Short answer: the Audio First Cadentia 3. It ranks #7 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199. The Perlisten A3m ranks #52, rated 4.2/5, at $3,000, $4,199 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 4.30 for the Perlisten A3m. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 85.8Hz for the Perlisten A3m. 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).
Why pick the Perlisten A3m: Manufacturer data shows a narrow 1.8dB reference band, 0.305dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.457 listening-window smoothness, and a rated 111.4dB peak at 1m. The tradeoff: The low-quality vendor Spinorama data measures only 85.8Hz at -3dB, 74.1Hz at -6dB, and 55.7Hz at -12dB, conflicting with Perlisten’s much deeper in-room extension claim.
Buy the Audio First Cadentia 3. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $4,199 you would save on the Perlisten A3m does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations.
Audio First Designs $7199 eBay
Manufacturer data shows a narrow 1.8dB reference band, 0.305dB on-axis average absolute deviation, 0.457 listening-window smoothness, and a rated 111.4dB peak at 1m.
Perlisten $3,000 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 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 | Perlisten A3m | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7199 per pair | $3,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #52 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | approximately 61Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) | 26.6 x 11.0 x 13.8 in each |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal; 3 ohms minimum |
| Sensitivity | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87.4dB at 2.83V/1m |
| Drivers | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer | Two 8-inch carbon-fiber woofers; 35mm Teteron dome tweeter |
| Weight | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each | 63.9 lbs (29 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | 3-way, bass reflex | - |
| Country | United Kingdom (Cambridge) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.55 | 4.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.91 | 7.34 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Sealed |
| Maximum SPL | - | 111.4dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: Audio First Cadentia 3 (measured by the manufacturer) and Perlisten A3m (measured by the manufacturer), via spinorama.org.
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