Short answer: the AsciLab C6B, unless you find a used GR-Research X-LS Encore. The X-LS Encore is described as an amazing value, but its on-axis response shows a slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass. At $1,145 versus $1,300, the C6B is the cheaper of the two, and its bass still rolls off around 50Hz in-room (F3 54Hz, F10 35Hz).
Buy the AsciLab C6B. It is rated higher for sound quality than the GR-Research X-LS Encore and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
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Specifications Side By Side
| AsciLab C6B | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1145 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 8”W x 10.4”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 264.2 mm) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 2.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 6” Aluminium Ceramic Cone with cast Aluminium Chassis woofer, 1” Aluminium Ceramic Dome tweeter | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | passive radiator | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.33 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.28 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
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