This page ranks 3 medium size bookshelf speakers. The medium bookshelf class of speakers have woofers between 4” and 5.75”. This size class will probably be the most ideal size for most people with a good balance between small size and reasonable bass output. Bigger woofers will have deeper bass but the speaker will generally be bigger and heavier.
Keep in mind that the law of diminishing returns applies and the extremely expensive speakers at the top are really just a little better than the more reasonably priced ones.
Consider this page to be a work in progress and more speakers will be added.
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#1 Audiofirst Fidelia: £950 for the flatpack kit (assembly required)
- Positives: The absolute top speaker in this size class
- Negatives: Slight 2dB bump around 5-6khz. Only available in kit form.
- Dimensions: 11.8”H x 7.1”W x 11.7”D
- Weight: 15lbs / 6.8kg each
- Sensitivity: 84dB
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Bass Extension (-3dB): 53hz
- Bass Extension (-10dB): 38hz
- Tweeter: 1” ceramic-aluminum tweeter
- Woofer: 5” ceramic-aluminum cone woofer
- Reviews and Comparisons
- Links
#2 Ascend Sierra 1 v2: $1000
- Positives: An extremely neutral response
- Negatives: Sensitivity is quite low, not great for loud listening and needs lots of amp power
- Dimensions: 14.25”H x 7.5”W x 10.5”D
- Weight: 12lbs / 5.4kg each
- Sensitivity: 82dB
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Bass Extension (-3dB): 55hz
- Bass Extension (-10dB): 39hz
- Tweeter: 1” aluminum/magnesium alloy dome
- Woofer: 5.25” long throw mineral-filled polypropylene cone, non-resonant cast aluminum frame, copper shorting rings
- Woofer Cabinet: Ported
- Reviews and Comparisons
- Links
#3 KEF Q150: $350
- Positives: Fantastic off axis due to the coaxial design.
- Negatives: About 3dB boosted above 8khz and can be a little shouty. A good amount of stored energy resonance around 1.4khz
- Dimensions: 11.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.9”D
- Weight: 12.3lbs / 5.6kg each
- Sensitivity: 85dB
- Impedance: 8 ohms
- Bass Extension (-3dB): 51hz
- Bass Extension (-10dB): 44hz
- Tweeter: 1” vented aluminium dome
- Woofer: 5.1” aluminium Uni-Q
- Reviews and Comparisons
- Links