Short answer: the Cerwin Vega LA165, if you are buying new. The Infinity IL10 ranks higher than it (#84 vs #117 of 131 bookshelf speakers, 3.5/5 vs 2.5/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Cerwin Vega LA165 is still sold new at $269.99.
What the Infinity IL10 does well: Impressively flat for a budget bookshelf. Watch for: Resonances at 600 and 5kHz, which show up as distinct distortion spikes at 96dB SPL/1m in the same frequency regions.
Why pick the Cerwin Vega LA165: Passive bookshelf design with decent internal cabinet damping/batting material for the price. The tradeoff: Overall tonal balance is far from neutral: a 2-3dB cut through the vocal fundamental range gives a hollow midrange, while a dip around 2-4kHz removes attack, snap, and clarity from snares and other transient sounds.
Buy the Cerwin Vega LA165 if you want one new; the Infinity IL10 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Infinity IL10 | Cerwin Vega LA165 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $160 per pair used, Discontinued | $269.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #84 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #117 of 131 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 66.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | 86.2dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) |
| Dimensions | 15.6”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (397.0 x 216.0 x 292.0 mm) | 13.7”H x 8”W x 12.4”D (348.0 x 203.2 x 315.0 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.98 (spinorama.org) | 3.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.34 (spinorama.org) | 5.48 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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- Dynaudio Emit 20 vs Infinity IL10
Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Infinity IL10: $160 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Pros: Impressively flat for a budget bookshelf. Predicted in-room response is good aside from a bit of excess energy here and there. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays low and controlled outside two narrow resonance-driven peaks. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.
Cons: Resonances at 600 and 5kHz, which show up as distinct distortion spikes at 96dB SPL/1m in the same frequency regions. Discontinued.
Full Infinity IL10 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.6”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (397.0 x 216.0 x 292.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.98 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.34 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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Cerwin Vega LA165: $269.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Passive bookshelf design with decent internal cabinet damping/batting material for the price. Delivers noticeable mid-bass punch around 100-120Hz, giving a sense of kick and impact that fans of the brand’s traditionally punchy sound may appreciate. Horizontal radiation of about ±60-70° lands in the reviewer’s preferred range for soundstage width. Reasonably priced at around $270/pair. Measured bass extension of 66.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.2dB.
Cons: Overall tonal balance is far from neutral: a 2-3dB cut through the vocal fundamental range gives a hollow midrange, while a dip around 2-4kHz removes attack, snap, and clarity from snares and other transient sounds. An elevated upper treble region adds a sibilant, edgy quality (though not as extreme as some pricier speakers with similar issues). The manufacturer’s quoted 33Hz-20kHz frequency response is essentially meaningless without a tolerance bound: actual measured extension is closer to an F3 of 67Hz and F10 of 47Hz, roughly 19dB down at the claimed 33Hz. Measured sensitivity (about 86.2dB) runs several dB below the manufacturer’s 90dB spec regardless of which impedance figure is used to convert it. Significant modal ringing in the midwoofer cone, confirmed by testing the driver in isolation, ties directly to elevated distortion and resonances around 700Hz-1kHz from a cone-edge/surround mismatch. Multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold at 96dB, adding graininess through the midrange and upper-mid. Unusual compression behavior shows the treble actually gaining level (rather than compressing) under both long-term and instantaneous testing: an atypical and not particularly desirable trait. Directly compared to the similarly-priced Polk XT20, which the reviewer considers clearly superior in linearity, distortion, and bass extension.
Full Cerwin Vega LA165 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 13.7”H x 8”W x 12.4”D (348.0 x 203.2 x 315.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86.2dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.48 |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs (12 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons