Short answer: the GR-Research X-LS Encore if sound quality matters most, the XTZ Spirit 4 if price matters most. The GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146 of 222 bookshelf speakers, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300. The XTZ Spirit 4 ranks #159, rated 3.4/5, at $477, $823 cheaper.
The GR-Research X-LS Encore is the more accurate pick. Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.05 against 4.18 for the XTZ Spirit 4. 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 XTZ Spirit 4 does well: Stand-mount speakers with a waveguide tweeter, adjustable treble and port tuning, wide coverage and fairly deep bass. The catch: The third-party measurement is low confidence.
Buy the GR-Research X-LS Encore when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the XTZ Spirit 4 when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
Stand-mount speakers with a waveguide tweeter, adjustable treble and port tuning, wide coverage and fairly deep bass.
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 X-LS Encore | XTZ Spirit 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1300 per pair | $477 per pair |
| Ranked | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #159 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | about 40.0Hz (measured, Spinorama data) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42Hz (manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) | 13.8H x 7.5W x 10.6D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 4 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 86dB |
| Drivers | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter | 1” dome tweeter, 6.5” woofer |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) | 4.18 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) | 6.30 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way passive, rear-ported |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
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