Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio. It ranks #4 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.8/5, at $3,630. The Wharfedale Aura 2 ranks #13, rated 4.6/5, at $2,799, $831 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the Wharfedale Aura 2: A mini tower style bookshelf speaker with nearly flat response, huge clean output, wide sound, and bass that reaches deep in most rooms. Watch for: A breakup/peak around 13kHz can sound sharp or shrill depending on the track, the main tonal flaw noted.
The case for the GR-Research NX-Studio: A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass. The tradeoff: Bass will be very tight but won’t be quite as deep as others due to the sealed woofer enclosure.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $831 you would save on the Wharfedale Aura 2 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Passive Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A mini tower style bookshelf speaker with nearly flat response, huge clean output, wide sound, and bass that reaches deep in most rooms.
A DIY kit bookshelf speaker with a ribbon tweeter for wide open, detailed sound, superb imaging, and tight, fast sealed bass.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Wharfedale Aura 2 | GR-Research NX-Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2799 per pair | $3630 per pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Dimensions | 22.1”H x 11.3”W x 15.3”D (561.3 x 287 x 388.6 mm) | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 8 ohms |
| Drivers | 6.5” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone woofer, 4” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone midrange, 27x90mm AMT tweeter | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 87dB |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | sealed |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.03 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.65 | - |
| DIY Kit | No | Yes |
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