Every Speaker Audio Science Review Has Reviewed

Audio Science Review is #6 of 48 on our Speaker Reviewer Trust Rankings. A very detailed analysis of many speakers using the Klippel Near-field Scanner including frequency response, off-axis response and harmonic distortion which may get pretty technical for a lot of people. His reviews are only writeups and aren’t really broken down for a less technical audience.

Every speaker on this site Audio Science Review has reviewed, highest-rated first, with a direct link to each review below its card.

Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #1 of 13 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8010A: $700 Bhphotovideo

Pros: An extremely neutral speaker for mastering and mixing recordings. Although for mastering, it’s highly recommended to use a larger speaker with deeper bass extension or add a subwoofer

Cons: Not as deep of bass as the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. Probably not the best choice for general music listening due to the price and limited bass extension.

Full Genelec 8010A review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	67Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	7.7"H x 4.8"W x 4.5"D (195.6 x 121.9 x 114.3 mm)
Drivers	3" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Bass tilt, Desk proximity)
Frequency Response	67 Hz-25 kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	96dB @ 1m
Output Power	50W (25W woofer + 25W tweeter)
Weight	3.3 lbs / 1.5 kg

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Ranked #2 of 13 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: $299.99 Amazon

Pros: Much deeper bass than any other speaker this size. Wide, consistent horizontal directivity out to about 15kHz gives an unusually good soundstage for such a small speaker, and vertical response stays flat well above the tweeter axis, forgiving desktop placement where the tweeters sit below ear height.

Cons: Slightly boosted bass. Some treble rolloff up high. More hifi sounding than neutral

Full IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	Yes (A2DP)
Dimensions	7.1"H x 3.5"W x 5.3"D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm)
Drivers	3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field)
Frequency Response	55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	RCA, Aux
Max SPL	96dB @ 1m
Output Power	50W total (combined)
Weight	2 lbs / 0.9 kg

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Ranked #3 of 13 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Audio Smile Little British Monitor: 529 GBP/pair Audio Smile

Pros: For an 8 inch tall, 1.7kg desktop monitor it posts the highest preference score of any small powered monitor in this batch. The low frequency rolloff has an unusually low Q of 0.30, meaning it fades away cleanly rather than building into a resonant boomy peak the way many small monitors do near their extension limit. On axis deviation measures just 0.085dB average, the second tightest figure in this whole batch behind only the AsciLab A6B. Hand built in England with an active DSP crossover and aptX HD Bluetooth.

Cons: The compact 3 inch mid woofer limits bass extension to a measured 71.8Hz at -3dB, so this is a nearfield desktop speaker rather than a room filling one. 50W plus 50W of Class A/B power and a narrow +/-1dB treble trim limit its output ceiling next to larger active monitors at similar money. It’s a boutique UK product sold direct from the manufacturer, so buyers outside the UK pay import shipping.

Full Audio Smile Little British Monitor review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	56.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, aptX HD
Country	United Kingdom
Crossover Points	1.5kHz
Dimensions	8.1"H x 4.7"W x 5.3"D (205 x 120 x 135 mm) (8.1 x 4.7 x 5.3 in)
Drivers	0.75" wide band tweeter, 3" long throw mid woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	58Hz-20kHz -6dB
Power Output (Watts)	100W total (50W LF, 50W HF, Class A/B)
Warranty	12 months
Weight	3.7 lbs / 1.7 kg (Master unit) / 3.1 lbs / 1.4 kg (Slave unit)

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Links
- Audio Smile LBM Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Audio Smile Little British Monitor vs Adam Audio D3v

Ranked #10 of 13 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen: $99.99 Amazon

Pros: Includes rear-panel high- and low-frequency shelf tone controls, letting you tailor the sound (helpful for near-wall placement, where the reviewer suggests reducing the bass knob). Distortion and neutrality can be meaningfully improved with simple mods - sealing the rear port and adjusting the tone controls (low +3dB, high -6dB in testing) noticeably flattened the default V-shaped response.

Cons: Stock on-axis response has a pronounced “smiley face” V-curve, with the midrange scooped roughly 6-7dB below the bass and treble - problematic for any mixing or monitoring use. The rear port is too small for the cabinet, producing peaky, boomy bass rather than genuine extension. A strong resonance around 1-2kHz persists even with the port sealed, suggesting an internal standing wave rather than a purely port-related issue. Directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer as the woofer narrows with frequency. Hard limiting kicks in above about 86dB, and distortion at 96dB is high - not intended for loud listening. Frequency response measurably drifts over time at moderate-to-high volume (about 1dB shift after 4 minutes at 86dB, worse within a couple minutes at 96dB). In direct comparison, measures 3-5dB hotter in the treble than the Mackie CR3-X, and even after sealing the port and adjusting the tone controls, still measured behind the Mackie overall. Best used aimed off-axis (about 30-40°) and with the port sealed; without EQ/DSP correction, significant tonal problems remain.

Full Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	8.3"H x 6"W x 5.5"D (210.8 x 152.4 x 139.7 mm)
Drivers	3.5" woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Acoustic space)
Frequency Response	80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	RCA, 1/4" Balanced
Max SPL	95dB @ 1m
Output Power	50W total (25W per speaker)
Outputs	1/8" headphone jack
Sensitivity	87.4dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	8.6 lbs / 3.9 kg

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Ranked #11 of 13 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Fostex PM0.3: $90 Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a smooth response up to its 2.6kHz crossover point despite the tiny size, and the reviewer was surprised it held up as well as it did against “junk plastic computer speakers.” The amplifier simply runs out of power under heavy stress rather than producing sudden harsh distortion. A small EQ boost around 2.2kHz plus a touch of bass boost made the sound “quite transformed” for everyday desktop use.

Cons: Distortion measurements at 96dB SPL were unusable given the driver’s tiny size; even 6dB lower, the reviewer found the mid-woofer “unhappy.” Horizontal and especially vertical dispersion are uneven. Discontinued, and there’s essentially no bass extension given the compact 3” woofer. Discontinued.

Full Fostex PM0.3 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	7.3"H x 3.9"W x 5.1"D (185 x 100 x 130 mm) (per manufacturer)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	3" cone woofer, 0.75" soft dome tweeter (master/slave powered pair)
EQ	No
Frequency Response	110Hz - 20kHz +/-3dB (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	15W + 15W RMS
Weight	6.4 lbs / 2.9 kg pair

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Links
- Official Fostex PM0.3 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Fostex PM0.3 vs Mackie CR3-X

Ranked #12 of 13 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie CR3-X: $99.99 Amazon

Pros: More neutral overall on-axis response than its closest $100 rival, the PreSonus Eris E3.5 - less of a scooped, V-shaped curve. Distortion at 96dB stays below 3% THD through most of the midrange - no real issues at typical near-field listening levels. Better long-term compression behavior than the PreSonus at both 86dB and 96dB. The reviewer’s pick between the two $100 monitors, even though the PreSonus has tone-adjustment knobs it lacks.

Cons: Still a ported design in too small a cabinet, producing boosted, boomy bass rather than genuine low-end extension. No tone-control knobs for adjusting the sound, unlike the PreSonus. Hard limiting and compression set in significantly above 86dB - not intended for loud listening. Off-axis measurements show the treble smooths out with moderate toe-out, but on-axis it reads as somewhat lifted. Vertical placement matters - going above or below tweeter-ear-level causes real deviation through the crossover region. Benefits substantially from sealing the port to tame the bass hump, a modification the reviewer recommends for both this and the PreSonus.

Full Mackie CR3-X review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	8.1"H x 5.5"W x 7.1"D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm)
Drivers	3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	RCA, Aux
Max SPL	92dB @ 1m
Output Power	50W total (25W per speaker)
Outputs	1/8" headphone jack
Sensitivity	96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg

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Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #2 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Neumann KH120 MKII: $2000 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass.

Cons: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.

Full Neumann KH120 MKII review and specifications →

App	Yes (MA 1 alignment)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm)
Drivers	5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (via DSP)
Frequency Response	44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	116.8dB @ 1m
Output Power	245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter)
Weight	14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each

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Links
- Official Neumann KH120 MKII Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #3 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8030C: $1590 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-flat on-axis response with smooth directivity - “very nice overall.” Predicted in-room response is excellent aside from one minor dip. Reasonably wide horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees that doesn’t narrow even above 10kHz. At 106dB SPL/1m, bass distortion measures much lower than a comparable passive speaker-plus-amplifier combination (Revel M106) tested the same way. Compression is purely instantaneous/amplitude-related rather than thermal, with max SPL before compression reaching 111dB SPL at 200Hz (96dB plus 15dB of headroom). The reviewer found it immediately musical, with reference tracks “translating” beautifully out of the box, and EQ correction of its one measured flaw improved detail with no downsides. Overall conclusion: excellent value, a rare combination of measured accuracy and genuinely engaging sound.

Cons: A minor but measurable dip between 2-3kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements. Vertical directivity varies significantly with frequency, so listening height needs to stay right at the tweeter/ear axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 106dB SPL/1m is elevated in the 500Hz-2kHz range compared to the Revel M106 comparison, even though bass distortion is much better. Compression headroom drops substantially at low frequencies - only about 105dB SPL max at 50Hz (a 0.5dB compression point) versus 111dB SPL at 200Hz, roughly a 6dB difference. As a near-field monitor, it has genuinely limited headroom in the deep bass - the reviewer noted severe distortion on deep-bass-heavy tracks at anything beyond modest listening levels.

Full Genelec 8030C review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	11.7"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm)
Drivers	5.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response)
Frequency Response	54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	110dB @ 1m
Output Power	100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter)
Weight	11 lbs / 5 kg each

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Links
- Official Genelec 8030C Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #5 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8330A: $2,250/pair Bhphotovideo

Pros: Sits between the compact 8320A and the larger 8331A in Genelec’s SAM lineup, with a die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure and Directivity Control Waveguide that deliver a measured 55.7Hz extension point, well beyond the 8320A’s smaller cabinet. The bass alignment is well damped at a measured Q of 0.379, so the low end rolls off cleanly rather than peaking near the tuning frequency.

Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.324dB average, rougher than several similarly priced monitors in this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.38. GLM room calibration requires the separate 9320A SAM Reference Controller or GLM Calibration Kit, an extra cost on top of the speaker price. At $1,125 each it costs roughly double the smaller 8320A for a moderate step up in bass extension and output.

Full Genelec 8330A review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	Finland
Dimensions	11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) (11.8 x 7.4 x 7.0 in)
Drivers	0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	45Hz-23kHz -6dB
Max SPL	104dB
Power Output (Watts)	100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D)
Warranty	2 years (5 with product registration)
Weight	11.2 lbs / 5.1 kg (11.2 lbs) each

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Links
- Genelec 8330A Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
- Reddit Search for Genelec 8330A Review
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #6 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8020D: $1100 Bhphotovideo

Pros: Klippel-based spinorama measurements show a flat, well-behaved on-axis response from about 60Hz to 10kHz, with listening-window and early-reflections curves tracking closely together - a sign of well-controlled directivity. Horizontal directivity holds tight out to about ±30 degrees before starting to narrow. Applying EQ correction visibly closes the gap between the on-axis and predicted in-room curves, raising the calculated on-axis preference score from 5.4 to 6.4 and the in-room score from 5.6 to 6.6 - a straightforward, worthwhile tuning target for anyone using it with room correction.

Cons: Sound power rolls off starting around 500Hz-1kHz as the small 4.1” woofer/tweeter pair begins to beam, a typical trait of small nearfield monitors at this price. Off-axis response (measured out to 90 degrees) narrows noticeably above 1kHz, so off-center listening loses top-end energy. High price for the driver size.

Full Genelec 8020D review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm)
Drivers	4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity)
Frequency Response	56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	103dB @ 1m
Output Power	100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter)
Weight	7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg each

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Ranked #7 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Neumann KH80 DSP: $598.98 Amazon

Pros: Compact 2-way nearfield monitor - a 1” tweeter in an elliptical waveguide over a 4” mid-woofer, crossed over around 1.8kHz with steep 48dB/octave slopes. Exceptionally linear on-axis response, within about ±1.5dB, with essentially nothing worth equalizing beyond a minor, likely port-related wrinkle around 800Hz. Vertical dispersion is unusually wide and consistent for a monitor this size, holding together to roughly ±40° versus the ±20° or so typical of similarly compact designs - a benefit of the steep crossover slopes and waveguide minimizing comb filtering, so listening height and seating posture matter less than on most small monitors. Back-panel switches (freestanding, small/medium/large desk) tailor the low-mid response to compensate for desk-boundary reflections. Distortion in the midrange doesn’t change when high-passed to a subwoofer at 80Hz, showing the drivers already have a clean distortion profile on their own. Maintains good composure and linearity up to about 96dB SPL down to roughly 80Hz before an active protection circuit engages; tested with dense multitone program material rather than a sine sweep, output around 96dB costs only about 1dB in the midrange, putting realistic maximum SPL near 95dB.

Cons: High price for its size, at roughly $1,000/pair. The horizontal pattern stays wide and essentially constant out to about ±30° before beaming and narrowing further out (then flattening again near 2kHz) - a wide, controlled pattern in absolute terms, but one that reflects more high-frequency energy off nearby sidewalls than a narrower design would. At greater listening distances or in more reflective rooms (tested around 6 feet away at 75-80dB), that shows up as a top end that reads a bit hot despite the speaker measuring essentially flat on-axis - a byproduct of its directivity rather than its tonal balance, and mostly moot for genuine nearfield desktop use inside about a meter. The estimated in-room response shows a shallow dip around 1-2kHz and a treble trend running 2-3dB above the midrange in that same far-field estimate. Multitone distortion for a single speaker climbs into the 3-5% range at 96dB SPL, though that’s only really relevant well above typical nearfield listening levels. Bass rolls off below its F3 of 57Hz (F10 48Hz), so the 4” mid-woofer still needs a subwoofer for real low-end content. The companion app for EQ/setup is iPad-only, with no Android or Bluetooth option despite being control-only, and the in-room calibration microphone is a separate purchase in most cases. In a separate comparison test, the smoother-measuring KH80 actually sounded smaller and less present than the cheaper JBL 305P MKII, which had more perceived bass and clarity despite measuring worse on paper.

Full Neumann KH80 DSP review and specifications →

App	Yes (MA 1 alignment)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	57Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm)
Drivers	4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (via DSP)
Frequency Response	57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	110.7dB @ 1m
Output Power	140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter)
Sensitivity	91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	9 lbs / 4.1 kg each

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Ranked #10 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8320A: $850 each Bhphotovideo

Pros: The Directivity Control Waveguide and die cast aluminum Minimum Diffraction Enclosure produce a listening window smoothness score of 0.53 and a low frequency alignment Q of just 0.227, the cleanest, least resonant bass rolloff of any speaker in this whole batch. It network calibrates through Genelec’s GLM software for automatic room correction, and Intelligent Signal Sensing drops standby power to under 0.5W.

Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.169dB average, decent but not class leading next to the AsciLab and Audio Smile entries in this batch. The compact 4.1 inch woofer limits low frequency extension to a measured 67.4Hz at -3dB, so a subwoofer is needed for full range use. The GLM calibration kit that unlocks its room correction features is sold separately from the speaker price, and max SPL tops out around 100dB, modest next to Genelec’s larger 8000 series monitors.

Full Genelec 8320A review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	53.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	Finland
Dimensions	9.5"H x 5.9"W x 5.6"D (242 x 151 x 142 mm) (9.5 x 5.9 x 5.6 in)
Drivers	0.75" metal dome tweeter, 4.1" cone woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	55Hz-23kHz -6dB
Max SPL	Peak 107dB
Power Output (Watts)	100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D)
Warranty	2 years (5 with product registration)
Weight	7.1 lbs / 3.2 kg (7.1 lbs) each

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Ranked #11 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 305P MKII: $319.00 Amazon

Pros: A fantastic value in studio monitors. Extremely close to the Focal Alpha 50 EVO, almost indistinguishable. Surprisingly deep and wide soundstage. Good horizontal dispersion (~70 degrees). Has a proper limiter that controls output cleanly rather than crudely cutting bass, and holds up well under sustained loud playback with minimal thermal compression.

Cons: Possible slight hissing from the amps at low levels. Rear ported, can be an issue close to walls. A port resonance around 1.6kHz is audible and distracting on some tracks. Midrange is somewhat scooped rather than flat for a studio monitor, and treble runs about 1.5dB hot - Erin’s Audio Corner recommends using the -2dB treble shelf switch. Vertical dispersion narrows around the crossover, so try to stay within about 10 degrees of the tweeter axis.

Full JBL 305P MKII review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	11.7"H x 7.3"W x 9.1"D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm)
Drivers	5" (127mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR, TRS
Output Power	81w Per Speaker
Sensitivity	91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	10.4 lbs / 4.7 kg each

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Ranked #12 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Adam Audio T5V: $148.79 Amazon

Pros: Better than the HS5 in terms of vocals detail and better low end.

Cons: Elevated, slightly uneven top end from the AMT tweeter, shared with Adam’s other T-series monitors - the rear treble trim only tilts the response rather than flattening it. Distortion, while better controlled than most speakers in this price range, isn’t reference quality.

Full Adam Audio T5V review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	11.7"H x 7"W x 11.7"D (297.2 x 177.8 x 297.2 mm)
Drivers	5" (127mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Output Power	70w Per Speaker
Weight	12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each

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Ranked #13 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Yamaha HS5: $339.98 Amazon

Pros: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.

Cons: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.

Full Yamaha HS5 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm)
Drivers	5" (127mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Output Power	45w Per Speaker
Weight	12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each

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Ranked #17 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Edifier Airpulse A100: $999.99 B&H Photo Airpulse

Pros: Horn-loaded ribbon tweeter (inherited from Airpulse’s flagship 7001 monitor, designed by Phil Jones) paired with a 5” hard-anodized aluminum cone woofer - a distinctive, low-mass driver combination rarely seen below $1,000. Directivity spread is the widest and most controlled of this batch (directivity_spdi_stddev 4.26). A full input set for a desktop system: RCA, USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth, plus a dedicated subwoofer output and an included IR remote.

Cons: On-axis deviation (aad_on_axis 0.498) trails the pricier options in this group, and there’s no app-based EQ or DSP - bass/treble trim is limited to physical rear-panel knobs not reachable from the remote. The compact 5” woofer caps sub-bass extension at 63.0Hz (-3dB) / 53.2Hz (-10dB), the second-shallowest in this batch, effectively expecting an external subwoofer for full-range use. No Wi-Fi streaming (AirPlay/Chromecast) - Bluetooth only.

Full Edifier Airpulse A100 review and specifications →

App	None (physical bass/treble knobs, IR remote)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	53.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	63.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bluetooth	Yes (SBC, aptX)
Dimensions	6.3" x 11.1" x 10" (160 x 283 x 255 mm) (6.3 x 11.1 x 10.0 in) each
Drivers	Horn-loaded ribbon tweeter, 5" hard-anodized aluminum cone woofer
EQ	Yes, rear-panel bass/treble trim knobs
Frequency Response	52Hz - 40kHz
Inputs	RCA (aux), USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth aptX
Output Power	100W total (40W+40W woofer, 10W+10W tweeter)
Weight	24.3 lbs / 11 kg (24.2 lb) each

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Links
- Official Edifier Airpulse A100 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
- Reddit Search for Edifier Airpulse A100 Review
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #18 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - KRK Rokit 5 G4: $337 Amazon

Pros: Deeper bass than the HS5. Good horizontal directivity - the small woofer mates well with the waveguided tweeter. Distortion is quite low at 86dB SPL and scales gradually with volume rather than breaking up suddenly, tweeter hiss is nearly inaudible, and the onboard DSP/app lets you dial in EQ, including for the 680Hz port resonance.

Cons: Not quite as detailed as the HS5, not as good for mixing. A little more hifi sounding

Full KRK Rokit 5 G4 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	11.2"H x 7.5"W x 9.5"D (284.5 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm)
Drivers	5" (127mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	TRS/XLR
Output Power	55w Per Speaker
Weight	10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg each

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Ranked #19 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Presonus Eris E5 XT: $119.99 Amazon

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows very smooth, consistent directivity through the crossover region and into the treble, with early reflections tracking the on-axis curve closely.

Cons: On-axis response is uneven, with peaks at both frequency extremes and a dip around the roughly 3kHz crossover, giving a bass-and-treble-heavy tonal balance with the midrange partially recessed. Because directivity is otherwise good, room reflections closely mirror that same imbalance rather than smoothing it out. At 96dB SPL distortion spans a wide range of frequencies, and while dropping to 86dB helps, the woofer or its amplifier remains the weak link.

Full Presonus Eris E5 XT review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	10.2"H x 7"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm)
Drivers	5" (127mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	TRS, XLR, RCA
Output Power	80w Per Speaker
Weight	10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each

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Ranked #21 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - IK Multimedia iLoud MTM: $800 Discontinued Amazon

Pros: Compact MTM layout (two 3.5” midwoofers flanking a 1” tweeter) powered monitor with 100W per speaker and XLR input, well-suited to desktop/nearfield use with great linearity for mixing or mastering. Includes a genuinely effective auto-room-correction microphone that resolved specific room resonance peaks (150Hz and 220Hz in testing), making the midrange sound noticeably more lifelike. Extensive back-panel switches handle desktop vs. free-field placement plus treble/bass adjustment. Harmonic distortion looks good at a moderate 86dB output, appropriate for a speaker this size. Reasonable value at around $799/pair including the calibration mic.

Cons: Native treble tuning runs hot (about 3dB boosted on-axis); the reviewer found the back-panel -3dB switch too aggressive and preferred roughly -1.5dB via external EQ instead. Vertical MTM lobing means listeners need to stay within about 20-25° of the tweeter axis, or the upper-midrange to treble transition suffers significant suckout. Should never be laid on its side (introduces comb filtering); if it must be, the tweeter needs to be pointed directly at the listener. Bass falls off sharply below its F3 of 51Hz (F10 45Hz) - like a cliff - so a subwoofer is required for anything below about 50Hz. Multitone distortion rises sharply at 96dB/1m; the reviewer recommends not exceeding about 86dB for extended listening at any distance. SPL-limited overall: significant bass loss by 96dB, and dynamic range essentially collapses approaching 102dB; maximum broadband output for the pair tops out around 94dB at 1 meter. Horizontal directivity narrows with frequency rather than staying constant, unlike some rival designs. Discontinued.

Full IK Multimedia iLoud MTM review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	10.4"H x 5.1"W x 6.3"D (264.2 x 129.5 x 160 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	2x 3.5" (89mm) woofers
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Output Power	100w Per Speaker
Weight	5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg

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Ranked #22 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 705P: $1998 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) into a 5” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.

Cons: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve. Sits right around the ear’s most sensitive hearing range near 100Hz, so that region is partially audible even at modest levels.

Full JBL 705P review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm)
Drivers	5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver
EQ	No
Frequency Response	39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter)
Weight	12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each

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Ranked #23 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - HEDD Type 05 A-CORE: $699 Bhphotovideo

Pros: AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter paired with a 5” Honeycomb-compound woofer, hand-assembled and individually tested in Berlin. Pure-analog signal path with no ADC/DAC or DSP dependency, so there’s zero digital latency and no firmware to keep updated. Deepest measured bass extension relative to size in this whole batch: 43.9Hz at -3dB / 37.1Hz at -10dB. Bi-amped 200W total (2x100W ICEpower Class D). 5-year warranty after registration.

Cons: On-axis deviation is the roughest of this batch (aad_on_axis 0.658), and both nbd_on_axis (0.456) and nbd_listening_window (0.404) trail most other speakers added here - a comparatively less linear response than its stablemates. The analog-only design means no room-correction DSP or digital I/O, a deliberate tradeoff versus HEDD’s pricier DSP-based Type 05 MK2 sibling. Sold individually at $714/unit ($1,428/pair).

Full HEDD Type 05 A-CORE review and specifications →

App	None (analog-only, no DSP)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	12.1" x 7.1" x 9.6" (308 x 180 x 245 mm) (12.1 x 7.1 x 9.7 in) each
Drivers	AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter, 5" Honeycomb-compound woofer
EQ	Yes, analog High/Low shelving, ±6dB continuous
Frequency Response	43Hz - 50kHz
Inputs	RCA unbalanced, XLR/TRS combo balanced
Max SPL	112dB per pair at 1m
Output Power	200W total, bi-amped (2x100W ICEpower Class D)
Weight	13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg (13.7 lb) each

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Links
- Official HEDD Type 05 A-CORE Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
- Reddit Search for HEDD Type 05 A-CORE Review
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs JBL 705P

Ranked #27 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - KRK Classic 5: $280 Amazon

Pros: Good soundstage

Cons: More hifi than studio monitors. Elevated, splashy highs above 4kHz stem from port/woofer resonance glitches, plus directivity error at the crossover dips the upper midrange. Distortion exceeds 100% below 50Hz, and the lack of a waveguide narrows the tweeter’s beam sharply, so toe-in and listening position matter a lot. Not recommended out of the box, but the reviewer said EQ correction turns it into a capable, high-power monitor.

Full KRK Classic 5 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm)
Drivers	5" (127mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	RCA, TRS, XLR
Output Power	50w RMS Per Speaker
Weight	12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg

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Ranked #28 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Edifier MR4: $169.99 Amazon

Pros: More balanced than the R1280DB. The value king. Impressively deep, flat bass down to 70Hz for such a small speaker, and its waveguide gives it unusually wide, consistent horizontal directivity for the price. Balanced XLR/TRS inputs are rare this cheap.

Cons: No Bluetooth unlike other Edifier models. Distortion climbs sharply above 86dB SPL, breaking into audible squealing near 96dB, and there’s a dip in the lower treble that needs a bit of EQ or the rear HF control to smooth out. Playback volume is limited with bass-heavy material - pushing it loud brings audible clicking/static.

Full Edifier MR4 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	58Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	109Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	9"H x 5.5"W x 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm)
Drivers	4" (102mm) woofer
EQ	No
Frequency Response	60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux
Output Power	42w RMS Per Speaker
Outputs	Headphone
Sensitivity	78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg

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Ranked #30 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Topping MA4: 449 EUR/pair Audiophonics

Pros: Topping’s first loudspeaker, notable for deliberately skipping the DAC and DSP the company built its reputation on. A single balanced XLR input feeds a fully analog crossover, which Topping argues keeps the signal path free of extra conversion stages. The bass alignment measures a low Q of 0.452, rolling off cleanly rather than peaking, and extension reaches 49.8Hz at -3dB for a compact 4 inch two way, at a genuinely low price.

Cons: On axis deviation measures 0.503dB average, on the rougher side for this catalog, and listening window smoothness sits at a moderate 0.44. No USB, Bluetooth, or digital input of any kind, an unusual limitation from a DAC company and a real constraint if you want a simple all in one desktop setup. This is Topping’s first speaker with no track record in the category, and current US retail availability is limited, most confirmed stock is through European or Indian resellers.

Full Topping MA4 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	42.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	49.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data)
Country	China
Crossover Points	1.3kHz
Dimensions	10"H x 5.5"W x 11.3"D (255 x 140 x 288 mm) (10.04 x 5.51 x 11.34 in)
Drivers	1" soft dome tweeter with waveguide, 4" paper cone woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	49Hz-20kHz +/-3dB
Max SPL	105dB @ 1m
Power Output (Watts)	75W total (50W woofer, 25W tweeter, Class D)
Sensitivity	92dB
Warranty	1-2 years (varies by region)
Weight	8.3 lbs / 3.78 kg (8.33 lbs) each

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Ranked #31 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Edifier R1280DB: $159.98 Amazon

Pros: Same drivers and cabinet as the ASR-measured Edifier R1280T (identical 4” woofer, same 4.9kg enclosure) plus Bluetooth and digital optical/coax inputs the R1280T doesn’t have. ASR’s measurements of that shared platform found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed.

Cons: Shares the R1280T’s jagged on-axis response rather than a neutral one, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data. The reviewer’s raw impression of that platform was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and recommends EQ correction; vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Not quite as neutral sounding as the Edifier MR4.

Full Edifier R1280DB review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - shares the same driver/cabinet platform as the R1280T; read from that thread's chart
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	9.2"H x 5.7"W x 7.7"D (233.7 x 144.8 x 195.6 mm)
Drivers	4" (102mm) woofer
EQ	No
Frequency Response	55 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax
Output Power	42w RMS Total
Outputs	None
Weight	10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg

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Ranked #34 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Edifier R1280T: $129.99 Amazon

Pros: ASR’s Klippel-based measurements found the woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out or audible distortion, and distortion stayed low and inaudible at a normal 86dB SPL listening level. Built-in remote and bass/treble tone controls, no separate preamp needed.

Cons: On-axis response is jagged rather than neutral, with a woofer resonance around 5kHz and a tweeter peak near 10kHz that also show up in the directivity data, making off-axis/room response uneven too - the reviewer’s raw impression was “a bit bass heavy and after a track or two, somewhat bright,” and he recommends EQ correction. Vertical listening window is narrow, so the tweeter needs to be angled toward the ears. Pushed to 96dB SPL the tonal balance shifts noticeably, a sign of compression starting even though the driver doesn’t audibly break up.

Full Edifier R1280T review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	9.2"H x 7.7"W x 5.7"D (234 x 196 x 146 mm)
Drivers	4" (102mm) woofer
EQ	No
Frequency Response	52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	2x RCA Input
Output Power	42w RMS Total
Outputs	None
Weight	10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg

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Links
- Official Edifier R1280T Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #39 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response outside of the upper bass. Internal Class AB amplification (50W RMS, 75W peak) with a linear power supply drives a 5” Kevlar woofer and 0.75” tweeter.

Cons: A valley in the upper bass (200-400Hz) recesses that range, and a distortion peak shows up around 800-900Hz even at 86dB SPL. Off-axis response doesn’t track the on-axis curve well through the crossover, suggesting the waveguide isn’t fully optimized. Resonances appear at 900Hz and 4.4kHz.

Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm)
Drivers	5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	50W RMS / 75W peak
Weight	15.4 lbs / 7 kg (left/powered), 9.7 lbs / 4.4 kg (right)

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Ranked #42 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Dynaudio LYD 5: $1000 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with well-controlled low-frequency distortion. Early reflections summation is smart engineering the reviewer called “pretty clever.” 100W total Class D amplification across a 5” woofer and 1” tweeter.

Cons: A dip shows up around 1.64kHz on-axis, and the upper bass is boosted to compensate for a lack of real deep bass extension, giving a mild tubbiness. Treble energy runs a bit hot, and the woofer beams around 4kHz, creating a directivity error there. Bass distortion exceeds acceptable levels above 1kHz at higher volumes. The reviewer said he’d personally reach for a JBL 305P MKII or Neumann KH80 DSP instead at this price.

Full Dynaudio LYD 5 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	10.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.3"D (260 x 170 x 211 mm)
Drivers	5" woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	100W total (50W LF, 50W HF)
Weight	11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each

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Links
- Official Dynaudio LYD 5 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #46 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL One Series 104: $129 Amazon

Pros: Heavy internal EQ from the amplifier meaningfully compensates for otherwise poor raw driver measurements, and casual listening on undemanding content sounded like a scaled-down JBL 305P Mark II - well above typical computer-speaker quality for the price. Solid build quality for a $90-130 powered pair with dual built-in amplifiers.

Cons: Measuring the passive drivers alone (bypassing the amplifier’s EQ) showed “no bass, no low mids, and highly irregular highs” - a disaster by the reviewer’s description. Even with the amplifier’s correction applied, there’s an on-axis cancellation around 7.4kHz from the coaxial driver design, and JBL’s own published frequency-response graph uses a compressed 95dB vertical scale that hides real deviations the reviewer’s 50dB-scale CEA-2034 measurement reveals. Female vocals and “lisping” content became bright and annoying; the reviewer’s verdict was “can’t recommend it though if you want a true hi-fi experience.”

Full JBL One Series 104 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz with the amplifier's DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45Hz with the amplifier's DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT)
Drivers	4.5" coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75" soft dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied)
Frequency Response	60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	60W total Class D (30W per speaker)
Weight	4.5 lbs / 2.06 kg (master), 3.8 lbs / 1.73 kg (slave)

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Links
- Official JBL One Series 104 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #48 of 48 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - NHT Pro M-00: $498 pair, discontinued (used market; originally $249 each)

Pros: Cast aluminum-zinc alloy enclosure doubles as a heatsink for the built-in discrete Class AB amplifier, and both RCA and XLR/TRS inputs are provided with a near-field/far-field voicing switch.

Cons: Amir identified a critical flaw: a sudden suck-out in the upper bass frequencies that affects many commonly-used notes. Treble peaks on-axis, and vertical-axis performance is particularly problematic. In-room response turns notably bright in rooms with absorptive surfaces. Comparing directly to the JBL 305P Mark II, Amir found the NHT sounded “dead and bright” while the JBL was “balanced” with “rich and warm detail,” concluding, “I would not remotely use the NHT M-00 relative to JBL 305P Mark ii. The difference in overall fidelity and pleasantness is immense.” Long discontinued; not recommended even on the used market.

Full NHT Pro M-00 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	59.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	83.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	9H x 5.7W x 7.3D in
Drivers	1" ferrofluid-cooled fabric dome tweeter, 4.5" treated paper-cone woofer
Inputs	RCA, XLR/TRS
Output Power	75W RMS continuous, 150W peak (per speaker)
Weight	14 lbs / 6.35 kg each

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #3 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Dutch & Dutch 8C: $13000 Tidepoolaudio

Pros: All-in-one powered design with 1-inch dome tweeter, 8-inch midrange, and dual 8-inch rear subwoofers. Cardioid design achieves forward-firing response from 100 Hz upward, eliminating rear-wall boundary reflections that typically muddy imaging and soundstage. Measures nearly flat response (plus/minus 1.5 dB from 25 Hz to 18 kHz) across the full range. Achieved 105 dB listening levels without audible distortion or woofer bottoming, providing exceptional dynamic headroom. Neutral, accurate tonal balance with surprisingly spacious soundstage depth.

Cons: Premium pricing reflects integrated amplification and DSP cardioid processing. Limited to powered amplification; not suitable for passive systems. Relatively fixed setup - bass response heavily dependent on wall placement and room modes.

Full Dutch & Dutch 8C review and specifications →

App	Yes (Ascend)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	<20Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	23Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	19"H x 10.5"W x 15"D (482.6 x 266.7 x 381 mm)
Drivers	2x 8" Aluminium Cone woofers, 8" Aluminium Cone midrange, 1" Aluminium/Magnesium dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (24-band parametric)
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	106dB @ 1m continuous
Output Power	1000W (250W tweeter + 250W mid + 500W dual woofers)
Sensitivity	~106dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Streaming Services	Yes (network streaming)
Weight	57.3 lbs / 26 kg each
Wifi	Yes (Ethernet)

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Ranked #4 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Neumann KH420: $10500 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an extended, flat on-axis response that matches Neumann’s own published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one minor dip (around 60Hz), with excellent off-axis behavior. Predicted in-room response is smooth and rated “excellent” by the reviewer. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±55 degrees is very well controlled and stays consistent across frequency. Distortion is low at 86dB SPL/1m. Exceptionally high sustained output capability - the reviewer needed to “hold on for dear life” during extreme-level testing at 7 feet, with bass output described as making the entire house resonate. Reviewer’s overall verdict was “Great,” placing it on the recommended list and calling it a speaker “you could buy and forget about upgrading ever again.”

Cons: Horizontal beamwidth, while well controlled, is on the narrow side at about ±55 degrees. Vertical directivity is more limited than horizontal - the reviewer recommends staying within about ±30 degrees of the reference axis (just below the tweeter waveguide edge). Distortion rises noticeably in the bass region at 96dB SPL/1m, with an unusual 3rd-harmonic uptick appearing near 10kHz at that output level. At 106dB SPL/1m, the tweeter’s protection limiting engages and the clipping indicator activates - a real, measurable output ceiling despite the speaker’s otherwise very high capability. Very expensive.

Full Neumann KH420 review and specifications →

App	Yes (MA 1 alignment)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	25.4"H x 13"W x 17.5"D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm)
Drivers	10" woofer, 4" dome midrange, 1" fabric dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Room response controls)
Frequency Response	31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	124dB @ 1m
Output Power	555w Per Speaker
Weight	77.2 lbs / 35 kg each

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Links
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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #5 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8361A: $10900 Bhphotovideo

Pros: Three-way coaxial design: 5” mid-range with an inset 1” metal dome tweeter, flanked symmetrically above and below by two 10” front-loaded woofers, giving nearly identical vertical response whether you’re sitting or standing. Wide, consistent horizontal radiation of about ±60°, very forgiving for multiple seats or a home-theater row. Distortion at both 86dB and 96dB/1m stays below roughly 1%, and multitone distortion is also under about 1% - among the cleanest speakers reviewed. Long-term compression is practically non-existent, with no woofer bottoming or audible intermodulation even driven to 90dB+ at 10 feet. In-room bass extension reaches down to about 35Hz without a subwoofer. Extensive back-panel tuning (bass rolloff, bass profile, treble profile, and a desk/console compensation switch) for boundary placement.

Cons: Approximately $11,000 per pair; Genelec’s GLM room-correction add-on (measurement mic plus software) is another ~$450 and wasn’t used in this review. Shows an on-axis dip around 200Hz that may be tied to some rear-panel radiation or resonance the reviewer couldn’t fully explain. In far-field listening there’s a mild upper-midrange/lower-treble rise (roughly 2-3kHz) that only smooths out with 5-10° of toe-out or closer near-field placement. Short-term compression testing shows some tweeter limiting, though it didn’t translate to audible issues in real-world listening. At about 70 lbs, awkward to lift onto a stand alone.

Full Genelec 8361A review and specifications →

App	Yes (GLM)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	29Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	22.5"H x 14"W x 13.6"D (571.5 x 355.6 x 345.4 mm)
Drivers	Dual 263 x 137 mm woofers, 5.1" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 1" (25mm) coaxial tweeter
EQ	Yes (via GLM software)
Frequency Response	30Hz - 43kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	118dB @ 1m
Output Power	1000w Per Speaker
Weight	70.3 lbs / 31.9 kg each

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Links
- Official Genelec 8361A Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #6 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8351B: $9150 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. Predicted in-room response is “as good as it gets” - should sound very neutral in nearly any room. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is described by the reviewer as exceptionally smooth, a model example of well-executed directivity control. Vertical directivity is nearly as good as horizontal, a benefit of its coaxial driver design that’s rare among non-coaxial monitors. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is remarkably low - the reviewer says it’s “better than many headphones.”

Cons: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz. A distortion spike also appears near 8-10kHz at that same higher output level. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) measurements show resonances around 1-2kHz. Very expensive.

Full Genelec 8351B review and specifications →

App	Yes (GLM)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm)
Drivers	8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter
EQ	Yes (via GLM software)
Frequency Response	32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Max SPL	113dB @ 1m
Output Power	550w Per Speaker
Weight	31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each

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- Official Genelec 8351B Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #7 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - HEDD Type 20 MK2: $4800 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice flat on-axis response with a very smooth directivity index, plus an intentional boost at 40-50Hz for extra bass warmth. Predicted in-room response is nice and smooth. Early reflections integrate very cleanly with the direct sound, rated “very nice” by the reviewer. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is very good, staying well below the reviewer’s audibility threshold across the range. Its open-port configuration measures notably lower bass distortion than the same speaker run in closed-port mode.

Cons: Horizontal beamwidth is asymmetric (+60/-80 degrees depending on reference point) and narrows above 10kHz. Vertical directivity means listening position needs to stay at or below the reference axis for accurate tonal balance. At 96dB SPL/1m, distortion rises broadly across the spectrum, exceeding the reviewer’s audibility threshold over a wide frequency range - a notably worse result than at 86dB. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows resonances lingering in the 500Hz-2kHz region. Switching to closed-port mode increases bass distortion further, so the open-port configuration is preferable.

Full HEDD Type 20 MK2 review and specifications →

App	Yes (HEDD CTRL)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes (96kHz/32-bit)
Dimensions	14.1"H x 11"W x 13.3"D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm)
Drivers	7" honeycomb composite woofer, 4" honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter
EQ	Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters)
Frequency Response	32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR (Analog/AES)
Max SPL	120dB @ 1m (per pair)
Output Power	900W (3x300W)
Outputs	XLR (AES pass-through)
Weight	34 lbs / 15.4 kg each

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Ranked #8 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8050B: $3800 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good on-axis response with excellent directivity. Predicted in-room response is smooth, with only a 2kHz dip as a real issue. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is very smooth and well controlled. Vertical directivity is similarly even outside the 2kHz region, as long as listening position stays within about ±20 degrees of the woofer’s border. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is typical low-frequency behavior with the rest of the range well controlled.

Cons: A dip around 2kHz shows up in both the on-axis and predicted in-room measurements. An unexplained distortion spike appears around 10-15kHz at 96dB SPL/1m that the reviewer couldn’t identify a clear cause for. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a port resonance lingering in the upper-bass/lower-midrange region. Very expensive.

Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	17.8"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm)
Drivers	8" (203mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Output Power	270w Per Speaker
Weight	31.7 lbs / 14.4 kg each

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Links
- Official Genelec 8050B Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #13 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Neumann KH 310 A: $4400 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Distortion measured very low at 96dB SPL/1m. Bass stays clean and dry without bloat, and vocals show no harshness. Tri-amplified design delivers 290W combined output and up to 116.3dB SPL.

Cons: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate. Bass response shifts somewhat with amplifier temperature. Distortion rises above 100% THD at the very bottom of the bass range, as expected at that extreme. Expensive at $4,400 per pair.

Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	not published by manufacturer
Drivers	8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter)
Weight	not published by manufacturer

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Ranked #14 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Neumann KH 150: $3,398/pair Bhphotovideo

Pros: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. FIR based phase correction and 118.7dB max SPL give it real headroom for a compact two way, and the onboard DSP includes adjustable bass, low mid, and treble shelving plus optional MA 1 automatic room calibration.

Cons: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises. No Bluetooth or wireless input, it needs a balanced XLR or S/PDIF source. At 8kg (17.6 lbs) per cabinet plus an external power brick it needs a proper stand rather than a bookshelf. Its measured preference score trails Neumann’s own larger KH 310A and KH 420 monitors, so buyers chasing the deepest bass in the KH line should look further up the range.

Full Neumann KH 150 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	Germany
Crossover Points	1.7kHz
Dimensions	13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in)
Drivers	1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB
Max SPL	118.7dB @ 1m half space
Power Output (Watts)	245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N)
Warranty	2 years
Weight	17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each

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Ranked #17 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Focal Alpha 65 EVO: $499.00 Amazon

Pros: Very neutral, not quite as good as the Klasik 2020 in the midrange, but with better soundstage and instrument definition than the HS8

Cons: Ignores sub-bass, and the LF/HF trim dials lack a center detent so getting back to flat takes trial and error. The reviewer’s original sample showed an odd distortion spike between 1.5-8kHz at 86dB SPL, though a second sample from Focal didn’t reproduce it - likely a defective unit rather than a design flaw.

Full Focal Alpha 65 EVO review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	13.4"H x 10.3"W x 11.4"D (340.4 x 261.6 x 289.6 mm)
Drivers	6.5" (165mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	TRS, XLR, RCA
Output Power	85w Per Speaker
Weight	16.8 lbs / 7.6 kg each

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Ranked #21 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 708P: $4000 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) handles an 8” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.

Cons: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz. Vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so staying within a few degrees of the tweeter axis matters. Distortion climbs at 96dB SPL, with the tweeter reaching about 2.5% THD at elevated levels.

Full JBL 708P review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm)
Drivers	8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver
EQ	No
Frequency Response	41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter)
Weight	25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each

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Ranked #22 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - PSI Audio A21-M: $3,720 each B&H Photo

Pros: PSI Audio deliberately skips DSP entirely, using a proprietary Coherent Phase Response analog circuit to keep phase alignment accurate without adding conversion stages, tracing its design back to the Studer A3 studio monitor. The sound power directivity index tracks tightly (standard deviation 3.39) and on axis deviation measures a moderate 0.375dB average, and it reaches a measured 39.6Hz extension point with a wide 80 degree horizontal by 30 degree vertical dispersion pattern.

Cons: The bass alignment measures a Q of 0.96, close to the point where a port tuned system starts to show a mild peak rather than a clean rolloff, worth knowing if placed near a wall. Sold as a single unit rather than a pair, a stereo set runs roughly $6,000 to $7,800 depending on retailer and finish. With no DSP or room correction on board, getting the most from it depends more on room treatment and placement than with a comparable DSP equipped monitor.

Full PSI Audio A21-M review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	33.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	Switzerland
Crossover Points	2.4kHz
Dimensions	9.8"H x 15.7"W x 11.8"D (250 x 400 x 300 mm) (9.9 x 15.8 x 11.9 in)
Drivers	27mm handmade dome tweeter, 172mm cone woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	38Hz-23kHz -6dB
Max SPL	110dB short term, 121dB peak
Power Output (Watts)	335W total (280W woofer, 55W tweeter, Class A/B)
Warranty	5+1 years
Weight	28.2 lbs / 12.8 kg (28.2 lbs) each

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Links
- PSI Audio A21-M Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- PSI Audio A21-M vs Focal Solo6 ST6
- PSI Audio A21-M vs JBL 708P

Ranked #23 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Focal Solo6 ST6: $1,499.00 B&H Photo Sweetwater

Pros: Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter over a 6.5” ‘W’ composite sandwich-cone woofer - a low-mass, low-distortion driver combination rarely found below far pricier monitors. Directivity control is the tightest of this entire batch (directivity_spdi_stddev 2.87), and the listening-window response is smooth (smoothness_listening_window 0.380). Bi-amped 130W total (80W Class G woofer + 50W Class AB tweeter), each driver on its own amplifier. ‘Focus Mode’ switches the cabinet to a single-driver full-range reference signature for a second mix-translation check without extra hardware. Bass reaches 46.9Hz at -3dB / 38.1Hz at -10dB, solid for a 6.5” driver.

Cons: Bass alignment Q (lfq 0.826) is on the higher side, which can correlate with a touch of extra bass fullness/looseness versus a more critically-damped alignment. XLR-only balanced input, no unbalanced/TRS or digital connectivity. No automatic DSP room correction - tuning is limited to fixed analog shelving/high-pass switches. At $1,499 each ($2,998/pair), it’s a meaningful step up from typical prosumer active monitors.

Full Focal Solo6 ST6 review and specifications →

Amplification	130W total, bi-amped (80W Class G LF + 50W Class AB HF)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Dimensions	24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each
Drivers	1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer
Maximum Output	110dB peak at 1m

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Links
- Official Focal Solo6 ST6 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
- Reddit Search for Focal Solo6 ST6 Review
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #26 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Yamaha HS8: $678.28 Amazon

Pros: Good for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.

Cons: Slight midrange boost. Quite expensive.

Full Yamaha HS8 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	15.4"H x 9.8"W x 13.1"D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm)
Drivers	8" woofer, 1" dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR
Output Power	120w Per Speaker
Weight	22.5 lbs / 10.2 kg

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Ranked #27 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 308P MKII: $498 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair.

Cons: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.

Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm)
Drivers	8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	112W total
Weight	not published by manufacturer

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Links
- Official JBL 308P MKII Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #28 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec S360: $4,775 each Bhphotovideo

Pros: A large format 10 inch two way monitor built for main monitoring duty in film and post production, capable of a peak SPL over 128dB while retaining Genelec’s GLM calibrated Smart Active Monitoring and Directivity Control Waveguide. Listening window smoothness measures a solid 0.52 and the measured extension point reaches 39.6Hz, unusually deep for a monitor this size.

Cons: The bass alignment measures the highest Q of any speaker in this batch, 1.16, meaning it’s the most likely of the ten to show a mild bump near its port tuning frequency rather than a clean rolloff. On axis deviation measures a moderate 0.478dB average. At roughly $9,550/pair and 30kg (66 lbs) each it is one of the largest and most expensive entries in this catalog, intended for professional control rooms rather than home listening, and the model has since been updated to the S360A, so pricing and minor spec details should be confirmed with a dealer before buying.

Full Genelec S360 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	Finland
Dimensions	20.9"H x 14.2"W x 14.2"D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) (20.9 x 14.2 x 14.2 in)
Drivers	1" titanium compression tweeter, 10" cone woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	36Hz-22kHz -6dB
Max SPL	Peak 128dB
Power Output (Watts)	350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D)
Warranty	2 years (5 with product registration)
Weight	66.1 lbs / 30 kg (66.1 lbs) each

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Ranked #29 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Adam Audio T8V: $349.99 Amazon

Pros: Quite balanced and neutral, very close to the Yamaha HS8. Deeper bass than the HS8

Cons: A crossover-region notch around 4.6kHz where tweeter and woofer interact, and a hole in the vertical response below the tweeter axis - keep the tweeter at or above ear height. Distortion is well controlled at 86dB SPL but gets messier at 96dB.

Full Adam Audio T8V review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	15.8"H x 9.8"W x 13.2"D (401.3 x 248.9 x 335.3 mm)
Drivers	8" (203mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	33Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Output Power	90w Per Speaker
Weight	21.6 lbs / 9.8 kg

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Ranked #30 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Adam Audio T7V: $289.99 Amazon

Pros: Quite balanced and neutral, very close to the Yamaha HS8. Deeper bass than the HS8

Cons: On-axis response is a bit wider than ideal for a nearfield monitor, and narrow vertical dispersion means you need to sit at tweeter height to get the intended tonal balance, per Audioholics’ measurements. Frequency response below 1kHz also looks a bit ragged in the digitized ASR analysis - not as smooth out of the box as some rivals, though it’s said to respond well to EQ.

Full Adam Audio T7V review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	approx. 45Hz, extrapolated from the reviewer's directly-computed -6dB point of 45.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	approx. 65Hz, extrapolated from the reviewer's directly-computed -6dB point of 45.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	13.7"H x 8.3"W x 11.5"D (348 x 210.8 x 292.1 mm)
Drivers	7" (178mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	39Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Output Power	70w Per Speaker
Weight	15.7 lbs / 7.1 kg

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Ranked #33 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kali Audio LP-6: $298 Discontinued Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows generally flat on-axis response with excellent horizontal and vertical directivity. Deep bass distortion stays below the fundamental tone throughout testing, and the noise floor is low enough that hiss isn’t audible at normal listening distance. Exceptional value at $298 per pair.

Cons: Port resonance creates bumps around 900Hz-1kHz in the frequency response. Distortion measurements are worse than the on-axis response alone would suggest. Diffraction causes a treble rise above 10kHz, and bass shelves down slightly in the low end. Discontinued.

Full Kali Audio LP-6 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.3"D (358.8 x 222.3 x 260.4 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	6.5" woofer, 1" textile dome tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	47Hz - 21kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	80W total (40W LF, 40W HF)
Weight	16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each

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Ranked #34 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - AsciLab C8C: 5799 EUR/pair Audiophonics

Pros: Dual opposed 8 inch side firing subwoofers deliver true cardioid bass control and the deepest low frequency extension of any speaker in this batch, measured to just 23.4Hz at -6dB with a listening window smoothness score of 0.75, both near the top of everything on spinorama.org. On axis deviation measures a remarkably tight 0.108dB average, the flattest of anything added to this catalog from spinorama.org’s current measurement set. The alumina ceramic 3 way design offers switchable minimum phase or linear phase DSP modes for either low latency tracking or maximum time domain accuracy.

Cons: The measured Q of the bass alignment (2.13) is on the peaky side, suggesting some boominess near the port tuning frequency without EQ correction. AsciLab has repeatedly sold out of the C8C direct from the manufacturer, so buyers often pay a premium through resellers like Audiophonics or Tested Audio and may face a long wait. At 27.5kg (60 lbs) per cabinet it is heavy for a stand mount monitor.

Full AsciLab C8C review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-6dB)	23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	South Korea
Crossover Points	150Hz, 1.2kHz
Dimensions	22"H x 10"W x 13.8"D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) (22.05 x 10.0 x 13.78 in)
Drivers	1" alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6" alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8" side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers
Enclosure	sealed
Power Output (Watts)	600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer)
Warranty	2 years
Weight	60.6 lbs / 27.5 kg (60.6 lbs) each

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- AsciLab C8C Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- AsciLab C8C vs GGNTKT M1
- AsciLab C8C vs Palmer Orbit 11

Ranked #35 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - GGNTKT M1: 7500 GBP/pair Purite Audio (UK)

Pros: One front and two rear firing 6.5 inch aluminum woofers cancel each other’s rearward radiation for genuine cardioid bass control, confirmed by a sound power directivity index that climbs steadily through the midrange rather than the erratic pattern typical of non cardioid designs. Listening window smoothness measures 0.67, among the best of any speaker added to this catalog from spinorama.org’s measurement set, and the measured extension reaches 33.8Hz, deeper than most speakers in this class.

Cons: On axis deviation measures a comparatively rough 0.475dB average despite the excellent listening window smoothness, meaning a listener sitting dead center may notice more unevenness than the off axis figures suggest. At £7,500/pair it is one of the most expensive speakers in this catalog, sold through a single UK dealer with no direct online checkout. The electronics live in a separate outboard enclosure connected by cable rather than being built into the cabinet, adding setup complexity most active monitors avoid.

Full GGNTKT M1 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	28.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	33.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data)
Country	Germany
Dimensions	12.6"H x 15.9"W x 5.5"D (319 x 405 x 140 mm) (12.6 x 15.9 x 5.5 in)
Drivers	1.75" titanium ring diaphragm compression tweeter with waveguide, 3x 6.5" aluminum cone woofers (1 front, 2 rear firing, cardioid)
Enclosure	sealed
Frequency Response	36Hz-20kHz -3dB
Max SPL	112.8dB @ 1m
Power Output (Watts)	560W total (70W tweeter, 210W woofers per channel, Class D)
Warranty	3 years (with registration)
Weight	24.3 lbs / 11.0 kg (24 lbs) each

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- GGNTKT M1 Official Page
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Head-to-Head Comparisons
- GGNTKT M1 vs AsciLab C8C
- GGNTKT M1 vs Palmer Orbit 11

Ranked #36 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Palmer Orbit 11: $766 Thomann

Pros: True coaxial point-source layout (6.5” midrange + 1” tweeter on the same axis, flanked by dual 8” woofers in a 2.5-way configuration) plus a cardioid front baffle to reduce rear/side room reflections - genuinely differentiated pro-monitor engineering. Deepest bass extension of the entire batch by a wide margin: 27.8Hz at -3dB / 21.5Hz at -10dB, backed by tri-amped Class-D power (1000W peak / 400W RMS combined) and linear-phase FIR DSP running at 96kHz/24-bit. Highest predicted in-room preference score of this batch (pref_score 5.3).

Cons: XLR analog and AES3 digital I/O only, no consumer RCA/TRS - this is a studio-signal-chain product, not a plug-and-play hi-fi speaker. At 13.9kg and roughly 22 x 29 x 29cm each, it’s heavy and deep for shelf placement, effectively requiring a stand or wall/desk mount. Sold individually at $766/unit ($1,532/pair).

Full Palmer Orbit 11 review and specifications →

Amplification	1000W peak / 400W RMS total, tri-amped Class-D
Bass Extension (-10dB)	21.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	27.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Dimensions	8.5" x 11.5" x 11.5" (217 x 293 x 292 mm) (8.5 x 11.5 x 11.5 in), 13.9kg (30.6 lb) each
Drivers	1" tweeter + 6.5" midrange (coaxial), 2x 8" woofers
Maximum Output	116dB peak at 1m

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- Official Palmer Orbit 11 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
- Reddit Search for Palmer Orbit 11 Review
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Palmer Orbit 11 vs GGNTKT M1
- Palmer Orbit 11 vs AsciLab C8C

Ranked #39 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mesanovic CDM65: $5,998/pair Front End Audio

Pros: Erin measured an exceptionally flat, smooth listening window (smoothness score 0.73, among the best in this class) with a genuine 36.6dB extension point down to 32Hz despite a compact sealed cabinet. On axis deviation measures a tight 0.198dB average and the bass alignment Q of 0.84 keeps the low end well controlled rather than peaky. A switchable cardioid directivity mode holds pattern control down to 150Hz, reducing early wall reflections that trip up most stand mount monitors. WiSA wireless connectivity through the optional Platin Stereo Hub adds lossless 24 bit multichannel streaming and app based room correction.

Cons: Pricing is inconsistent across sources, ranging from a $3,799 demo bundle direct from Mesanovic to $5,998 at Front End Audio, so confirm the current listing before buying. Off axis energy isn’t quite as controlled as the on axis response (directivity index standard deviation 3.60), meaning the cardioid mode’s benefit fades somewhat above the crossover. At 32 lbs per cabinet plus an external WiSA hub, it’s a heavier and more complex setup than a simple passive pair.

Full Mesanovic CDM65 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	29.8Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	36.6Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Country	United States
Crossover Points	150Hz, 2,300Hz
Dimensions	15"H x 8"W x 14"D (381 x 203 x 356 mm) (15 x 8 x 14 in)
Drivers	1" aluminum dome waveguide tweeter, 5" aluminum cone midrange, 2x 6.5" paper Kevlar side mounted subwoofers
Enclosure	sealed
Frequency Response	40Hz-20kHz +/-1.0dB
Max SPL	103dB @ 1m
Power Output (Watts)	600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined)
Warranty	2 years
Weight	32 lbs / 14.5 kg (32 lbs) each

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- Mesanovic CDM65 Official Page
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Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Mesanovic CDM65 vs Edifier R2850DB

Ranked #43 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 306P MKII: $398 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nice, smooth on-axis response with very good directivity control for a compact 6.5” monitor. Dual 56W Class D amps keep the design affordable at $398 per pair while following JBL’s well-regarded 300-series voicing.

Cons: A narrow but noticeable dip around 1.6kHz shows up in the on-axis and listening-window curves. Distortion runs classically high for this series, reaching around 5% near 200Hz at 96dB SPL. Amplifier hiss is audible from roughly 2 feet away, and the monitor runs out of headroom at higher volumes.

Full JBL 306P MKII review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	16.1"H x 11.2"W x 12.9"D (408 x 285 x 328 mm)
Drivers	6.5" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	39Hz - 24kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	112W total
Weight	13.4 lbs / 6.1 kg each

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- Official JBL 306P MKII Product Page
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Ranked #44 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8341A: $6590 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an exceptionally flat on-axis response, within about +1.8dB/-2.2dB of the target curve, with excellent directivity control from the coaxial midrange/tweeter and dual 6.5” woofers. Tri-amplified design totals 550W across bass, mid, and treble sections.

Cons: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections, producing audible glitching/ticking distortion at higher volumes even at 1 meter - not well suited to larger rooms or higher playback levels as a result. No hard power switch, and it produces a loud static pop when AC power is cut. Very expensive at $6,590 per pair.

Full Genelec 8341A review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	not published by manufacturer
Drivers	2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter)
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble)
Weight	not published by manufacturer

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Ranked #45 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Adam Audio S2V: $3500 Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows excellent driver blending through an imperceptible crossover between the 7” woofer and AMT tweeter, with distortion measured 70dB down at 1kHz. The 350W amplifier was the first the reviewer tested that didn’t run out of power on demand, delivering over 120dB SPL per pair.

Cons: An intentional shelving curve creates a dip in the low bass response, roughly 200-500Hz. The rotary-encoder control interface is non-intuitive, and the companion PC app requires serial-number registration with settings that only take effect after a manual “write” step that takes 5-10 seconds and produces audible ticks and pops. Expensive at $3,500 per pair.

Full Adam Audio S2V review and specifications →

App	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	not published by manufacturer
Drivers	7" woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B)
Weight	not published by manufacturer

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Ranked #46 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch The Sevens: $999.99 Amazon

Pros: Genuinely good bass - reaches about 40 Hz in-room with a solid, controlled thump and no real strain, backed by measured extension to F3 49Hz/F10 36Hz. “Wireless” design only requires one power outlet: a single signal cable runs from the primary speaker to the secondary, so only the primary needs a power cable. Extensive inputs - HDMI, phono, 3.5mm, USB, optical, plus Bluetooth. Companion app exposes treble/mid/bass adjustment, subwoofer output, and a dynamic bass mode, giving real tuning flexibility. Good linearity overall once EQ’d - dropping the treble by 1-2dB got the reviewer to a more satisfying tonal balance.

Cons: Notably narrower horizontal radiation than its stablemate, the Klipsch The Nines, meaning less favorable room interaction and a smaller sweet spot - the reviewer suspects this is a meaningful part of why he preferred the Nines. Out of the box (flat EQ), the top end is a bit too lifted/bright. A persistent dip in the upper mid-range (2-4kHz) that the reviewer found dull and lifeless regardless of EQ tweaking to the treble control - he felt this region specifically needed better tuning from Klipsch, not just a treble slider adjustment. Response isn’t quite flat even after adjustment - there’s peaking up around 8kHz that reinforces a scooped-sounding in-room balance at the listening seat.

Full Klipsch The Sevens review and specifications →

App	Yes (treble/mid/bass EQ, subwoofer output, dynamic bass mode)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	49Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	16.375"H x 8.125"W x 13.1875"D
Drivers	6.5" high-excursion woofer, 1" titanium tweeter on Tractrix horn
Inputs	HDMI, Phono, 3.5mm, USB, Optical, Bluetooth
Output Power	200W total (400W peak)
Weight	22.3 lbs (primary), 19.9 lbs (secondary)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear flared port

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Ranked #47 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Emotiva Airmotiv 6s: $400 Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows lots of bass energy below 300Hz and the ability to play louder than a JBL 305P MKII comparison unit. Bi-amped design with 100W (tweeter) plus 110W (woofer) drives a 6.5” AirMotiv low-frequency transducer and AMT-style tweeter.

Cons: A suckout between 300-600Hz on the listening window is followed by a peak from 600Hz up. The built-in EQ options don’t fix this - one preset has the same dip plus a 3-7kHz peak. Vertical response droops at the 2.5kHz crossover. The reviewer’s verdict: there’s no reason to buy a speaker with a suckout in the upper bass if you have a choice. Discontinued.

Full Emotiva Airmotiv 6s review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	72Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	6.5" AirMotiv low-frequency transducer, 60x32mm AirMotiv tweeter
EQ	Yes (built-in presets)
Frequency Response	42Hz - 25kHz (+0/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	210W total (100W tweeter, 110W woofer)
Weight	24.9 lbs / 11.3 kg each

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Ranked #48 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Ocean Way Audio HR5: $2799 Sweetwater

Pros: Bass is clean and strong with plenty of power handling before any audible strain, and the reviewer confirmed the amplifier can drive it to high volume without distress. Both digital and analog inputs are built in.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows roughly 10dB of unevenness between 8-13kHz and a trough near 200Hz, contradicting the manufacturer’s marketing claims of +/-1dB accuracy and 100-degree even horizontal directivity - the measured beamwidth narrows to well under 50 degrees above 4kHz. EQ made almost no meaningful improvement after an hour of attempts, unusual for a speaker with this many measured errors. The reviewer called the sound “harsh” and “unrefined,” writing “I can’t recommend the Ocean Way HR5” and suggesting buyers choose companies like Genelec that publish real measurements instead of relying on a designer’s reputation.

Full Ocean Way Audio HR5 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
DSP	No
Dimensions	12H x 17.5W x 14.5D in
Drivers	7" low-frequency driver, 1" high-frequency driver (horn/waveguide)
EQ	No
Frequency Response	45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Output Power	215W total (125W LF, 90W HF)
Weight	37.9 lbs / 17.2 kg each

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- Official Ocean Way Audio HR5 Product Page
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Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ocean Way Audio HR5 vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s

Large Size Powered Floorstanding Speakers

Ranked #3 of 3 in Large Size Powered Floorstanding Speakers - B&O Beolab20: $15000 Discontinued Bang-olufsen

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a nearly flat response down to 20Hz, unusual for this cabinet size. Predicted in-room response looks even better than the on-axis curve, with a good downward slope. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is pretty good for the size.

Cons: Overpriced and not recommended. 5dB dip at 7khz. Messy vertical directivity - the reviewer recommends staying right at the tweeter axis. Distortion at 700hz. Resonance at 5khz. At 96dB SPL/1m, harmonics of an 800Hz resonance become more audible, with broad distortion elevation through the midrange. Discontinued.

Full B&O Beolab20 review and specifications →

App	Yes (B&O app)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	<20Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	20Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes (Digital Sound Engine)
Dimensions	15.5"W x 32.3"H x 12"D (393.7 x 820.4 x 304.8 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	10" driver woofer, 5" driver midrange, 0.75" Acoustic Lens tweeter
EQ	Yes (Room adaptation: Free/Wall/Corner)
Frequency Response	19.5Hz - 23.6kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	PowerLink (RJ45), RCA, TOSLINK optical, WiSA wireless
Max SPL	108dB @ 1m
Output Power	640W (160W tweeter + 160W midrange + 320W dual woofer)
Outputs	PowerLink, TOSLINK
Weight	39.7 lbs / 18 kg each
Wifi	Yes (WiSA)

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- B&O Beolab20 vs Buchardt A700
- B&O Beolab20 vs KEF LS60

Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #3 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Sierra 1 v2: $1000 Ascendacoustics

Pros: Formaldehyde-free layered bamboo ply cabinet with a 1” dome tweeter over a 5.25” midwoofer, mated by a 4th-order acoustic crossover rather than a stock textbook design. In-room response is extremely linear - the reviewer called it “textbook” - a clear step up from the earlier V1, which had boxiness around 700Hz-1kHz and sibilance around 4-6kHz. Preference score of 8.4 with a subwoofer (6.8 without), which the reviewer calls topnotch. Wide, even horizontal radiation of about ±70° up to 6kHz. Better vertical directivity than its tweeter-to-woofer spacing would suggest, thanks to the steep 4th-order crossover slopes. No mechanical noise, port chuffing, or woofer bottoming even driven to 96dB/1m. In a three-way comparison against the Dynaudio Emit 20 and a Revel bookshelf model (all around $1,000/pair), measured as the most linear of the three and was the reviewer’s personal pick over both, despite the Dynaudio’s deeper bass and higher output capability. Independent ASR Klippel measurements corroborate Erin’s findings: superb off-axis response with only slight on-axis variations, and an in-room response the reviewer called “incredibly smooth and accurate - amazing for a non-DSP speaker.” Distortion above 200Hz at 86dB/1m is very low for the class.

Cons: F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 39Hz mean in-room extension tops out in the mid-40s Hz; the reviewer still recommends a subwoofer for full-range material. Diffraction dips appear around 3kHz and 5-6kHz, and the 1” dome tweeter starts beaming above roughly 6.7kHz, narrowing the soundstage radiation in the top octave - a straightforward consequence of dome size rather than a design flaw. At 96dB/1m the 5.25” midwoofer shows increased distortion in the midrange, likely tied to motor topology; high-passing to a subwoofer around 80Hz largely clears it up. Moderate sensitivity (~81-82dB average) with a 7-ohm minimum impedance. ASR’s power-sweep testing found response holds steady up to 96dB SPL/1m, but pushing to 102dB causes midbass below 400Hz to sag with distortion “through the roof” - a harder output ceiling than the 96dB tests alone suggest. Vertical directivity also narrows above about 1kHz, so the reviewer recommends staying at tweeter-axis height for best results.

Full Ascend Sierra 1 v2 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	14.2"H x 7.5"W x 10.5"D (361.9 x 190.5 x 266.7 mm)
Drivers	5.25" proprietary mineral-filled polypropylene cone with cast aluminum frame woofer, 26mm aluminum/magnesium alloy dome tweeter with titanium former (SEAS Titan)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	81.5dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	18.5 lbs / 8.4 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Ranked #4 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF LS50 Meta: $1,599.00 Amazon Crutchfield

Pros: Uni-Q concentric driver mounts a 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter at the center of a 5.25” aluminum cone woofer, rated 79Hz-20kHz+. Speaker-to-speaker matching measured tight at roughly 0.5dB deviation between the pair tested, versus 2-3dB seen on some other speakers - likely why imaging stayed so precise. Imaging stays tight and focused even toed out, unlike most coincident designs where toe-out typically diffuses the image, giving more of an oval-shaped soundstage than a hard rectangular boundary. Horizontal and vertical directivity both hold to about ±50° at the -6dB point, so tonality stays consistent across roughly a 100° listening cone. The extended bass shelf is deliberately tuned for near-wall/boundary placement rather than the usual “pull it 3 feet into the room” advice, playing lower without excess boominess when placed close to a wall. At $1,000 (a frequent sale price versus $1,600 list), called a no-brainer for a compact stand-mount speaker. Independent ASR Klippel measurements corroborate this: very good directivity with the on- and off-axis curves tracking closely, and a predicted in-room response the reviewer called “very close to ideal.”

Cons: F3 of 67Hz and F10 of 42Hz mean it doesn’t get much below 50Hz in-room; a subwoofer is recommended for real bass. A 2-3dB scoop around 2-4kHz shows up in both the listening window and sound power measurements, matching a subjectively noticed lack of attack and vocal clarity that the reviewer wanted to correct with about 2dB of EQ. An on-axis diffraction dip around 8kHz smooths out with about 15° of toe-out (typical for concentric designs, but still present at 0°). Distortion is elevated at low frequencies since the single 5.25” cone shares surface area with the tweeter housing, reducing effective radiating area; multitone distortion crosses the 3% threshold at 96dB/1m, making roughly 88dB or below the safer output ceiling. Moderate sensitivity (~83dB average) needed 2-3dB more amplifier gain than typical in testing. Adding a subwoofer at an 80Hz crossover only helps lower-midrange distortion, not the elevated distortion in the 1-2kHz and above-5kHz regions. ASR’s own Klippel testing found the same pattern in starker terms: THD is very good at 86dB SPL/1m but climbs past 100% in the bass at 96dB SPL/1m, confirming this is not a near-field speaker for high-output bass-heavy material. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) also shows a couple of resonances lingering in the 1-2kHz region.

Full KEF LS50 Meta review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	11.9"H x 7.9"W x 11"D (302 x 200 x 280.5 mm)
Drivers	130 mm (5.25 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	83dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner; 85dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	17.2 lbs / 7.8 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #6 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - XMechanik Mechano23 DIY: ~$48 each Madisound (Tweeter) Madisound (Woofer)

Pros: The bass alignment is unusually well damped, with a measured Q of 0.336, among the lowest of any speaker in this catalog, so the -3dB point at 77.6Hz rolls off cleanly instead of building into a resonant bump the way many small ported designs do. On axis deviation measures a tight 0.195dB average, and Audio Science Review’s independent Klippel NFS review called the predicted in room response nearly perfect, with directivity matching that beats some commercial designs costing many times more, all from about $200 in parts.

Cons: This is a true DIY project. There is no assembled unit to buy, drivers come from Madisound, the crossover kit comes separately from EZ Speaker Solutions, and the birch plywood cabinet has to be built and finished by hand. Listening window smoothness measures a moderate 0.47 and the sound power directivity index has more variation (standard deviation 4.02) than the tightest speakers in this catalog, so off axis energy isn’t quite as evenly controlled as the excellent on axis figures suggest.

Full XMechanik Mechano23 DIY review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	42.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	77.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Cabinet Material	18mm Baltic birch plywood
Country	Design origin: United States (ASR forum); assembled by buyer
Dimensions	11.4"H x 6.9"W x 10.4"D (290 x 174 x 263 mm) (11.4 x 6.9 x 10.4 in)
Drivers	Scan-Speak Discovery H2606/9200 1" horn loaded textile dome tweeter, SB Acoustics SB13PFCR25-4 5" fiber cone woofer
Enclosure	ported
Port Tuning	Approximately 45Hz
Sensitivity	85.1dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, Audio Science Review)

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Links
- Original ASR Design Thread
- EZ Speaker Solutions Crossover Kit
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- XMechanik Mechano23 DIY vs Arendal 1961 Monitor

Ranked #7 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Arendal 1961 Monitor: $1150 Arendalsound

Pros: A physically robust build the reviewer calls “a little bit of a tank,” delivering low compression, low distortion, and overall really good neutrality - one of the reviewer’s top 10 picks under $1,500 across roughly 250 speakers tested. Works well both as home theater mains and as surrounds. Independent ASR Klippel measurements corroborate the low-distortion finding: THD at 86dB SPL/1m stays well below the reviewer’s audibility threshold, and even at 96dB SPL/1m it stays “far better than most bookshelves” thanks to the built-in high-pass filter that protects the woofers.

Cons: Bass rolls off around 70-80Hz, so it cannot be used as full-range mains for music without a subwoofer, and a sub is recommended for home theater use as well. Vertical radiation window is narrow, typical of MTM (mid-tweeter-mid) layouts - tighter than a standard two-way’s roughly ±20° - so a second home theater row sitting above or below the tweeter axis will hear a noticeably different tonal balance. ASR’s CEA2034 measurements show the response is elevated above 2kHz with resonant peaks around 3kHz and 9kHz, leading the reviewer to predict it will “likely sound bright.” Those same resonances show up as lingering ridges in the cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) at 96dB SPL/1m.

Full Arendal 1961 Monitor review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	84Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1500Hz
Dimensions	16.6"H x 6.4"W x 5.9"D (421.6 x 162.6 x 149.9 mm)
Drivers	2 x 5.5" woofers, 28mm tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.9dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	16 lbs / 7.25 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

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Ranked #11 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Revel M105: $1500 Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with only a small 5kHz peak, a smooth listening window, and clean waterfall decay. Wide horizontal dispersion gives flexibility with toe-in. The reviewer called it reference-quality performance with minor EQ correction applied.

Cons: Low nominal impedance demands a capable amplifier that can handle low-impedance loads. Bass distortion runs high in the 80-250Hz range from woofer displacement, and maximum output is limited compared to larger designs. Discontinued.

Full Revel M105 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	75Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	14"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (355.6 x 200.7 x 248.9 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	5.25" aluminum cone woofer, 1" aluminum tweeter with acoustic lens waveguide
Frequency Response	60Hz - 44kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, low minimum
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	15.4 lbs / 7 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #14 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Elac Carina BS243.4: $1,199.00 B&H Photo ELAC America

Pros: JET folded-ribbon tweeter - ELAC’s signature technology, normally reserved for its pricier lines - mounted over a 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer, a genuinely differentiated tweeter for a sub-$1,200/pair stand-mount. Positively reviewed by Stereophile and The Absolute Sound for fatigue-free treble detail.

Cons: On-axis deviation (aad_on_axis 0.525) and listening-window smoothness (0.269) are middling for this batch - more ripple in the on-axis response than the pricier active options here. Moderate 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4.8-ohm minimum impedance wants a reasonably powerful amp. Bass extension is average for a 5.25” 2-way at 55.7Hz (-3dB) / 41.5Hz (-10dB).

Full Elac Carina BS243.4 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Dimensions	8.5" x 12.6" x 9.6" (216 x 319 x 245 mm) (8.5 x 12.5 x 9.6 in) each
Drivers	JET folded-ribbon tweeter, 5.25" aluminum cone woofer
Impedance	6 ohm nominal, 4.8 ohm minimum
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m)
Weight	14.8 lbs / 6.7 kg (14.7 lb) each
Woofer Cabinet	Bass reflex

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Links
- Official Elac Carina BS243.4 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
- Reddit Search for Elac Carina BS243.4 Review
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Elac Carina BS243.4 vs Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf
- Elac Carina BS243.4 vs Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G

Ranked #18 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Carmody S2000: $250

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows good response between 100Hz and 3kHz with low room dependency thanks to smooth early-window reflections, plus reasonably wide horizontal beamwidth and directivity. A DIY kit built around a small woofer and tweeter with a 3kHz crossover, priced around $250 per pair before assembly labor.

Cons: Energy falls off above 3kHz with a resonance around 11kHz, and directivity errors show up around the 4-5kHz crossover region. Low 84dB efficiency and an impedance that dips below 4 ohms both call for a capable amplifier. Vertical listening angle is sensitive - move off axis and you fall into a response “ditch” that loses energy.

Full Carmody S2000 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	not published (DIY kit)
Drivers	small woofer + tweeter, 3kHz crossover (DIY kit)
Frequency Response	50Hz - 20kHz (+/-5.9dB); 80Hz - 20kHz (+/-4.1dB) (measured, Audio Science Review)
Impedance	below 4 ohms minimum
Sensitivity	84dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	not published (DIY kit)
Woofer Cabinet	Baltic Birch plywood

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Carmody S2000 vs Wharfedale Diamond 12.1

Ranked #19 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Wharfedale Diamond 12.1: $599 Discontinued

Pros: A budget two-way bookshelf speaker (5” polypropylene woofer, 1” textile dome tweeter) that measures well for its price: harmonic distortion at 86dB stays under 1% THD down to about 60Hz, genuinely good for a 5” mid-woofer. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±60° up to roughly 5kHz before the tweeter starts to beam. Tonally smooth and easy to listen to at moderate volumes, with a pleasant, non-fatiguing character the reviewer said he’d happily recommend to someone who wants noticeably better fit, finish and looks than typical speakers in the $300-400 range. A high-pass crossover around 80Hz meaningfully cleans up midrange multitone distortion, so pairing it with a subwoofer helps more than usual for a speaker this size.

Cons: A dip of about 3dB in the 1-3kHz crossover region (on-axis, in the predicted in-room response, and even off-axis) gives the speaker a soft, “laid-back” character that noticeably saps attack and transient bite from drums, guitar and other percussive material - possibly an intentional BBC-style dip, but one the reviewer would still prefer tuned flat. Vertical directivity is unusually tight for this class of speaker, holding together only within about ±5° of the tweeter axis before a real hole opens up in the response, so seating height matters a lot more than on most bookshelf designs. Diffraction artifacts around 3kHz and 5kHz show up as differences between the listening-window and on-axis curves. Distortion climbs well past acceptable levels at higher output - harmonic distortion exceeds 3% around 150Hz at 96dB (versus under 1% at 86dB), multitone distortion tops 10% at 96dB/1m, and real compression sets in between 96-102dB (about 1.5dB of lost dynamic range around 300Hz at 102dB/1m, roughly equivalent to 92dB for a pair at 4m in a room) - a genuine limitation on how loud or how far away this speaker can be pushed. Measured average sensitivity (84dB) runs a few dB below the 87dB spec. Only a 5” woofer, so a subwoofer is required for real bass. Discontinued.

Full Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	46Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	61Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2.6kHz
Dimensions	12.2"H x 7"W x 10.9"D (310 x 178 x 277 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	5" advanced polypropylene cone woofer, 1" textile dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84dB (measured by Erin's Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	15 lbs / 6.8 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Ranked #24 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Parts Express C-Note: $100 Parts Express

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat response in the critical midrange with good directivity control near the crossover point, courtesy of a waveguide-integrated tweeter. High power handling let it play very loud in a large room with no sign of bottoming out - unusual for a $100 pair. The MDF cabinet felt stout in hand despite the unfinished, DIY flat-pack construction.

Cons: Reduced bass output and a resonance peak around 700Hz both show up clearly in the measurements; worst-case distortion above 1kHz sits about 40dB below listening level. Ships as unfinished MDF flat-pack cabinets, requiring assembly and finishing (gluing, painting or veneering) before use.

Full Parts Express C-Note review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-3dB)	90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - the reviewer explicitly flagged this measurement as unreliable below 70Hz, so no -10dB figure is given
Dimensions	11H x 7.5W x 9.5D in (unfinished MDF flat-pack)
Drivers	Dayton Audio DSA135-8 5" woofer, Dayton ND25FW-4 1" soft dome tweeter (waveguide-loaded)
Frequency Response	43Hz - 20kHz +/-3dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms
Power Handling	60W RMS / 120W max
Sensitivity	83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	not published (DIY kit)
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Links
- Official Parts Express C-Note Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Parts Express C-Note vs KEF Q150

Ranked #25 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Wharfedale Diamond 220: $350 Amazon

Pros: Amir found the on-axis response smooth once the grille is removed, calling grille removal “a huge improvement” since the stock grille caused unusually strong comb filtering around 5kHz. Good horizontal dispersion from the waveguide-loaded tweeter and controlled distortion. After some EQ (a room mode filter and treble shelf), the reviewer called it “a truly hifi speaker” where “every audiophile track…sounded very good,” and said he was “happy to recommend” it for the budget class.

Cons: Response rolls off below 200Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for full-range use. Some port rattling was noted at high volumes, traced to vibration rather than the woofer itself. Best performance requires removing the grille and applying the reviewer’s EQ filters.

Full Wharfedale Diamond 220 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	58.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	117.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	12.4"H x 6.9"W x 8.9"D (315 x 174 x 227 mm)
Drivers	5" (130mm) woven Kevlar woofer, 1" (25mm) tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	11.7 lbs / 5.3 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, bottom-firing into secondary enclosure

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Ranked #29 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Boston Acoustics A25: $299.98 Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is decent once you ignore a peak around 900Hz and a dip around 3kHz - directivity is good enough that the response can be EQed and won’t be too room-dependent. Cabinet fit and finish is well above its price class, and dynamics were strong with no distortion audible even at high volume on well-recorded material. Discontinued, but the reviewer suggests hunting for clearance pricing on remaining stock.

Cons: A crazy port resonance and a tweeter with a steeper rolloff than the woofer both show up in the near-field driver measurements, creating the 900Hz peak and the crossover-region dip. The rear port itself measured audibly distorted up close, though it wasn’t noticeable from normal listening distance in the reviewer’s room. Discontinued.

Full Boston Acoustics A25 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	10.7H x 7.25W x 8.9D in
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	1" Kortec soft dome tweeter, 5.25" ceramic/glass-fiber polymer mid/woofer
Frequency Response	55Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Power Handling	10-150W recommended
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	10.1 lbs / 4.58 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #30 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL Studio 530: $399 Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly flat on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is very smooth aside from the high-frequency roll-off.

Cons: A peak around 1.4kHz is attributed to a tweeter resonance, and shows up as a distinct spike in harmonic distortion at that frequency along with a second resonance-driven bump around 2kHz. Response rolls off in the high frequencies and the tuning is a bit bass-shy overall. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows the same 1kHz-region resonances lingering in time. Discontinued.

Full JBL Studio 530 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Crossover Frequency	1.5kHz
Dimensions	18.4"H x 8.4"W x 8.7"D (467 x 214 x 222 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	5.25" (130mm) PolyPlas™ cone woofer with SFG magnet, 1" (25mm) compression driver with Teonex® diaphragm on Bi-Radial® horn
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (4 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	~85dB (measured by Audio Science Review)
Weight	17 lbs / 7.7 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Ranked #33 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Paradigm Monitor SE Atom: $318 Amazon

Pros: Good, consistent directivity across the on-axis, listening-window, and off-axis curves makes the Atom easier to equalize and less room-dependent than many budget speakers. Bass tuning is well judged, letting the woofer play loud on demanding tracks without bottoming out even without a subwoofer. Paradigm’s NRC research pedigree shows in the horizontal and vertical dispersion measurements.

Cons: On-axis response is uneven out of the box, with a 2-4kHz dip followed by a peak and a resonance around 15kHz that the reviewer said gives it a bright, “showroom” voicing without EQ correction. There’s no meaningful bass extension for full-range use, so a subwoofer is effectively required for anything beyond desktop or near-field listening.

Full Paradigm Monitor SE Atom review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	12.75H x 7.125W x 11D in
Drivers	1" X-PAL aluminum dome tweeter (ferrofluid, PPA lens), 5.5" mineral-filled polypropylene mid/bass
Frequency Response	61Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms
Power Handling	15-100W recommended
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	11.9 lbs / 5.4 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #35 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Dynaudio Emit M10: $800

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows impressive, headphone-level distortion through the midrange and tweeter at 86dB SPL, with a well-executed port that keeps resonance low below the crossover. 28mm soft dome tweeter and 14cm MSP mid/bass driver.

Cons: Tuned toward a mild showroom sound with boosted upper bass and treble and a recessed midrange - the reviewer prefers speakers that get the 100Hz-3kHz range right, which this doesn’t. His verdict: cheaper speakers deliver much more balanced tonality, so he wouldn’t buy it for himself.

Full Dynaudio Emit M10 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	11.5"H x 6.7"W x 9.4"D (292 x 170 x 240 mm)
Drivers	28mm soft dome tweeter, 14cm MSP mid/bass driver
Frequency Response	50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	83.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Links
- Official Dynaudio Emit M10 Product Page
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Ranked #36 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC BS U5: $856 Discontinued

Pros: This slim three-way coaxial design (an Andrew Jones creation) shows a fairly even on-axis response up to 3kHz, with off-axis behavior notably smoother than the on-axis curve. Predicted in-room response looks like it should give good tonality. Vertical directivity is better than average, a benefit of the coaxial layout.

Cons: Distortion is very high right at both crossover points - around 270Hz (mid-range) and 2700Hz (tweeter) - at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m, exceeding 3% at the mid-range crossover. Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a possible resonance around 500Hz visible in the impedance/phase curve. Discontinued.

Full ELAC BS U5 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	13.4"H x 7"W x 11.5"D (339.1 x 178.0 x 293.1 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	1" tweeter + 5.25" woofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum)
Sensitivity	83dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	13.2 lbs / 6 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #39 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Dynaudio X14: $1500 Discontinued

Pros: 1” silk-dome tweeter and 5.7” magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer in a compact two-way stand-mount, rated at 85dB sensitivity.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven on-axis response from the lack of a waveguide to control tweeter beam width, plus a port resonance that boosts the lower midrange and imperfect crossover matching between the drivers. Too much energy in the lower and upper treble reads as bright, and directivity narrows at higher frequencies rather than staying controlled. The reviewer’s verdict: out of the box, the objective performance isn’t that great, though EQ can make it a satisfying speaker. Discontinued.

Full Dynaudio X14 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	11.2"H x 6.7"W x 10"D (285 x 170 x 255 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	1" silk dome tweeter, 5.7" magnesium-silicate-polymer woofer
Frequency Response	50Hz - 23kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Ranked #40 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod): $168

Pros: This is Dennis Murphy’s “Affordable Accuracy Monitor” (AAM) mod of the discontinued, budget Pioneer SP-BS22-LR: the stock tweeter is swapped for a Peerless BC25TG15 dome and a redesigned 3rd-order crossover is built to match it to the stock 4” woofer. CEA2034 spinorama shows only small variations from a flat on-axis response with some directivity error near the crossover, a marked improvement over the unmodified Pioneer, which the reviewer notes shows much more variation from flat. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is reasonably controlled above 200Hz, and tweeter distortion barely rises even at 96dB SPL/1m.

Cons: Some directivity error appears near the crossover frequency. Distortion climbs in the woofer’s range (below 200Hz) at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m. Minimum impedance dips to about 5 ohms with a couple of resonance peaks. This is a DIY project, not a finished retail product: Murphy sold ~$168 pre-built pairs for a while but no longer does, so it now requires sourcing a used/discontinued Pioneer SP-BS22-LR pair plus building the crossover and swapping the tweeter yourself. The mod itself is public domain, but there is no current turnkey way to buy this speaker.

Full Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod) review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Crossover Frequency	3000Hz
Dimensions	12.6"H x 7.1"W x 8.5"D (320.0 x 180.0 x 215.0 mm)
Drivers	1x 4" curvilinear-cone woofer (stock Pioneer), 1x Peerless BC25TG15 1" silk dome tweeter (replacement)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (approx. 5 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	83dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review)
Weight	9 lbs / 4.1 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #44 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52: $599.00 Amazon

Pros: Wide, smooth horizontal directivity - beamwidth holds to about ±60 degrees up to 8kHz before narrowing. Vertical directivity is substantially better than average, giving more listening-height leeway than most two-way bookshelf speakers.

Cons: Dipped 3db from 1.5-3khz. On-axis response shelves down above 1.5kHz along with multiple resonances, leading the reviewer to predict it will “likely sound dull.” Nasty resonance at 600hz - audible as an actual buzzing artifact on some recordings (the reviewer demonstrated it with an Eva Cassidy track), and it shows up as a sharp distortion spike exceeding 4% at 585Hz when driven to 96dB SPL/1m. Not recommended.

Full ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Crossover Frequency	200Hz / 2000Hz
Dimensions	13.6"H x 7.3"W x 10.8"D (346 x 185 x 275 mm)
Drivers	5.25" aluminum woofer, 4" aluminum midrange, 1" soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms
Power Handling	140W max
Sensitivity	83.3dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 85dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	7.7 lbs / 3.5 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Links
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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Ranked #45 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF Q100: $550 Discontinued

Pros: 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver keeps the tweeter and woofer point-source aligned for consistent imaging. 86dB sensitivity is reasonably easy to drive.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows broad, audible deviations from flat rather than narrow peaks: a lift from 700Hz-1.5kHz and again from 5kHz up, plus a cancellation notch around 1.4kHz from port/cabinet interaction. Bass sensitivity drops to about 80dB and impedance falls below 4 ohms in the bass, demanding a capable amplifier. The reviewer heard boomy, buzzing bass that improved somewhat with the port plugged, and could not recommend it, calling the famous reputation more about looks than sound. Discontinued.

Full KEF Q100 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	11.8"H x 7.1"W x 10.7"D (300 x 180 x 272 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	5.25" Uni-Q aluminum coaxial driver, 1" aluminum dome tweeter
Frequency Response	49Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	13 lbs / 5.9 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #46 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Q Acoustics 3020i: $314.99 Amazon

Pros: UK-designed (Finkteam) with attractive styling, including recessed binding posts and custom connectors. Vertical directivity is good enough that the tweeter doesn’t need to be exactly at ear level. With EQ correction, especially high-frequency shelving and a sub-40Hz high-pass filter, Amir found performance “improves substantially.”

Cons: On-axis response shows a rising upper-frequency trend and a dip in the 2-4kHz crossover region alongside two resonance-related dips; a significant resonance appears at 366Hz in the waterfall plot. Horizontal directivity is narrow and uneven due to a woofer/tweeter beamwidth mismatch. Amir cautions the speaker is “merely a distortion generator” if played too low, and its low impedance demands a quality amplifier. Without EQ, Amir “can’t recommend the Q Acoustics 3020i.”

Full Q Acoustics 3020i review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Crossover Frequency	2.4kHz
Dimensions	10.9"H x 6.7"W x 11.1"D (278 x 170 x 282 mm)
Drivers	125mm (5") bass driver, 22mm (0.9") tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum
Sensitivity	86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Weight	10.6 lbs / 4.8 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, reflex

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Ranked #47 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Zaph Audio ZA5.2 TM: $383 Madisoundspeakerstore

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly smooth on-axis response. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) is clean overall, with only minor lingering energy around 400-700Hz.

Cons: Predicted in-room response is tilted upward toward the treble, which the reviewer flagged as a likely audible brightness. Low sensitivity of about 82dB requires more amplifier gain than typical. Relative harmonic distortion is excessive in the low frequencies, climbing to 6-8% under a 10-volt test signal in the 60-150Hz region - notably worse than typical two-way designs in this price range. Impedance runs close to 7 ohms through much of the audible range, with additional peaks that make it a moderately demanding load for a low-sensitivity design. Vertical directivity narrows unevenly above about 1kHz, typical of this MTM-adjacent tweeter/woofer spacing.

Full Zaph Audio ZA5.2 TM review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	14"H x 8"W x 9.5"D (355.6 x 203.2 x 241.3 mm)
Drivers	5" ZA14W08 aluminum cone woofer, 1" DQ25SC16-04 titanium dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	82dB
Weight	9.3 lbs / 4.2 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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- Official Zaph Audio ZA5.2 TM Website
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Ranked #48 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Micca RB42: $159.99 Amazon

Pros: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a $400-500 speaker than a $150 one. Rated for a wide 15-100W amplifier range with 4-8 ohm compatibility, giving flexibility with modest amplification.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows significant peaks and valleys in the on-axis and listening-window response starting a few kHz up, with excess high-frequency energy the reviewer found fatiguing over time despite an initial impression of “detail.” Off-axis response diverges heavily from on-axis, meaning tonality shifts with room and listening position in ways EQ can’t correct. Distorts and the woofer visibly flaps under moderate volume; low 83dB sensitivity makes it a harder amplifier load than its size suggests.

Full Micca RB42 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - the reviewer noted an artificial boost around 100-300Hz, so true extension may be worse than this on-axis reading suggests
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - the reviewer noted an artificial boost around 100-300Hz, so true extension may be worse than this on-axis reading suggests
Dimensions	8.7H x 4.9W x 7.9D in
Drivers	4" coated paper woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter
Frequency Response	50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified, typical in-room)
Impedance	4-8 ohms
Power Handling	15-100W each
Sensitivity	80dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	6 lbs / 2.7 kg each (per retailer listing)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Ranked #50 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Verdant Audio Bambusa AL-1: $7000 Discontinued

Pros: Distortion above 100Hz stays close to the noise floor at 96dB SPL/1m, quite low for a compact two-way.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show too little bass output for its small 3” woofer, a real limitation for a $7,000/pair speaker. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall, including room modes) shows a number of resonances lingering through the bass and lower midrange. Overpriced for the performance and not recommended. Discontinued.

Full Verdant Audio Bambusa AL-1 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	42.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70.3Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	1" tweeter + 3" woofer
Sensitivity	86.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review)
Weight	31.3 lbs / 14.2 kg

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- Verdant Audio Bambusa AL-1 vs Q Acoustics 5020

Ranked #51 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL Stage A130: $399 Discontinued

Pros: More constant, better-behaved directivity than the smaller A120 once past the tweeter crossover point, giving a more consistent radiation pattern that likely explains some of its positive reception among other reviewers. Distortion at 96dB measures slightly better than a direct competitor (Emotiva Airmotiv B1+) in the low end, though slightly worse at high frequencies. The tweeter itself sounded decent to the reviewer, who considers it a reasonable value at its price point despite other reservations. Wide, well-filled horizontal radiation through the midrange.

Cons: Still shows the same underlying “Batman”-shaped response pattern as the A120: a bass bump, a midrange dip, a cabinet-resonance peak around 800Hz-1.7kHz (confirmed via accelerometer testing on the cabinet panels), and roughly a 5dB treble bump around 10kHz. Does not include a port bung, so sealed-cabinet listening requires DIY stuffing rather than a proper factory solution. The reviewer’s own measurements notably diverge from another well-known publication’s results on this same model, possibly reflecting a running production change, though this couldn’t be confirmed. Overall sound quality struck the reviewer as not a good-sounding speaker despite the more favorable measurements relative to the A120. Output-limited at extreme volumes (102dB), similar to its smaller sibling. Loses to the similarly-priced Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ in overall linearity and neutrality, according to the reviewer’s direct comparison. Discontinued.

Full JBL Stage A130 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	66Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	3.2kHz
Dimensions	12.6"H x 7.5"W x 9.1"D (321 x 190 x 230 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	5.25" (133mm) polycellulose woofer, 1" (25mm) aluminum dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, about 4.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.2dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	12 lbs / 5.45 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Ranked #52 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Fluance Signature HFS: $199.99 Amazon

Pros: Front-facing port and pre-installed wall-mount brackets make it flexible for bookshelf or surround/height duty. Distortion in the low end is well controlled per the measurements, and the glossy front baffle adds a touch of style well beyond the budget price.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows serious flaws in the midrange - both the direct sound and the directivity are compromised, a combination the reviewer flagged as poor for controlled listening tests. Multiple attempted EQ fixes “could not rescue” the sound, and the reviewer said the result was “close” to the lowest possible rating. Online reviews seeded by the company were positive; the reviewer’s measured and subjective experience was not.

Full Fluance Signature HFS review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	12.8H x 7.87W x 8.22D in
Drivers	1" neodymium silk dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled), 5" glass-fiber-treated woofer (butyl rubber surround)
Impedance	8 ohms
Power Handling	30-120W recommended
Sensitivity	86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	9.7 lbs each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Ranked #53 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL Control 1 Pro: $164 Parts Express

Pros: Magnetically shielded transducers and a rugged molded enclosure make it a durable choice for wall-mount or install use, with SonicGuard overload protection built into the crossover. Feels solidly built despite the low price, and the professional crossover network uses steep slopes.

Cons: Sound power and predicted in-room response measurements are badly uneven compared to the JBL 305P Mark II tested alongside it, with no waveguide to control directivity as the woofer beams before handing off to the tweeter. The reviewer performed no distortion or dedicated listening test on this unit and concluded he didn’t “think there is a reason to purchase it” over a proper studio monitor at a similar price.

Full JBL Control 1 Pro review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	9.3H x 6.3W x 5.6D in
Drivers	5.25" low frequency driver, 0.75" polycarbonate dome tweeter
Frequency Response	80Hz - 20kHz -10dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms
Power Handling	150W
Sensitivity	87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	4 lbs / 1.8 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

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- Official JBL Control 1 Pro Product Page
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Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #54 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Polk T15: $149.00 Amazon

Pros: Extremely affordable 2-way design that actually measured better at +/-20 degrees vertical off-axis than directly on-axis. In near-field desktop use, the reviewer found the T15 “didn’t sound that horrible,” partly because nearby desk reflections mask the frequency response dip.

Cons: Spinorama analysis reveals what Amir called a “horrific drop in upper mids/lower treble region of 3 to 6 kHz,” likely from tweeter-woofer phase cancellation directly on-axis. Measured impedance ranges from 4-8 ohms, contradicting the specified 6-8 ohm range, and there’s a distortion peak around 400Hz. On- and off-axis response “vary a ton,” making listening position unusually important. The reviewer recommends saving up for the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR instead: “I can’t justify recommending the Polk T15 even though subjective performance was not horrible.”

Full Polk T15 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	58.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	88.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	10.63H x 6.5W x 7.25D in
Drivers	0.75" tweeter, 5.25" woofer
Frequency Response	60Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Weight	8.2 lbs / 3.74 kg each

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Ranked #55 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000: $249.00 Amazon

Pros: Bass distortion is well controlled per the measurements, and the slow bass rolloff means it can be pushed fairly hard for its size. Ships with a footer that keeps the small cabinet planted despite its light weight.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows severely reduced bass energy between 40-120Hz, a directivity mismatch between the tweeter and woofer, and a severe resonance/interference issue around 14kHz. Distortion at 96dB SPL was so bad the reviewer limited testing to 86dB. Direct comparison to a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR left the reviewer calling the $500/pair ProMonitor 1000 “a bad experiment that should be forgotten” and concluding “there is nothing Pro about it.”

Full Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	95Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	10.88H x 6.25W x 6.5D in
Drivers	1" aluminum dome tweeter, 5.25" BDSS mid/woofer, 5.25" planar bass radiator
Frequency Response	47Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	86dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - reviewer noted this vs. a manufacturer spec of 91dB)
Weight	7.3 lbs / 3.29 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

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Ranked #56 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Sehlin Helium: $140

Pros: An entire pair of drivers and crossover parts costs about $140, with a Parts Express flat-pack enclosure keeping the build simple - genuinely small enough to fit in the palm of a hand.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows an uneven response that the designer’s own re-measurements confirmed rather than explained away as error. The reviewer described the sound as muffled, boomy, and gritty even up close, concluding “this is a failing attempt” relative to larger designs. Maximum output is limited to about 80dB SPL, well below normal listening levels for most rooms.

Full Sehlin Helium review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	approx. 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - low confidence - this tiny single-driver design has a highly irregular response with a deep notch around 30Hz, not a simple monotonic rolloff
Bass Extension (-3dB)	approx. 170Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - low confidence - this tiny single-driver design has a highly irregular response with a deep notch around 30Hz, not a simple monotonic rolloff
Dimensions	6.5W x 4.5H x 5D in (0.04 cu. ft. enclosure)
Drivers	Dayton Audio ND91-4 3.5" full-range driver (single-driver design)
Sensitivity	approx. 82dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - low confidence, irregular response with no clear flat region)
Weight	not published (DIY kit)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

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Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sehlin Helium vs Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000

Ranked #57 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Sierra Luna: $1,176 discontinued, superseded by Luna V2

Pros: Ribbon tweeter and a dense, low-resonance bamboo cabinet give it well-controlled horizontal directivity, since the driver sizes blend together effectively. Solid build quality and impressive power handling for such a compact enclosure.

Cons: Dramatic peaks in the bass region around 400Hz, 800Hz, and 1.2kHz - Amir questioned, “A woofer doesn’t dance up and down so sharply by itself in a few hundred hertz?” The port resonates excessively, actually exceeding the woofer’s own output and creating problematic bass “horns.” Measured sensitivity of 80.9dB falls well short of the 83dB spec, requiring about 6dB more amplifier gain than typical speakers. Vertical directivity is poor, making tweeter-height listening position critical. Initial impressions were bright and fatiguing; even after aggressive EQ, Amir called the result “still a bit too bright but much more manageable” and could not recommend the speaker standalone.

Full Ascend Sierra Luna review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	52.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	88.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	10.5H x 5.75W x 6D in
Drivers	Custom RAAL true ribbon tweeter (10mm), 4.5" long-throw dual compliant CURV woofer
Frequency Response	60Hz - 27kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	80.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 83dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	9 lbs / 4.1 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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- Ascend Sierra Luna vs Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR

Ranked #58 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR: $749 pair, discontinued

Pros: Unique dual-driver design combines a front-facing 3-way speaker with an up-firing 2-way Dolby Atmos coaxial driver in one cabinet, designed by Andrew Jones. With corrective EQ applied, the reviewer found “substantially more brilliance and detail,” and the up-firing Atmos driver produced “remarkable” spatial effects from a single box.

Cons: A wide dip between 3-10kHz makes the front speaker sound “somewhat dull” without EQ, and impedance dips below 4 ohms demand a capable amplifier. Distortion is elevated at the crossover points, around 180Hz and 2600Hz. Amir concluded: “The hole in frequency response and high distortion around the crossover point rule out this speaker for any kind of hifi use, certainly at these prices.” Long discontinued.

Full Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73-LR review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	45.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	15.7H x 7.4W x 9.7D in
Drivers	5.25" aluminum-cone woofer, 2x 4" aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 1" silk dome tweeter (front 3-way + up-firing 2-way Atmos coaxial)
Impedance	below 4 ohms minimum
Sensitivity	85dB (manufacturer specified)
Weight	15.7 lbs / 7.1 kg each

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Ranked #61 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch R-41M: $149.00 Amazon

Pros: Binding posts are unusually nice for the price point, and impedance is well controlled in the bass, easing the load on the amplifier. The horn-loaded tweeter can play loud without strain.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a sharp, prominent peak around 1kHz that the reviewer compared to “Pinocchio’s nose,” plus poor directivity that makes the off-axis sound diverge sharply from on-axis. Sensitivity is only 85dB through most of the music-energy range despite Klipsch’s horn-loaded reputation for efficiency. In an A/B against a $118/pair Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, the R-41M had “no bass” and all mid-to-treble energy; the reviewer’s verdict was “please avoid the Klipsch R-41M unless you just want a speaker as an ornament.”

Full Klipsch R-41M review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	11.3H x 5.75W x 7.9D in
Drivers	4" spun-copper IMG woofer, 1" Tractrix horn-loaded aluminum dome tweeter
Frequency Response	68Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (per spec; measured lower)
Power Handling	50W RMS / 200W peak
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured)
Weight	7 lbs / 3.18 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #62 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - PMC twenty.21: $2,000 discontinued, superseded by twenty5.21

Pros: Transmission-line loaded design with a proprietary PMC/SEAS SONOLEX soft dome tweeter and doped mid/bass driver, reflecting PMC’s high-end British studio-monitor pedigree.

Cons: Amir was blunt: “The PMC Twenty.21 is a failure in design,” asking, “Did different people design different parts of the speaker and never talked to each other?” On-axis response is highly problematic, and the lack of a tweeter waveguide causes severe beamwidth compression that makes the speaker highly room-sensitive. Dual bass peaks indicate improper port tuning, with the port bump at 100Hz compounding rather than compensating for existing woofer peaks. Distortion is elevated throughout, spiking further at 96dB SPL near 200Hz from port noise. Initial listening was “screechy bright” enough to trigger the reviewer’s tinnitus, with harsh, lispy vocals and tubby, unnatural bass; only heavy manual EQ made it acceptable. At $2,000, Amir suspects the tuning was done “by ear” rather than with measurements.

Full PMC twenty.21 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	48.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	12.8"H x 6"W x 10.9"D (325 x 152 x 277 mm) (+6mm grille)
Drivers	5.5" (140mm) doped mid/bass driver with cast alloy chassis, 27mm PMC/SEAS SONOLEX soft dome tweeter (ferrofluid cooled)
Frequency Response	50Hz - 25kHz, +/-4.4dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	83dB (1W/1m, manufacturer specified)
Weight	11 lbs / 5 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	transmission line, 1.72m effective length

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Links
- Archived Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- PMC twenty.21 vs Ascend Sierra Luna Duo
- PMC twenty.21 vs Klipsch R-41M

Ranked #63 of 63 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Sierra Luna Duo: $1,624 discontinued, superseded by Luna Duo V2

Pros: Adding a second Luna woofer improves efficiency and reduces distortion versus the standard Sierra Luna, and the RAAL ribbon tweeter carries over. Flexible orientation lets it work vertically as a main/LCR speaker or horizontally as a center channel.

Cons: Amir called it “one of the worse measuring and sounding [speakers] I have tested out of near 100 this year” and stated he “can not in any form or fashion recommend the Ascend Sierra Luna Duo.” On-axis response shows significant midrange irregularities, off-axis performance is uneven, and the port design creates notable frequency response disturbances. Vertical directivity has an extremely narrow optimal listening window. The reviewer noted a stark contrast with the Revel M105, which showed clearly superior tonality and clarity.

Full Ascend Sierra Luna Duo review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	52.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Drivers	Custom RAAL true ribbon tweeter, dual 4.5" long-throw dual compliant CURV woofers
Sensitivity	84.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ascend Sierra Luna Duo vs PMC twenty.21

Large Size Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #9 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Revel M106: Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response with no obvious resonances, and a listening window that sits comfortably above the on-axis curve. Predicted in-room response is called “near ideal” by the reviewer, with a smooth downward slope from bass to treble. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays well controlled through the midrange and treble.

Cons: Some directivity error and response variation shows up in the crossover region. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is on the narrower side. Vertical directivity requires staying within about ±20 degrees of the reference axis for accurate tonal balance. Minimum impedance dips to 4.6 ohms with several peaks, a moderately demanding load for a compact bookshelf speaker. Discontinued.

Full Revel M106 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	15"H x 8.3"W x 11"D (381.0 x 210.8 x 279.4 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	6.5" (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofer, 1" (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	86dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #12 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - AsciLab F6B: $980 Ascilab

Pros: Called by the reviewer the best sub-$1000 pair of speakers he’s come across to date. Very good on-axis linearity and directivity for the price, with a large waveguide-loaded 1” aluminum dome tweeter that keeps a two-way design well-behaved through the crossover. Nice midbass punch from a slightly undersized enclosure alignment that gives kick drums extra impact. Solid, unfussy tonal balance overall.

Cons: A mild sibilance-inducing lift around 6-8kHz, most noticeable on female vocals, paired with a shallow dip in the upper midrange - correctable with a simple 3-band EQ the reviewer provided. In-room bass extension is only about 50-60Hz despite a 6” woofer, trading some low-end reach for that extra midbass punch. Compression and graininess creep in at higher volumes (upper 80s to low 90s dB at 10ft), and directivity (~50-60 degrees horizontal) is narrower than the reviewer’s other current favorite, the Audio First Cadentia 3.

Full AsciLab F6B review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	56Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1000Hz
Dimensions	15.7" x 8" x 10.4" (400 x 203 x 265 mm)
Drivers	1" aluminum dome tweeter, 6" fiber cone woofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	up to 125W
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	16.5 lbs / 7.5 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	Passive radiator loaded

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Ranked #15 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF R3: $2,200/pair Amazon

Pros: True three-way stand-mount with a 6.5-inch woofer below KEF’s 5-inch Uni-Q midrange/1-inch tweeter. Erin measured approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, exceptionally low sub-1% distortion at 86dB and orderly directivity in both planes. The coaxial geometry maintains image stability across seats, while Flexible Port Technology avoids the strong midrange port resonance common to rear-vented competitors. A 110W Parasound drove it successfully in Erin’s listening.

Cons: The low-frequency alignment rolls gradually rather than delivering high-output sub-bass; KEF specifies 58Hz +/-3dB and Erin’s high-level data supports using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Narrow high-frequency features and natural Uni-Q narrowing toward the top octave make toe angle audible, although off-axis tracking remains smooth. Sensitivity is moderate, the cabinet weighs almost 30 lb, and this original R3 lacks the Meta successor’s MAT absorber.

Full KEF R3 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin's measured roll-off)
Dimensions	16.6"H x 7.9"W x 13.2"D
Drivers	1" tweeter coaxial with 5" midrange; 6.5" woofer
Impedance	8 ohms nominal; suitable for Erin's 4/8-ohm-rated amplifier
Sensitivity	Approximately 86-87dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear Flexible Port

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Ranked #18 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - AsciLab A6B Passive: 3790 EUR/pair Audiophonics

Pros: A Purifi 6.5 inch aluminum cone woofer works with two side mounted passive radiators and a Klippel NFS optimized crossover to reach a measured 41.0Hz extension point with an on axis slope of just -0.10dB per octave, essentially flat. On axis deviation measures 0.071dB average, the tightest figure of any speaker added to this catalog from spinorama.org’s current measurement set. Listening window smoothness (0.60) sits in line with AsciLab’s other highly rated bookshelf models already in this catalog.

Cons: 4 ohm nominal impedance and 82dB sensitivity call for a robust amplifier. AsciLab and its resellers frequently list the A6B as sold out or preorder only, and reported prices vary widely by source and region, from roughly $2,900 to over $3,900 per pair, so confirm the current listing before buying. Tweeter material is described inconsistently between sources (alumina ceramic dome versus an SB Acoustics unit), worth verifying directly with a reseller if that detail matters to you.

Full AsciLab A6B Passive review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	41.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	South Korea
Crossover Points	1kHz
Dimensions	15.9"H x 8.7"W x 11.8"D (405 x 220 x 300 mm) (15.9 x 8.7 x 11.8 in)
Drivers	1" dome tweeter, 6.5" Purifi aluminum cone woofer, 2x 6.5" Purifi passive radiators
Enclosure	sealed with passive radiators
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Max SPL	102dB full bandwidth, 106dB above 100Hz
Sensitivity	82dB @ 2.83V/1m
Warranty	2 years
Weight	27.1 lbs / 12.3 kg (27 lbs) each

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Links
- AsciLab A6B Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- AsciLab A6B Passive vs Epos ES14N

Ranked #20 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - AsciLab F6Bs: 799 EUR/pair Audiophonics

Pros: A slimmer, sealed, VESA 100 wall mountable variant of AsciLab’s F6B, trading the F6B’s passive radiator for a shallower 15.4cm deep cabinet that can go straight on a wall bracket. The sound power directivity index has the tightest standard deviation, 3.32, of anything in this batch of new additions, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response unusually consistently for a sealed 2-way this size, and on axis deviation measures a clean 0.25dB average.

Cons: AsciLab’s own site shows the F6Bs sold out, though it remains in stock through resellers like Audiophonics and Tested Audio. Bass extension is measured at 82.0Hz at -3dB, noticeably less than the passive radiator equipped F6B, and listening window smoothness measures only a moderate 0.39. The 4 ohm nominal impedance calls for a reasonably capable amplifier.

Full AsciLab F6Bs review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	50.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82.0Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	South Korea
Crossover Points	1kHz
Dimensions	14.5"H x 8"W x 6.1"D (368 x 203 x 154 mm) (14.5 x 8.0 x 6.1 in)
Drivers	1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug, 6" fiber cone woofer
Enclosure	sealed
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum
Max SPL	100dB full bandwidth, 102dB above 100Hz
Mounting	VESA 100 wall mount compatible
Sensitivity	85.2dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, Audio Science Review)
Warranty	2 years
Weight	12.3 lbs / 5.6 kg (12.3 lbs) each

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Links
- AsciLab F6Bs Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- AsciLab F6Bs vs Epos ES14N

Ranked #27 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Buchardt Audio S400: €1,800 Discontinued Buchardt Audio

Pros: Compact passive design with a 6-inch aluminum woofer, rear passive radiator and waveguided 0.74-inch tweeter positioned below the woofer. Erin measured F3/F10 at 53Hz/38Hz, approximately 86dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity and smooth, broad horizontal directivity. The waveguide controls crossover handoff effectively, the passive radiator avoids port chuffing, and Erin heard no objectionable narrow-band distortion despite excellent extension for the enclosure volume.

Cons: The impedance reaches 3.7 ohms (Erin), so a genuinely four-ohm-stable separate amplifier is recommended rather than a basic AVR. Low-frequency distortion naturally rises at high output and the compact woofer cannot supply theater-level deep bass; crossing to a subwoofer protects headroom. Erin measured narrow distortion features above 8-9kHz and vertical lobing outside the intended axis. This is the original S400, distinct from the S400 MKII already ranked. Discontinued.

Full Buchardt Audio S400 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	0.74" waveguided tweeter; 6" aluminum woofer
Impedance	3.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	Approximately 86dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed with rear passive radiator

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Ranked #34 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Selah Audio Integrity: $750

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a very good overall on-axis response with wide, even beamwidth and directivity through the midrange from its 3-way design. Nominal impedance sits around 5.5 ohms, an easier load than many small speakers. A tribute design to DIY speaker builder Jeff Bagby, priced at $750 per pair as a kit.

Cons: A dip/perturbation around 1.7kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements, correlating with a matching midrange distortion peak at the same frequency. Very inefficient, requiring more amplifier power for the same volume. Susceptible to subsonic content, which can cause massive distortion without a high-pass filter. Requires building the cabinets and installing the drivers yourself.

Full Selah Audio Integrity review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	not published (DIY kit)
Drivers	Dayton Esoteric woofer, SB Acoustics midrange, tweeter, rear oval passive radiator (3-way)
Impedance	5.5 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	80.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	not published (DIY kit)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed with passive radiator

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Selah Audio Integrity vs Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2
- Selah Audio Integrity vs Philharmonic BMR (v1)

Ranked #39 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL HDI-1600: $1980 Discontinued Crutchfield

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is very flat in the critical mid-to-upper frequencies, with a slight bass boost that should have a good subjective effect and very smooth early-window directivity. Predicted in-room response in a simulated average listening room closely tracks the reviewer’s own preferred target curve.

Cons: A dip appears above 10kHz on-axis. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some messiness around the crossover along with a 700Hz resonance. Harmonic distortion rises to nearly 2% right at the 1.9kHz crossover point at 96dB SPL/1m. Discontinued.

Full JBL HDI-1600 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	14.6"H x 9.1"W x 11.4"D (370.0 x 230.0 x 288.9 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	1" tweeter + 6.5" woofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (measured, Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	53.4 lbs / 24.2 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #41 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Revel Concerta2 M16: about $600 used

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an on-axis response that’s essentially flat from 200Hz to 10kHz, with some bass boost around 100Hz. Predicted in-room response is very nice, with just extra bass and a bit of roll-off above 20kHz - the reviewer calls it “nice!” Distortion is well controlled through most of the range at both test levels.

Cons: Harmonic distortion shows a notable peak around 80Hz and a sharp spike around 350Hz, plus the woofer appears to get a bit unhappy right before handing off to the tweeter. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows some lingering resonances in the 300Hz-1kHz region. The reviewer cautions not to over-cover the cabinet/grille area with thin fabric, as it can audibly affect the top-end response.

Full Revel Concerta2 M16 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	41.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	14.8"H x 8.6"W x 10.8"D (374.7 x 218.4 x 273.3 mm)
Drivers	25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	86dB
Weight	32 lbs / 14.5 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #46 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC DBR62: $678.97 Amazon Crutchfield

Pros: Two-way design with a 6.5” woofer and 1” dome tweeter in a shallow waveguide, with the tweeter positioned close to the woofer for near-point-source coherence - giving more vertical listening leeway than typical two-ways. Notably forgiving of placement and aiming: sounds good from directly on-axis all the way to 30° of toe-out (parallel with the rear wall), making it more room-independent than many speakers this price. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±70° until the tweeter starts beaming, right in the reviewer’s preferred sweet spot. A mild, wide-Q bass bump centered around 100Hz adds a bit of extra punch that the reviewer personally likes. On-axis linearity within about ±2.5dB, with a strong measured preference score of 5.3. Distortion stays below 3% at both 86dB and 96dB until around 50Hz. Vertical sweet spot of about ±10-20° works well for multi-row home theater seating. The reviewer calls it “the epitome of a good speaker” for its price, with no reservations recommending it.

Cons: A slight recess in the 1-2kHz region reduces vocal presence somewhat compared to other speakers in direct comparison. A mild hot spot around 4-5kHz can read as slight sibilance when pointed directly on-axis. Low-to-mid sensitivity (about 84.3dB) combined with a current draw that behaves like roughly 2.4 ohms between 100-200Hz means it’s best driven by a dedicated 4-ohm-capable amplifier rather than an AVR. A diffraction dip from the baffle edge is visible in measurements - typical of any standard rectangular-baffle speaker and not correctable without a much more expensive curved-baffle design. Multitone distortion testing suggests some potential midrange distortion could be audible on certain material, though the reviewer didn’t personally notice it. Minor resonances appear around 700Hz and 1-1.5kHz, possibly tied to the enclosure, port, or cone/surround edge termination, though their audible impact appears minimal. F3 of 53Hz means a subwoofer is still needed for real bass extension below about 40Hz.

Full ELAC DBR62 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	14.1"H x 8.2"W x 10.8"D (358.1 x 208.3 x 274.3 mm)
Drivers	6.5" Aramid Fiber woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.2 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.3dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	18.1 lbs / 8.2 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Ranked #48 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Definitive Technology Demand D11: $999 Discontinued Amazon

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a mostly flat, well-controlled response - close to class-leading if not for one narrow resonance. Distortion is well controlled and the deep cabinet lets it play loud without bottoming out except on the deepest bass content. Cabinet construction and finish are a clear step above budget speakers.

Cons: A narrow but real ~600Hz jaggy shows up consistently in on-axis and off-axis measurements. Horizontal directivity is uneven because of the offset tweeter position, giving the left and right channels slightly different off-axis energy. There’s a low-frequency rattle/noise at very deep bass levels the reviewer called “horrendous.” Discontinued; the Demand series has moved on to newer models. Discontinued.

Full Definitive Technology Demand D11 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	13H x 7.25W x 12.5D in
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	6.5" BDSS polypropylene woofer, 1" aluminum dome tweeter (offset), 6x10" oval passive radiator
Frequency Response	48Hz - 24kHz (61Hz - 22kHz -3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Power Handling	20-200W recommended
Sensitivity	87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	17 lbs each
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

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Ranked #49 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Technics SB-C700: $1,699.00 Value Electronics USA Tube Audio

Pros: Distinctive coincident “Phase Precision Driver”: a 1.9cm dome tweeter mounted at the exact acoustic center of a 16cm flat-diaphragm carbon-fiber/honeycomb-sandwich woofer, giving true point-source geometry. Directivity is unusually symmetric front-to-back and top-to-bottom (both horizontal and vertical average exactly 60°) and spdi_stddev (3.09) is tight for the passive-large tier. Die-cast aluminum chassis and a high-gloss convex “Entasis form” cabinet with side panels up to 42mm thick for extra rigidity.

Cons: 85dB sensitivity paired with a 4-ohm nominal impedance wants a fairly capable amplifier. Bass extension is shallow relative to its 6.5”-class woofer at -3dB (85.0Hz), though it reaches a more usable 40.5Hz at -10dB - a fairly steep low-end rolloff shape once past the reference band. At $1,699.99/pair, some in the ASR community have questioned the value proposition against similarly-measuring alternatives at lower prices.

Full Technics SB-C700 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	40.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Dimensions	8.7" x 13.2" x 11.3" (220 x 336 x 286 mm) (8.7 x 13.2 x 11.3 in) each
Drivers	Coaxial "Phase Precision Driver": 1.9cm dome tweeter + 16cm flat-diaphragm woofer
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m)
Weight	18.7 lbs / 8.5 kg (18.7 lb) each
Woofer Cabinet	Bass reflex

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Links
- Official Technics SB-C700 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
- Reddit Search for Technics SB-C700 Review
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #51 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod: $346.74 for the kit (assembly required) Amazon

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a mostly smooth on-axis response for a DIY three-way kit. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±70 degrees is wide and consistent. Distortion stays under control down to 40Hz at 96dB SPL/1m, a strong result for a 6.5” woofer in this class.

Cons: Some directivity error appears around 2.1kHz on-axis. Predicted in-room response needs about 1-2dB of correction to fit an ideal target curve. Vertical directivity is just okay, so listening height matters more than with a coincident design. Minimum impedance dips to 3.8 ohms with several peaks, a moderately demanding load. Requires DIY assembly (kit only), with additional Sehlin-mod parts and labor beyond the base kit price.

Full HiVi Swans 3.1A Sehlin Sound Solutions mod review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	16.5"H x 8.5"W x 13"D (420.0 x 215.0 x 330.0 mm)
Drivers	6.5" Kevlar woofer, 2" Dome midrange, 1" Soft Dome tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	86.5dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	13.7 lbs / 6.2 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #52 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - SVS Ultra Bookshelf: $1,200 Amazon

Pros: Noticeably more tonally neutral than the cheaper SVS Prime Bookshelf, with response staying within about -3dB/+1.5dB on average - a genuine step up in linearity for roughly double the price. Slightly higher sensitivity than the Prime (about 87.8dB) with similarly wide, consistent horizontal radiation. Toeing the speakers out about 30 degrees smooths the in-room response nicely if the on-axis tonal balance runs a bit forward for your taste. Distortion and dynamics hold up well; this is a mature, well-regarded design (roughly a decade old at review time) that’s aged better than many contemporaries.

Cons: Still has a boosted upper mid-range/mid-range area, though less severe than the Prime - the reviewer suspects a baffle-step or tweeter-level issue rather than a resonance, giving mixes a slightly forward, occasionally tinny character. Bass extension is modest for the price (F3 69Hz, F10 48Hz measured) - SVS is clearly counting on you pairing this with one of their subwoofers rather than expecting full-range performance from the bookshelf alone. Measured minimum impedance dips to about 3.8 ohms, so a 4-ohm-stable amplifier is recommended rather than a basic 8-ohm-only AVR. Radiation pattern is wide (around 80°), wider than the reviewer’s typical ~60° sweet spot preference, so acoustic treatment on nearby walls helps tame reflections and keep the off-axis response from diverging too much from on-axis.

Full SVS Ultra Bookshelf review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	48Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	69Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	14.9"H x 8.5"W x 10"D
Drivers	6.5" composite glass fiber cone woofer, 1" aluminum dome tweeter
Frequency Response	45Hz - 32kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	20-150W
Sensitivity	87.8dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	19 lbs each

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Ranked #56 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Infinity Reference R162: $500 Discontinued Bhphotovideo

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows good directivity with wide, consistent horizontal and vertical response, and blended early reflections that need little room treatment. 1” CMMD waveguide tweeter and 6.5” CMMD woofer, 85.5dB sensitivity.

Cons: Elevated output above 3kHz adds brightness, with a resonance around 700Hz and some distortion near the crossover point. EQ or a simple inline tweeter resistor can tame the treble; the reviewer still called it a very enjoyable system for the price. Discontinued.

Full Infinity Reference R162 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	15.5"H x 7.9"W x 11.2"D (394 x 200 x 285 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	1" CMMD tweeter with waveguide, 6.5" CMMD woofer
Frequency Response	49Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	17.6 lbs / 8 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Ranked #62 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Behringer B2030P: $220 Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows strong horizontal directivity control, keeping the response nearly constant off-axis through most of the audible spectrum, with a wide beamwidth that eases seating position and toe-in requirements. Distortion measurements hold up well against the pricier Revel M106 at both 86dB and 106dB SPL. With EQ to tame a resonance around 800Hz and a bit of a bass fill, the reviewer called it a “winner” that could play loud without bottoming out.

Cons: A resonance around 800Hz shows up clearly in the on-axis response and the waterfall/CSD plot, and the flat, near-horizontal predicted in-room response makes it sound bright without an equalization target curve. Vertical directivity is only typical, not exceptional. Long discontinued - the reviewer noted you’ll have to hunt for a used pair. Discontinued.

Full Behringer B2030P review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	79Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	12.5H x 8.4W x 8.3D in
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	6.75" woofer, 0.75" ferrofluid-cooled tweeter
Frequency Response	75Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Power Handling	up to 100W
Sensitivity	84.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	15.4 lbs / 7.0 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, vertical slot

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #63 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - GR-Research X-LS Encore: $1300 Gr-research

Pros: An amazing value, especially if you managed to snag one of these built by AV123 in the early 2000s for $200-300. CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response, especially in the listening window. Predicted in-room response is generally smooth and on-target. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is pretty clean above 200Hz.

Cons: 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. Vertical directivity requires staying within about 20 degrees of the tweeter axis. At 96dB SPL/1m distortion becomes “rather unhappy,” with bass distortion, a possible woofer issue around 2kHz, and a tweeter problem above 7kHz. As a DIY kit, it requires building the cabinet and crossover yourself.

Full GR-Research X-LS Encore review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	13.5"H x 8.5"W x 12.1"D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm)
Drivers	6.5" Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1" Peerless India T26SG tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	17 lbs / 7.7 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Ranked #64 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Infinity IL10: $160 used, Discontinued

Pros: Impressively flat for a budget bookshelf. Predicted in-room response is good aside from a bit of excess energy here and there. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays low and controlled outside two narrow resonance-driven peaks.

Cons: Resonances at 600 and 5khz, which show up as distinct distortion spikes at 96dB SPL/1m in the same frequency regions. Discontinued.

Full Infinity IL10 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	15.6"H x 8.5"W x 11.5"D (397.0 x 216.0 x 292.0 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	6.5" (165mm) woofer
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	86dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	14.3 lbs / 6.5 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #67 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2: $329.00 Amazon Crutchfield

Pros: Reasonably flat on-axis and listening-window response with reasonably even horizontal directivity, holding about ±60° up to roughly 8kHz for consistent stereo width whether aimed directly at the listener or toed out. Its larger-than-typical woofer lets it play very loud with minimal distortion, staying under about 1% THD down to 50Hz at 86dB, and minimum impedance stays a comfortable 5-6 ohms. In-room bass extension reaches about 50Hz without much trouble, enough for a solid kick-drum sound. Takes equalization very well - correcting the on-axis response doesn’t cost sensitivity through the midrange, and the underlying directivity behavior (diffraction, vertical mismatch) is mild enough that EQ alone gets most of the way to a well-balanced sound. Vertical tolerance is asymmetric and fairly forgiving: about 10° above the tweeter axis and 20° below it before tonal balance meaningfully shifts. One reviewer called it “a good speaker” with “a good price” rather than just good-for-the-price, and found it fairly neutral overall in-room.

Cons: A good size resonant peak around 700Hz stands out from an otherwise smooth response and lingers in cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) measurements - in one reviewer’s sighted A/B test, reducing it by about 5dB via EQ made a noticeable but not dramatic difference. Directivity error shows up around 3.3kHz, and the upper-midrange around 4-6kHz stood out as edgy and sharp, almost sibilant at times, in casual listening - the predicted in-room response shows a lack of energy between 1-2kHz and a bit too much above that, which one reviewer thought would sound bright. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m shows two harmonic peaks the reviewer says “should not be there,” one from woofer breakup around 400Hz and another around 7-8kHz from the tweeter, and multitone distortion approaches 10% in the 500-800Hz range at that output level. Real compression shows up even at moderate volume and worsens at 96dB and above, with the woofer clearly giving up around 60-70Hz - a subwoofer is recommended for anyone wanting to listen loud, since running it full-range at high output costs real dynamic range in the midbass and bass. Don’t place it close to a wall - boundary reinforcement adds a midbass bump that undoes the otherwise smooth, linear response. Getting the best out of it takes EQ (taming the 700Hz peak, filling in the 1-2kHz dip, and trimming the highs).

Full ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	14.8"H x 7.7"W x 10.6"D (375.0 x 195.0 x 268.0 mm)
Drivers	25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.5dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	29.1 lbs / 13.2 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Ranked #72 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Focal Aria 906: $2,199.00 used, Discontinued Amazon

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows very flat bass response, with the reviewer rating overall performance “good.” Predicted in-room response is almost perfect prior to 1kHz. Horizontal dispersion of about ±60 degrees is good and stays even out to about -12dB before getting erratic. Woofer distortion is quite low at 86dB SPL/1m.

Cons: 3dB dip around 2.8khz. Some resonance around 800hz, small directivity error around 7khz. A dip in the upper midrange also shows up in the predicted in-room response. Distortion becomes problematic at 96dB SPL/1m, with a notable peak around 1.3-1.5kHz alongside broader midrange elevation. Discontinued.

Full Focal Aria 906 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	47Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	63Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	15.4"H x 8.9"W x 11"D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	26mm tweeter + 165mm mid-woofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (4.8 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.5dB (measured average, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	39.9 lbs / 18.1 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Ranked #73 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Revel Performa M22: About $600 used

Pros: Very flat frequency response from 200hz to 10khz. Distortion is well controlled through most of the range, with only a modest crossover-region bump around 2-4kHz.

Cons: 3dB bass boost around 100hz. On-axis response also droops below 150Hz and peaks above 4kHz, which the reviewer thought may sound a bit bright/light. Distortion rises substantially below 100Hz when driven hard.

Full Revel Performa M22 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	14.5"H x 8.6"W x 11.9"D (368.3 x 219.1 x 301.6 mm)
Drivers	25mm tweeter + 200mm woofer
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	85dB
Weight	41.7 lbs / 18.9 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #76 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL XPL-90: $1,298 used, discontinued (vintage, late 1980s)

Pros: Nearly ruler-flat on-axis response up to 1kHz with even horizontal directivity until the tweeter beams above 10kHz. The reviewer found real strength with vocals and simpler instrumentation, calling it “the first speaker I have liked that has some clear response errors” and “an enjoyable speaker” despite the flaws. Titanium tweeter and internal Monster cable wiring reflect JBL’s higher-end late-1980s engineering.

Cons: Crossover region peaking around 3kHz and treble peaking above 10kHz color the top end, and poor vertical directivity means the tweeter needs to be at ear level. Distortion rises at 96dB SPL, especially around 3kHz. Long discontinued; only available on the used market.

Full JBL XPL-90 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	48.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	77.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	15.5"H x 9.5"W x 9.8"D (394 x 241 x 248 mm)
Drivers	6.5" bass/mid driver, 1" titanium dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms
Power Handling	100W nominal, 400W max
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	20.1 lbs / 9.1 kg each

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #81 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF Q350: $699.00 Discontinued Amazon

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a reasonably flat on-axis response with excellent directivity, aided by the coaxial Uni-Q driver. Vertical directivity is better than most non-coaxial two-way speakers, another benefit of the concentric design.

Cons: Two resonances at 700Hz and 1.2kHz show up on-axis, alongside an upper-bass boost. Predicted in-room response looks a bit boomy as a result. Distortion climbs substantially in the 100Hz-1kHz range at 96dB SPL/1m, with a distinct resonance-driven peak around 900Hz-1kHz at both test levels. Discontinued.

Full KEF Q350 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	14.1"H x 8.3"W x 12"D (358.0 x 210.0 x 306.0 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	25mm tweeter + 165mm woofer
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	86dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	29.5 lbs / 13.4 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #83 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch RP-600M: $343.22 Discontinued Amazon

Pros: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated RP-600M II - as you move side-to-side, the tonal character changes less, a genuine advantage for off-axis listening consistency. Takes exceptionally well to EQ correction (miniDSP or similar), letting a knowledgeable owner fix its tonal shortcomings without needing to upgrade. Standard 6.5” woofer/horn-tweeter two-way design with reasonably gradual bass rolloff (F3 ~70Hz, F10 ~40Hz) rather than a steep vented-enclosure cutoff.

Cons: A strong, annoying resonance in the lower vocal range around 300Hz stands out clearly (though it can be EQ’d out). Overall tonal balance is notably less neutral than the newer RP-600M II, with a roughly 3-4dB suckout in the estimated in-room response. The waveguide doesn’t extend flush to the baffle edge, increasing diffraction compared to the redesigned version. Klipsch’s marketed sensitivity spec (about 96dB) is a half-space, in-room-style rating roughly 9dB above the true anechoic figure (closer to 85-86dB), which can mislead buyers comparing spec sheets. Elevated treble on-axis, similar to its successor, benefits from toe-out or careful placement. Vertical listening tolerance is limited to about ±10° from the tweeter axis. Still needs a subwoofer for real bass weight; a boost around 120Hz gives kick drums their “tambour” without the underlying “meat.”. Discontinued.

Full Klipsch RP-600M review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	73Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	15.7"H x 8"W x 11.9"D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	6.5" Cerametallic cone woofer, 1" titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.2dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Ranked #86 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - B&W 805S: $2500 Discontinued

Pros: Bass and dynamic performance are strong for the cabinet size, playing very loud with well-controlled bass distortion. Horizontal beamwidth stays reasonably smooth through -6dB. Build quality has enough of a “quality feel” that the reviewer said it kept the speaker from the lowest possible rating.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows directivity breaking down badly starting around 1kHz and staying poor to 3kHz - a wide crossover-region flaw the reviewer called “clearly flawed execution” that leaves vocals sounding recessed and masked without EQ correction. A high 4kHz crossover point appears to leave the tweeter’s small sub-enclosure resonating audibly during playback. Discontinued, superseded by the 805 Diamond/805 D4 series. Discontinued.

Full B&W 805S review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	16.5H x 9.4W x 13.8D in
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	1" aluminum dome tweeter, 6.5" woven Kevlar cone mid/bass
Frequency Response	49Hz - 22kHz +/-3dB (-6dB at 42Hz and 50kHz) (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum)
Power Handling	50-120W
Sensitivity	86.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	25.4 lbs / 11.5 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #87 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Fosi Audio SP601: $399.99 Amazon Fosiaudio

Pros: Two-way bookshelf design with a 6.5” paper/aluminum-alloy composite cone woofer and 1.5” silk dome tweeter. Bass reaches a respectable 60-70Hz in most rooms (F3 59Hz, F10 40Hz) for a budget bookshelf speaker. Distortion at 86dB and 96dB measures reasonably well at face value, and compression issues at extreme output are generally in line with what’s expected for a speaker at this price point. The overall tonal character can be substantially improved with basic EQ - the reviewer found a boost around 400Hz plus a cut around 4kHz brought it to an acceptable baseline.

Cons: An unusually erratic, up-and-down frequency response (a scooped midrange followed by an upper-mid bump, a dip, another small bump, then a strong 3-4dB peak around 4-7kHz) makes the speaker’s overall character genuinely hard to characterize - the reviewer compared the experience to a similarly disliked model, the Triangle Borea BR03, which has a comparably inconsistent response. The 4-7kHz peak gives a sharp, sibilant edge to S and T sounds in vocals. A strong diffraction dip around 4kHz followed by a peak can’t be fully corrected with EQ; the reviewer recommends sidewall absorption panels instead, since off-axis energy in the 2-7kHz range actually exceeds the direct sound reaching the listener. Multitone distortion becomes more noticeable and grainy at higher volumes, concentrated in the upper-midrange where hearing is most sensitive. A peaking distortion issue right at the crossover region suggests a possible combination of tweeter distortion and midwoofer/crossover-component strain. The enclosure sounds notably hollow when tapped, and a flashlight inspection suggested a lack of internal damping material, along with likely insufficient bracing. Vertical listening position is fairly tightly constrained around the tweeter axis. Still requires a subwoofer for real kick-drum impact and bass authority.

Full Fosi Audio SP601 review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	14.5"H x 9.1"W x 14"D (368.3 x 231.1 x 355.6 mm)
Drivers	6.5" woofer, 1.5" Silk Dome Tweeters
EQ	No
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 4.1 ohms minimum (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Output Power	80w RMS Per Speaker
Sensitivity	85.4dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	11.5 lbs / 5.2 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Links
- Official Fosi Audio SP601 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #90 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - 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
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Tannoy Revolution XT 6 vs Cerwin Vega LA165

Ranked #92 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Harbeth Monitor 30: $3200

Pros: Sensitivity of 85dB and a 6-ohm nominal impedance (150W handling) make it reasonably easy to drive despite the impedance dropping to about 4.8 ohms at points. Wide bandwidth 2-way design with a 7.9” bass/midrange driver and 1” soft dome tweeter.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a significant on-axis dip starting around 3kHz at the crossover point, which the reviewer called “the classic engineering work of calling a defect a feature” rather than the intentional character it’s often described as. Predicted in-room response is uneven with an exaggerated tilt toward high frequencies. Step response shows the tweeter and woofer out of phase with each other. At $3,200 per pair, the reviewer concluded the price doesn’t match the measured performance.

Full Harbeth Monitor 30 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	65Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	18.1"H x 10.9"W x 10.8"D (460 x 277 x 275 mm)
Drivers	7.9" bass/midrange driver, 1" soft dome tweeter
Frequency Response	50Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	87dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	25.6 lbs / 11.6 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Links
- Official Harbeth Monitor 30 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Harbeth Monitor 30 vs BIC America DV62si
- Harbeth Monitor 30 vs Cerwin Vega LA165

Ranked #93 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - BIC America DV62si: $164.90 Amazon

Pros: A larger-than-typical 6.5” woofer for the price gives it real dynamic headroom - the reviewer called the ability to play loud with strong bass a genuine strength, uncommon among budget speakers with smaller drivers. Impedance is comfortably high for the amplifier to drive. Extremely popular with buyers (429 Amazon ratings averaging 4.5 stars at the time of review).

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows uneven, elevated high-frequency response and what the reviewer called “the worst horizontal directivity plot we have seen” - direct and reflected sound diverge badly. Distortion is elevated across the board at 96dB SPL. The reviewer’s take: the elevated highs create an initial “high-resolution” impression that wins over casual listeners and drives the strong online ratings, but extended listening reveals harshness and grittiness; “I can’t recommend the BIC DV62si even though I understand why the popular vote is so strongly in its favor.”

Full BIC America DV62si review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	14.25H x 8.875W x 9.125D in
Drivers	6.5" poly/graphite-blend woofer, 0.75" ferrofluid-cooled dome tweeter
Frequency Response	43Hz - 21kHz -3dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms
Power Handling	10-175W
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	15.5 lbs / 7.03 kg pair
Woofer Cabinet	ported, Venturi vent

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Links
- Official BIC America DV62si Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- BIC America DV62si vs Harbeth Monitor 30

Ranked #94 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - ATC SCM19: $3750 Tmraudio

Pros: Harmonic distortion at 96dB SPL/1m stays generally low across the range aside from the spike tied to the 700-800Hz resonance. Sealed (unported) cabinet avoids port noise and resonance, and the extremely dense, heavy-duty enclosure (17.8kg/39lb each) reflects ATC’s pro-audio build standards.

Cons: Some stored energy resonance around 500-700hz, 4dB bump around 700hz. Not recommended for the price. CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show a very uneven overall balance - a broad accentuation from midrange to treble paired with too little bass - along with directivity error. At 96dB SPL/1m, harmonic distortion tied to the 500-700Hz resonance rises to a level the reviewer says “should not be there.”

Full ATC SCM19 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	17.2"H x 10.4"W x 11.8"D (436.9 x 264.2 x 299.7 mm)
Drivers	5.9" Super Linear Magnet cone woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	85dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

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- Official ATC SCM19 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- ATC SCM19 vs Triad In-Room Gold LCR
- ATC SCM19 vs Dynaudio Contour 20i

Ranked #95 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Diapason Emera: $1050 Discontinued

Pros: A direct-driven woofer with no crossover component in the bass path is a distinctive design choice shared with Totem Acoustics speakers, and fit and finish on the handcrafted Italian cabinet is very good. Distortion is reasonable at 86dB SPL.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows an aggressively engineered response with attenuated bass and peaks/dips scattered through the rest of the spectrum, and directivity falls apart around the 4.8kHz crossover point. Distortion gets notably worse at 96dB SPL. The reviewer’s first impression out of the box was “disappointing… bright, with no bass and dull,” and while EQ made a dramatic improvement, the conclusion was “I can’t recommend the Diapason Emera speaker.” A 2002-era design no longer listed among Diapason’s current models. Discontinued.

Full Diapason Emera review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	90Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	not published by manufacturer
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	170mm direct-driven (crossoverless) mid/woofer, 20mm Kapton isodynamic tweeter
Sensitivity	85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	not published by manufacturer
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

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Links
- Official Diapason Emera Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Diapason Emera vs Chesky LC1

Ranked #97 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - HSU Research CCB-8: $699 HSU Research

Pros: Legitimately good midrange and mid-bass punch below about 1kHz, with in-room bass extension to about 60-70Hz that’s impressive for an 8” coaxial driver running this high a sensitivity (~90dB measured). Wide horizontal dispersion (~55 degrees) that holds up reasonably well off-axis.

Cons: Badly unbalanced top end that the reviewer called ‘just a terrible speaker’ outright - a roughly 7dB peak-dip swing in the upper mid/treble causes real listening fatigue regardless of listening angle (tried on-axis, 15 degrees off, and 30 degrees off, all bad). Resonances around 600Hz and 1.2kHz plus erratic high-frequency behavior hurt imaging noticeably. Would need 9 bands of EQ to get close to flat, and even then two dips near 2kHz and 8kHz are baked into the crossover and can’t be fixed with EQ at all - the reviewer’s verdict was simply to skip it.

Full HSU Research CCB-8 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	65Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	15"H x 10.5"W x 12"D (381 x 267 x 305mm)
Drivers	8" coaxial driver, constant-directivity horn tweeter
Frequency Response	50Hz - 20kHz (+-2dB at 15 degrees off-axis, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Recommended Power	10-400W RMS per channel
Sensitivity	90.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	22 lbs (22 lbs / 10 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	Vented

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Links
- Official HSU Research CCB-8 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HSU Research CCB-8 vs Aperion Audio Verus V8B
- HSU Research CCB-8 vs KEF Q350

Ranked #98 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 4319: $4000 Discontinued

Pros: High sensitivity around 90dB and controlled bass distortion mean the large 12” woofer plays loud with copious bass and modest amplifier power needs. Impedance dips are well controlled, so it isn’t a hard speaker to drive despite its size. User-adjustable midrange and treble level controls are built into the back panel.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pronounced 800Hz dip and a comb-filtering pattern in the woofer response consistent with a delayed reflected source, plus poor and uneven vertical directivity. The reviewer described the sound as “boxy and closed in with some brightness” and could not recommend it “unless you like looking at it more than listening to it.” At 23.5” tall, it’s closer to a small tower than a typical bookshelf speaker. Discontinued. Discontinued.

Full JBL 4319 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	23.5H x 14.25W x 12D in (with grille)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	12" Differential Drive dual-voice-coil woofer, 5" inverted-dome midrange, 1" compression tweeter (3-way)
Sensitivity	89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	35.9 lbs / 16.3 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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Ranked #101 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Tannoy System 600: $400 Discontinued

Pros: Impedance is well controlled, and the concentric dual-driver layout gives it consistent horizontal and vertical response relative to typical non-coaxial 2-ways of its era.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama shows a large suck-out right at the crossover frequency where the two drivers fail to overlap properly, plus general peaking beforehand - the reviewer noted “no measurement seems to have been used to optimize this design.” Predicted in-room response is correspondingly poor. Amir ran out of time to perform a dedicated subjective listening test on this unit, but concluded from the data alone that it is “highly colored and really not something you want to put in your system.” Long discontinued; used-market only. Discontinued.

Full Tannoy System 600 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	approx. 48Hz - low confidence, response never reaches a flat reference level (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	approx. 73Hz - low confidence, response never reaches a flat reference level (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	8.7"H x 14.2"W x 11.4"D (220 x 360 x 290 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	6.5" Tannoy Dual Concentric driver (type 1678)
Frequency Response	52Hz - 20kHz +/-3dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Power Handling	50-150W recommended
Sensitivity	approx. 84dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review - low confidence, no flat reference plateau)
Weight	20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg pair (cabinet)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, flared tubes

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Tannoy System 600 vs Ascend CBM-170 SE
- Tannoy System 600 vs Dayton Audio MK602X

Ranked #102 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend CBM-170 SE: $384 discontinued, superseded by CBM-170SE2

Pros: US-manufactured 2-way with a custom SEAS silk dome tweeter and low harmonic distortion. Solid cabinet construction for the price class.

Cons: On-axis response starts peaking above 1kHz and keeps rising, which Amir predicted would create a bright, potentially fatiguing tonal balance - a character he says “can become grating” over time. The small tweeter paired with a larger woofer lacking a waveguide causes significant off-axis coloration, contradicting the manufacturer’s accuracy claims. Impedance dips below 4 ohms in the bass, and cabinet flex was noted, comparable to cheaper competitors. Amir suggests “looking elsewhere for a better design.”

Full Ascend CBM-170 SE review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	approx. 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	approx. 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	12H x 9W x 10D in
Drivers	6.5" proprietary composite polygel cone woofer, 27mm custom SEAS soft dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	91dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified, in-room)
Weight	14 lbs / 6.35 kg each

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Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Ascend CBM-170 SE vs Tannoy System 600

Ranked #104 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Dayton Audio B652-AIR: $77.99 Amazon

Pros: AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter offers a novel driver technology at a very low price point, and the full-range woofer keeps the crossover simple.

Cons: Amir says this speaker “does everything wrong that you want to avoid in modern speaker design” - the woofer runs full-bandwidth without a proper crossover filter, causing a 340Hz suckout from woofer/tweeter cancellation and multiple additional peaks and dips. The AMT tweeter lacks adequate damping (only a capacitor and resistor), and the thin cabinet resonates audibly. Listening tests revealed “piercing and distorted highs” and “distorted lisping” on female vocals. Amir specifically criticized other reviewers for calling these speakers “clear and clean” with “five star performance,” calling such assessments “embarrassing,” and recommended the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR instead.

Full Dayton Audio B652-AIR review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	63.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	98.1Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	11.8H x 7.06W x 6.4D in
Drivers	6.5" polypropylene woofer (full-range, no low-pass filter), 1"x1" mini AMT tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms
Power Handling	40W RMS, 75W max
Sensitivity	87dB (1W/1m, manufacturer specified)
Weight	5.3 lbs / 2.4 kg each

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Links
- Official Dayton Audio B652-AIR Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Dayton Audio B652-AIR vs Yamaha NS-6490

Ranked #105 of 105 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Yamaha NS-6490: $129.95 Amazon

Pros: Attractive industrial design with a large 8-inch woofer for the price. Simple direct-driven woofer with capacitor-only mid/tweeter crossovers keeps the design straightforward.

Cons: Amir found the woofer runs essentially full-range with only a capacitor separating the mid and tweeter, letting all three drivers bleed into each other’s range and causing “rising amplitude” across the response. Extensive narrow peaking indicates numerous cabinet resonances - Amir noted, “we have more of them than I have ever seen.” Distortion is high across the measurement range, and directivity is highly variable, particularly vertically. With a 1.6 preference score, Amir concluded, “I just can’t recommend it,” noting that extensive EQ would not fix the underlying resonance issues.

Full Yamaha NS-6490 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	54.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	16.2H x 10.5W x 13.2D in
Drivers	8" woofer, 4" midrange cone, 7/8" balanced dome tweeter (3-way, acoustic suspension)
Frequency Response	45Hz - 23kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms
Output Power	70W nominal, 140W max
Sensitivity	89.6dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	13.2 lbs / 6 kg each

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Links
- Official Yamaha NS-6490 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Large Size Floorstanding Speakers

Ranked #5 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66: $7,998 Radiant Acoustics

Pros: Amir called the measured distortion “unheard of,” noting the distortion graph “hugs the near zero line, even in deep bass” at 86dB SPL and remains “civil” even at 96dB SPL, with bass distortion staying under 1% even at 91dB SPL. Dual 6.5” Purifi USHINDI aluminum-cone woofers deliver genuinely deep, clean sub-bass that the reviewer found surprising for the cabinet size, aided by an exceptionally large, well-controlled bass-reflex port. The custom waveguide tweeter with beam-expansion fins is paired with robust Danish build quality. Amir’s verdict: “The Clarity 66 brings true innovation and outside of the box thinking to speaker design,” praising it as a “full range speaker with unheard of distortion levels” and recommending it despite the high price.

Cons: Vertical directivity is pinched with a narrow lobing pattern, and horizontal directivity is somewhat uneven with possible room dependency. The tweeter shows pronounced resonances and rolls off before 20kHz, and the beam-expansion fins create a complex soundfield the reviewer didn’t consider fully resolved. There’s a slight upward tilt across the band and minor waterfall resonances around 300-500Hz on-axis, which Amir partly attributed to room mode activation rather than the speaker itself. Distortion becomes audible during sweeps at 101dB SPL, a performance cliff after otherwise stellar behavior. Very expensive at nearly $8,000/pair, and heavy at 46kg (101 lbs) per speaker.

Full Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	24.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	32.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Crossover Frequency	2.4kHz
Dimensions	40.4"H x 8.7"W x 14"D (1025 x 222 x 355 mm)
Drivers	Custom waveguide-loaded tweeter with beam-expansion fins, 2x 6.5" Purifi USHINDI aluminum-cone woofers
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	85.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review; 86dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	101.4 lbs / 46 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, large rear port

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Links
- Official Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 vs Ascend Acoustics ELX Ribbon Tower

Ranked #8 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Revel F328Be: $13600 Crutchfield

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a quite flat on-axis response with superb directivity and efficiency above 90dB. Predicted in-room response is extremely accurate, with a smooth ~5dB downward slope from bass to treble that suits typical rooms without correction. Early reflections sum very nicely with the direct sound. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±70 degrees is wide and quite smooth. At 96dB SPL/1m distortion stays easily below the reviewer’s audibility threshold across nearly the whole range.

Cons: Vertical directivity is asymmetric - the reviewer recommends staying between -20 and +40 degrees relative to the tweeter axis, reflecting the driver layout of this three-way tower. Impedance dips to a minimum of 3 ohms with an additional resonance-driven phase swing, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. Very expensive and very heavy (51 kg each).

Full Revel F328Be review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	74Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	50.9"H x 13.5"W x 17.6"D (1292.9 x 342.9 x 447 mm)
Drivers	Three 8" (200mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones, with cast frames woofer, 5-1/4" (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cone, with cast frame midrange, 1" (25mm) Beryllium dome, with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	91dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	112.4 lbs / 51 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #14 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Focal Chora 816: $900 used, Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. Predicted in-room response is very good aside from a peak around 8kHz. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is typical and fairly controlled. Distortion is very low at 86dB SPL/1m and still usable at 96dB SPL/1m.

Cons: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz. Vertical directivity narrows a little, so listening height matters more than with a coincident design. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a fair bit of resonances lingering across the midrange. Distortion rises substantially in the 1-2kHz region at 96dB SPL/1m. Minimum impedance dips to about 3.9 ohms. Discontinued.

Full Focal Chora 816 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	40.7"H x 11.8"W x 15.3"D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5" (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1" (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	91dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	40.8 lbs / 18.5 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Links
- Official Focal Chora 816 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #15 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Revel F208: $2400 used, Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response with sensitivity matching spec at ~87-88dB. Predicted in-room response is a smooth, textbook-quality downward slope that should translate well to most rooms without correction. Early reflections sum so cleanly with the direct sound that side-wall absorption isn’t recommended - it would work against the speaker’s naturally well-integrated off-axis behavior. Distortion stays below 0.5% from 100Hz up at 96dB/1m, with all distortion components falling below audible threshold above 200Hz. Very wide horizontal directivity of about ±75 degrees. Measured performance was judged very close to Revel’s own flagship Salon2, and Revel’s speakers (including this one) are developed using Harman’s double-blind listening test methodology. Preference score of 6.6 (7.7 with a subwoofer added).

Cons: Some directivity error and tweeter-response ripple right at the 2.2kHz crossover point. A notable on-axis dip at about 4kHz, attributed to probable cabinet diffraction. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows an unexplained resonance around 4-5kHz that the reviewer couldn’t pin down a clear cause for. Vertical directivity shows narrowband interference nulls just above and below the tweeter axis (roughly 2-3kHz), typical of a non-coaxial tower with vertically separated drivers, so listening height matters more than it would with a coincident design. Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms, calling for a robust, high-current amplifier. Distortion climbs substantially below about 80-100Hz (up to ~5% in the deep bass) when driven hard, an excursion-limited trade-off typical of towers at high output. Isolating the woofers alone shows their usable range ending around 500-700Hz at the crossover, with somewhat elevated (though still low in absolute terms) 2nd/3rd harmonic distortion in the 100-300Hz region. Discontinued.

Full Revel F208 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	24Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	46.6"H x 13.5"W x 14.8"D (1183.6 x 342.9 x 375.9 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	Dual 8" (20 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25" (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1" (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	88.2dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88.5dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	79.4 lbs / 36 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Ranked #16 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Revel F228Be: $7000 Crutchfield

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response with very nice directivity. Predicted in-room response is nearly perfect, with a smooth slope down from bass to treble. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±70 degrees is wide and holds up well until narrowing above 8kHz. Vertical directivity offers more degrees of listening-height freedom than a typical bookshelf design, a benefit of this tower’s driver layout. Distortion is extremely low across the full audio range at 86dB SPL/1m and stays comfortable even at 96dB SPL/1m. Near-field measurements of the individual drivers show nice, well-integrated crossover behavior with only low-level resonances.

Cons: Minimum impedance dips to 3.4 ohms with a secondary rise around 2kHz, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. Very expensive and very heavy (51 kg each).

Full Revel F228Be review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	25Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	61Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	50.9"H x 13.5"W x 17.6"D (1292.9 x 342.9 x 447 mm)
Drivers	Dual 8" (200mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones, with cast frames woofers, 5-1/4" (130mm) Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cone, with cast frame midrange, 1" (25mm) Beryllium dome, with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	89.3dB (300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review; 90dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	112.4 lbs / 51 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Ranked #19 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Revel F206: $2000 used, Discontinued

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a pretty even on-axis response. Predicted in-room response is excellent, with a smooth downward slope. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±65 degrees is wide, if a bit uneven. Distortion is very nice at 86dB SPL/1m, falling below the frequency range where human hearing is most sensitive, and stays excellent even at 96dB SPL/1m. Near-field measurements of the individual drivers show nice suppression of port and woofer resonances. Really amazing value for the performance.

Cons: Some directivity error and a small peak around 4.5kHz show up alongside the directivity error around 3kHz. Vertical directivity means listening position needs to stay within the tweeter axis, though the reviewer notes there is some leeway. Minimum impedance dips to 3.3 ohms, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. Discontinued.

Full Revel F206 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	34Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	40.3"H x 8.4"W x 12.2"D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	Dual 6.5" (16.5 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Woofers, 5.25" (13.3 cm) Aluminum Cone, Cast-frame Midrange, 1" (2.5 cm) Aluminum Tweeter with Acoustic Lens Waveguide
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	87dB (measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	57.3 lbs / 26 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Ranked #20 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Revel Concerta2 F35: $900 Crutchfield

Pros: Two-and-a-half-way, four-driver design: a 1” aluminum dome tweeter on a waveguide, a 5.25” mid-range, and dual 5.25” mid-bass drivers in a rear-ported cabinet. Measured sensitivity of 89.4dB closely matches the 90dB spec, and distortion looks good at both 86dB and 96dB, holding up well even with a high-pass filter applied. At its sale price (around $900/pair, down from full retail), the reviewer calls it a “no-brainer,” undercutting comparable budget floorstanders like the ELAC DF63. Frequency response and directivity mismatches are largely EQ-able, since most of what shows up in measurements traces to physical tweeter/mid-range separation rather than a fundamental flaw. Compression is fairly well controlled for the price - about 1dB of loss around 100Hz under long-term compression, described as “par for the course” at this cost.

Cons: F3 of 61Hz and F10 of 39Hz mean a subwoofer is needed for real bass extension. A dip in the lower midrange/2-3kHz region reduces attack and detail, and a peak around 5kHz adds some edge and sibilance in the lower treble. A peak in off-axis energy around 3kHz reflects off sidewalls at roughly 60-70° off-axis and arrives louder than the direct sound - this specific issue can’t be fixed with EQ (boosting the direct sound would boost the stronger reflection too) and would need acoustic absorption to properly address, though the reviewer considers it a minor, optional fix at this price. A couple of minor resonances appear in the impedance plot, including one around 300Hz that may partly explain a subtle sense of vocal warmth noticed in listening, though it’s more likely room-related. Minimum impedance around 3.8 ohms. Short-term compression testing shows some increased distortion in the tweeter and higher-frequency compression at loud output.

Full Revel Concerta2 F35 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	40.3"H x 8.4"W x 12.2"D (1023.6 x 213.4 x 309.9 mm)
Drivers	3x 5.25" deep anodized aluminum cone woofers, 1" Aluminum Tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin's Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	89.4dB (measured, Erin's Audio Corner; 90dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	41 lbs / 18.6 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #21 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - KEF R11 Meta: $3,499.99 Amazon

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response with good directivity and very deep bass extension (F10 of 30Hz). Predicted in-room response is very smooth aside from the small 1-1.5kHz dip. The coaxial Uni-Q driver gives excellent, symmetric vertical directivity, unusual for a tower speaker. Distortion is incredibly low even down to 30Hz at 86dB SPL/1m, and stays low even at 96dB and 102dB SPL/1m - the reviewer found essentially no audible tonality change across that whole output range.

Cons: A dip around 1-1.2kHz on-axis is attributed to a diffraction effect, and shows up as a smaller dip in the predicted in-room response. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±40 degrees is on the narrower side, though the transition from wide to constant directivity is smooth. Minimum impedance dips to 3.2 ohms around 580Hz, calling for an amplifier comfortable with a demanding load. 4-ohm nominal impedance overall.

Full KEF R11 Meta review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	31Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	51"H x 12.2"W x 15.1"D (1295.4 x 309.9 x 383.5 mm)
Drivers	4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	89.5dB
Weight	80.5 lbs / 36.5 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #23 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - JBL HDI-3600: $3800 Audioadvice

Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a fairly even on-axis response and flat overall frequency response, with high 90dB sensitivity and very low distortion through the midrange. Triple 6.5” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers and a 1” compression driver in JBL’s HDI waveguide.

Cons: A wide shelving-down above 2kHz affects the in-room response, and vertical dispersion is a bigger issue than horizontal - the reviewer noted the dip is wider here than on the smaller HDI-1600, making it more audible. Narrow vertical sweet spot means careful listener-height positioning matters more than usual.

Full JBL HDI-3600 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz - the on-axis curve also shows an unusual step/dip around 40-55Hz that may be a near-field-scan artifact for this tower (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	40.5"H x 10.2"W x 13.5"D (1029 x 260 x 343 mm)
Drivers	2410H-2 1" compression driver, 3x 6.5" Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers
Frequency Response	38Hz - 30kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review)
Weight	61.7 lbs / 28 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, dual rear-firing

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Links
- Official JBL HDI-3600 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #48 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Polk T50: $249.00 Amazon

Pros: Pretty deep bass for the price. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is reasonably controlled outside a narrow spike around 250Hz. The reviewer notes performance is “not too bad for a budget speaker” once the two main tonal issues are addressed with EQ.

Cons: 5dB peak at 1khz, 4dB bright top end from 11khz on up. Just okay vertical off axis. Impedance and phase show several resonances between 200Hz-1kHz, with a minimum impedance of 4.2 ohms. Distortion rises substantially at 96dB SPL/1m across the midrange, with repeated peaks between 100Hz-2kHz.

Full Polk T50 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	40.4"H x 9.3"W x 12.5"D (1026.2 x 235.0 x 317.5 mm)
Drivers	2x 6.5" bi-laminate paper cone woofers, 1x 1" Terylene dome tweeter + 2x 8" passive bass radiators
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	86.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review)
Weight	75.4 lbs / 34.2 kg
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

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Ranked #51 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Infinity Reference 253: $400 used, Discontinued

Pros: Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is fairly smooth and well controlled. Really amazing value for the performance.

Cons: CEA2034 spinorama and predicted in-room response both show elevated treble above 4kHz (“too hot”), a dip around 2kHz, and bass shelved down relative to the midrange. Vertical directivity requires staying at or below the tweeter axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 96dB SPL/1m is broadly elevated above the reviewer’s audibility threshold across much of the midrange. Minimum impedance dips to 4.2 ohms. Discontinued.

Full Infinity Reference 253 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	40.3"H x 6.8"W x 12.4"D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	Dual 5.25" (130mm) CMMD™ woofers, 5.25" (130mm) flat-piston CMMD™ midrange, 1" (25mm) CMMD™ tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	86.9dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 88dB manufacturer specified)
Weight	39.2 lbs / 17.8 kg each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #57 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - JBL Studio 590: $2000 Discontinued

Pros: Pretty deep bass. CEA2034 spinorama is flat on-axis at a high level, with high sensitivity around 89-90dB. Predicted in-room response is good aside from a dip between 800Hz-1.5kHz. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is good outside of the 8.5kHz resonance.

Cons: 3dB peak at 1.7khz, about a 4dB peak from 8k to 13k, going to be bright up top. Just okay vertical off axis. Really bad resonance at 8.5khz, which shows up as a sharp distortion spike at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) reveals many fine resonances across the midrange and treble. At 96dB SPL/1m the midrange and treble get notably messier, with broad distortion elevation from 2-8kHz. Discontinued.

Full JBL Studio 590 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	48Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions	49.7"H x 12.7"W x 16.3"D (1263.0 x 322.0 x 413.0 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	2x 8" (200mm) PolyPlas cone woofers, 1x 1" (25mm) Teonex dome tweeter on Bi-Radial horn (2.5-way)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (5 ohms measured minimum, Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	90.3dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review)
Weight	107.8 lbs / 48.9 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #58 of 59 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Triangle Esprit Antal Ez: $1799 Discontinued

Pros: Predicted in-room response sums rather nicely aside from the resonance and bass issues. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is reasonably controlled.

Cons: Resonance around 260Hz and a number of other resonances show up on-axis, along with a dip in bass response. Two distinct distortion sources - one around 250-300Hz, another around 3-4kHz - already cross the reviewer’s audibility threshold even at moderate output, and get much worse at 96dB SPL/1m, where distortion broadly exceeds 50% relative level across large parts of the spectrum. Directivity is not great overall. The reviewer does not recommend it. Discontinued.

Full Triangle Esprit Antal Ez review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - low confidence - on-axis curve shows an unusual notch/dip around 250-300Hz for this floorstanding tower
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) - low confidence - on-axis curve shows an unusual notch/dip around 250-300Hz for this floorstanding tower
Dimensions	43.9"H x 11.8"W x 15.7"D (1115.0 x 300.0 x 400.0 mm)
Discontinued	Yes
Drivers	2x 6.5" (160mm) fiberglass cone woofers, 1x 6.5" (160mm) natural cellulose midrange, 1x 1" (25mm) titanium dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (2.7 ohms minimum, measured by Audio Science Review)
Sensitivity	90.7dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Audio Science Review)
Weight	98.5 lbs / 44.7 kg
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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