Short answer: the Tannoy Revolution XT 6 for better sound quality, the Cerwin Vega LA165 for the lower price. The Tannoy Revolution XT 6 ranks #90 of 105 bookshelf speakers at $1100. The Cerwin Vega LA165 ranks #91 at $269.99, $830.01 cheaper.
What the Tannoy Revolution XT 6 gets right: Horizontal directivity is very good outside of a narrow glitch around 2.5kHz, meaning the coaxial design’s off-axis sound closely tracks on-axis within a +/-50 degree toe-in window. Watch for: CEA2034 spinorama shows significant on-axis dips and rising amplitude above 3kHz, and distortion measurements are the headline problem - 4-5% distortion at 96dB SPL in the most sensitive part of the audible band, far higher than the Revel M106 comparison unit at the same level.
On the Cerwin Vega LA165 side: Passive bookshelf design with decent internal cabinet damping/batting material for the price. The catch: Overall tonal balance is far from neutral: a 2-3dB cut through the vocal fundamental range gives a hollow midrange, while a dip around 2-4kHz removes attack, snap, and clarity from snares and other transient sounds.
Buy the Tannoy Revolution XT 6 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Cerwin Vega LA165 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 105 bookshelf speakers instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tannoy Revolution XT 6 | Cerwin Vega LA165 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1100 | $269.99 |
| Ranked | #90 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #91 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 66.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 6" dual-concentric multifiber-cone woofer with coaxial 1" PEI dome tweeter | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer |
| Dimensions | 15.8H x 8.7W x 11.9D in | 13.7"H x 8"W x 12.4"D (348.0 x 203.2 x 315.0 mm) |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg each | 26.5 lbs / 12 kg |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) | 86.2dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal | 4 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 25-120W recommended, 240W peak | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing | ported, rear |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Tannoy Revolution XT 6: $1100
Pros: Horizontal directivity is very good outside of a narrow glitch around 2.5kHz, meaning the coaxial design’s off-axis sound closely tracks on-axis within a +/-50 degree toe-in window. Vertical response is notably better than a typical non-coaxial 2-way thanks to the concentric driver, and the downward-firing, base-integrated port is a distinctive, functional piece of industrial design.
Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows significant on-axis dips and rising amplitude above 3kHz, and distortion measurements are the headline problem - 4-5% distortion at 96dB SPL in the most sensitive part of the audible band, far higher than the Revel M106 comparison unit at the same level. Careful multi-notch EQ improved things but never fully resolved it. The reviewer’s conclusion: “I can’t recommend the Tannoy XT 6” - the coaxial design’s distortion should have been addressed by the designer, not patched after the fact with EQ.
Full Tannoy Revolution XT 6 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 15.8H x 8.7W x 11.9D in |
| Drivers | 6" dual-concentric multifiber-cone woofer with coaxial 1" PEI dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal |
| Power Handling | 25-120W recommended, 240W peak |
| Sensitivity | 86.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, bottom-firing |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Cerwin Vega LA165: $269.99 Amazon
Pros: Passive bookshelf design with decent internal cabinet damping/batting material for the price. Delivers noticeable mid-bass punch around 100-120Hz, giving a sense of kick and impact that fans of the brand’s traditionally punchy sound may appreciate. Horizontal radiation of about ±60-70° lands in the reviewer’s preferred range for soundstage width. Reasonably priced at around $270/pair.
Cons: Overall tonal balance is far from neutral: a 2-3dB cut through the vocal fundamental range gives a hollow midrange, while a dip around 2-4kHz removes attack, snap, and clarity from snares and other transient sounds. An elevated upper treble region adds a sibilant, edgy quality (though not as extreme as some pricier speakers with similar issues). The manufacturer’s quoted 33Hz-20kHz frequency response is essentially meaningless without a tolerance bound - actual measured extension is closer to an F3 of 67Hz and F10 of 47Hz, roughly 19dB down at the claimed 33Hz. Measured sensitivity (about 86.2dB) runs several dB below the manufacturer’s 90dB spec regardless of which impedance figure is used to convert it. Significant modal ringing in the midwoofer cone, confirmed by testing the driver in isolation, ties directly to elevated distortion and resonances around 700Hz-1kHz from a cone-edge/surround mismatch. Multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold at 96dB, adding graininess through the midrange and upper-mid. Unusual compression behavior shows the treble actually gaining level (rather than compressing) under both long-term and instantaneous testing - an atypical and not particularly desirable trait. Directly compared to the similarly-priced Polk XT20, which the reviewer considers clearly superior in linearity, distortion, and bass extension.
Full Cerwin Vega LA165 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 66.7Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.7"H x 8"W x 12.4"D (348.0 x 203.2 x 315.0 mm) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 86.2dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs / 12 kg |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
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