Short answer: the Wharfedale Aura 2. It ranks #13 of 222 bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $2,799. The GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #146, rated 3.5/5, at $1,300, $1,499 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Wharfedale Aura 2 is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. A mini tower style bookshelf speaker with nearly flat response, huge clean output, wide sound, and bass that reaches deep in most rooms. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.03 against 5.05 for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. Its bass reaches about 56Hz before falling 3dB, against 64Hz for the GR-Research X-LS Encore. The catch: 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 X-LS Encore: Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them. Watch for: 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 Wharfedale Aura 2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $1,499 you would save on the GR-Research X-LS Encore does not close the gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
A mini tower style bookshelf speaker with nearly flat response, huge clean output, wide sound, and bass that reaches deep in most rooms.
Two-way bookshelf speakers with a Peerless woofer, also sold as a kit so builders can save money by assembling them.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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
| Wharfedale Aura 2 | GR-Research X-LS Encore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2799 per pair | $1300 per pair |
| Ranked | #13 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #146 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 22.1”H x 11.3”W x 15.3”D (561.3 x 287 x 388.6 mm) | 13.5”H x 8.5”W x 12.1”D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 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 | 6.5” Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1” Peerless India T26SG tweeter |
| Sensitivity | 87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review on the kit; 87dB manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 45 lbs (20.4 kg) each | 17 lbs (7.7 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.03 | 5.05 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.65 | 7.42 (measured, spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No | - |
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