Short answer: the Perlisten S4b. It ranks #2 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $8,000. The Audio First Cadentia 3 ranks #7, rated 4.7/5, at $7,199, $801 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Perlisten S4b: A compact sealed bookshelf speaker with reference grade accuracy, exceptionally smooth dispersion, and very low distortion at high volume. Watch for: Erin measured only 84.5dB sensitivity and an impedance minimum just under 4 ohms, a difficult efficiency/load combination that deserves substantial clean amplification.
The Audio First Cadentia 3 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. A large three way bookshelf speaker with near textbook accuracy, a big enveloping soundstage, and deep, punchy bass that stays clean when loud. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.55 against 5.35 for the Perlisten S4b. Its bass reaches about 43Hz before falling 3dB, against 78Hz for the Perlisten S4b. The catch: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1).
Buy the Perlisten S4b. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $801 with the Audio First Cadentia 3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the Audio First Cadentia 3 reaches 26 Hz (10 dB down) against 40 Hz for the Perlisten S4b, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Audio First Cadentia 3 scores 8.9 against 8.0 for the Perlisten S4b on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
Prices on this page were last checked November 14, 2026 at 6:17 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 S4b | Audio First Cadentia 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,000 per pair | $7199 per pair |
| Ranked | #2 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | 84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | Just under 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7” woofer | 1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 9.4”W x 7.3”D | 23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm) |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | 3-way, bass reflex |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.35 | 7.55 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.01 | 8.91 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Country | - | United Kingdom (Cambridge) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Perlisten S4b: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
- Audio First Cadentia 3: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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