Short answer: the GR-Research X-LS Encore. It ranks #146 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300. The Polk R200 ranks #178, rated 3.2/5, at $799, $501 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the Polk R200: A Polk bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a ring radiator tweeter, sized for a medium room. The tradeoff: A resonance and associated distortion increase around 800Hz-1kHz creates a “tinny,” occasionally glaring quality on certain instruments and vocals, confirmed both by ear and in the frequency-response and distortion measurements.
The GR-Research X-LS Encore is the deeper-bass option. Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. Its bass reaches about 64Hz before falling 3dB, against 74Hz for the Polk R200. The catch: 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 GR-Research X-LS Encore. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $501 saving on the Polk R200 is not enough to make up the difference.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
A Polk bookshelf speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a ring radiator tweeter, sized for a medium room.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk R200 | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #178 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 74Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 85dB | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Drivers | 25mm soft dome + 165mm woofer | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Weight | 31.3 lbs (14.2 kg) | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 7.5”W x 13.9”D (359.0 x 190.0 x 353.8 mm) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm) |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.09 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.61 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
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