Short answer: the Perlisten S4b if sound quality matters most, the GR-Research X-LS Encore if price matters most. The Perlisten S4b ranks #2 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 4.8/5, at $8,000. The GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300, $6,700 cheaper.
The GR-Research X-LS Encore is the deeper-bass choice. Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. Its bass reaches about 64Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the Perlisten S4b. The tradeoff: 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.
The Perlisten S4b is the better-sounding pick. A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume. Watch for: 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 X-LS Encore when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the Perlisten S4b when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
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 X-LS Encore | Perlisten S4b | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1300 per pair | $8,000 per pair |
| Ranked | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 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 | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter | DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7” woofer |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) | 5.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) | 8.01 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
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