Short answer: the Harbeth Monitor 30 for better sound quality, the BIC America DV62si for the lower price. The Harbeth Monitor 30 ranks #92 of 105 bookshelf speakers at $3200. The BIC America DV62si ranks #93 at $164.90, $3035.10 cheaper.
What the BIC America DV62si offers: A larger-than-typical 6.5” woofer for the price gives it real dynamic headroom - the reviewer called the ability to play loud with strong bass a genuine strength, uncommon among budget speakers with smaller drivers. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama shows uneven, elevated high-frequency response and what the reviewer called “the worst horizontal directivity plot we have seen” - direct and reflected sound diverge badly.
What the Harbeth Monitor 30 gets right: Sensitivity of 85dB and a 6-ohm nominal impedance (150W handling) make it reasonably easy to drive despite the impedance dropping to about 4.8 ohms at points. The catch: CEA2034 spinorama shows a significant on-axis dip starting around 3kHz at the crossover point, which the reviewer called “the classic engineering work of calling a defect a feature” rather than the intentional character it’s often described as.
Buy the BIC America DV62si if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Harbeth Monitor 30 if sound quality matters more than the price.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 105 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| BIC America DV62si | Harbeth Monitor 30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $164.90 | $3200 |
| Ranked | #93 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #92 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 6.5" poly/graphite-blend woofer, 0.75" ferrofluid-cooled dome tweeter | 7.9" bass/midrange driver, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 14.25H x 8.875W x 9.125D in | 18.1"H x 10.9"W x 10.8"D (460 x 277 x 275 mm) |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs / 7.03 kg pair | 25.6 lbs / 11.6 kg each |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 21kHz -3dB (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 10-175W | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, Venturi vent | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
BIC America DV62si: $164.90 Amazon
Pros: A larger-than-typical 6.5” woofer for the price gives it real dynamic headroom - the reviewer called the ability to play loud with strong bass a genuine strength, uncommon among budget speakers with smaller drivers. Impedance is comfortably high for the amplifier to drive. Extremely popular with buyers (429 Amazon ratings averaging 4.5 stars at the time of review).
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows uneven, elevated high-frequency response and what the reviewer called “the worst horizontal directivity plot we have seen” - direct and reflected sound diverge badly. Distortion is elevated across the board at 96dB SPL. The reviewer’s take: the elevated highs create an initial “high-resolution” impression that wins over casual listeners and drives the strong online ratings, but extended listening reveals harshness and grittiness; “I can’t recommend the BIC DV62si even though I understand why the popular vote is so strongly in its favor.”
Full BIC America DV62si review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 14.25H x 8.875W x 9.125D in |
| Drivers | 6.5" poly/graphite-blend woofer, 0.75" ferrofluid-cooled dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 21kHz -3dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 10-175W |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs / 7.03 kg pair |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, Venturi vent |
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Harbeth Monitor 30: $3200
Pros: Sensitivity of 85dB and a 6-ohm nominal impedance (150W handling) make it reasonably easy to drive despite the impedance dropping to about 4.8 ohms at points. Wide bandwidth 2-way design with a 7.9” bass/midrange driver and 1” soft dome tweeter.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a significant on-axis dip starting around 3kHz at the crossover point, which the reviewer called “the classic engineering work of calling a defect a feature” rather than the intentional character it’s often described as. Predicted in-room response is uneven with an exaggerated tilt toward high frequencies. Step response shows the tweeter and woofer out of phase with each other. At $3,200 per pair, the reviewer concluded the price doesn’t match the measured performance.
Full Harbeth Monitor 30 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.9"W x 10.8"D (460 x 277 x 275 mm) |
| Drivers | 7.9" bass/midrange driver, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 25.6 lbs / 11.6 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons