6dB)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal
Passive	Yes
Sensitivity	90dB (2.83V @ 1m)
Weight	43 lbs (19.5 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($439.95) →Search eBay for JBL Stage 2 260F →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

25% below its $1,598 list price, the next best large floorstanding passive speaker deal is the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52: $1,198 per pair Amazon $599.00 eBay

Same family: the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 (bookshelf, rated 2.4/5) and the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 (center, rated 3.9/5). See every ELAC Uni-Fi generation.

Pros: 3-way concentric floorstanding speaker incorporating a 4-inch aluminum midrange with integrated 1-inch wide-surround tweeter, combined with triple 5.25-inch aluminum woofers. True point-source acoustic coherence provides exceptionally uniform horizontal and vertical dispersion with extended bass down to 42Hz.

Cons: Rating estimated based on Uni-Fi 2.0 series sibling testing. 85dB sensitivity and low impedance dips demand high-current amplification to avoid receiver strain at high listening levels.

Full ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	42Hz (manufacturer specified)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	38.6”H x 7.3”W x 10.8”D (980 x 185 x 275 mm)
Drivers	Concentric 1” soft dome tweeter & 4” aluminum midrange, 3 x 5.25” aluminum woofers
Frequency Response	42Hz - 35kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 4.8 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Weight	43.2 lbs (19.6 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($599.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52 →

Links
- Official ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
Head-to-Head Comparisons

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Portable Bluetooth Worth Buying Anytime

The best small size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Tribit Stormbox Micro 2: $39.99 Amazon $39.99 AliExpress $34.19 eBay

The best medium size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the EarFun Uboom L: $49.79 after coupon UBOOMLWC Amazon $49.79 EarFun eBay

The best large size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the JBL Xtreme 5: $349.99 Amazon $349.99 B&H Photo Video eBay

For much less, the large size speaker that comes closest is the Tribit Stormbox Lava: $119.99 Amazon $119.99 Lowest AliExpress $180.61 eBay

The best boombox size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Tribit Stormbox Blast: $179.99 Amazon $179.99 eBay

The best party size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Sony ULT Tower 7: $648.00 Amazon $648.00 eBay

For much less, the party size speaker that comes closest is the JBL Partybox Club 120: $349.95 Amazon $349.95 eBay

The best large party size speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Sony ULT Tower Max: $1,198.00 Amazon $1,198.00 eBay

Powered Home Worth Buying Anytime

The best small desktop powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Amazon Echo Studio 2nd Gen: $219.99 each Amazon $219.99 eBay

For much less, the small desktop powered speaker that comes closest is the Amazon Echo Dot Max: $119.99 each Amazon $119.99 eBay

The best medium desktop powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Marshall Woburn III: $449.99 each Amazon $449.99 eBay

For much less, the medium desktop powered speaker that comes closest is the Marshall Stanmore III: $249.99 each Amazon $249.99 eBay

The best large desktop powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro: $899.00 each Amazon $899.00 eBay

For much less, the large desktop powered speaker that comes closest is the Audio Pro C10 MkII: $425.00 each Amazon $425.00 eBay

The best subwoofer & satellites (2.1) powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX: $167.49 Amazon $167.49 eBay

The best small bookshelf powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Genelec 8010A: $900 per pair B&H Photo Video $450 eBay

For much less, the small bookshelf powered speaker that comes closest is the ADAM Audio D3v: $349.99 per pair Amazon $349.99 eBay

The best medium bookshelf powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video $2,875.00 eBay

For much less, the medium bookshelf powered speaker that comes closest is the Neumann KH120 MKII: $1,898.00 per pair B&H Photo Video $1,898.00 eBay

The best large bookshelf powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Genelec 8351B: $9,900 per pair B&H Photo Video $4,950.00 eBay

For much less, the large bookshelf powered speaker that comes closest is the Neumann KH 150: $3,398 per pair B&H Photo Video $1,699.00 eBay

The best large floorstanding powered speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Genelec 8381A: $64,000 per pair B&H Photo Video $64,000 eBay

For much less, the large floorstanding powered speaker that comes closest is the KEF LS60: $5,999.99 per pair Amazon $5,999.99 Crutchfield $5,999.99 eBay

Passive Home Worth Buying Anytime

The best medium bookshelf passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the KEF LS50 Meta: $1,599.00 per pair Amazon $1,599.00 Crutchfield $1599.99 eBay

The best large bookshelf passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the KEF R3 Meta: $2,499.99 per pair Amazon $2,499.99 Crutchfield $2,499.99 eBay

For much less, the large bookshelf passive speaker that comes closest is the KEF Q Concerto Meta: $1,399.99 per pair Amazon $1,399.99 Crutchfield $1,399.99 eBay

The best large floorstanding passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition: $7995 per pair Crutchfield $7995 eBay

For much less, the large floorstanding passive speaker that comes closest is the Revel Concerta2 F35: $900 per pair Crutchfield $900 eBay

The best center channel passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the KEF R2 Meta: $1,599.99 each Amazon $1,599.99 eBay

For much less, the center channel passive speaker that comes closest is the Polk Audio XT35: $268.05 each Amazon $268.05 eBay

The best surround & height passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the SVS Ultra Evolution Elevation: $899.00 per pair Amazon $899.00 eBay

For much less, the surround & height passive speaker that comes closest is the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II: $449.99 per pair Amazon $449.99 eBay

The best in-wall & in-ceiling passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the KEF Ci3160RLM-THX: $4,579.98 per pair Amazon $2,289.99 eBay

For much less, the in-wall & in-ceiling passive speaker that comes closest is the Revel W553L: $1,089.90 per pair Crutchfield $544.95 eBay

The best outdoor passive speaker, worth buying at its normal price, is the Focal 100 OD6: $590 per pair Amazon $295.00 Crutchfield $399.00 eBay

Subwoofers Worth Buying Anytime

The best small size subwoofer, worth buying at its normal price, is the Edifier T5s: $169.99 Amazon $169.99 eBay

The best medium size subwoofer, worth buying at its normal price, is the Monoprice SW-12: $266.37 Amazon $266.37 eBay

The best large size subwoofer, worth buying at its normal price, is the Klipsch RP-1600SW: $1,999.99 B&H Photo Video $1,999.99 eBay

On Sale Now

Down 17% from its usual $59.99, the best small size speaker deal is the Tribit Stormbox Micro 3: $49.98 Amazon $49.98 AliExpress $59.71 eBay

Down 30% from its usual $114.95, the best medium size speaker deal is the JBL Flip 6: $79.95 Amazon $114.95 Woot $79.95 Lowest eBay

Down 31% from its usual $129.95, the next best medium size speaker deal is the JBL Flip 7: $89.95 Amazon $119.95 Woot $89.95 Lowest eBay

Down 25% from its usual $399, the next best medium size speaker deal is the B&O Beosound A1 3rd gen: $299.99 Amazon $299.99 B&H Photo Video eBay

Down 29% from its usual $119.29, the best large size speaker deal is the Soundcore Rave Neo 2: $84.99 Amazon $119.29 B&H Photo Video Woot $84.99 Lowest eBay

Down 19% from its usual $169.99, the next best large size speaker deal is the Mee Audio PartySPKR: $138.28 Amazon $138.28 eBay

Down 20% from its usual $1,499.99, the best large party size speaker deal is the Sony ULT Tower Max: $1,198.00 Amazon $1,198.00 eBay

Down 25% from its usual $599.99, the best medium desktop powered speaker deal is the Marshall Woburn III: $449.99 each Amazon $449.99 eBay

20% below its $499 list price, the best large desktop powered speaker deal is the Sonos Era 300: $399.00 each Amazon $399.00 eBay

Down 15% from its usual $199.99, the best small bookshelf powered speaker deal is the Edifier M60: $169.99 per pair Amazon $169.99 eBay

Down 36% from its usual $1,396, the best medium bookshelf powered speaker deal is the Kali Audio IN-5: $898 per pair Amazon $449.00 B&H Photo Video $449.00 eBay

Down 38% from its usual $676, the next best medium bookshelf powered speaker deal is the Pioneer DJ VM-50: $418 per pair Amazon $209.00 B&H Photo Video $209.00 eBay

23% below its $1,299.99 list price, the next best medium bookshelf powered speaker deal is the Airpulse A200T: $999.99 per pair Amazon $999.99 eBay

Down 40% from its usual $498, the best large bookshelf powered speaker deal is the JBL 308P MKII: $298 per pair Amazon $149.00 B&H Photo Video $149 eBay

Down 32% from its usual $2,200, the next best large bookshelf powered speaker deal is the JBL 4305P: $1,499.99 per pair Amazon $1,499.99 JBL eBay

Down 40% from its usual $398, the next best large bookshelf powered speaker deal is the JBL 306P MKII: $238 per pair Amazon $119.00 B&H Photo Video $119.00 eBay

Down 30% from its usual $2,200, the best large bookshelf passive speaker deal is the KEF R3: $1,545.56 per pair Amazon $1,545.56 eBay

Down 17% from its usual $799, the next best large bookshelf passive speaker deal is the ELAC DBR62: $664.99 per pair Amazon $664.99 Crutchfield $799.00 eBay

20% below its $1,798 list price, the best large floorstanding passive speaker deal is the Polk Reserve R600: $1,438 per pair Passive Amazon $719.00 eBay

20% below its $1,099.90 list price, the next best large floorstanding passive speaker deal is the JBL Stage 2 260F: $879.90 per pair Passive Amazon $439.95 eBay

25% below its $1,598 list price, the next best large floorstanding passive speaker deal is the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52: $1,198 per pair Amazon $599.00 eBay