Short answer: the GR-Research X-LS Encore. It ranks #146 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300; the ATC SCM19 ranks #209, rated 2.4/5, and costs $3,750, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The GR-Research X-LS Encore is the better-sounding option. Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. Watch for: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region.
What the ATC SCM19 does well: A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume. The catch: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700Hz, 4dB bump around 700Hz.
Buy the GR-Research X-LS Encore. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ATC SCM19 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
A heavy, sealed pro style ATC bookshelf speaker with a very dense cabinet and low distortion at high volume.
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Specifications Side By Side
| GR-Research X-LS Encore | ATC SCM19 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1300 per pair | $3750 per pair |
| Ranked | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #209 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) | 17.2”H x 10.4”W x 11.8”D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 85dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter | 5.9” Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each | 39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) | 4.61 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) | 7.03 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
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