Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio. It ranks #4 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $3,630; the Audio First Cadentia 3 ranks #7, rated 4.7/5, and costs $7,199, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The case for the Audio First Cadentia 3: Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations. The catch: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
What the GR-Research NX-Studio does well: A DIY kit bookshelf with a sealed 6.5” woofer and a semi open baffle Neo3 ribbon tweeter, giving an ultra clean burst decay plot. The catch: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audio First Cadentia 3 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations.
Audio First Designs $7199 eBay
A DIY kit bookshelf with a sealed 6.5” woofer and a semi open baffle Neo3 ribbon tweeter, giving an ultra clean burst decay plot.
GR Research $3630 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audio First Cadentia 3 | GR-Research NX-Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $3630 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | sealed |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
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