Short answer: the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX. It ranks #55 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $2,400. The Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX ranks #66, rated 4.1/5, at $2,200, $200 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX is the deeper-bass choice. A THX certified monitor with dual 8 inch woofers, a waveguide tweeter, and sturdy build for high output home theater rooms. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 76.9Hz for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX. The tradeoff: The measured on-axis average absolute deviation is 0.979dB and the sound-power directivity-index standard deviation is 3.63, so its response and dispersion are less even than the best alternatives.
Why pick the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX: A THX certified bookshelf speaker with twin woofers, smooth sound, healthy sensitivity, and port plugs to tune the bass to your room. Watch for: In the configuration measured, the bass response starts to fall early, about 77Hz at -3dB, though it keeps going to about 50Hz at -6dB and 33Hz at -10dB, so it benefits from a subwoofer or placement near a wall.
Buy the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $200 you would save on the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX reaches 63 Hz (3 dB down) against 76.9 Hz for the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Close enough not to matter: preference score with a subwoofer (7.3 vs 7.1).
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Specifications Side By Side
| Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX | Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,400 per pair | $2,200 per pair |
| Ranked | #55 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 76.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 37Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 32.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | Two 8-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter | Two 6.5-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal |
| Certification | THX Ultra | THX Ultra |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.16 | 5.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.30 | 7.08 |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) | 88.7dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 10.8”W x 25”D (400 x 275 x 635 mm) | 22.4”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (569 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| Weight | 58.9 lbs (26.7 kg) each | 41.2 lbs (18.7 kg) each |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 46Hz-20kHz ±3dB with two vents, 66Hz sealed (manufacturer specified) |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | sealed or ported (port plugs included) |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
Where the Ratings Come From
- Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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