Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio. It ranks #4 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $3,630. The Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator ranks #188, rated 3.0/5, at $2,000, $1,630 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The GR-Research NX-Studio is the better-sounding choice. A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass. The tradeoff: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Why pick the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator: A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion. Watch for: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle: independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,630 saving on the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass.
A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion.
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
| GR-Research NX-Studio | Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3630 per pair | $2000 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #188 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) | 12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by 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 | 1.14” DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9” paper cone woofer |
| Weight | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | Bass reflex, ported |
| DIY Kit | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2600Hz |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
| Country | - | Italy (Vicenza) |
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