Short answer: the Infinity Reference R162 for better sound quality, the Infinity IL10 for the lower price. The Infinity Reference R162 ranks #51 of 100 bookshelf speakers at $500. The Infinity IL10 ranks #59 at $160, $340 cheaper.
What the Infinity Reference R162 gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. The catch: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point.
The case for the Infinity IL10: Impressively flat for a budget bookshelf. The tradeoff: Resonances at 600 and 5khz, which show up as distinct distortion spikes at 96dB SPL/1m in the same frequency regions.
Buy the Infinity Reference R162 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Infinity IL10 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Infinity Reference R162 | Infinity IL10 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $500 Discontinued | $160 used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | #51 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 100 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Infinity Reference R162: $500 Discontinued Bhphotovideo
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.
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) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15.5"H x 7.9"W x 11.2"D (394 x 200 x 285 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| 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) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Klipsch RP-600M II
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Dynaudio Emit 20
- Infinity Reference R162 vs SVS Ultra Bookshelf
- Infinity Reference R162 vs JBL Studio 630
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Behringer B2030P
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Dynaudio Contour 20i
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Definitive Technology Demand D11
- Infinity Reference R162 vs Yamaha NS-800A
- See all 9 comparisons
Infinity IL10: $160 used, Discontinued
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.
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) |
| Dimensions | 15.6"H x 8.5"W x 11.5"D (397.0 x 216.0 x 292.0 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| Impedance | 6 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 86dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Infinity IL10 vs Behringer B2030P
- Infinity IL10 vs Dynaudio Special Forty
- Infinity IL10 vs ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
- Infinity IL10 vs JBL Studio 630
- Infinity IL10 vs SVS Prime Bookshelf
- Infinity IL10 vs KEF Q3 Meta
- Infinity IL10 vs Dynaudio Emit 20
- Infinity IL10 vs Polk Monitor XT20
- See all 13 comparisons