Short answer: the Perlisten A3m. It ranks #51 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.2/5, at $3,000. The Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator ranks #188, rated 3.0/5, at $2,000, $1,000 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Perlisten A3m is the better-sounding choice. A sealed high output monitor with dual 8 inch woofers and a waveguide tweeter, a great match for a subwoofer in a home theater. The tradeoff: The low-quality vendor Spinorama data measures only 85.8Hz at -3dB, 74.1Hz at -6dB, and 55.7Hz at -12dB, conflicting with Perlisten’s much deeper in-room extension claim.
The Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator is the deeper-bass option. A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion. Its bass reaches about 63Hz before falling 3dB, against 85.8Hz for the Perlisten A3m. Watch for: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle: independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion.
Buy the Perlisten A3m. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,000 saving on the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A sealed high output monitor with dual 8 inch woofers and a waveguide tweeter, a great match for a subwoofer in a home theater.
A luxurious Italian bookshelf speaker with a gorgeous cabinet, solid bass for its size and wide, consistent dispersion.
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
| Perlisten A3m | Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,000 per pair | $2000 per pair |
| Ranked | #51 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #188 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 61Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Enclosure | Sealed | - |
| Drivers | Two 8-inch carbon-fiber woofers; 35mm Teteron dome tweeter | 1.14” DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9” paper cone woofer |
| Sensitivity | 87.4dB at 2.83V/1m | 86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal; 3 ohms minimum | 4 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 26.6 x 11.0 x 13.8 in each | 12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm) |
| Maximum SPL | 111.4dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.30 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.34 | - |
| Weight | 63.9 lbs (29 kg) | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 2600Hz |
| Woofer Cabinet | - | Bass reflex, ported |
| Recommended Power | - | 30W - 150W |
| Country | - | Italy (Vicenza) |
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