Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3 for better sound quality, the GR-Research X-LS Encore for the lower price. The Audio First Cadentia 3 ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199. The GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300, $5,899 cheaper.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 5.05 for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 64Hz for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. The tradeoff: 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 X-LS Encore does well: Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. The catch: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region.
Buy the Audio First Cadentia 3 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the GR-Research X-LS Encore when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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 X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 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) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | ported |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
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