Short answer: the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It ranks #11 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,399.99. The GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300, $99.99 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
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 5.05 for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. Its bass reaches about 53Hz before falling 3dB, against 64Hz for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. The tradeoff: Radiation pattern measures about ±50°, narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60° for a stronger sense of envelopment.
The case for the GR-Research X-LS Encore: Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. Watch for: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region.
Buy the KEF Q Concerto Meta. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $99.99 with the GR-Research X-LS Encore does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A neutral three way bookshelf speaker that sounds consistent from seat to seat, with smooth treble that many rivals at its price lack.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| KEF Q Concerto Meta | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,399.99 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| 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” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.01 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.71 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
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