Short answer: the Polk Reserve R100. It ranks #160 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $699. The HSU Research MFL-6 ranks #166, rated 3.3/5, at $558, $141 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Polk Reserve R100 is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Compact bookshelf speakers with unusually useful bass for their size and a vent that avoids port noise. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.46 against 2.63 for the HSU Research MFL-6. Its bass reaches about 68Hz before falling 3dB, against 77.6Hz for the HSU Research MFL-6. Watch for: Erin measured only about 85dB sensitivity and the impedance reaches 3.6 ohms, so it is neither efficient nor an entirely benign AVR load.
What the HSU Research MFL-6 does well: An affordable high output bookshelf speaker with a horn loaded tweeter, easy to drive, that can sit on a wall, stand or sideways. The tradeoff: Its response deviation is substantial and the horn narrows dispersion, so tonal balance and seating coverage are less even than the best conventional monitors.
Buy the Polk Reserve R100. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $141 you would save on the HSU Research MFL-6 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Polk Reserve R100 | HSU Research MFL-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 per pair | $558 per pair |
| Ranked | #160 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #166 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | about 41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 85dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 85.6dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, spinorama.org) |
| Impedance | 3.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Drivers | 1” Pinnacle ring-radiator tweeter; 5.25” Turbine Cone midwoofer | 1” horn-loaded tweeter, 6.5” paper-cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 12.8”H x 6.5”W x 10.2”D | 16H x 8W x 6.25-10.375D in |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each | 13 lbs (5.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear X-Port | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.46 | 2.63 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.93 | 4.77 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way bass reflex |
| Frequency Response | - | 60Hz-20kHz +/-2dB |
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