Short answer: the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It ranks #11 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $999.99; the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX ranks #50, rated 4.2/5, and costs $1,499, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The KEF Q Concerto Meta is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.01 against 4.89 for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 80Hz for the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX. Watch for: Radiation pattern measures about ±50°, narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60° for a stronger sense of envelopment.
Why pick the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: A THX certified bookshelf speaker with well controlled sound, strong midbass punch, and clean output for home theater. The tradeoff: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required.
Buy the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q Concerto Meta | Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 per pair | $1,499 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | ~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm) | 15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofer, 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter | 6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.01 | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.71 | 7.68 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | HDF, sealed/ported |
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