Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio for a clean waterfall, the X-LS Encore for value. The NX-Studio’s burst decay plot is ultra clean, though its sealed woofer enclosure gives very tight bass that will not go as deep as others. The X-LS Encore is called an amazing value, but its on-axis response shows a slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,330 you would save on the GR-Research X-LS Encore does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| GR-Research NX-Studio | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3630 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 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 | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Weight | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | ported |
| DIY Kit | Yes | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
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