Short answer: the Infinity Reference R162 for directivity; the Infinity IL10 for a flatter budget curve. The R162 shows good, wide horizontal and vertical directivity with blended early reflections, but output above 3kHz adds brightness with a 700Hz resonance and distortion near the crossover. The IL10 is impressively flat yet has resonances at 600 and 5kHz that spike as distortion at 96dB SPL/1m.
Buy the Infinity Reference R162 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Infinity Reference R162 | Infinity IL10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 per pair Discontinued | $160 per pair used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #67 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #87 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 6 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Drivers | 1” CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” CMMD woofer | 6.5” (165mm) woofer |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) each | 14.3 lbs (6.5 kg) |
| Dimensions | 15.5”H x 7.9”W x 11.2”D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) | 15.6”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (397.0 x 216.0 x 292.0 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported | ported, rear |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.07 (spinorama.org) | 4.98 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.26 (spinorama.org) | 7.34 (spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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 Reference R162: $500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. 1” CMMD waveguide tweeter and 6.5” CMMD woofer, 85.5dB sensitivity. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.
Cons: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point. EQ or a simple inline tweeter resistor can tame the treble; the reviewer still called it a very enjoyable system for the price. Discontinued.
Full Infinity Reference R162 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 15.5”H x 7.9”W x 11.2”D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) |
| Drivers | 1” CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” CMMD woofer |
| Frequency Response | 49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.07 (spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.26 (spinorama.org) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs (8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Infinity Reference R162 vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Definitive Technology Demand D11
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Yamaha NS-800A
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Dynaudio Emit 20
- Infinity Reference R162 vs ELAC DBR62
- Infinity Reference R162 vs JBL Studio 630
- See all 10 comparisons
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 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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