Short answer: the GR-Research X-LS Encore. The Zu Audio Method is high-sensitivity, measured about 90-90.7dB through the 300Hz-3kHz vocal range, but it has a severe suckout in the 1.5-3kHz range, down as much as 19dB below the mean, which removes attack and clarity. The X-LS Encore ranks #146 of 222 against #220 of 222 and shows a slight upper-bass depression and lower-bass peaking on-axis.
Buy the GR-Research X-LS Encore. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $600 with the Zu Audio Method does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| GR-Research X-LS Encore | Zu Audio Method | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1300 per pair | $700 per pair |
| Ranked | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #220 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 92Hz (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) | 15”H x 8.7”W x 11”D (381.0 x 222.0 x 280.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) | 91dB |
| Drivers | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter | 8” coax HE (Eminence/Zu) woofer, Eminence ASD-1001 tweeter |
| Weight | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, front |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) | 0.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) | 3.05 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
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