Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio. Both are rated 4.8/5 for sound quality (#4 and #2 of 222 bookshelf speakers), and the GR-Research NX-Studio costs $3,630 against $8,000 for the Perlisten S4b, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
The case for the GR-Research NX-Studio: A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass. Watch for: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
What the Perlisten S4b does well: A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume. The catch: Erin measured only 84.5dB sensitivity and an impedance minimum just under 4 ohms, a difficult efficiency/load combination that deserves substantial clean amplification.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $4,370 less than the Perlisten S4b.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass.
A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| GR-Research NX-Studio | Perlisten S4b | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3630 per pair | $8,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #2 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) | 16.5”H x 9.4”W x 7.3”D |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | Just under 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| 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 | DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7” woofer |
| Weight | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | sealed |
| DIY Kit | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.01 |
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