Every Speaker Reviewed by Erin's Audio Corner

Erin’s Audio Corner is ranked #1 of 49 in the speaker-review source reliability ranking. The ranking weighs measurement quality, repeatability, useful comparisons, disclosure, and editorial independence; it is an assessment of the work used for speaker decisions, not a claim about personal character.

Reliability assessment: Highest confidence for home-speaker evaluation. Erin publishes standardized Klippel NFS measurements, explains limitations, separates data from listening impressions, and regularly identifies both strengths and weaknesses. Manufacturer access does not replace the independently inspectable measurements.

Prices on this page were last checked October 12, 2026 at 4:13 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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Favorite Picks
Bookshelf Speakers: Under $500
Bookshelf Speakers: Under $1000
Bookshelf Speakers: Under $1500
Bookshelf Speakers: Under $3000
Bookshelf Speakers: Under $5000
Bookshelf Speakers: Over $5000
Tower Speakers: Under $1500
Tower Speakers: Under $2500
Tower Speakers: Under $5000
Tower Speakers: Under $10000
Tower Speakers: Over $10000
All Speakers Reviewed by Erin’s Audio Corner
Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers
Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers
Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers
Powered Subwoofer and Satellite Combo Speakers
Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Large Size Powered Floorstanding Speakers
12-Inch PA Speakers
15-Inch PA Speakers
Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers
Large Size Bookshelf Speakers
Large Size Floorstanding Speakers
Center Channel Speakers
Surround and Height Speakers
In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers
Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs)
Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs)
Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)

Favorite Picks

Bookshelf Speakers: Under $500

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Neumi Silk 4: $199.99 per pair Amazon $199.99 eBay

Pros: A 4” midwoofer paired with a 1” dome tweeter and waveguide, with a second-order crossover, achieving an impressively high preference score of 4.4 for the price. Distortion stays below 1% up to about 120Hz and below 3% above roughly 50-60Hz at 86dB. High-frequency compression is surprisingly good (better than some speakers costing 2-3x as much) and at 96dB/1m for a pair, output still reaches about 93dB at 3 meters, plenty loud for most listeners. F3 of 83Hz and F10 of 55Hz with in-room extension to about 70Hz. Takes very well to EQ correction, and the reviewer provides a specific fix (a notch around 650Hz, Q of about 6) that cleans up its main resonance. Measured bass extension of 83Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82.6dB.

Cons: Very low sensitivity (measured 82.6dB), meaning it isn’t suited for large rooms, far-field listening, or high volume. A resonance around 650Hz (likely port- or cabinet-related) creates an audible 1-2dB midrange thickness/boxiness on certain tracks, tied to a probable baffle-step compensation shortfall: about 1dB more energy in the midrange from the factory would likely have resolved it. Multitone distortion becomes audible around the same 600Hz-1kHz region at 96dB. Horizontal radiation narrows to about ±50° with the waveguide, on the narrower side of what the reviewer prefers. A diffraction-related dip around 5kHz at 5° below the tweeter axis creates a small hole in the response if placed on a desk below ear level. Nominal impedance of about 6 ohms with a low sensitivity means it benefits from a subwoofer pairing (the reviewer suggests an 80Hz crossover) for a complete small-room or surround setup.

Featured on:

Under $500

Full Neumi Silk 4 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	83Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	8.9”H x 5.5”W x 8.2”D (226.1 x 139.7 x 208.3 mm)
Drivers	4” treated paper cone, rubber surround, cast aluminum basket, vented pole woofer, 1” silk dome, dispersion-optimized waveguide, neodymium magnet tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	82.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.44
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.10
Weight	6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($199.99) →Search eBay for Neumi Silk 4 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Polk Monitor XT20: $279.00 per pair Amazon $279.00 Crutchfield $199.00 eBay

Older model: the Polk Audio Monitor 40 Series II (rated 3.2/5). See every Polk Monitor generation.

Same family: the Polk Audio XT15 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Polk Audio XT60 (smaller floorstanding, rated 3.5/5), the Polk Audio XT70 (larger floorstanding, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT30 (smaller center, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT35 (larger center, rated 4.1/5), the Polk Audio Monitor XT10 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.1/5) and the Polk Audio Monitor XT12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: Two-way bookshelf design with a 1” tweeter and 6.5” woofer, part of Polk’s budget-friendly XT lineup (spanning roughly $200-700 across the series). Measures more linear and has fewer/smaller cabinet resonances than its smaller sibling, the Polk Audio XT15, making it (by the reviewer’s own assessment) probably the better of the two based on data alone. Reasonably good bass output for the price and size, with an F3 of 63Hz. Horizontal radiation of about ±50° gives a respectable, enjoyable soundstage width. Takes well to EQ correction: the early-reflections directivity trend is decently linear, meaning tonal adjustments can meaningfully improve the sound. Provides usable, respectable volume when paired with a subwoofer crossover, even though it isn’t intended to play extremely loud on its own. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.

Cons: Notably bright treble, elevated roughly 1-5dB above the midrange depending on frequency: a characteristic shared across the whole Polk XT lineup, requiring either EQ or toe-out to tame. Small resonances appear around 300Hz and 800Hz, with some of that energy leaking from the port area. Vertical listening window is narrow: best kept close to the tweeter axis, with only a couple of degrees of tolerance above or below before the sound changes. Still needs a subwoofer for real low-end extension despite the decent F3. Overall linearity isn’t state-of-the-art flat, and while the reviewer found it pleasant, some artificial brightness remains even after basic EQ correction in the crossover region.

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Tube & Low-Power Amps

Full Polk Monitor XT20 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13”H x 7.5”W x 11”D (330.2 x 190.5 x 279.4 mm)
Drivers	6.5” bilaminate paper cone woofer, 1” Terylene dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.71
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.07
Weight	11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($279.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($199.00) →Search eBay for Polk Monitor XT20 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF Q150: $350 per pair Discontinued Amazon $350 eBay

Newer model: the KEF Q1 Meta, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5, released Oct 2024.

Older model: the KEF Q100 (ranked lower, rated 2.4/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.

Same family: the KEF Q350 (larger bookshelf, rated 3/5), the KEF Q250c (smaller center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q650c (larger center, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: Two-way coaxial (Uni-Q) design with a 1” dome tweeter and 5.25” mid-range time-aligned in a single driver assembly, available in ported or sealed configuration. Exceptional soundstage depth, a hallmark of KEF’s coaxial designs that the reviewer says few other speakers match. Bass extension reaches into kick-drum territory, respectable for a compact bookshelf speaker. Resonances present in measurements are consistent across on- and off-axis readings, meaning they can be effectively corrected with EQ. Distortion profile is essentially the same whether run sealed or ported, since a subwoofer crossover point sits above where the differences would matter anyway. At its sale price (around $300, sometimes seen at $400), the reviewer considers it a clear step up from his previous budget favorite in this range, the Emotiva B1+, mainly due to the superior soundstage depth. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: A high-frequency lift in the estimated in-room response makes it sound noticeably brighter in an untreated room than in a heavily acoustically-treated one: a real preference factor depending on your room’s furnishings. A mild dip in the 1-2kHz region reduces vocal fullness somewhat. Unexplained resonances appear in measurements and persist in both sealed and ported configurations, pointing to enclosure or panel vibration rather than the port. Horizontal radiation is narrower than the reviewer generally prefers from KEF’s lineup, with directivity that widens somewhat around 1.2kHz (near a resonance) and again above about 5kHz. Compression testing at high output (102dB) shows significant nonlinearity, especially at lower frequencies: noticeably worse than a comparable Arendal bookshelf speaker costing over twice as much, which held up better until 80Hz. Not intended for loud listening without a subwoofer: the woofer will over-exert itself without a high-pass filter, and the reviewer recommends crossing over at 80-120Hz. At full retail price (around $600/pair), the value proposition is far less certain than at sale pricing. Discontinued.

Full KEF Q150 review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2017 (9 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.9”D (303 x 180 x 278 mm)
Drivers	130mm (5.25”) aluminium Uni-Q woofer, 25mm (1”) vented aluminium dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, about 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	~85dB (300Hz-3kHz on-axis, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.86
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.06
Weight	12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($350) →Search eBay for KEF Q150 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63: $499.00 per pair Amazon $499.00 Crutchfield $499.00 eBay

Older model: the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 (ranked lower, rated 3.5/5). See every ELAC Debut generation.

Same family: the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.9/5), the ELAC Debut 3.0 DF53 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.2/5), the ELAC Debut 3.0 DC53 (smaller center, estimated 3.4/5) and the ELAC Debut 3.0 DC63 (larger center, estimated 3.5/5).

Pros: 1” aluminum dome tweeter with a distinctive partial-lens waveguide design paired with a 6.5” third-generation aramid fiber cone woofer, in a robustly built cabinet for the price. Shallow bass rolloff (F3 76Hz, F10 40Hz) allows placement close to a wall without excessive boominess, useful for smaller living rooms. Solid measured performance for the price: on-axis linearity within about 2.5dB, impedance dipping only to about 4.4 ohms (easily AVR-driven), and roughly 20-26dB of usable dynamic range. A clear improvement over its sibling ELAC DB62, which has a sibilance issue tied to the crossover that can’t be fixed with EQ. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±60°, giving a spacious soundstage. Distortion looks good at a moderate 86dB and still reasonable at 96dB. Takes well to EQ correction: the reviewer provides a specific filter set (a low-shelf boost at 650Hz plus peaking cuts/boosts at 550Hz, 660Hz, and 3kHz) that meaningfully smooths out its known deviations. Measured bass extension of 76Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.2dB.

Cons: A dip in the lower midrange (300-600Hz, about 1.5dB) reduces vocal warmth and can make voices sound slightly hollow. A high-Q resonance around 650-750Hz shows up clearly in measurements, though the reviewer couldn’t reliably hear it in his own A/B testing. A dip around 2-3kHz (roughly 1-2dB) slightly reduces speech intelligibility and attack in the upper midrange. Directivity droops above about 2kHz as the midwoofer narrows toward its beaming frequency while the tweeter’s pattern behaves differently: an inherent trade-off of physically separated drivers that can’t be fully corrected without introducing other issues. Multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold in the 200Hz-1kHz range, and adding a subwoofer at an 80Hz crossover only modestly reduces it. Toeing the speaker away from the listener loses noticeable top-end air and cymbal energy, giving a softer upper register. Practical loudness ceiling is around 90dB at typical listening distance before midrange distortion and bass attack begin to degrade. Still needs a subwoofer for extension below about 40Hz.

Featured on:

Under $500

Full ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.3”H x 7.7”W x 11.7”D (337.8 x 195.6 x 297.2 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (4.4 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Weight	17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($499.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($499.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Klipsch RP-500M II: $389.99 per pair Amazon $389.99 eBay

Older model: the Klipsch RP-500M (ranked lower, rated 3.4/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Same family: the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smallest floorstanding, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5).

Pros: Major mid-range clarity improvement over the original Klipsch RP-500M: about a 5dB fill-in between 1-3kHz in the estimated in-room response, giving a noticeably more resolved, detailed midrange. More neutral and linear overall than its sibling Klipsch RP-600M II, which carries about 2-3dB more high-frequency energy and a touch more bass but less overall balance. Very precise soundstage imaging and instrument placement. Distortion through the midrange is cleaner than the previous generation. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: Klipsch’s quoted sensitivity (around 92-93dB) uses an unconventional in-room-based rating rather than the standard anechoic measurement; on an anechoic basis it measures closer to about 85dB, in line with typical bookshelf speakers this size, so it isn’t the outlier in efficiency the spec sheet implies. Horizontal dispersion of about ±40-50° is narrower and more directive than the reviewer’s preference for a wider, more enveloping soundstage. Toeing the speaker out to widen the soundstage or soften on-axis brightness comes at some cost to imaging precision. Slightly less clean in the tweeter region than the midrange, likely tied to crossover placement, though not considered a dealbreaker. Low-frequency output is limited: measured around 95dB at 4 meters for the pair before the woofers started to unload, so a subwoofer is recommended for anyone wanting real bass rather than stepping up to a larger model.

Featured on:

Under $500

Full Klipsch RP-500M II review and specifications →

Released	May 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1530Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.6”H x 6.8”W x 10.6”D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm)
Drivers	5.25” Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1” LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.22
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.84
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($389.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-500M II →

Bookshelf Speakers: Under $1000

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2: $549 per pair Emotiva $549 eBay

Older models: the Emotiva B1+ (rated 4.1/5) and the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ (ranked lower, rated 3/5). See every Emotiva Airmotiv generation.

Same family: the Emotiva Airmotiv XT1 (smallest floorstanding, estimated 4/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XT3 (largest floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 (smallest center, estimated 3.4/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 (center, estimated 3.6/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XC3 (largest center, estimated 3.6/5) and the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 (surround, estimated 3.6/5).

Pros: Very neutral, linear frequency response at the recommended toe-out angle, with better directivity than the similarly-priced ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63. Decent bass extension for a bookshelf (F3 at 62Hz). AMT folded-ribbon tweeter with a rotating waveguide for placement flexibility. Great value: rated a top-three performer for the money by Erin’s Audio Corner. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Slight recessed upper-midrange around 2kHz from the tweeter-to-woofer handoff. Sounds noticeably bright pointed directly at the listener: needs toeing out 10-20 degrees, crossfiring behind the head, for the most linear result. Elevated multi-tone distortion at higher output leads to some grainy, compressed mids when pushed. Irregular compression deviations affect dynamics at higher volume. Needs a subwoofer for real bass authority.

Featured on:

Under $1,000

Full Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2.6kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12.8” x 8.5” x 11.5” (325 x 216 x 292 mm)
Drivers	1x 6” woven cone woofer, 1x 25x32mm AMT folded ribbon tweeter
Frequency Response	48Hz - 27kHz (+3/-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (safe with 8-ohm rated amps)
Power Handling	125W continuous, 200W peak
Sensitivity	86dB (2.83V/1m, Manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.65
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.93
Weight	18.1 lbs (8.2 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	Bass reflex, rear ported

Check current price at Emotiva ($549) →Search eBay for Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Klipsch RP-600M II: $449.99 per pair Amazon $449.99 eBay

Older model: the Klipsch RP-600M (ranked lower, rated 2.9/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smallest floorstanding, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5).

Pros: Redesigned waveguide extends flush to the baffle edge, reducing diffraction compared to the original Klipsch RP-600M. Roughly 10-20° wider horizontal radiation than the original, giving more soundstage envelopment while retaining precise imaging. A major step up in overall tonal neutrality compared to the original Klipsch RP-600M, largely eliminating that model’s midrange resonance issues. Unusually, sounds better with the grille on: the grille smooths out the elevated treble rather than degrading the sound, a rare trait among speakers the reviewer has tested. More refined back-panel hardware, including anodized binding posts and jumper cables for optional bi-amping. Responds well to EQ correction (verified using measurement software and a miniDSP), letting the on-axis response be made genuinely linear. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.

Cons: On-axis, the treble runs notably hot (even hotter than the original Klipsch RP-600M in some respects) and needs about 20° of toe-out or the grille installed to sound balanced. Horizontal dispersion is very slightly less linear across angles than the original Klipsch RP-600M, a minor trade-off for the wider overall radiation pattern. Klipsch’s marketed sensitivity (about 94.5dB) is, like the original, a half-space rating roughly 9dB above the anechoic reality (closer to 85-86dB). In-room bass rolls off around 60Hz in practice, and a 120Hz boost paired with a midrange scoop gives kick drums their “tambour” without real low-end weight: a subwoofer is still recommended. Vertical listening tolerance is limited to about ±10° from the tweeter axis. Toeing the speaker out for better on-axis tonality (rather than using the grille) introduces slightly more diffuse imaging from added sidewall reflections.

Full Klipsch RP-600M II review and specifications →

Released	May 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.64
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.77
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($449.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-600M II →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the ELAC DBR62: $664.99 per pair Amazon $664.99 Crutchfield $799.00 eBay

Same family: the ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 (floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5) and the ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 (center, estimated 3.4/5).

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. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.3dB.

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 →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.27
Weight	18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Amazon ($664.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($799.00) →Search eBay for ELAC DBR62 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2: $1000 per pair Ascend Acoustics $1000 eBay

Same family: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.3/5), the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX (larger bookshelf, rated 4.3/5), the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower (floorstanding, rated 4.4/5) and the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2 (center, estimated 4.3/5). See every Ascend Sierra generation.

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. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81.5dB.

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.

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Under $1,000

Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2023 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.65
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.61
Weight	18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Ascend Acoustics ($1000) →Search eBay for Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Kali Audio IN-8 V2: $998 per pair Amazon $499.00 eBay

Same family: the Kali Audio IN-5 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.2/5) and the Kali Audio IN-UNF (larger bookshelf, rated 3.3/5).

Pros: The IN-8 V2’s coaxial midrange/tweeter supports coherent imaging, and low distortion at ordinary levels complements its 7.30 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB extension of 45.4Hz provides useful bass; boundary settings assist placement. The front port allows placement near a wall without port noise problems. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89dB.

Cons: The measured 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes unevenness that can make some vocals sound forward. Bass and limiter behavior constrain high-level playback. These measurements apply to the V2, not the first-generation IN-8. On-axis, the 4 to 5kHz range sounds forward; Kali recommends about 10° of toe-out, and some EQ helps.

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Studio Monitors

Full Kali Audio IN-8 V2 review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	140w Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	17.8”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm)
Drivers	8” (203mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	45Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.36
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.30
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($499.00) →Search eBay for Kali Audio IN-8 V2 →

Bookshelf Speakers: Under $1500

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Dynaudio Emit 20: $1,049.00 per pair Amazon $1,049.00 eBay

Same family: the Dynaudio Emit 10 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.2/5), the Dynaudio Emit 30 (smaller floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Dynaudio Emit 50 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5) and the Dynaudio Emit 25C (center, estimated 3.7/5). See every Dynaudio Emit generation.

Pros: Two-way design with a 28mm Esotar soft dome tweeter (Hexis-damped) and an 18cm mid-woofer, using a first-order crossover on the tweeter and second-order on the woofer. Exceptional bass extension for a bookshelf speaker: reaches a clean, authoritative 40Hz in-room, rare enough that the reviewer says most listeners could skip a subwoofer for typical music. Very low distortion across the board, staying below 1% THD down to 40Hz at 86dB and below 3% even at 96dB: unusually clean bass performance where most two-way bookshelf speakers start rising in distortion around 80Hz. Wide, remarkably consistent horizontal directivity (about ±50-60°) that holds steady up to roughly 13kHz: rare for a speaker in this format, thanks to a beveled tweeter edge that acts as a mild waveguide. Excellent compression and dynamic-range linearity at the frequency extremes, actually showing slight bass enhancement rather than the sharp low-end compression common in similarly-sized bookshelf speakers. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.5dB.

Cons: A resonance around 600-800Hz gives snares and similar percussion a muffled, flat quality lacking impact: confirmed as originating in the woofer itself (isolated via measurements of the raw driver out of the cabinet), and attempts at constrained-layer damping didn’t resolve it. A peak around 4kHz adds a sharp, edgy quality to some male vocals. A roughly 5dB boost above 10kHz gives cymbals and hi-hats excess shimmer that can sound unnatural, especially pointed directly on-axis. Vertical dispersion shows two separate crossover-related notches (above and below the tweeter reference line around 5kHz) rather than the usual single one, a direct consequence of the shallow crossover slopes used on both drivers. Multitone distortion is elevated in the midrange, possibly due to the woofer’s magnet structure lacking a shorting ring. Best aimed slightly off-axis (about 10-15° of toe-out) to tame the excess high-frequency shimmer, rather than pointed straight at the listener.

Full Dynaudio Emit 20 review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2019 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.6”H x 8.1”W x 12.3”D (370.0 x 205.0 x 312.0 mm)
Drivers	7.1” Magnesium Silicate Polymer woofer, 1.1” Cerotar soft dome with Hexis tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.22
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.92
Weight	12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,049.00) →Search eBay for Dynaudio Emit 20 →

Links
- Official Dynaudio Emit 20 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Audio First Fidelia: £950 per pair for the flatpack kit (assembly required) Audio First Designs eBay

Pros: Kit speaker offering exceptional value and tonal accuracy; chosen by reviewer as reference standard for future speaker tonality comparisons despite 1,250 USD price point. Achieves bass extension to 53 Hz (F3) and 38 Hz (F10) from compact cabinet. Direct-from-manufacturer availability eliminates retailer markup. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Kit assembly required; lower sensitivity (~83-85 dB vs. typical 85 dB average) demands adequate amplifier power. Only available direct from UK manufacturer with associated shipping costs and lead times. Trade-off between compact driver configuration and maximum dynamic output.

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Full Audio First Fidelia review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1560Hz
DIY Kit	Yes
Dimensions	11.8”H x 7.1”W x 11.7”D (300 x 180 x 297.6 mm)
Drivers	5” ceramic-aluminum cone woofer, 1” ceramic-aluminum tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	84dB
Spinorama Preference Score	6.45
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.46
Weight	15 lbs (6.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Audio First Designs (£950) →Search eBay for Audio First Fidelia →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the AsciLab C6B: $1145 per pair Ascilab $1145 eBay

Same family: the AsciLab C5B (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: Two-way design pairing a 1” aluminum ceramic dome tweeter on a large waveguide with a 6” aluminum ceramic cone woofer, crossed over at 1.1kHz, plus a rear passive radiator. Unusual trait: horizontal radiation actually widens at higher frequencies instead of narrowing like most two-way designs, which keeps image focus and soundstage depth consistent whether you toe the speakers in or out (5-10° off-axis was the sweet spot in testing). Vertical radiation also stays wide straight through the 2kHz crossover region, so the sound doesn’t collapse when standing up: unusual at this price. CA2034 measurements show strong on-axis linearity, listening window, early reflections, and directivity. Midrange and tweeter distortion stay very low even at 96dB, holding up against a $5,900 Arendal speaker in that regard despite roughly a 5x price gap. At $1145 shipped to the US, the reviewer calls it the best-value bookshelf speaker he’s tested, rivaling speakers 2-5x the price. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.6dB.

Cons: Bass rolls off around 50Hz in-room (F3 54Hz, F10 35Hz), so a subwoofer is needed for real extension below that. Low-frequency harmonic distortion increases substantially at 96dB versus 86dB, though it’s second-order and less audible than it looks on paper. Minimum impedance dips to 2.6 ohms (EPDR as low as 1.2 ohms), so it wants an amplifier comfortable driving 4-ohm loads, ideally 100W or more. At 102dB, compression noticeably eats into midrange, bass, and some treble output. Shipping to the US adds roughly $200 on top of AsciLab’s list price. Against the reviewer’s reference Audiofirst Fidelia at a similar price, has slightly less lower-midrange body (about 1dB difference) and a smaller perceived soundstage size.

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Under $2,000

Full AsciLab C6B review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.7”H x 8”W x 10.4”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 264.2 mm)
Drivers	6” Aluminium Ceramic Cone with cast Aluminium Chassis woofer, 1” Aluminium Ceramic Dome tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 2.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.33
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.28
Weight	18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at Ascilab ($1145) →Search eBay for AsciLab C6B →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62: $1,299.00 per pair Amazon $1,299.00 eBay

Same family: the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UFR52 (floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5) and the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 (center, rated 3.3/5).

Pros: True three-way stand-mount using a 1-inch tweeter concentrically mounted in a 4-inch aluminum midrange plus a dedicated 6.5-inch aluminum woofer. Erin found the directivity and overall tonality well controlled, with dual front slot vents minimizing placement sensitivity and cabinet bracing suppressing obvious coloration. The mostly 5-ohm-or-higher load is manageable for a genuinely 4-ohm-capable amplifier, and the coherent concentric upper range supports stable imaging across seats. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.

Cons: Erin measured very low 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity; his 110W Parasound was insufficient for the high-level test and the more powerful HINT 6 was needed. Impedance reaches 4 ohms near 50Hz (Erin), while woofer excursion and bass output were less capable than expected for the cabinet size. A broad 500-700Hz rise and associated lower/female-vocal coloration were audible, and the slightly subdued listening-window treble is necessary to avoid an overly bright in-room balance rather than evidence of ruler-flat axial tuning.

Full ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension	41Hz manufacturer specified; Erin’s response-linearity graph shows limited high-output bass headroom
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	58.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.1”H x 8.2”W x 13.1”D
Drivers	1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 6.5” woofer
Impedance	4 ohms minimum near 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.44 (measured, spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.7 (measured, spinorama.org)
Weight	23.5 lbs (10.68 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, dual front slot vents

Check current price at Amazon ($1,299.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF Q Concerto Meta: $1,399.99 per pair Amazon $1,399.99 Crutchfield $1,399.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF Q1 Meta (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the KEF Q4 Meta (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.4/5), the KEF Q3 Meta (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.4/5), the KEF Q7 Meta (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the KEF Q11 Meta (larger floorstanding, rated 4/5), the KEF Q6 Meta (center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q8 Meta (surround, rated 3.4/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.

Pros: Really good in-room neutrality with consistent horizontal directivity from seat to seat. Directivity holds remarkably steady from lower treble into upper treble, where many similarly-priced speakers narrow sharply as frequency rises: one of the reviewer’s top 10 picks under $1,500. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.2dB.

Cons: Radiation pattern measures about ±50°, narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60° for a stronger sense of envelopment. Needs to be pointed closer to on-axis rather than heavily toed out: combined with its rolled-off, shelved-down top end, too much toe-out makes it sound noticeably dark.

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Full KEF Q Concerto Meta review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm)
Drivers	165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofer, 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.01
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.71
Weight	20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,399.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($1,399.99) →Search eBay for KEF Q Concerto Meta →

Bookshelf Speakers: Under $3000

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Wharfedale Linton 85: $1999 per pair Crutchfield $1999 eBay

Same family: the Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the Wharfedale Super Denton (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5) and the Wharfedale Super Linton (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: Very neutral frequency response and good bass extension. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.1dB.

Cons: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good

Featured on:

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Full Wharfedale Linton 85 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	22.2”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (563.9 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm)
Drivers	8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.87
Weight	40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($1999) →Search eBay for Wharfedale Linton 85 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Philharmonic BMR Monitor: $2200 per pair Philharmonic Audio $2200 eBay

Older model: the Philharmonic BMR (v1) (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5). See every Philharmonic BMR generation.

Pros: Three-way design combining a 6” SB Acoustics mid-woofer, a 2.5” Tectonic balanced-mode radiator (BMR) for the midrange, and a ribbon tweeter: premium component choices relative to the asking price. A clear improvement over the V1: the earlier version’s overly hot, plateauing treble has been resolved, leaving a genuinely good in-room response outside of one specific area. Extremely wide horizontal radiation of about ±70-80°, creating an enveloping, wide soundstage that illuminates the sidewalls. Well-built, attractive cabinet. Midrange and tweeter show no stress or elevated distortion even at higher output: all the compression and distortion issues trace back to the mid-woofer alone. Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.

Cons: A 1-2dB bump around 2-3kHz creates a “glare” on vocals, guitars, and strings that the reviewer noticed consistently across many tracks. The extremely wide radiation trades off against imaging precision: instrument placement became noticeably more diffuse and harder to pinpoint in a narrower, more reflective room, though it improved substantially in a larger, more open room with less sidewall interaction. A suspected resonance around 500Hz shows up as an imbalance in sound power and horizontal directivity measurements, loosely correlating with a vague sense of resonance the reviewer heard subjectively. Moderate sensitivity (about 84.1dB anechoic) and a mid-woofer that runs out of steam under real stress: distortion exceeds 3% even at 100Hz at 96dB, and the reviewer notes SB Acoustics’ published excursion specs tend to overstate real-world linear excursion by nearly 2x. Significant compression appears at 102dB: the woofer audibly unloads around 120Hz, and the ribbon tweeter also compresses heavily at high output. Not well suited to very loud two-channel listening (above about 90dB at 4 meters). In-room bass rolls off around 50Hz, so a subwoofer is recommended for most music. Benefits noticeably from a few bands of EQ if available.

Full Philharmonic BMR Monitor review and specifications →

Released	2015 (11 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	20”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (508 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm)
Drivers	6” Ceramic woofer, Balanced Mode Radiator 2.5” midrange, RAAL 64-10X OEM tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.02 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.67 (spinorama.org)
Weight	32 lbs (14.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Philharmonic Audio ($2200) →Search eBay for Philharmonic BMR Monitor →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the MoFi SourcePoint 8: $2594 per pair Crutchfield $2594 eBay

Same family: the MoFi SourcePoint 10 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.4/5) and the MoFi SourcePoint 888 (floorstanding, rated 4.7/5). See every MoFi SourcePoint generation.

Pros: 8” twin-drive concentric driver paired with a 1.25” soft dome tweeter, in a diffraction-reducing baffle design; rated 47Hz-30kHz. Notably more neutral and true-to-source than its sibling MoFi SourcePoint 10, which the reviewer found a bit too bright in the treble by comparison: measured about 4-5dB less high-frequency output. Excellent imaging: passed multiple stereo-panning and depth tests, including smooth continuous left-to-right pans without wobble and correct front-to-back layering of vocals versus percussion. Wide horizontal dispersion of about ±60°, broader than the reviewer expected from a coaxial design, and forgiving enough in placement that about 10° of toe-out variance and moving above or below the tweeter axis both still sound good. Excellent dynamic range and compression linearity: about 26dB of headroom up to 102dB/1m equivalent, with issues only appearing below about 60Hz. 8-ohm nominal impedance made it easy to drive on everything from a budget Denon AVR to a high-end Macintosh amplifier. No significant evidence of woofer-cone modulation distortion affecting the tweeter, even at 96dB/1m. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.3dB.

Cons: Like other coincident designs, produces diffraction dips around 4kHz and 7kHz when pointed directly on-axis; needs about 10-15° of toe-out to smooth those out. The rear-ported cabinet (two ports) means it can’t be placed too close to a wall without the bass becoming overblown: the reviewer settled on about 2 feet of clearance. F3 of 52Hz and F10 of 43Hz mean genuine deep bass tops out in the mid-40s Hz in-room: a subwoofer is still needed for true low-end extension. Harmonic distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold at 96dB (though it’s second-order and less audibly significant), and multitone distortion becomes noticeably more audible at that same output level. Vertical response doesn’t perfectly mirror horizontal, since the cabinet is a rectangle rather than a perfect square around the driver.

Full MoFi SourcePoint 8 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	18”H x 11.4”W x 13.2”D (457.2 x 289.6 x 335.3 mm)
Drivers	8” woofer, 1.25-inch soft-dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (8 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.3dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.15
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.28
Weight	28 lbs (12.7 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($2594) →Search eBay for MoFi SourcePoint 8 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF R3 Meta: $2,499.99 per pair Amazon $2,499.99 Crutchfield $2,499.99 eBay

Older models: the KEF R3 (ranked lower, rated 4.5/5) and the KEF R300 (ranked lower, estimated 3.9/5). See every KEF R Series generation.

Same family: the KEF R5 Meta (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.6/5), the KEF R7 Meta (floorstanding, estimated 4.6/5), the KEF R11 Meta (largest floorstanding, rated 4.4/5), the KEF R2 Meta (smaller center, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF R6 Meta (larger center, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: Three-way design with an unconventional concentric layout: the 1” tweeter is recessed into the throat of the 5.25” midrange driver, deeper integration than a standard coaxial arrangement. A quasi sealed/ported bass alignment gives an extended low-end shelf tuned to match typical in-room gain, reaching about 50Hz for most content: deeper than recently-tested rivals like the Focal Aria 906, Polk R200, and an 8” Aperion design. Spinorama measurements show class-leading directivity and sound power, plus very linear on-axis response (at the recommended 10° toe-out) and early-reflections directivity, so it takes EQ exceptionally well. The vertical sweet spot extends to about ±20-30° off the reference axis with nearly identical tonality, unusually wide for a two- or three-way design. A clear upgrade over the earlier, non-Meta KEF R3, eliminating the treble brightness the original had even when toed off-axis. Outperforms similarly-priced rivals (Revel M106, Wharfedale Linton, Philharmonic BMR V2, JBL HDI 1600) specifically on directivity and linearity in the reviewer’s measurements. At $2500/pair, called the best value in its class with near-reference-level anechoic performance. Measured bass extension of 76Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.9dB.

Cons: Pointed straight on-axis, there’s a 1-2dB bump around 9kHz that stays consistent across angles thanks to the constant-directivity waveguide: only toeing the speaker out about 10° tames it. Minimum impedance dips to about 3.2 ohms nominal (EPDR as low as 1.9 ohms), so it needs a 4-ohm-stable amplifier; a standard AVR likely won’t cut it. Distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 80Hz at 96dB output and shows added deviation again near 50Hz, indicating it runs out of headroom at higher volumes: a subwoofer is recommended for loud listening. Horizontal radiation narrows from about ±70° at low frequency to ±40° at high frequency. Below about 100Hz, compression testing shows fairly wide deviations at both 86dB and 96dB output, though the reviewer notes this is typical for speakers in this size and price class. Current KEF R3 owners who are already happy with that speaker have little reason to upgrade.

Full KEF R3 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D (421.6 x 200.7 x 335.3 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.10
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.91
Weight	27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($2,499.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($2,499.99) →Search eBay for KEF R3 Meta →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Wharfedale Super Linton: $2,699.00 per pair Amazon $2,699.00 Crutchfield $2,999.00 eBay

Same family: the Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the Wharfedale Super Denton (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5) and the Wharfedale Linton 85 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5).

Pros: Three-way design with a 1” soft dome tweeter, 5” woven Kevlar mid-range, and 8” woven Kevlar woofer in a dual rear-ported, heavily damped MDF/particle-board cabinet. Comes as a genuinely matched pair (measured within about 1dB of each other) and includes custom matching stands. A major dynamic-range improvement over the original Heritage Linton: kick drums retain their impact from low to high volume instead of compressing, the standout objective improvement in this update. Fixes the original Linton’s main flaw: a 1-3kHz scoop that made it sound a bit soft and subdued is filled in here, giving noticeably more attack and dynamic punch. About 3dB more sensitivity than the original Linton (measured ~88.2dB), meaning roughly half the amplifier power for the same output. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±70°, right in the reviewer’s preferred range for an enveloping soundstage. Lower midrange distortion than the original Linton. Bass-shelf tuning intentionally allows closer-to-wall placement (about 1 foot worked well) without excess boominess, more flexible than the original Linton in that regard. Measured bass extension of 77Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.2dB.

Cons: Rolls off earlier than the original Linton (F3 77Hz versus the original’s 52Hz), a deliberate trade-off for the closer-wall-placement flexibility. On-axis, there’s a mild treble lift around 4-6kHz that can sound a touch sibilant, though the reviewer found it not very noteworthy in practice. Diffraction shows up around 1.5-2kHz on-axis; needs about 10° of toe-out to smooth this out, though going further to 30° starts to lose some top-end air. Distortion peaks slightly higher than the original Linton in the 50-70Hz region. Minimum impedance dips to about 3 ohms around 150Hz, so a 4-ohm-stable amplifier is recommended for best results. Vertical dispersion of about ±20° means multi-row home theater seating outside that window will hear reduced top-end. Asymmetrical design requires attention to setup (tweeters need to face outward) for the most linear in-room response. A costly upgrade for existing Linton owners if the original’s specific flaws didn’t bother them.

Full Wharfedale Super Linton review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2024 (1 year ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	23.8”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (604.5 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm)
Drivers	8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.09
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.94
Weight	43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($2,699.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($2,999.00) →Search eBay for Wharfedale Super Linton →

Bookshelf Speakers: Under $5000

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition: $7995 per pair Crutchfield $7995 eBay

Pros: Extended bass to approximately 30 Hz in-room without subwoofer; images with excellent precision indicating tight frequency response matching between speakers. Integrated bass management with three-way treble attenuation switches for room tuning. New design from Andrew Jones represents reviewer personal second choice (behind only KEF Blade Two Meta at 29k) among hundreds of systems auditioned; ranks above Dutch & Dutch 8C, JBL 4367, and JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor. Measured bass extension of 38Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.8dB.

Cons: Moderate sensitivity (~89 dB) means amplifier power requirements higher than many alternatives. Deep bass extension ends above subsonic frequencies (pipe organ territory below 17 Hz requires subwoofer).

Full MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2025 (1 year ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	25Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	48.8”H x 15.5”W x 19.9”D (1239.5 x 393.7 x 505.5 mm)
Drivers	10” woofer, 10” paper‑cone concentric midrange, 1.25” soft‑dome concentric tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88.8dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.00
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.31
Weight	160.9 lbs (73 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at Crutchfield ($7995) →Search eBay for MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Revel M126Be: $4,400 per pair Crutchfield $2,200.00 eBay

Older models: the Revel M106 (ranked higher, rated 4.6/5) and the Revel Performa M22 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every Revel Performa generation.

Same family: the Revel F226Be (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.6/5), the Revel F228Be (floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Revel F328Be (largest floorstanding, rated 4.7/5) and the Revel C426Be (center, rated 4/5).

Pros: Two-way design pairing a 6.5” midwoofer with a 1” beryllium dome tweeter, the smaller sibling to the reviewer’s favorite Revel F226Be. Wide, immersive stereo imaging: hard-panned sounds in test tracks localized 2-3 feet outside the physical speaker positions without losing pinpoint precision. Horizontal radiation of about 60-70°, landing right in the reviewer’s preferred range for an enveloping yet still well-focused soundstage. Extended bass-shelf tuning (similar in concept to the KEF R3 Meta) combines with in-room gain for a more linear low end rather than a boomy hump. Diffraction dips visible on-axis around 3kHz and 7kHz largely disappear in the estimated in-room response, since they fill in as you move off-axis. Distortion stays within 3% down to about 100Hz at both 86dB and 96dB output: strong performance for a 6.5” bookshelf woofer. Can be driven by a standard AVR thanks to a manageable 4.9-ohm minimum impedance. Measured bass extension of 103Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.1dB.

Cons: At $2200/pair, the reviewer doesn’t consider it a strong value: an improvement over the less expensive Revel M106 and other Performa3 models, but not proportional to the price jump. Bass tops out around 50Hz in-room; a subwoofer is still needed for real low-end extension. Vertical placement is fairly critical: there’s a notable hole in the response around the 1.7kHz crossover if you sit above the tweeter axis. Toeing the speaker out to a full 30° introduces a roughly 1dB discontinuity in the midrange along with high-frequency rolloff; the reviewer recommends staying close to on-axis or within about 10°. An unexplained jump in distortion appears right at the 1.7kHz crossover point under compression testing, which may be linked to an occasional “glaring” quality the reviewer noticed in the 2-3kHz region at very high volumes (92-93dB from 2 meters). A mild 2-3kHz forwardness occasionally stood out on some tracks, correctable with about 1dB of EQ, though the reviewer considers it minor.

Full Revel M126Be review and specifications →

Released	May 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.2”H x 8.3”W x 10.3”D (386.1 x 210.8 x 261.6 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Deep Ceramic Composite (DCC) Aluminum Cone with cast frame woofer, 1” Beryllium dome with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (4.9 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.1dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.08
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.34
Weight	22 lbs (10.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($2,200.00) →Search eBay for Revel M126Be →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the March Audio Sointuva AWG: $4150 per pair March Audio $4150 eBay

Older model: the March Audio Sointuva (ranked lower, rated 4.6/5). See every March Audio Sointuva generation.

Pros: Purifi drivers deliver exceptionally low midrange distortion (the reviewer calls them “world class”) paired with bass extension unusually deep for a bookshelf (F3 40Hz, F10 30Hz), reaching down to about 30Hz in-room with some boundary reinforcement. Sensitivity tolerance band measured extremely tight at 1.6-1.73dB, indicating excellent build consistency. Estimated in-room response is exceptionally smooth and neutral: one of the flattest the reviewer has measured, with none of the usual coloration descriptors (bright, boomy, nasal, shouty) needed to describe it. Distortion stays so low even at loud volumes that there’s no audible warning cue before you’re playing dangerously loud: a backhanded compliment to how clean it sounds. At $4150/pair, ranked among the reviewer’s top three bookshelf speakers in that price range. Measured bass extension of 40Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82.4dB.

Cons: Correct listening axis sits about 7° above the tweeter line, which means shorter stands (around 24”) than typical bookshelf stands are sold at: get the height wrong and the sound scoops out in the mid/high frequencies. Moderate-low sensitivity (~82dB) is roughly 3dB below a typical bookshelf speaker, meaning close to double the amplifier power is needed for the same output; low impedance also calls for a 4-ohm capable amp. Horizontal radiation holds a wide ±60° only up to about 3kHz before narrowing: tighter top-end dispersion than the reviewer’s preferred ±60-70° through the treble, and the reason he left the previous generation off his all-time top-five list. Multitone distortion rises above the reviewer’s personal 3% threshold in the 1-2kHz region, though it wasn’t audible in his listening. Not intended to be crossed over with a subwoofer at 80Hz: designed to play full-range down to 40-50Hz, so pairing it with a sub and cutting it off early wastes its bass capability. Best positioned about 3 feet from the rear wall, requiring more floor space than many bookshelf speakers.

Full March Audio Sointuva AWG review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2023 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17.7”H x 9.4”W x 8.7”D (449.6 x 238.8 x 221 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Purifi PTT-OEM Midwoofer, Satori TW29BNWG-4 Beryllium Dome Tweeter with Waveguide
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	82.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.95
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.45
Weight	11 lbs (5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at March Audio ($4150) →Search eBay for March Audio Sointuva AWG →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2: $4500 per pair Radiant Acoustics $4500 eBay

Same family: the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 4.2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.8/5) and the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 (floorstanding, rated 4.6/5).

Pros: Custom AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter paired with a 6.5” Purifi Eikona midrange and dual Purifi passive radiators in a passive-radiator enclosure, crossed over at 2.4kHz. Rigid cabinet construction (21mm MDF with a 15mm aluminum front baffle, extensive internal bracing) helps keep resonance in check. A deliberately rising on-axis response paired with narrowing directivity above about 2kHz yields a genuinely linear, non-fatiguing in-room sound rather than the “fake detail” of speakers with a straight treble boost. Excellent pair matching between units (within about 1dB), contributing to precise, well-focused imaging that clearly separated fine details in test tracks. In-room bass extension reaches a solid 40Hz with real kick-drum authority, not just sub-bass rumble. Class-leading dynamic range and compression performance: among the best the reviewer has measured at this price point. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.3dB.

Cons: Needs a fairly specific setup to sound its best: about 15-20° of toe-out (per the manufacturer’s own recommendation) and roughly 2 feet from the rear wall; pointed straight on-axis, the treble reads as noticeably elevated. Low impedance (2.1-ohm minimum, about 1-ohm minimum EPDR) demands an amplifier genuinely comfortable with 4-ohm-and-below loads. Soundstage width narrows above about 5kHz, even though the AMT tweeter itself is capable of wider dispersion. An unexplained resonance appears in harmonic distortion measurements on both units tested (though not on the reviewer’s reference speaker): possibly a basket resonance, and not something the reviewer could hear. A minor bump around 500Hz in the estimated in-room response could add a touch of boxiness for some listeners, though the reviewer didn’t personally notice it. F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 32Hz mean a subwoofer is still needed for home-theater rumble or bass-heavy genres like rap.

Full Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.3”H x 8.7”W x 10.5”D (363.2 x 221 x 266.7 mm)
Drivers	6.5” PURIFI USHINDI woofer, Custom AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (2.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.3dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.97
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.75
Weight	23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at Radiant Acoustics ($4500) →Search eBay for Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Buchardt A10: $4300 per pair Buchardt Audio $4300 eBay

Same family: the Buchardt A200 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5), the Buchardt A500 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.6/5) and the Buchardt A700 (floorstanding, rated 4.5/5).

Pros: The measured tuning combines 31.5Hz -3dB bass extension with preference scores of 7.28 standalone and 8.00 with an ideal subwoofer. A 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly even mids, and selectable DSP tunings offer useful flexibility. Measured bass extension of 30Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The rising treble balance can sound brighter on axis; toe-out or a different tuning may suit some rooms. Deep-bass demands cause compression before the largest monitors reach their limits. A subwoofer with appropriate high-pass filtering can improve headroom; alternate presets should not be assumed to share the quoted scores.

Featured on:

Wi-Fi & Streaming

Full Buchardt A10 review and specifications →

Released	2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	200w Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	21Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	14.6”H x 7”W x 9.6”D (370.8 x 177.8 x 243.8 mm)
Drivers	6.5” PURIFI Extended Stroke Driver with Ultra Low Distortion, Custom made with triple Voice Coil woofer, 19 mm / 0.74” Resonance Free Aluminum dome with CDC aluminum waveguide tweeter
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	28Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	7.28
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.00
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	15 lbs (6.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Buchardt Audio ($4300) →Search eBay for Buchardt A10 →

Links
- Official Buchardt A10 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Buchardt A10 Bookshelf Review: The Real Pros and Cons More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Bookshelf Speakers: Over $5000

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF Reference 1 Meta: $9999.98 per pair KEF $9999.98 eBay

Same family: the KEF Reference 3 Meta (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.6/5), the KEF Reference 5 Meta (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.8/5), the KEF Reference 2 Meta (smaller center, rated 4.4/5) and the KEF Reference 4 Meta (larger center, rated 4.4/5). See every KEF Reference generation.

Pros: Meta technology places a Helmholtz-style resonator behind the tweeter to absorb rear-radiated resonance, and pair matching is within about ±0.5dB: unusually tight for a passive speaker. Sounds most neutral pointed straight on-axis rather than toed out, with no 5-8kHz harshness of the kind that plagues many speakers marketed as “detailed.” One of the most three-dimensional soundstages the reviewer has heard from a passive speaker, beaten only by $13,000+ active Xmachina Pulsar MK2 monitors (though this speaker’s tonality was preferred). Distortion stays below 1% down to about 70Hz at 86dB, and below 1% to ~150Hz / below 3% to ~70Hz even at 96dB. High-frequency response holds essentially flat as volume increases (no audible crossover or voice-coil compression) giving strong dynamic range up to its output limit (about 98dB at 3.5 meters before the woofer starts running out of excursion). All-passive design still measures ±1.5dB from 80Hz to 16kHz with zero DSP. Swappable dual-port system (long port for near-wall placement, short port for out-into-the-room placement with more bass extension) lets you tune bass behavior to where the speaker actually sits. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82.5dB.

Cons: At roughly $10000/pair, nearly four times the cost of the similarly-sized KEF R3. Radiation narrows from about ±60° in the midrange to ±50° at high frequency: tighter than the reviewer’s ~70° preference (though wider than the R3’s ~±40°); toeing the speakers out for more width sacrifices treble energy that then needs EQ to restore. Moderate-to-low sensitivity (measured 83-84dB) calls for a solid amplifier. In-room bass only extends to about 40Hz, so a subwoofer is worth adding for bass-heavy material at higher volumes or listening beyond 3-4 meters. Minor directivity mismatch around 2kHz shows up in measurements, likely a vertical diffraction effect that wasn’t fully explained. Bass port choice (long vs. short) meaningfully changes the sound depending on placement, so the wrong port for your room can leave the bass sounding off until you experiment.

Full KEF Reference 1 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17.3”H x 8.1”W x 16.6”D (439.4 x 205.7 x 421.6 mm)
Drivers	165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 2.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	82.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.48
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.29
Weight	40.1 lbs (18.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at KEF ($9999.98) →Search eBay for KEF Reference 1 Meta →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Dutch & Dutch 8C: $13000 per pair Tidepool Audio $13000 eBay

Pros: Very deep measured bass reaches 23.4Hz at -3dB, while the 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids. The 6.51 standalone score reflects that full-range strength. Cardioid midrange radiation and boundary-aware bass adjustment help integrate the system with nearby walls. Measured bass extension of 23Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 106dB.

Cons: Cardioid operation reduces some reflections; it does not make the speaker independent of the room. Rear-woofer placement and setup remain important. Its 7.16 ideal-subwoofer score trails the strongest tonal performers here, although its deep native bass is a meaningful advantage for listening without a sub.

Featured on:

Studio Monitors

Full Dutch & Dutch 8C review and specifications →

Released	2017 (9 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	1000W (250W tweeter + 250W mid + 500W dual woofers)
App	Yes (Ascend)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	<20Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	23Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Maximum SPL	106dB @ 1m continuous (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	~106dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Streaming Services	Yes (network streaming)
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	57.3 lbs (26 kg) each
Wi-Fi	Yes (Ethernet)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Tidepool Audio ($13000) →Search eBay for Dutch & Dutch 8C →

Tower Speakers: Under $1500

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Magnepan LRS+: $1300 per pair Magnepan $1300 eBay

Pros: Thin, two-way planar-magnetic open-baffle/dipole panel design (about 48” tall, just 1” deep). Delivers a uniquely dramatic and enveloping soundstage with genuinely three-dimensional depth effects that work across all music genres, not just classical or orchestral material as commonly assumed. Extremely tight, locked-in center-phantom imaging when set up correctly. Open-baffle design avoids the “boxy” enclosure coloration of conventional cabinet speakers. Multitone distortion is remarkably consistent from low to high frequency, a characteristic the reviewer hasn’t observed in conventional cone-and-dome speakers. Compression at high output stays modest (about 0.5-1dB) through the midrange and treble, giving roughly 20-26dB of usable dynamic range in that region. At its price, a strong contender for a dedicated secondary listening room, even if not a main-system replacement. Measured bass extension of 74Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.1dB.

Cons: Extremely current-hungry and power-hungry: even a pair of 600W Macintosh monoblock amplifiers only averaged about 90dB output. A robust, high-power amplifier is essentially mandatory, and budget amps won’t cut it. Bass rolls off very quickly (F3 74Hz, F10 67Hz, described as falling off “like a rock”), making a subwoofer an absolute requirement for any low-end content. A roughly 3dB dip in the mid-bass (100-300Hz) region thins out vocal body and fullness compared to a conventional bookshelf speaker. A resonance/bump around 400Hz adds a mild boxy quality, though it responds well to about 2dB of EQ correction. Extraordinarily fussy about exact positioning: both seating height (must align with the acoustic reference point between the panel’s lower tie-down points) and horizontal aiming are unusually critical; moving just a couple of inches can cause treble content above roughly 500-600Hz to nearly vanish. Distinct off-axis cancellation zones exist directly to the sides of the panel, where very little sound is audible at all. Fails badly under extreme dynamic-transient testing in the bass, and the reviewer blew fuses pushing the speaker during testing: not built for high-volume or highly dynamic playback. A genuinely different category from conventional hi-fi speakers, requiring more setup patience and experimentation than a typical monopole design.

Full Magnepan LRS+ review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	74Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	48”H x 13.5”W x 1”D (1219.2 x 342.9 x 25.4 mm)
Drivers	Full-range planar magnetic dipole panel (48” tall x 13.5” wide); quasi-ribbon design, two-way with separate mid/bass and tweeter ribbon sections
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.1dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	1.27
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	4.32
Weight	30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	open baffle

Check current price at Magnepan ($1300) →Search eBay for Magnepan LRS+ →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63: $1,298 per pair Amazon $649.00 eBay

Same family: the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.9/5), the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the ELAC Debut 3.0 DF53 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5), the ELAC Debut 3.0 DC53 (smaller center, estimated 3.4/5) and the ELAC Debut 3.0 DC63 (larger center, estimated 3.5/5). See every ELAC Debut generation.

Pros: Three-driver floorstanding layout: two 6” dedicated midbase drivers plus a separate 6” mid-range driver (confirmed by measuring different driver impedance/inductance) and a 1” dome tweeter, each woofer given its own stuffed chamber inside the cabinet. The dedicated midrange driver keeps distortion low even at higher output, avoiding the intermodulation grain typical of two-way bookshelf designs. The waveguide keeps high-frequency directivity well controlled, and overall horizontal directivity is good up to about 2kHz. Harmonic distortion looks good at both 86dB and 96dB, and multitone distortion stays below the reviewer’s 3% threshold. A shallow bass rolloff (F3 71Hz, F10 29Hz) lets it extend fairly low without a hard cutoff. Preferred by the reviewer over the similarly-priced Polk Reserve R500 (too much high-frequency narrowing, less neutral) and considered ahead of the Polk Audio Reserve R700 as well. Measured bass extension of 71Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.6dB.

Cons: A genuine measured resonance around 200-300Hz (visible in frequency response, impedance, and group delay) causes an audible “droning” coloration on female vocals. A mild peak around 10kHz makes shakers and similar high-frequency percussion jump too far forward in the mix; needed about 2dB of EQ to tame in testing. A dip in the 1-3kHz range gives the speaker a warm, slightly veiled character: the reviewer suspects the tweeter crossover point (around 2-3kHz) is set a bit high and could be lowered to fill this in. Directivity shows a noticeable handoff mismatch around 2.5kHz where the midrange driver hands off to the tweeter, though it’s minor at the -6dB point. Vertical directivity is narrower than horizontal, so listeners need to stay close to the tweeter axis. Low EPDR (about 1.5 ohms minimum) means a Class AB amplifier should be well-ventilated. Best positioned pointed directly at the listener and closer to the front wall: toeing it out into the room causes too much high-frequency rolloff.

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63 review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43.1”H x 7.7”W x 10.6”D (1094.7 x 195.6 x 269.2 mm)
Drivers	Two 6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 6.5” Aramid Fiber midrange, 1” Aluminum Dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.83
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.33
Weight	58.2 lbs (26.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($649.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Polk Reserve R500: $1,118 per pair Amazon $559.00 eBay

Same family: the Polk Reserve R100 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk R200 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the Polk Reserve R600 (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R700 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R300 (smallest center, estimated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R350 (center, rated 3.7/5) and the Polk Audio Reserve R400 (largest center, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: Dual 5.25” midwoofers paired with a ring radiator tweeter in a floorstanding tower design. Surprisingly neutral overall compared to Polk’s smaller bookshelf models: notably more even-handed than the brighter-sounding Polk R200 the reviewer tested previously. Good linearity on-axis, within about -3/+2dB. Sensitivity close to 86dB, easily driven to adequate levels in a small-to-medium room with a 100W-capable amplifier. Takes very well to EQ: a single band of correction (about a 2dB cut around 4-5kHz) resolves the main tonal issue and transforms the sound. Dynamic range and compression performance is solidly “medium,” holding up fine through about 20dB of level increase before higher-frequency and bass output start to taper at extreme volumes. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.2dB.

Cons: A bump around 4-6kHz gives a “shouty,” mildly sibilant quality in the lower treble. Counterintuitively, toeing the speaker out to reduce brightness makes this worse rather than better, since the ring-radiator tweeter’s directivity narrows rapidly above about 6-7kHz: pointed on-axis retains enough top-end air to balance the bump, but toed away that air drops off and the shoutiness stands out more. Bass is adequate for its 5.25” woofers but lacks real weight below about 40-50Hz; a subwoofer is still needed for movies and bass-heavy music. A cabinet resonance around 160-170Hz subtracts from rather than adds boom to the mid-bass region. Vertical listening window is fairly narrow: sitting more than about 10-20° above or below the tweeter axis causes a suckout in the 2-5kHz range, reducing clarity and attack. Multitone distortion ramps up noticeably around 1kHz, and crossing over to a subwoofer at 80Hz doesn’t meaningfully reduce it: likely a surround-related effect rather than excursion-related. Without applying corrective EQ, the reviewer says the 4-6kHz brightness would make it harder to live with day to day.

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Under $2,000

Full Polk Reserve R500 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm)
Drivers	Two 5.25” Turbine Cone woofer, 1” Pinnacle Ring Radiator tweeter
Impedance	4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 8 ohms nominal per manufacturer)
Sensitivity	86.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.86
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.44
Weight	39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($559.00) →Search eBay for Polk Reserve R500 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Klipsch RP-6000F II: $999.98 per pair Amazon $499.99 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Pros: Highest power handling and clean, well-behaved compression at typical volumes. Precise imaging from the controlled horn directivity. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90dB.

Cons: Worse baffle-step coloration than the smaller Klipsch RP-5000F II (3-4dB swing vs 2dB), plus a sibilance issue the 5000F doesn’t have: a real regression in tonal balance despite the higher price. Bass extension is mixed (less deep at -3dB (67Hz) than the 5000F) and needs a subwoofer regardless. Narrow horizontal dispersion (~50-60 degrees).

Full Klipsch RP-6000F II review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1770Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	39.6” x 9.3” x 17.6” (1006 x 236 x 446 mm)
Drivers	1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 6.5” cerametallic woofers
Frequency Response	38Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	125W continuous, 500W peak
Sensitivity	90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.74
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.47
Weight	49.4 lbs (22.4 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($499.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-6000F II →

Tower Speakers: Under $2500

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Klipsch RP-8000F II: $1,159.98 per pair Amazon $1,159.98 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Pros: Highest sensitivity of the RP II floorstander line (~92dB measured) and the best dynamics/compression behavior of the three under load: the cleanest at high output. Dual 8-inch woofers and the highest power handling in the line. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92dB.

Cons: Mid-bass sounds lean despite the dual 8-inch woofers, and bass extension disappointed for its size: expected to reach 50Hz, didn’t get there in-room. Has its own edgy upper-mid bump (2-6kHz) that’s harder to EQ out than the other two models’ issues, since it stems from the vertical horn/woofer offset rather than simple tonal balance. The most placement-critical of the three, with the narrowest horizontal (~40-50 degrees) and vertical (+5/-10 degrees) dispersion.

Full Klipsch RP-8000F II review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1630Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43.1” x 10.8” x 18.3” (1095 x 275 x 464 mm)
Drivers	1” titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8” cerametallic woofers
Frequency Response	35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	150W continuous, 600W peak
Sensitivity	92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.39
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.12
Weight	61.3 lbs (27.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,159.98) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-8000F II →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Arendal 1961 Tower: $1,900 per pair Arendal Sound $1,900 eBay

Same family: the Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the Arendal 1961 Monitor (larger bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Arendal Sound 1961 Center (center, rated 3.6/5).

Pros: Exceptional output cleanliness for a slim tower: Erin measured under 1% THD to about 100Hz at 96dB/1m and only crossed 3% near 80Hz, while compression was better than several physically larger competitors. The response and listening window are broadly neutral, early-reflections and sound-power directivity are well controlled, and the waveguided dome supports stable imaging. A sealed HDF cabinet, four 5.5-inch woofers and a ten-year warranty provide serious theater-grade engineering in a tiny footprint. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.5dB.

Cons: Erin measured F3 at 62Hz and F10 at 43Hz, so the four woofers prioritize clean output over deep extension; a subwoofer remains necessary. Sensitivity is a moderate 86.5dB and impedance dips below four ohms, which may challenge budget AVRs even though a competent power amplifier has no issue. The optimal axis is roughly 5° above the tweeter and radiation begins narrowing around 1.3kHz, so seat height and toe-in deserve attention.

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full Arendal 1961 Tower review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	33”H x 6.4”W x 11.2”D (837.5 x 163 x 285 mm) (without feet)
Drivers	Four 5.5-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided soft dome
Enclosure	Sealed HDF
Impedance	4 ohms nominal; dips below 4 ohms (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.83
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.25
Weight	39.5 lbs (17.9 kg) each

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($1,900) →Search eBay for Arendal 1961 Tower →

Links
- Official Arendal 1961 Tower page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Morel Avyra 633: $2,000 per pair eBay

Same family: the Morel Avyra 622 (bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5) and the Morel Avyra C5 (center, estimated 4/5).

Pros: A 2.5-way floorstanding tower with two 6” mid-woofers (each with an unusually large 3” voice coil for better power handling) and a dome tweeter; the bottom woofer only covers up to about 250Hz while the top woofer runs all the way to the 2.2kHz crossover point. Easy to drive at a nominal 4 ohms (minimum 3.8 ohms). On-axis linearity measures within about ±2.25dB: genuinely impressive for a tower in this class, enough that the reviewer said he’d have guessed a $4,000-5,000 per pair price just from the look and the data alone. F3 of about 50Hz and F10 of about 32Hz give reasonable kick-drum-level bass without a subwoofer. Wide horizontal radiation around ±70° with good continuity outside the treble region. Harmonic distortion stays under 1% THD to about 100Hz at both 86dB and 96dB, and using an 80Hz subwoofer crossover barely changes midrange distortion: a sign the drive units themselves are good quality rather than excursion-limited. About 20dB of usable dynamic range. No through-holes for spikes, so no risk of dropped hardware during setup. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.5dB.

Cons: A bit bright out of the box: extra tweeter energy in the 4-7kHz region (which also shows up as nonlinearity in the early-reflections directivity data, making it harder to fully correct with EQ) reflects off nearby sidewalls and can sound tipped-up or edgy; a single EQ band (about 4.4kHz, -2dB, Q of 1) or absorption panels placed 60-80° off-axis on the sidewalls resolves it. Best aimed directly at the listener rather than toed out, since the top end already rolls off a little at wider angles. Imaging loses a bit of precision specifically in that lower-treble region. Multitone distortion exceeds the reviewer’s 3% comfort threshold at higher output. Real bass extension below 50Hz still needs a subwoofer. Not the same speaker as the Parts Express “Solstice” DIY kit despite surface similarities: different tweeter, different (ported vs. transmission line) enclosure, and measurably different woofers.

Full Morel Avyra 633 review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	Israel
Crossover Frequency	250Hz, 2.2kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	38.7”H x 12.8”W x 12.2”D (982 x 326 x 310 mm)
Drivers	Dome tweeter, two 6” mid-woofers (3” voice coil)
Frequency Response	25Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	200-1000W
Sensitivity	86.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.43
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.20
Weight	48.5 lbs (22 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for Morel Avyra 633 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Polk Audio Reserve R700: $2,398 per pair Amazon $1,199.00 eBay

Same family: the Polk Reserve R100 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk R200 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the Polk Reserve R500 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5), the Polk Reserve R600 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R300 (smallest center, estimated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R350 (center, rated 3.7/5) and the Polk Audio Reserve R400 (largest center, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: Three-way design with a 1” ring radiator tweeter, 6.5” mid-range, and dual 8” mid-bass drivers in a ported, down-firing cabinet. On-axis frequency response holds within about ±2dB across most of its range, with genuinely deep bass extension (F3 40Hz) reaching into the mid-30s Hz in-room. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±70°, giving a strong, enveloping stereo width and stage-extension effect on well-recorded tracks. Good low-level dynamics: solid bass thump at quiet listening volumes without over-accentuation. Strong distortion and compression control through the bass and midrange. Real nominal impedance closer to 4 ohms than the marketed 8 ohms, so with the right amplifier it can be driven hard: a $3,000 two-channel integrated brought out significantly more life than a budget $300 unit could. Excellent value at its roughly $1199/pair, ranking among the reviewer’s top picks under $2,500; outperforms the similarly-priced Klipsch RP-8000F II in bass extension and overall smoothness. Measured bass extension of 40Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.5dB.

Cons: Compression in the high frequencies rises sharply between 96dB and 102dB output: a real limitation only at very high volumes (around 100dB at 3 meters), but a clear step down from pricier ($5,000+) towers. Horizontal directivity mismatch around 4-5kHz, where the tweeter flares wider than the midrange, can sound a bit forward, especially noticeable when toed out further into the room; sidewall absorption or curtains help tame it. Harmonic distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 7kHz at 96dB output, possibly contributing to that same forward quality at high volume. Narrow vertical sweet spot (about ±15° from the tweeter axis), typical of non-coaxial tower designs: more of a consideration for multi-row home theater seating than single-row listening. The ring-radiator tweeter narrows noticeably above about 7-8kHz, and toeing the speaker out more than about 20° causes the top end to fall off quickly. Needs at least 2 feet of clearance from the rear wall to avoid boomy, exaggerated bass, since it lacks the bass-shelf tuning some rivals use to allow closer wall placement. Compared to the pricier KEF R5 Meta, has narrower horizontal (and much narrower vertical) directivity, so seating flexibility is more limited.

Full Polk Audio Reserve R700 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	45”H x 12.6”W x 16.9”D (1143.8 x 320.7 x 428.3 mm)
Drivers	2x 8” polypropylene cone woofers, 1x 6.5” turbine cone midrange, 1x 1” Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	87.5dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.83
Weight	102.1 lbs (46.3 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, down-firing

Check current price at Amazon ($1,199.00) →Search eBay for Polk Audio Reserve R700 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF Q11 Meta: $2,499.98 per pair Amazon $1,249.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF Q1 Meta (smallest bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the KEF Q4 Meta (bookshelf, estimated 3.4/5), the KEF Q3 Meta (bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the KEF Q Concerto Meta (largest bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the KEF Q7 Meta (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.5/5), the KEF Q6 Meta (center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q8 Meta (surround, rated 3.4/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.

Pros: Three-way tower design with a coaxial layout: a 3/4” aluminum dome tweeter (with KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology behind it) mounted at the center of a 4” mid-range, plus three 6.5” bass drivers. Extremely linear estimated in-room response when placed correctly, thanks to a deliberately declining on-axis response paired with well-controlled directivity: a technically sound design philosophy, even though it reads as “dark” in raw anechoic on-axis measurements. In-room bass extension to about 40-50Hz when placed near a wall, thanks to extended bass-shelf tuning. Sounds excellent whether pointed directly at the listener or toed out a full 30° parallel to the back wall: unusually flexible placement. More vertical listening leeway than standard non-coaxial two-way designs, thanks to the coincident tweeter/midrange. Distortion looks good at both 86dB and 96dB, and multitone distortion holds up well too. Comes with a plinth/outrigger kit for stability given its floorstanding height (about 43-44”). Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.6dB.

Cons: Genuinely dark-sounding on raw on-axis measurement, and needs a typical room with sidewall reflections (within about 6 feet/2 meters) to sound properly neutral: in a large room with little sidewall interaction, it may sound too dull for some listeners. Must be placed close to a rear wall (about 1 foot) to get proper bass: pulling it out to the “standard” 3-foot audiophile recommendation causes bass output to drop off noticeably. Horizontal radiation of about ±50° is narrower than the reviewer’s preferred ±60°, giving a slightly less enveloping soundstage than some rivals. Notably darker than sibling KEF models in the same product family: measures 2-5dB less top-end energy than the KEF R3 Meta and a few dB less than the KEF Q Concerto Meta. Minor lingering resonances appear in burst decay measurements between 500Hz-1kHz. The tweeter shows some strain at very high output volumes, a limitation the reviewer notes is common even among more budget-friendly speakers generally.

Full KEF Q11 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43.8”H x 12.5”W x 15”D (1112.8 x 317.5 x 381.0 mm)
Drivers	25mm tweeter + dual 165mm drivers
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.72
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.03
Weight	106.9 lbs (48.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,249.99) →Search eBay for KEF Q11 Meta →

Tower Speakers: Under $5000

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF R5 Meta: $3,999.99 per pair Discontinued eBay

Older model: the KEF R5 (ranked lower, rated 4.4/5). See every KEF R Series generation.

Same family: the KEF R3 Meta (bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the KEF R7 Meta (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.6/5), the KEF R11 Meta (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 4.4/5), the KEF R2 Meta (smaller center, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF R6 Meta (larger center, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: 12th generation 5” Uni-Q coaxial driver array with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) delivers remarkably smooth, controlled horizontal (±50°) and vertical directivity with near-identical off-axis tracking. Exceptional frequency response linearity through the midrange and treble that takes extremely well to minor parametric EQ adjustments. Constrained Layer Damping cabinet construction and flexible rear ports minimize enclosure resonances and port turbulence. Deliberately tuned low-frequency roll-off profile permits boundary-adjacent room placement near front walls without boomy acoustic buildup. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.

Cons: Low-frequency extension (F3 of 52Hz, F10 of 38Hz) requires pairing with a dedicated subwoofer crossed over at 80Hz for high-output home theater or bass-heavy music performance. High-frequency radiation above 7kHz shows a mild on-axis taper (1-2dB downward slope), performing best when listened to 10-20° off-axis. Moderate sensitivity (~86dB SPL average) requires a clean, robust 4-ohm capable amplifier to drive high dynamic peaks without clipping. Discontinued.

Full KEF R5 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2023 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	42.2”H x 10.7”W x 13.6”D (1073 x 273 x 346 mm)
Drivers	1 in. vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT, 5 in. aluminum cone midrange, two 5.25 in. hybrid aluminum cone woofers
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.33
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.07
Weight	54 lbs (24.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for KEF R5 Meta →

Tower Speakers: Under $10000

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the MoFi SourcePoint 888: $5495 per pair Crutchfield $5495 eBay

Same family: the MoFi SourcePoint 8 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.5/5) and the MoFi SourcePoint 10 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5). See every MoFi SourcePoint generation.

Pros: Three-way vented design: an 8” coaxial mid-range/1.25” dome tweeter driver plus two additional 8” woofers crossed at about 130Hz, giving genuinely full-range output (F3 34Hz, F10 26Hz) other than the deepest subsonic content. Ranked by the reviewer among his personal top three speakers out of roughly 200 tested, alongside the KEF Blade Two Meta and Dutch & Dutch 8C, despite costing a small fraction of either. Excellent compression/dynamic-range linearity, holding its own against much pricier speakers like the March Audio Sointuva AWG, KEF Reference 1 Meta, and KEF Blade Two Meta. On-axis (0°) and 30°-off-axis estimated in-room responses track within about 1-1.5dB of each other above 500Hz, so tonal balance barely changes with placement or listening angle: excellent for multi-seat home theater or entertaining. Wide horizontal dispersion of about ±60°. Distortion stays low: under 1% at 86dB, and under 1% above 200Hz even at 96dB, with multitone distortion mostly under 1% as well. Not a difficult amplifier load (5-ohm minimum impedance, 4.2-ohm minimum EPDR). Checks the three boxes the reviewer considers essential for a home theater speaker: low compression, low distortion, and excellent directivity. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.6dB.

Cons: A significant investment, best ordered from a dealer with a good return policy. Large and heavy floorstander (about 96 lbs, 42” tall) requiring real floor space and rear clearance. Positioning is fairly specific: needs about 2 feet from the rear wall. Closer causes boominess in the 40-50Hz region, farther loses bass extension. Vertical dispersion (about ±50°) is narrower than horizontal (about ±60°), since the two 8” woofers are spaced vertically apart on a tower cabinet, causing some vertical mismatch at lower frequencies. A small on-axis dip around 500Hz and a deliberately lower tweeter level (about 0.5dB below the midrange) are intentional design choices for smoother in-room response, but mean the raw on-axis measurement isn’t perfectly flat. A mild diffraction-related dip appears around 3kHz in directivity measurements. Toeing the speaker out more than about 10° starts to noticeably reduce top-end energy.

Full MoFi SourcePoint 888 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	41.2”H x 12.6”W x 16.1”D (1046.5 x 320 x 408.9 mm)
Drivers	Dual 8” paper cone woofers, 8” Paper Cone midrange, 1.25” wide roll soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.09
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.21
Weight	94.8 lbs (43 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($5495) →Search eBay for MoFi SourcePoint 888 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF LS60: $5,999.99 per pair Amazon $5,999.99 Crutchfield $5,999.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF LSX II LT (smallest bookshelf, rated 4/5), the KEF LSX II (bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5) and the KEF LS50 Wireless II (largest bookshelf, rated 4.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s on-axis measurement combines a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz with a 7.91 ideal-subwoofer preference score, supporting even vocal and instrumental balance. Extended-mode bass reaches roughly 25Hz at -3dB. The coaxial Uni-Q arrangement maintains unusually consistent tonality across listening positions, while HDMI, digital and analog inputs plus network streaming make this a convenient complete music and TV system. Measured bass extension of 23Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 97.7dB.

Cons: A diffraction dip around 9kHz can soften cymbal shimmer when aimed directly at the listener; 10-20 degrees of toe-out helps. DSP limiting reduces bass reach and dynamic output at high volume, so its deep low-level extension is not a promise of the same performance on loud peaks. App placement and tone controls are less flexible than parametric room correction. Each roughly 31kg tower is awkward to move.

Featured on:

Full KEF LS60 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	700W (500W LF Class D + 100W MF Class D + 100W HF Class AB)
App	Yes (KEF Connect)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	<20Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	23Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	Yes
DSP	Yes (Music Integrity Engine)
Dimensions	42.9”H x 8.3”W x 15.5”D (1089.7 x 210.8 x 393.7 mm)
Drivers	4 x 135 mm (5.25 in.) Uni-Core Force Cancelling Driver: woofers, 100 mm (4in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology tweeter
EQ	Yes (Normal and Expert modes, room adaptation)
Frequency Response	31Hz - 24kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	Wifi, Optical, Digital coaxial, RCA, HDMI eARC, Ethernet
Maximum SPL	111dB @ 1m (pink noise) (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer RCA
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	97.7dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	7.26
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.91
Streaming Services	Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer)
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	69 lbs (31.3 kg) each
Wi-Fi	Yes (dual-band)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($5,999.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($5,999.99) →Search eBay for KEF LS60 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the JBL HDI-3800: $5,000 per pair Discontinued eBay

Same family: the JBL HDI-1600 (bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the JBL HDI-3600 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5), the JBL HDI-4500 (center, rated 3.7/5) and the JBL HDI-1200P (subwoofer, rated 3.9/5).

Pros: 2410H-2 1” Teonex compression driver matched to a custom High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn geometry achieves exceptional horizontal directivity control, high output capability, and effortless transient response. Triple 8” Advanced Aluminum Matrix woofers deliver deep, authoritative bass extension down to an F3 of 37Hz and F10 of 28Hz with minimal low-frequency compression. Outstanding sensitivity (92dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) and ultra-low THD/multitone distortion allow extremely high undistorted SPL output in large home theater spaces. Measured bass extension of 37Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92dB.

Cons: On-axis frequency response features a narrow upper-frequency elevation around 8-10kHz, performing noticeably smoother when toed out 10-20° off-axis. Vertical directivity handoff across the triple woofer layout creates vertical soundstage height tilt depending on listening distance and ear height. Minimum impedance dips to 3.8 ohms, requiring high-current amplifier stability. Substantial cabinet dimensions and 38kg weight require significant room real estate. Discontinued.

Full JBL HDI-3800 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm)
Drivers	1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.62
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.03
Weight	83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for JBL HDI-3800 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Revel F226Be: $8,469.90 per pair Crutchfield $4,234.95 eBay

Older model: the Revel F206 (ranked lower, rated 4.5/5). See every Revel Performa generation.

Same family: the Revel M126Be (bookshelf, rated 4.3/5), the Revel F228Be (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 4.5/5), the Revel F328Be (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.7/5) and the Revel C426Be (center, rated 4/5).

Pros: Compact three-way tower with a beryllium dome tweeter in an acoustic lens waveguide, a dedicated 5.25” mid-range, and dual 6.5” woofers (not a coaxial layout): all Deep Ceramic Composite aluminum cones engineered specifically to avoid breakup outside their crossover bands, and it measures that way: neither the woofers nor the mid-range show breakup spikes even well outside their intended pass bands, and even the front port measures unusually clean (only a mild ~3dB bump around 150Hz, well controlled versus the resonances the reviewer typically sees from ports). On-axis frequency response holds within about ±1.5dB above roughly 65Hz (excellent linearity) and off-axis behavior tracks it closely, with only mild, subdued peaking around 4-6kHz that doesn’t show up as real resonance in the spinorama data. Average sensitivity around 90dB (2.83V/1m), notably higher than some competing three-way designs and most bookshelf speakers, translating directly into better dynamic range at both low and high listening levels: one reviewer specifically praised its ability to deliver full transient impact (snare hits, kick drum) even at quiet, conversational volumes rather than needing to be cranked up to feel dynamic. Wide, consistent horizontal radiation of about ±60-70° at the -6dB point, landing right in the reviewer’s preferred range for an enveloping soundstage without excess diffusion, and exceptionally wide vertical dispersion: roughly ±80° up to 10kHz and still ±70° above that, which one reviewer called the widest vertical radiation pattern he had measured to date. Distortion stays under 3% even at 104dB SPL, and in real-world testing up to 105dB from 12-14 feet away, full-range with no crossover, the reviewer heard no audible mechanical noise, port chuffing, or compression at all. Flat enough on- and off-axis response that toeing the speaker 10-15° away from the listener preserves the same tonal balance rather than changing it, and the wide, well-controlled directivity lets sidewall reflections reinforce rather than smear the soundstage. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.7dB.

Cons: Minimum impedance dips to about 3.7-4 ohms below roughly 500Hz despite the 8-ohm nominal rating, so it wants a genuine 4-ohm-capable two-channel amplifier; budget AVRs rated only for 6 or 8 ohms may struggle. F3 of 56Hz and F10 of 36Hz mean it doesn’t extend nearly as low as some three-way rivals with larger woofers: a dedicated subwoofer (10-12”, or 15” for content below 30Hz) is recommended for home theater or bass-heavy music, even though the speaker itself can play surprisingly loud without one. Vertical directivity tolerance is tighter in the crossover handoff region than a true coaxial design would offer, since the tweeter, midrange, and woofers are physically separated: a mild directivity bump appears around 2-2.5kHz that’s typical of non-coaxial multi-way speakers, though not audibly problematic within about ±10° vertically. On-axis, the top end reads as a bit bright according to one reviewer’s subjective impression, generally benefiting from some toe-out. High-gloss cabinet finish can create distracting reflections if used behind a projector screen in a home theater setup. Front-ported, so it can technically sit close to a wall, but doing so makes the bass boomier.

Full Revel F226Be review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	41.3”H x 9.8”W x 13.7”D (1049 x 248.9 x 348 mm)
Drivers	Two 6.5” (165mm) 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 (3.7 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	89.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.96 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.15 (spinorama.org)
Weight	58.2 lbs (26.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Crutchfield ($4,234.95) →Search eBay for Revel F226Be →

Tower Speakers: Over $10000

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the JBL 4367: $16,500 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the JBL 4369, ranked higher, estimated 4.7/5, released May 2026. See every JBL 4300 Series generation.

Same family: the JBL 4309 (smallest bookshelf, rated 3.3/5), the JBL 4312G (bookshelf, estimated 3.9/5), the JBL 4349 (largest bookshelf, rated 3.6/5) and the JBL 4369 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.7/5).

Pros: Three-way design pairing a 15” front-ported woofer with a compression driver on a controlled-dispersion horn/waveguide, crossed over at 700Hz. On-axis frequency response is nearly dead flat, holding within about ±1.5dB, with the listening window tracking it closely except right at the crossover. Distortion stays below 1% THD across the entire audible band at both 86dB and 96dB. Compression/dynamic-range linearity is exceptional: within about a quarter of a dB from 76dB to 102dB, among the best the reviewer has measured. High sensitivity (about 92.6dB average) eases the amplifier match despite the speaker’s size. Minimal rear radiation thanks to the 15” woofer’s directivity and front-firing ports: rear energy runs about 20dB down from the primary wavefront, giving it a near-cardioid radiation pattern. Well-controlled horn directivity keeps the soundstage from noticeably shifting in width across the 700Hz crossover region. A natural high-frequency rolloff above about 7-8kHz gives it an easy, non-fatiguing character for extended listening sessions. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92.5dB.

Cons: At roughly $16500/pair, this is a major investment: the reviewer recommends buying from a dealer with a liberal return policy. Vertical response shows dips beyond about ±10-20°, with a larger null further out: an inherent trade-off of mating a 15” woofer to a horn compression driver at a 700Hz crossover, since crossing lower would hurt power handling and dynamic range. Horizontal directivity isn’t perfectly consistent with frequency: narrow (about ±20°) through 200-800Hz, briefly widening to near ±50° above the crossover, then narrowing again at high frequency. An unusual, non-constant pattern. The high-frequency rolloff that gives it an easy-listening character also reduces the sense of air and space in the soundstage when listening from off-center seats. Massive and heavy (about 120 lbs, roughly 36-37” tall): needs to be raised on a stand to bring the horn to ear level, and isn’t something one person easily moves alone. Only modest EQ adjustment is available on the speaker itself (about ±1-2dB bass/treble trim). Discontinued.

Full JBL 4367 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2016 (10 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	37.2”H x 22.2”W x 16.8”D (944.9 x 563.9 x 426.7 mm)
Drivers	15” (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3” (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (5.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	92.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.88
Weight	119 lbs (54 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Search eBay for JBL 4367 →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF Blade Two Meta: $28,000 per pair only sold in stores eBay

Same family: the KEF Blade One Meta (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.8/5).

Pros: True point-source coaxial design (four 6.5in mid-bass drivers flanking a coincident mid/tweeter) with matched ~50 degree horizontal and vertical dispersion, unusual for a multi-driver speaker. Fully rounded, edgeless cabinet eliminates baffle diffraction. Frequency response holds within about 2.5dB across the listening window. Extremely low harmonic and multitone distortion even at 96dB, with under 0.5dB of compression at full output, rivaling the KEF Reference 1 Meta and JBL 4367 in dynamic range. Reviewer described the imaging and soundstage depth as revealing recording details other speakers he tested (PS Audio Aspen FR10, MoFi SourcePoint 8, Neumann KH80) masked. Available in any custom finish at no extra charge. Measured bass extension of 31Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.8dB.

Cons: 2dB dip and slight resonance around 200Hz, also visible in KEF white paper and likely cabinet-related. Bass rolls off fairly quickly below its 31Hz F3. Horizontal dispersion (~50 degrees) is narrower than the reviewer preferred 70-80 degrees; benefits from toeing out 10-20 degrees to open soundstage without losing image focus. Needs a separate power amp, not AVR-friendly.

Full KEF Blade Two Meta review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	46.6”H x 13.5”W x 14.8”D (1183.6 x 342.9 x 375.9 mm)
Drivers	4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone, force cancelling woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.8dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.99
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.11
Weight	79.4 lbs (36 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for KEF Blade Two Meta →

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: $15,000 per pair JBL Professional Dealer Locator $15,000 eBay

Pros: A high-output specialist: Erin’s low-distortion and compression tests support considerable dynamic capability, beyond what a single preference score captures. Measured -3dB extension is 33.7Hz. The large woofer and waveguide are particularly useful for greater listening distances. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its 4.1dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.58 ideal-subwoofer score do not support a top tonal-accuracy ranking. It requires the correct external amplification and DSP rather than a simple built-in amplifier. The very large cabinet, installation cost and possible amplifier fan noise make it impractical for most desks.

Featured on:

Studio Monitors

Full JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor review and specifications →

Released	2013 (13 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Crossover Frequency	800Hz active DSP
Dimensions	49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm)
Drivers	15” 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide
Frequency Response	20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection)
Maximum SPL	123dB manufacturer specified
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.74
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.58
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	130.1 lbs (59 kg) each
XLR Input	No

Check current price at JBL Professional Dealer Locator ($15,000) →Search eBay for JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor →

All Speakers Reviewed by Erin’s Audio Corner

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

Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Ranked #53 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers - Bose Soundlink Revolve+: $269.99 Discontinued Amazon $269.99 eBay

Newer model: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ II, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Jan 2021. See every Bose SoundLink Revolve generation.

Same family: the Bose Soundlink Revolve (smaller model, ranked lower, rated 3.5/5).

Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand. Built-in carry handle, useful even with wet hands; can hang from a hook via carabiner. ~12 hour battery at medium-high volume. Measured bass extension of 54.2Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Overly boosted bass, warm sounding. Boosted mids. Rolled off treble. Discontinued.

Full Bose Soundlink Revolve+ review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2017 (9 years ago)
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	56Hz
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Battery Life	16 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	4.2
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	4.1” x 7.2” x 4.1” (105 x 184 x 105 mm)
Drivers	91mm fullrange
EQ	No
IP Rating	IP55
Omnidirectional	Yes
Party Mode	Yes (Bose Party mode)
Power Input	Micro USB
Stereo	No
Strap	No
TWS	Yes
Weight	2 lbs (0.91 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($269.99) →Search eBay for Bose Soundlink Revolve+ →

Ranked #61 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers - Bose Soundlink Revolve: $194.00 Discontinued Amazon $194.00 eBay

Newer model: the Bose SoundLink Revolve (Series II), ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Jan 2021. Water resistance goes from IPX4 to IP55. See every Bose SoundLink Revolve generation.

Same family: the Bose Soundlink Revolve+ (larger model, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5).

Pros: True 360° sound stays consistent no matter where you stand around it, unlike most portable speakers. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Not stereo. Strange sizzling treble, peaks and dips. Overly boosted boomy bass at 75Hz. Discontinued.

Full Bose Soundlink Revolve review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2017 (9 years ago)
App	Bose Connect
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Battery Life	12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	4.2
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	3.2” x 6” x 3.2” (82 x 152 x 82 mm)
Drivers	1x omnidirectional full-range transducer (~45mm) + 2x passive radiators
EQ	No
IP Rating	IPX4
Omnidirectional	Yes
Party Mode	Yes (Bose Party mode)
Power Input	Micro USB
Stereo	No
TWS	Yes
Weight	1.5 lbs (660 g)

Check current price at Amazon ($194.00) →Search eBay for Bose Soundlink Revolve →

Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers

Ranked #10 of 14 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers - Apple HomePod Mini: $149.36 each Amazon $149.36 eBay

Pros: SoundGuys called it good sound for its size, with a full-range driver and dual passive bass radiators giving the bassline in Anderson .Paak’s “Come Down” a decent thump most speakers this small can’t manage. “Hey Siri” reliably hears the wake phrase even at full volume, it can distinguish different people’s voices for personalized requests, and setup with an iPhone nearby takes moments.

Cons: SoundGuys’ listed cons include no mute button at all, an occasionally annoying Handoff prompt, and no direct Spotify integration since Siri only launches Apple Music by voice. There is no way to stream to it over Bluetooth, only Apple’s AirPlay/Handoff, no battery, and no IP rating (Apple only claims humidity resistance, not a certified rating). It requires an iPhone or iPad to set up and get the most out of.

Featured on:

Voice Assistant

Full Apple HomePod Mini review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2020 (5 years ago)
AES Input	No
App	Yes (Apple Home)
Aux Input	No
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	No
Built-in Microphone	Yes (4 far-field mics, no mute button)
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	3.3” x 3.9” (84.3 x 97.9 mm) (H x diameter)
Drivers	Full-range driver + dual passive bass radiators
EQ	No
HDMI Input	No
IP Rating	None
Inputs	Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2
Optical Input	No
Party Mode	Yes (AirPlay 2 multi-room)
Power Bank	No
Power Input	External AC adapter (USB-C)
RCA Input	No
Stereo	No
Streaming Services	AirPlay 2, Apple Music (direct voice control); other services via AirPlay only
TRS Input	No
TWS	Yes (stereo pairing via Home app)
USB Input	No
Voice Assistants	Apple Siri
Weight	0.8 lbs (345 g)
Wi-Fi	Yes
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($149.36) →Search eBay for Apple HomePod Mini →

Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers

Ranked #28 of 28 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers - IKEA SYMFONISK Table Lamp Speaker (1st gen): $179 each Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the IKEA SYMFONISK Table Lamp Speaker (2nd gen), ranked higher, estimated 2.1/5, released Oct 2021 (also discontinued). See every IKEA Symfonisk Table Lamp generation.

Pros: The first IKEA and Sonos table lamp with a built-in Wi-Fi speaker that joins a Sonos system, with a woofer and tweeter firing out from under the shade. Erin measured a preference score of -1.81 that reaches -0.08 with an ideal subwoofer, with 1.56 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Erin measured a very uneven response, for a preference score of -1.81 that reaches only -0.08 with an ideal subwoofer. It uses an E12 bulb. IKEA replaced it with a second generation in 2021. Bass reaches 58.6Hz (-3dB) and about 20Hz (-10dB). Discontinued.

Full IKEA SYMFONISK Table Lamp Speaker (1st gen) review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2019 (7 years ago)
AES Input	No
App	Yes (Sonos)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 20.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	58.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.8”H x 8.5”W x 8.5”D (401 x 216 x 216 mm)
Drivers	woofer, tweeter
HDMI Input	No
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	-1.81
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	-0.08
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	11.4 lbs (5.17 kg)
Wi-Fi	Yes
XLR Input	No

Search eBay for IKEA SYMFONISK Table Lamp Speaker (1st gen) →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: IKEA SYMFONISK Lamp Speaker More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)

Powered Subwoofer and Satellite Combo Speakers

Ranked #4 of 8 in Powered Subwoofer and Satellite Combo Speakers - Klipsch ProMedia Lumina: $249.99 Amazon $249.99 eBay

Pros: The included powered subwoofer gives this compact desktop system a real low-bass advantage: the linked review reports F3 around 46Hz and F10 around 38Hz. Tiltable stands, app control and lighting add practical desktop features. The existing review reports reasonable distortion for the system’s size. Measured bass extension of 46Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The review reports treble elevated about 3-5dB when aimed straight at the listener; some toe-out can reduce the brightness. Fixed-band app EQ is less flexible than parametric correction. Its separate subwoofer also means the system occupies more space than the satellites alone suggest.

Full Klipsch ProMedia Lumina review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2025 (11 months ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100W RMS, 200W peak
App	Klipsch Control app - EQ (fixed bands), RGB lighting control, night mode, music-reactive mode
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States
Crossover Frequency	Satellite: 3.5kHz, Subwoofer: 150Hz
Dimensions	Satellite: 248 x 165 x 102 mm, Subwoofer: 356 x 152 x 352 mm
Drivers	1” tractrix horn tweeter, 3.5” mid, 6.5” powered subwoofer
EQ	Fixed-band EQ via app (not parametric)
Frequency Response	40Hz - 20kHz (-6dB, Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	USB-C, 3.5mm Aux, Bluetooth 5.3
Maximum SPL	98dB (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	Satellite: 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg) each, Subwoofer: 11 lbs (4.99 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($249.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch ProMedia Lumina →

Links
- Official Klipsch ProMedia Lumina Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 2 Reasons You’ll Want These Klipsch ProMedia Lumina Speakers More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #1 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Audio Smile Little British Monitor: £529 per pair Audio Smile eBay

Pros: Among the strongest measured tonal performers in this size class: ASR’s Klippel data gives a 5.46 predicted preference score, or 8.21 with an ideal subwoofer. Low narrow-band response deviations on-axis and across the listening window support clear, relatively uncolored vocals and instruments. Broad horizontal coverage makes small changes of listening position less critical. Active DSP crossover and a very compact cabinet suit close desktop listening. Measured bass extension of 71.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass reaches -3dB at about 72Hz, so a subwoofer is important for the lowest notes. The measured response still spans 3.3dB from 300Hz to 5kHz; the small average-deviation statistic should not be mistaken for an almost perfectly flat response. Small drivers limit the intended application to nearfield listening, and the preference score does not establish maximum clean output. Its 50W Class A/B amplifiers and narrow ±1dB treble trim leave little headroom or adjustment next to larger active monitors.

Featured on:

Full Audio Smile Little British Monitor review and specifications →

Released	2016 (10 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100W total (50W LF, 50W HF, Class A/B)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	56.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, aptX HD
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United Kingdom
Crossover Frequency	1.5kHz
Dimensions	8.1”H x 4.7”W x 5.3”D (205 x 120 x 135 mm)
Drivers	0.75” wide band tweeter, 3” long throw mid woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	58Hz-20kHz -6dB
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	RCA, Aux, Bluetooth
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	5.46
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.21
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Warranty	12 months
Weight	3.7 lbs (1.7 kg) (Master unit) / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) (Slave unit)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Audio Smile (£529) →Search eBay for Audio Smile Little British Monitor →

Ranked #3 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - ADAM Audio D3v: $349.99 per pair Amazon $349.99 eBay

Pros: Excellent midrange linearity for a tiny desktop speaker: Erin’s Klippel data spans just 1.7dB from 300Hz to 5kHz. Side passive radiators help bass reach -3dB at about 51Hz, substantially deeper than the Genelec 8010A or Audio Smile Little British Monitor. Predicted preference scores of 5.37 standalone and 7.59 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a particularly useful compact system without a sub. USB-C, analog inputs and placement filters simplify desk setup. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.5dB.

Cons: A rising upper-frequency balance and vertical crossover interference keep it from being uniformly neutral at every angle; aim the tweeters toward ear height. The limiter reduces bass and midrange output as volume rises, with the existing review’s compression tests putting usable maximum output around 89-90dB at 1m. Deep bass at moderate volume should not be confused with high output capability.

Featured on:

Full ADAM Audio D3v review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2024 (1 year ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100W RMS per speaker (70W woofer + 30W tweeter) (Manufacturer specified)
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	200H (240H on included stand) x 115W x 150D mm
Drivers	3.5” aluminium woofer, D-ART folded ribbon tweeter, 2 x 3.5” passive radiators (each)
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment filters)
Frequency Response	48Hz - 22.6kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Headphone Output	Yes
Inputs	USB-C, balanced 1/4-inch TRS
Maximum SPL	98dB peak @ 1m (IEC-weighted noise, manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
Outputs	3.5mm headphone
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	86.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.37
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.59
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	Yes
Weight	7.9 lbs (3.58 kg) (pair)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($349.99) →Search eBay for ADAM Audio D3v →

Ranked #4 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Cambridge Audio L/R S: $549.00 per pair Amazon $549.00 eBay

Same family: the Cambridge Audio L/R M (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5) and the Cambridge Audio L/R X (larger bookshelf, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: A 2-way active bookshelf pair built for near-field desktop use, with a 21mm aluminum tweeter and a 3-inch long-throw woofer on each speaker. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a very neutral on-axis response with good directivity control up through the 2-3kHz handoff to the tweeter, an F3 of about 57Hz and F10 of about 50Hz, and output held within roughly plus or minus 2.5dB from 80Hz to 20kHz. Horizontal dispersion of about plus or minus 60 degrees and a vertical window of about plus 30 to minus 20 degrees make it forgiving of off-center desktop seating. Two rear switches (a desktop-placement compensation switch and a near-wall/free-space switch) plus in-app DSP for room size, wall distance, and reflective surface type let you tune the in-room response rather than just hoping placement works out, and the reviewer noted an audible tightening of the bass moving between room-size settings. Rear connectivity includes RCA, optical digital, USB-C, and a dedicated subwoofer output. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Maximum clean output is limited: Erin’s Audio Corner measured about 86dB before the onboard limiter engages around 96dB to protect the drivers, so this is a near-field or small-room speaker rather than one built to fill a living room. Each speaker’s Class D amplifier splits only 50W to the woofer and 50W to the tweeter, modest for the class. The DSP room-correction options are preset-based rather than a true microphone-measured calibration at the listening position, so results depend on picking settings that match your actual room.

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Full Cambridge Audio L/R S review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2026 (6 months ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100W total (50W to woofer, 50W to tweeter, per speaker)
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction; desktop-placement and near-wall/free-space switches
Dimensions	5.3” (134 mm) W x 226mm H x 180mm D (each)
Drivers	21mm aluminum dome tweeter, 3” long-throw woofer
Frequency Response	55Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	RCA, optical digital, USB-C
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer, wired speaker-to-speaker link
RCA Input	Yes
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	6.6 lbs (3.0kg) primary speaker, 5.7 lbs (2.6kg) secondary speaker
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($549.00) →Search eBay for Cambridge Audio L/R S →

Links
- Official Cambridge Audio L/R S Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Cambridge Audio LRS & LRX Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #9 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Edifier M60: $169.99 per pair Amazon $169.99 eBay

Same family: the Edifier M90 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s Klippel data shows a reasonably even midrange, spanning 2.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with broad horizontal coverage for desktop listening. Predicted preference scores are 4.60 standalone and 7.33 with an ideal subwoofer, a comparatively strong result in this compact category. USB-C, auxiliary input, Bluetooth and included angled stands make it easy to integrate into a small desk setup. LDAC Bluetooth support and illuminated touch controls round out the features. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.5dB.

Cons: The on-axis response rises by about 0.57dB per octave, so the tonal balance becomes brighter toward the treble. Measured -3dB bass extension is about 70Hz; it cannot reproduce deep bass at full level. Sitting below the tweeter axis worsens the crossover-region response. Limiting and compression constrain louder playback, so use it nearfield rather than expecting room-filling output.

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Full Edifier M60 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2024 (1 year ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	66W total (33W per speaker)
App	Yes
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, LDAC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	6.6”H x 3.9”W x 5.8”D (167.6 x 99.1 x 147.3 mm)
Drivers	3” woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter
EQ	Yes
Frequency Response	55Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Bluetooth, Aux, USB-C
Maximum SPL	96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	87.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.60
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.33
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	6.6 lbs (3 kg)
XLR Input	No

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Ranked #11 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Edifier MR3: $149.99 per pair Amazon $149.99 eBay

Same family: the Edifier MR4 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.5/5), the Edifier MR4.5 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.6/5) and the Edifier MR5 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s measurements show little overall tilt across the listening window, helping voices retain a broadly natural balance at a desk. Scores of 3.91 standalone and 6.53 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a useful budget nearfield option rather than a reference monitor. Tone controls and app-based EQ provide unusually flexible adjustment, and its bass extends farther than the Fostex PM03’s. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.3dB.

Cons: Local response ripples remain: the measured 300Hz-5kHz span is 4.5dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.538. Bass reaches -3dB at about 70Hz. The limiter protects the drivers but prevents much extra loudness when pushed; existing compression testing puts effective single-speaker output around 86-87dB at 1m. Vertical crossover interference makes tweeter height and tilt important.

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Full Edifier MR3 review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	36W total (18W per speaker)
App	Yes (Edifier ConneX)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.4
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	8.7”H x 4.9”W x 7.3”D (220 x 125.5 x 185 mm) (active); 220H x 125.5W x 176D mm (passive)
Drivers	3.5” mid-low driver, 1” silk dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (rear knobs and app room compensation)
Frequency Response	52Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Headphone Output	Yes
Inputs	Balanced TRS, RCA, Aux, Bluetooth
Maximum SPL	93dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
Outputs	3.5mm headphone
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	83.3dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.91
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.53
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	8.5 lbs (3.85 kg)
XLR Input	No

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Ranked #12 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kanto ORA4: $449.99 per pair Amazon $449.99 eBay

Same family: the Kanto ORA (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: Compact powered desktop speakers with 4-inch aluminum-cone woofers and 3/4-inch silk-dome tweeters in waveguides, bi-amplified with 70W RMS in total. Erin’s Audio Corner’s Klippel measurements show a well-behaved design for the size: the listening window stays within about a 4.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and tracks the on-axis response closely, and the predicted in-room response is smooth. Bass goes deeper than most desktop speakers, to about 54Hz at -3dB and 43Hz at -10dB, and a subwoofer output with an automatic 80Hz crossover makes adding one easy. Inputs cover RCA, USB-C audio and Bluetooth 5.0. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its score here is our estimate: spinorama.org hasn’t published numeric data for it yet, so we traced Erin’s Audio Corner’s published charts, which put its preference score with an ideal subwoofer at roughly 6.9, level with the better small powered speakers but short of the best. Treble sits slightly above the midrange, and there is no optical input. Kanto’s own rating stops at 60Hz, so a subwoofer still helps for deep bass at higher volumes.

Full Kanto ORA4 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2024 (2 years ago)
Amplifier Power	70W RMS total (140W peak) per pair
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner charts)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner charts)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	8.3”H x 4.7”W x 6.7”D (211 x 120 x 170 mm)
Drivers	3/4” silk dome tweeter, 4” aluminum cone woofer
Frequency Response	60Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Subwoofer Output	Yes (automatic 80Hz crossover)
USB Input	Yes (USB-C)
Weight	4.4 lbs (2 kg)
XLR Input	No

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Ranked #14 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Sovox MiniMax3: $650 per pair Sovox $650 eBay

Pros: A coaxial midrange and tweeter give a wide, even sweet spot, and a listening-window smoothness of 0.78 lifts it to a 6.48 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, so tonal balance holds as you shift around a desk. The 3.5-inch woofer and 5-inch passive radiator reach 66Hz at -3dB and about 53Hz at -12dB, deeper than most speakers this small. The unibody aluminum enclosure is solid and only 195mm tall, and Free, Desk, Wall and Desk & Wall presets plus treble and bass trims adapt it to its placement. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Output tops out around 86dB, with heavy compression and very high distortion as it gets there, so it only suits nearfield listening at modest volume. Treble rises on axis (+0.35dB per octave), which holds its standalone preference score to 3.84; toeing it about 10 degrees away from your ears smooths the top end. Bass falls away quickly below 60Hz and there is no subwoofer output, and inputs are limited to balanced XLR and RCA.

Full Sovox MiniMax3 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2026 (8 months ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	68.6W total (44.3W LF + 17.95W MF + 6.32W HF Class D)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	7.7”H x 4.3”W x 7.9”D (195 x 110 x 200 mm)
Drivers	3 in. carbon fiber coaxial midrange with 1 in. silk dome tweeter, 3.5 in. carbon fiber woofer, 5 in. passive radiator
EQ	Yes (Free, Desk, Wall and Desk & Wall presets; treble and bass trims)
Frequency Response	49Hz - 20kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Maximum SPL	97dB @ 1m short term (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	3.84
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.48
Subwoofer Output	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	9 lbs (4.1 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Sovox ($650) →Search eBay for Sovox MiniMax3 →

Links
- Official Sovox MiniMax3 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #19 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Audioengine A2+: $299.00 per pair Amazon $299.00 Audioengine $269 eBay

Same family: the Audioengine A5+ Classic (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5).

Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements give a 6.10 predicted preference score with an ideal subwoofer. The tiny footprint, multiple inputs and variable RCA output are useful for desktop listening. The existing review found desk placement more forgiving than free-space placement, with no major port-chuffing problem in its tests. Measured bass extension of 105.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The 2.78 standalone score and roughly 106Hz measured -3dB point reveal how much bass is missing without reinforcement or a subwoofer. Midrange and crossover-region dips remain; desk gain is placement-dependent and cannot be assumed to correct them. Compression becomes substantial above roughly 87dB at 1m in the review, so this is a quiet nearfield option rather than a high-output monitor.

Full Audioengine A2+ review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2013 (12 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	15W RMS / 30W peak per channel
App	No
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	58.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	105.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	6” x 4” x 5.2” (152 x 102 x 133 mm)
Drivers	0.75” silk dome tweeter, 2.75” fiber woofer
EQ	No (fixed volume knob only)
Frequency Response	65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0
Optical Input	No
Outputs	RCA variable output (subwoofer)
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	2.78
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.10
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) left / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) right
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($299.00) →Check current price at Audioengine ($269) →Search eBay for Audioengine A2+ →

Ranked #22 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kanto YU4: $349.99 per pair Discontinued Amazon $349.99 B&H Photo Video $479.99 eBay

Newer model: the Kanto YU4 G2, estimated 3.6/5, released 2026. It adds AAC, but drops aptX. See every Kanto YU and Tuk generation.

Same family: the Kanto YU2 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 3.4/5) and the Kanto YU6 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5).

Pros: Phono, optical and Bluetooth inputs, remote control and a subwoofer output make it convenient for a compact multi-source system. ASR’s measured horizontal coverage is broad enough for some freedom of seating position. The ideal-subwoofer preference score of 5.83 indicates that bass support would materially improve its usefulness.

Cons: Standalone preference is only 2.89, with a -3dB point around 86Hz and a 4.2dB midrange response span. Response irregularities remain even after bass extension is removed from the comparison, so a subwoofer alone will not make it neutral. Sensitivity measured at an arbitrary powered-speaker gain setting is not a reliable basis for judging efficiency or maximum volume. Discontinued.

Full Kanto YU4 review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2017 (9 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	70W RMS / 140W peak per pair
Aux Input	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, aptX
Bluetooth Version	4.0
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in
Drivers	1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer
Enclosure	Powered 2-way, rear-ported
Frequency Response	60Hz-20kHz
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Bluetooth, optical, RCA/phono, 3.5mm
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	2.89
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.83
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) powered / 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) passive
XLR Input	No

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Ranked #27 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Monoprice Monolith MM-3: $299.99 per pair Monoprice $299.99 eBay

Pros: With the ports plugged, Erin’s Klippel data yields preference scores of 3.82 standalone and 6.24 with an ideal subwoofer, and a measured -3dB point around 62Hz. The reviewer found blocking the ports improved the bass peak and midrange resonances. Bluetooth, analog inputs, a headphone jack and angled stands provide a convenient compact desktop package.

Cons: These measurements describe modified, port-plugged speakers, not the stock product. Even in that configuration the review identifies substantial tonal problems and recommends off-axis placement to reduce excess treble. The score therefore does not justify ranking the stock MM-3 alongside better-balanced monitors. Small drivers limit its application, and the proprietary inter-speaker cable complicates replacement.

Full Monoprice Monolith MM-3 review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2019 (7 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	50W total, bi-amplified
Aux Input	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, aptX
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States (design)
Dimensions	8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in
Drivers	0.75” silk-dome tweeter, 3” polypropylene woofer
Enclosure	2-way active, rear slot port
Frequency Response	50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	3.82
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.24
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each
XLR Input	No

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Ranked #33 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie CR3-X: $99.99 per pair Amazon $99.99 eBay

Newer model: the Mackie CR3.5, ranked lower, estimated 3/5, released Oct 2024. See every Mackie CR generation.

Same family: the Mackie CR4-X (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s Klippel data predicts 2.50 standalone and 5.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The existing comparative review found less exaggerated tonal shaping and better sustained-output behavior than the original PreSonus Eris E3.5 tested alongside it. Midrange distortion was reasonably controlled for inexpensive desktop speakers at moderate listening levels. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 96dB.

Cons: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz. Bass peaking and crossover-region changes with listening height prevent neutral monitoring. Limiting becomes intrusive above modest desktop levels, and there are no tone controls. Comparisons with the original PreSonus Eris E3.5 should not be treated as measurements of its second generation.

Featured on:

Headphone Output

Full Mackie CR3-X review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2020 (6 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	50W total (25W per speaker)
App	No
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Headphone Output	Yes
Inputs	RCA, Aux
Maximum SPL	92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
Outputs	1/8” headphone jack
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.50
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.42
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($99.99) →Search eBay for Mackie CR3-X →

Ranked #37 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Fiio SP3: $299.99 per pair Amazon $299.99 eBay

Pros: Compact cabinets and angled bases fit a small desk. The existing review found useful dynamic capability at higher frequencies, so lack of output is not the only issue. Erin’s Klippel data shows a measured -3dB bass point around 60Hz, deeper than several similarly sized alternatives. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior. Its 3.56 standalone and 6.17 ideal-subwoofer scores do not capture the full practical impact of the review’s boomy bass and off-axis tonal problems. Changing angle trades one coloration for another. Those audible limitations weigh against it more heavily than its numerical score or build quality.

Full Fiio SP3 review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	6.4”H x 4.7”W x 5.2”D (163 x 120 x 132 mm)
Drivers	3.5” carbon fiber midwoofer, 1” silk dome tweeter
Frequency Response	65Hz - 20kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	AUX, RCA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	3.56
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.17
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each
XLR Input	No

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Ranked #42 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - PreSonus Eris E3.5: $99.99 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen, ranked lower, rated 2.5/5, released Sep 2023. It drops the aux input. See every PreSonus Eris generation.

Same family: the PreSonus Eris E5 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.3/5).

Pros: Compact powered monitors with a 3.5” Kevlar woofer, 25W class AB per side, front headphone jack and 1/8”, TRS and RCA inputs. Measured bass extension of 76.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Erin’s Audio Corner measured a very uneven on-axis response (3.71dB average deviation) and a listening window spanning 6.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, for a preference score of 2.01. Bass rolls off at 76.9Hz (-3dB). Replaced by the second-generation E3.5. Discontinued.

Full PreSonus Eris E3.5 review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2017 (9 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	50W total (25W per side), class AB
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 60.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	76.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	8.3”H x 5.6”W x 6.4”D (210 x 141 x 162 mm)
Drivers	3.5” Kevlar woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter
Frequency Response	80Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Headphone Output	Yes
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	2.01
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	4.94
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	3.2 lbs (1.45 kg) each
XLR Input	No

Search eBay for PreSonus Eris E3.5 →

Ranked #44 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen: $99.99 per pair Amazon $99.99 eBay

Older model: the PreSonus Eris E3.5 (ranked higher, rated 2.6/5). See every PreSonus Eris generation.

Same family: the PreSonus Eris Sub 8BT (subwoofer, rated 3.6/5).

Pros: Rear-panel bass and treble controls allow broad correction for desk and wall placement. Erin’s second-generation Klippel measurements give a -3dB point around 69Hz, so the speaker has useful upper-bass reach for its size. Its adjustable balance is more flexible than a fixed-response budget desktop pair. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.4dB.

Cons: The stock response spans 7.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and has a strong rising trend of about 1.27dB per octave, emphasizing treble over the midrange. Preference scores of 1.51 standalone and 4.17 with an ideal subwoofer indicate major tonal problems beyond bass extension. EQ may help, but a subwoofer alone will not make it neutral. Output and port-modification results from reviews of the original E3.5 should not be assumed to apply to this second-generation model.

Featured on:

Headphone Output

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

Released	Sep 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	50W total (25W per speaker)
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Headphone Output	Yes
Inputs	RCA, 1/4” Balanced
Maximum SPL	95dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
Outputs	1/8” headphone jack
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	87.4dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	1.51
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	4.17
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	8.6 lbs (3.9 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($99.99) →Search eBay for PreSonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen →

Ranked #47 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Monoprice DT-3: $139.99 per pair Amazon $139.99 Monoprice $139.99 eBay

Pros: An inexpensive, compact powered pair with front volume control, auxiliary input and headphone output. Erin’s Klippel measurements put the -3dB bass point around 74Hz, sufficient for some upper-bass content at a desk.

Cons: The measured response spans 7.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with large irregularities both on-axis and across the listening window. Preference scores are 0.10 standalone and only 3.03 with an ideal subwoofer, among the weakest results for a powered speaker. That means adding bass support does not remove its major tonal problems. It offers little reason to choose it for accurate listening over better-measuring budget alternatives.

Featured on:

Headphone Output

Full Monoprice DT-3 review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	50W system
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-6dB)	69Hz (measured, Spinorama)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	8H x 5.5W x 5.9D in each
Drivers	0.75-inch tweeter, 3.5-inch woofer
Enclosure	Powered 2-way stereo pair, rear-ported
Frequency Response	75Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Headphone Output	Yes
Inputs	Rear stereo RCA and front 3.5mm auxiliary
Optical Input	No
Outputs	Front headphone
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	0.10
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	3.03
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($139.99) →Check current price at Monoprice ($139.99/pair) →Search eBay for Monoprice DT-3 →

Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #1 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video $2,875.00 eBay

Same family: the Genelec 8341A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8361A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5). See every Genelec 8351 and The Ones generation.

Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.

Featured on:

Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2020 (6 years ago)
AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm)
Drivers	Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter
Frequency Response	45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, AES/EBU
Maximum SPL	100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	6.57
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.51
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

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Ranked #4 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Neumann KH80 DSP: $1,198 per pair Amazon $599.00 B&H Photo Video $599 eBay

Same family: the Neumann KH120 MKII (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.7/5), the Neumann KH 150 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Neumann KH 310 A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH420 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Neumann KH 750 DSP (subwoofer, rated 3.5/5). See every Neumann KH generation.

Pros: ASR’s selected Klippel measurement has a 1.4dB midrange response span and virtually no overall on-axis tilt. Scores of 5.89 standalone and 8.25 with an ideal subwoofer indicate excellent tonal accuracy in a compact monitor. The waveguide and steep crossover provide useful control of reflected sound, while placement filters help compensate for a desk or nearby boundaries. Existing multitone testing supports good moderate-level clarity. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.9dB.

Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II. Output protection and increasing multitone distortion limit loud listening, especially in the bass. Room reflections and listening distance can alter perceived treble balance despite its flat direct response. Calibration equipment adds to the cost; the preference score is not a measurement of maximum clean output. It is expensive for its size.

Featured on:

Full Neumann KH80 DSP review and specifications →

Released	2017 (9 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter)
App	Yes (MA 1 alignment)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Maximum SPL	110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.89
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.25
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	9 lbs (4.1 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

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Ranked #12 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Topping MA4: $378 per pair Amazon $189.00 Audiophonics eBay

Pros: The selected manufacturer-supplied Klippel data shows a 1.6dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz, bass reaching -3dB around 50Hz, and preference scores of 5.64 standalone and 7.83 with an ideal subwoofer. That is strong measured tonal performance for a compact monitor. Its analog crossover and balanced XLR connection suit an existing audio interface. Measured bass extension of 49.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The native listening-window response is not as smooth as the leading Genelec and Neumann measurements. No USB, Bluetooth or built-in room-correction DSP: source control and correction need external equipment. Bass extension alone does not establish clean output capability. On-axis narrow-band deviation measures 0.503dB and listening-window smoothness a moderate 0.44.

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Full Topping MA4 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2025 (1 year ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	75W total (50W woofer, 25W tweeter, Class D)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	42.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	49.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org vendor data)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Country	China
Crossover Frequency	1.3kHz
Dimensions	10”H x 5.5”W x 11.3”D (255 x 140 x 288 mm)
Drivers	1” soft dome tweeter with waveguide, 4” paper cone woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	49Hz-20kHz +/-3dB
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (balanced analog)
Maximum SPL	105dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	92dB
Spinorama Preference Score	5.64
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.83
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Warranty	1-2 years (varies by region)
Weight	8.3 lbs (3.78 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

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Ranked #17 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch The Fives: $324.95 per pair Amazon $324.95 eBay

Newer model: the Klipsch The Fives II, ranked lower, estimated 4.3/5, released Jan 2026. See every Klipsch The Fives, Sevens and Nines generation.

Same family: the Klipsch The Sevens (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5) and the Klipsch The Nines (larger bookshelf, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: In the tested Bass Cut mode, Erin’s Klippel data gives preference scores of 5.52 standalone and 7.89 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange response span. That mode offers considerably better tonal balance than the bass-heavy default behavior. HDMI ARC, phono/line input, digital inputs and subwoofer output make it a versatile stereo alternative to a soundbar. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The favorable score specifically requires Bass Cut mode; it does not describe every firmware or bass setting. Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in that configuration. The review reports increasing compression around 200Hz and below 80Hz as volume rises, reducing bass dynamics. Careful placement and a subwoofer remain useful, and the horn/woofer transition is not perfectly uniform off-axis.

Featured on:

Full Klipsch The Fives review and specifications →

Released	May 2020 (6 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	160W total system power (320W peak)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Dynamic Bass, Flat and Bass Cut profiles
Dimensions	12”H x 6.5”W x 9.2”D (304.8 x 165.1 x 234.95 mm)
Drivers	1” horn-loaded tweeter; 4.5” woofer
Frequency Response	50Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	HDMI ARC, USB, optical, Bluetooth, phono/line RCA
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	5.52
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.89
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	Primary 11.8 lbs (5.35 kg), Secondary 10.7 lbs (4.85 kg)
XLR Input	No

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Ranked #18 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 305P MKII: $289.00 per pair Amazon $289.00 eBay

Older model: the JBL LSR305 (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every JBL 3 Series generation.

Same family: the JBL 306P MKII (larger bookshelf, rated 4.1/5) and the JBL 308P MKII (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: Erin’s Klippel data gives 5.38 standalone and 7.52 with an ideal subwoofer, with bass reaching -3dB around 51Hz. Broad horizontal coverage and reasonably smooth reflected sound support stable imaging across a desk. The existing review reports effective limiting and little sustained thermal compression, making it a strong budget-monitor option rather than just a speaker with a promising frequency curve. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.1dB.

Cons: The 3.3dB midrange span and rising response show it is not perfectly neutral. A port-related feature around 1.6kHz and some excess treble can be audible; the review recommends the treble-trim switch. Vertical crossover interference makes ear height important. Amplifier hiss may matter in very quiet nearfield use, and rear-port placement needs room-boundary adjustment.

Featured on:

Full JBL 305P MKII review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2018 (8 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	81w Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, TRS
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.52
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

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Ranked #19 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - KEF LS50 Wireless II: $2,999.00 per pair Amazon $2,999.00 KEF $2,999.99 Crutchfield $2,999.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF LSX II LT (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4/5), the KEF LSX II (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).

Pros: Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 5.43 standalone and 7.51 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 51Hz. The coincident Uni-Q layout helps preserve tonal consistency across horizontal and vertical listening positions. Low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.308 supports relatively clean midrange reproduction. HDMI eARC and streaming functions make it a capable all-in-one stereo system. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The 3.0dB response span is good but not reference-leading, and dispersion still varies with frequency. Compact bass drivers limit deep-bass output. App placement adjustments are not the same as microphone-based automatic room correction. The price and primary/secondary architecture are practical trade-offs; neither driver geometry nor a single directivity statistic guarantees the best sound in every room.

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Full KEF LS50 Wireless II review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	280W (LF) + 100W (HF) per speaker, bi-amped
App	KEF Connect (placement EQ presets, source selection, firmware updates)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Version	4.2
Coaxial Input	Yes
Dimensions	12” x 7.9” x 12.2” (305 x 200 x 311 mm) each
Drivers	Uni-Q coincident array: 130mm aluminum woofer + 25mm MAT aluminum dome tweeter
EQ	Yes, fixed placement presets (desk/bookshelf/wall-mount) - no automatic room correction
Frequency Response	45Hz - 28kHz ±3dB
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	HDMI eARC, optical, digital coaxial, 3.5mm analog, USB-A (service), Ethernet
Maximum SPL	108dB at 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	RCA subwoofer
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.43
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.51
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) for the pair
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($2,999.00) →Check current price at KEF ($2,999.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($2,999.99) →Search eBay for KEF LS50 Wireless II →

Ranked #20 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 per pair Amazon $699.99 eBay

Older model: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore (ranked lower, rated 3.9/5). See every Vanatoo Transparent One generation.

Pros: Erin’s Klippel data combines a small 1.7dB midrange response span with a -3dB point around 44Hz. Scores of 5.57 standalone and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer make it an attractive standalone system as well as a subwoofer partner. Remote tone controls, multiple digital and analog inputs, and automatic subwoofer crossover engagement simplify setup. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB).

Cons: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ. No HDMI ARC. Deep bass and louder playback still benefit from a subwoofer; amplifier wattage alone does not establish clean room-filling output.

Featured on:

Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2023 (2 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Coaxial Input	Yes
Dimensions	10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm)
Drivers	5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug
Frequency Response	48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	RCA subwoofer
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.57
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.38
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit)
XLR Input	No

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Ranked #23 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII: $699.99 per pair Amazon $699.99 eBay

Older model: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM (ranked lower, rated 4.1/5). See every IK Multimedia iLoud generation.

Same family: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s MKII measurements give a 2.2dB midrange span, a -3dB point around 53Hz, and preference scores of 5.22 standalone and 7.44 with an ideal subwoofer. The compact layout and included calibration microphone suit a close desktop setup. Existing tests show useful room-peak correction and good harmonic-distortion behavior at moderate levels. Measured bass extension of 52.7Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Some excess treble remains in the native tuning. The two-woofer MTM arrangement narrows the vertical listening window, so ear height and orientation matter. Multitone distortion rises strongly when pushed toward 96dB/1m; the review favors moderate listening levels, and a subwoofer does not eliminate all midrange output limits. These are MKII results, not measurements of the original MTM. Treble runs about 3dB hot on-axis; the rear -3dB treble switch overcorrects, and about -1.5dB of external EQ works better.

Full IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII review and specifications →

Released	May 2024 (2 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100w Per Speaker
App	Yes (X-MONITOR speaker emulation)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	46.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	10.4”H x 5.1”W x 6.3”D (264.2 x 129.5 x 160 mm)
Drivers	2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers, 1” silk dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	48 Hz - 28 kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Maximum SPL	112.5dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.22
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.44
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

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Ranked #26 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kali Audio SM-5: $2,998 per pair B&H Photo Video $1,499.00 eBay

Pros: Erin’s measurements show bass reaching -3dB around 43Hz and a 2.8dB midrange response span. The coaxial mid/tweeter and large waveguide give useful consistency horizontally and vertically, reducing sensitivity to listening height. Built-in per-speaker DSP and mounting options make placement flexible. Existing testing reports low midrange distortion at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Scores of 5.18 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer are good but below the leading reference monitors, so its advanced driver layout does not justify a near-top ranking by itself. A small upper-midrange irregularity remains. The five-inch woofer and limiter constrain loud bass; the review places compression onset roughly in the 96-102dB/1m region.

Featured on:

Studio Monitors

Full Kali Audio SM-5 review and specifications →

Released	2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	150W total
App	Kali Audio DSP software (free download)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	15.7”H x 7.9”W x 9.8”D (400 x 200 x 250 mm)
Drivers	1” coaxial tweeter, 4” coaxial midrange, 5” mid-bass woofer
EQ	Yes, per-speaker DSP
Frequency Response	39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control
Maximum SPL	117dB (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.18
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.13
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($1,499.00) →Search eBay for Kali Audio SM-5 →

Links
- Official Kali Audio SM-5 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Kali Audio SM-5 Review (With Sound Clips!) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #27 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kali Audio IN-5: $898 per pair Amazon $449.00 B&H Photo Video $449.00 eBay

Same family: the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Kali Audio IN-UNF (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.3/5).

Pros: The active three-way layout separates bass duties from the coaxial mid/tweeter, giving flexible listening geometry. Erin’s data shows a 1.8dB midrange response span and -3dB bass around 45Hz, with scores of 5.12 standalone and 7.13 with an ideal subwoofer. Placement switches and balanced inputs help integrate it into a studio; moderate-level distortion is well controlled in the existing review. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Local listening-window irregularities remain despite the small overall midrange span. The review reports midrange distortion rising above 3% at 96dB and a brighter perceived balance at closer distances. Limiting makes it unsuitable for demanding farfield playback. Coaxial construction improves geometry but does not remove response errors or guarantee unlimited output.

Full Kali Audio IN-5 review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	80W LF + 40W mid + 40W HF
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	Approximately 45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	15” x 8.1” x 11.1” (382 x 206 x 282 mm) (H x W x D)
Drivers	1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 5” woofer
Frequency Response	39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, TRS, RCA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	5.12
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.13
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	18.6 lbs (8.43 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($449.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($449.00) →Search eBay for Kali Audio IN-5 →

Ranked #29 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Thomann Swissonic A305: $220 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Thomann Swissonic A306, rated 4.3/5, released 2022 (also discontinued). See every Swissonic A30 generation.

Pros: A low cost DSP monitor with a 5.25” woofer, 1” silk tweeter and 80W of class D power, with FIR filtering and low and high frequency trims. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a smooth predicted in-room response (0.79) and bass to 51.3Hz (-3dB), for a preference score of 5.21 that reaches 7.41 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis response is moderately uneven (0.68dB average deviation) and the listening window spans 3.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz. Maximum output is rated at only 96dB. Replaced by the Thomann Swissonic A306. Discontinued.

Full Thomann Swissonic A305 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	80W (50W + 30W), class D with DSP
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 42.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.7”H x 7.3”W x 9.1”D (298 x 185 x 231 mm)
Drivers	5.25” woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter
Frequency Response	55Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Maximum SPL	96dB (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	5.21
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.41
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Search eBay for Thomann Swissonic A305 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →

Ranked #34 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Pioneer DJ VM-50: $418 per pair Amazon $209.00 B&H Photo Video $209.00 eBay

Same family: the Pioneer DJ VM-70 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5) and the Pioneer DJ VM-80 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5).

Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements give scores of 4.64 standalone and 7.00 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 60Hz. The existing review reports low distortion and little sustained compression, supporting practical clean playback beyond what the tonal score alone captures. Separate bass and treble voicings and balanced inputs make adjustment straightforward. Measured bass extension of 61Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The default response spans 3.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the upper-midrange/treble balance varies with angle. EQ-switch selection and aiming therefore matter. Bass below about 50Hz is reduced, so it is not a full-range substitute for a monitor-and-subwoofer system. Its output evidence supports nearfield use, not unrestricted home-theater levels.

Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2021 (5 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	30W LF + 30W HF; Class D
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Four LF and four HF EQ settings
Dimensions	7.8” x 11.8” x 10.1” (198 x 300 x 256 mm) (W x H x D)
Drivers	1” tweeter in horn; 5.25” aramid-fiber woofer
Frequency Response	40Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR/TRS combo and RCA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	4.64
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.00
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	12.1 lbs (5.5 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($209.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($209.00) →Search eBay for Pioneer DJ VM-50 →

Ranked #36 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - KEF LSX II LT: $699.99 per pair Amazon $699.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF LSX II (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the KEF LS50 Wireless II (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).

Pros: The coincident driver provides useful consistency across listening positions, and the app offers placement and subwoofer adjustments. Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 4.81 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer, with -3dB bass around 56Hz. HDMI and USB connectivity make it convenient for a small TV or desktop system. Horizontal and vertical dispersion both reach about ±60°, giving a broad sweet spot for more than one seat. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.

Cons: The 3.4dB midrange response span and treble-region dips keep it below more neutral monitors. The existing review finds bass compression around 88-92dB/1m and rising distortion at higher levels, so the small drivers suit close listening rather than a large room. This LT version has no analog input; a turntable cannot plug straight into it.

Featured on:

Wi-Fi & Streaming

Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2024 (2 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100w RMS Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	9.5”H x 6.1”W x 7.1”D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm)
Drivers	115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	54Hz - 28kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	RCA Subwoofer
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.81
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.03
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	15 lbs (6.8 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($699.99) →Search eBay for KEF LSX II LT →

Ranked #45 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kali Audio LP-UNF: $349.00 per pair Amazon $349.00 eBay

Same family: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Kali Audio LP-8 V2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.1/5). See every Kali Audio LP generation.

Pros: A practical compact desktop system with USB-C, analog inputs and Bluetooth, plus extensive placement switches. Erin’s Klippel data gives -3dB bass around 54Hz and scores of 4.60 standalone and 6.67 with an ideal subwoofer. The low crossover and waveguide provide useful freedom of listening height for a two-way design, and moderate-level distortion is well controlled in the review. The 1.9kHz crossover gives vertical coverage of about ±30 to 40°, well beyond the typical ±10 to 15° of a two-way. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.1dB.

Cons: The 2.9dB midrange span masks local response ripples; listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.467 is behind the best monitors. The review finds limiting around 91dB/1m per speaker. No dedicated subwoofer output means integration requires suitable external routing or bass management. Its strength is affordable close listening, not top-tier tonal accuracy or high-output room playback.

Featured on:

Full Kali Audio LP-UNF review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2024 (2 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	160W total (Class D, 2-channel bi-amped)
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	10”H x 6.5”W x 7.4”D (254 x 165 x 188 mm)
Drivers	4.5” woofer, 1” Textile Dome tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Bluetooth, USB-C (digital), RCA, TRS
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	88.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.60
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.67
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	Yes
Weight	17.2 lbs (7.8 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($349.00) →Search eBay for Kali Audio LP-UNF →

Ranked #46 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus: $499.99 per pair Amazon $499.99 eBay

Older model: the Vanatoo Transparent Zero (ranked lower, rated 3.7/5). See every Vanatoo Transparent Zero generation.

Pros: Erin’s data shows a small 1.7dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a broadly level midrange trend. Scores of 4.07 standalone and 6.73 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a useful compact desktop option. Flexible cabinet orientation, multiple inputs and automatic subwoofer crossover behavior help with setup. Measured bass extension of 92Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.5dB.

Cons: The measured -3dB point is around 95Hz, with a much lower F10 in the original review; this is not flat bass to the low-50Hz region. Vertical listening angle changes the upper-midrange response. The review finds cleaner results at moderate levels than near maximum output, where multitone distortion increases. A subwoofer is particularly valuable here. An 8th-order high-pass filter at 58Hz sharply cuts bass below that point, so kick drum fundamentals need a subwoofer.

Featured on:

Under $500

Full Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	120W total (Class D)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	92Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes (8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz)
Dimensions	8.5”H x 5.5”W x 6”D
Drivers	4” aluminum cone woofer, 4” long-throw passive radiator, 1” soft dome tweeter
Frequency Response	56Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Bluetooth (aptX HD), USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink Optical (24-bit/96kHz), 3.5mm Analog
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	RCA subwoofer
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	88.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.73
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($499.99) →Search eBay for Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus →

Ranked #51 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Neumi BS5P-ARC: $219.99 per pair Amazon $219.99 eBay

Older model: the Neumi BS5P (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5). See every Neumi BS5P generation.

Pros: Erin’s selected measurements give a 2.6dB midrange span and a 7.03 ideal-subwoofer preference score, indicating better tonal performance above the bass than its former near-bottom position suggested. HDMI ARC makes it a convenient low-cost TV stereo system.

Cons: The standalone score drops to 3.84. The published response reaches -3dB around 113Hz and -6dB around 83Hz, so bass balance is a significant limitation in that measured configuration. It is not the same model or dataset as the original Neumi BS5P. The score alone cannot establish clean output, and a subwoofer should not be assumed to solve crossover or room-integration issues automatically.

Featured on:

TV With HDMI ARC

Full Neumi BS5P-ARC review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	75W total (37.5W per channel)
Aux Input	No
Bluetooth	Yes
Coaxial Input	Yes
Country	China
Dimensions	10.6H x 7.2W x 8.5D in each
Drivers	1” silk dome tweeter with integrated waveguide, 5” poly-cone woofer
Enclosure	2-way active
Frequency Response	50Hz - 20kHz (Typical In-Room) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB-C, optical, coaxial, RCA analog
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	3.84
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.03
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) pair
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($219.99) →Search eBay for Neumi BS5P-ARC →

Ranked #52 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Neumi BS5P: $150 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Neumi BS5P-ARC, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5, released 2022. It adds HDMI input. See every Neumi BS5P generation.

Pros: Erin’s retest with corrected tweeter polarity, updated internal EQ and plugged ports gives a much more neutral result: 4.83 standalone and 7.83 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The reviewer also found that configuration substantially better in listening. Its analog and digital inputs make it a flexible inexpensive system. Measured bass extension of 90.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: That result is conditional on the tested firmware and port configuration, not a guarantee for an unknown stock or used pair. The first sample had reversed tweeter polarity, so its poor initial result should not be generalized to every unit either. Plugged-port bass reaches -3dB around 91Hz. Confirm configuration before expecting the improved balance; tonal scores do not remove output limits. Discontinued.

Full Neumi BS5P review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2021 (5 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	75W total
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension	Erin’s response shows usable midbass but limited deep-bass headroom
Bass Extension (-10dB)	56.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	90.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Coaxial Input	Yes
Dimensions	10.6” x 7.2” x 8.5” (269 x 183 x 216 mm) (H x W x D)
Drivers	1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer
Frequency Response	50Hz - 20kHz (Typical in-room) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and RCA
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	4.83
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.83
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	12.6 lbs (5.7 kg)
XLR Input	No

Search eBay for Neumi BS5P →

Ranked #54 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 per pair Parts Express $249.98 eBay

Pros: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. The existing review describes reasonable linearity for the price and a subdued upper treble that avoids an aggressively bright presentation. It is best considered for a close desktop setup. Measured bass extension of 121Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB. The soft treble is a tonal preference, not evidence of reference neutrality; a subwoofer does not establish greater midrange headroom.

Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	75W RMS (150W peak)
App	No
Aux Input	Yes (RCA)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, aptX
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	No
Digital Aux Input	Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit)
Dimensions	5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H)
Drivers	4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter
Frequency Response	40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth
Optical Input	No
Outputs	Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz)
Power Input	AC Power cord
RCA Input	Yes
Stereo	Yes
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Parts Express ($249.98) →Search eBay for Dayton Audio M4 →

Links
- Official Dayton Audio M4 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Live Review! Dayton Audio M4 Powered Speaker More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #57 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Onkyo GX-30ARC: $249.00 per pair Amazon $249.00 B&H Photo Video $349.99 eBay

Same family: the Onkyo Creator Series GX-10DB (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical and analog inputs make it a convenient compact system for a desk or TV. Erin’s Klippel data gives a 3.69 standalone preference score and 6.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The midrange response spans 3.8dB, offering usable but not reference-level tonal performance.

Cons: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave. Bass reaches -3dB around 74Hz, not the lower LFX value used inside the preference model. Vertical listening position affects crossover balance. Its extensive connectivity does not compensate for response irregularities, and the published tonal data alone does not establish maximum clean output.

Full Onkyo GX-30ARC review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2025 (1 year ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	Class D amplification
Aux Input	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Coaxial Input	No
Country	Japan (design)
Dimensions	approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each
Drivers	1” tweeter, 4” woofer
Enclosure	2-way powered, rear-ported
Frequency Response	55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	3.69
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.42
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($249.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($349.99/pair) →Search eBay for Onkyo GX-30ARC →

Links
- Onkyo GX-30ARC Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Tom’s Hardware GX-10DB / GX-30ARC review
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Edifier MR4: $169.99 per pair Amazon $169.99 eBay

Same family: the Edifier MR3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.8/5), the Edifier MR4.5 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5) and the Edifier MR5 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s data supports a useful budget desktop monitor: a 3.0dB midrange span, little overall on-axis tilt, and preference scores of 3.25 standalone and 6.00 with an ideal subwoofer. Balanced TRS inputs and tone controls are practical at its price, and its response is more balanced than the measured Edifier R1280T. Measured bass extension of 79Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 78dB.

Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend. Listening-window response still has local irregularities, including lower-treble unevenness. The existing review reports rapidly increasing distortion and audible distress when pushed well above moderate desktop levels. No Bluetooth, and adding a subwoofer does not cure every output or tonal limitation.

Featured on:

Headphone Output

Full Edifier MR4 review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	42W RMS total (21W per speaker)
App	No
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm)
Drivers	4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter
EQ	Yes (Monitor and Music modes)
Frequency Response	60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Headphone Output	Yes
Inputs	TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux
Optical Input	No
Outputs	Headphone
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.25
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.00
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($169.99) →Search eBay for Edifier MR4 →

Ranked #78 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Edifier MR5: $349.99 per pair Amazon $349.99 B&H Photo Video $349.99 eBay

Same family: the Edifier MR3 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.8/5), the Edifier MR4 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.5/5) and the Edifier MR4.5 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5).

Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner measured useful bass for a compact 5-inch monitor, with F3 around 51Hz. The three-way active design adds a dedicated 3.75-inch midrange, and the 110W RMS system, app EQ, room-compensation controls, LDAC, balanced XLR/TRS inputs, and front headphone output make it unusually well equipped at $350 per pair. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: Erin’s CTA-2034 data shows upper-midrange and treble irregularities, while off-axis response narrows more quickly than ideal above about 2-3kHz. Bass output is level-limited below about 70Hz and distortion/compression rise at higher levels, so it suits moderate nearfield use better than loud mid-field playback.

Featured on:

Headphone Output

Full Edifier MR5 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2025 (1 year ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	110W RMS total (Manufacturer specified)
App	Yes (Edifier ConneX)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	LDAC, SBC
Bluetooth Version	6.0
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	6.3”W x 10.4”H x 11”D (159 x 264 x 280 mm) (active); 159W x 264H x 257D mm (passive)
Drivers	5-inch woofer + 3.75-inch midrange + 1-inch silk-dome tweeter (each)
EQ	Yes (app EQ and rear high/low controls)
Frequency Response	46Hz-40kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Headphone Output	Yes
Inputs	Balanced XLR, balanced 6.35mm TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux
Maximum SPL	101dB (Manufacturer specified, 1m)
Measurement Source	Erin’s Audio Corner
Optical Input	No
Outputs	3.5mm headphone
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	85dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	22.9 lbs (10.38 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($349.99) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($349.99) →Search eBay for Edifier MR5 →

Links
- Official Edifier MR5 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Desktop Speakers Battle – Which Sounds the Best? More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #83 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kali Audio IN-UNF: $699 per pair Kali Audio $699 eBay

Same family: the Kali Audio IN-5 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5) and the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: A specialized ultra-nearfield system with coaxial satellites and an opposed-woofer bass module designed to sit on the desk. Erin found it worked much better when positioned using Kali’s placement template, with useful agreement between the intended response and close-range moving-microphone measurements. DSP placement controls and varied inputs make it a thoughtful solution for the right desk.

Cons: The intended desk geometry is part of the acoustic design. The bass module and prescribed spacing occupy considerable desk space and may conflict with large monitors. It is not designed for arbitrary room placement.

Full Kali Audio IN-UNF review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100W LF + 60W mid/HF per channel (continuous)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F10)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	47Hz (manufacturer specified; Erin did not publish an anechoic F3)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Crossover Frequency	280Hz LF-to-midrange; 2.8kHz midrange-to-HF
DSP	Yes (placement/boundary and tonal trims)
Dimensions	Bass module: 11.6”H x 19.4”W x 5.25”D; satellites: 6.25” diameter
Drivers	Bass module: two opposed 4.5” woofers; satellites: 4” coincident midrange with 1” textile-dome tweeter
Frequency Response	47Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	USB-C, optical, 3.5mm, balanced TRS
Maximum SPL	103dB peak at 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	Yes
Weight	24.7 lbs (11.2 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Kali Audio ($699) →Search eBay for Kali Audio IN-UNF →

Links
- Official Kali Audio IN-UNF Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Two Reviews in One! Kali IN-UNF Ultra Nearfield Monitor Review with Joe N Tell. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Kali Audio IN-UNF
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #105 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Donner Dyna 3 eBay

Same family: the Donner Dyna 4 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 2.9/5).

Pros: A low-cost powered desktop pair with several input options and a small footprint. It can provide basic close-range background playback without an external amplifier. Measured bass extension of 85.0Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Erin’s Klippel measurements give a negative standalone preference score of -0.06 and only 3.24 with an ideal subwoofer. The response spans 8.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with large listening-window irregularities. Bass reaches -3dB around 85Hz, and the existing review reports distortion and compression limits. It is not a credible neutral studio monitor despite that style of marketing.

Full Donner Dyna 3 review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	Built in
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension	Limited by 3” woofer (Erin’s Audio Corner measurement)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	66.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	5.4” x 5.9” x 8.1” (136 x 150 x 205 mm)
Drivers	1” dome tweeter; 3” woofer
Frequency Response	80Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Bluetooth, TRS, RCA and 3.5mm
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	-0.06
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	3.24
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
XLR Input	No

Search eBay for Donner Dyna 3 →

Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #2 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mesanovic CDM65: $5,998 per pair Front End Audio $5,998 eBay

Pros: Erin’s measurements show a very even 1.1dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and an 8.57 ideal-subwoofer preference score, strong evidence for natural tonal balance. Measured -3dB bass extension is 36.6Hz. Switchable cardioid operation offers useful control of rearward radiation; an optional WiSA hub adds wireless system integration. Measured bass extension of 36.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Cardioid operation and bass tuning affect placement and output, so use the appropriate mode for the room. A subwoofer is still useful for deep bass at high levels. These are substantial, roughly 14.5kg cabinets, and the optional hub adds cost rather than being necessary for wired playback.

Featured on:

Full Mesanovic CDM65 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	600W total (150W tweeter, 150W midrange, 300W subwoofers combined)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	29.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	36.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States
Crossover Frequency	150Hz, 2,300Hz
Dimensions	15”H x 8”W x 14”D (381 x 203 x 356 mm)
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
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (balanced analog), WiSA wireless
Maximum SPL	103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	7.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.57
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Warranty	2 years
Weight	32 lbs (14.5 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Front End Audio ($5,998) →Search eBay for Mesanovic CDM65 →

Ranked #3 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kii THREE: $16,970 per pair Vintage King $16,970 eBay

Same family: the Kii Seven (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.6/5).

Pros: Exceptionally even measured balance: the 300Hz-5kHz response spans only 1.2dB, with preference scores of 7.70 standalone and 8.35 with an ideal subwoofer. Cardioid control reduces rearward low-midrange energy, while measured -3dB extension of 29.3Hz provides convincing full-range bass in a compact system. Measured bass extension of 28Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Deep-bass output has limits: demanding low-frequency material at high levels can trigger compression or audible distress. The reviewer preferred a small treble reduction, so the high score is not a promise of ideal tonal balance for every listener. Linear-phase operation adds latency, and the system is expensive.

Featured on:

Studio Monitors

Full Kii THREE review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2016 (10 years ago)
AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	1,500W total per speaker; Six Ncore channels
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	20.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Coverage	DSP-controlled cardioid above approximately 70-90Hz
DSP	Yes; boundary, contour, phase-exact and low-latency modes
Dimensions	15.7”H x 7.9”W x 15.7”D
Drivers	Four 6.5” woofers; 5” midrange; 1” waveguided tweeter
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz (-6dB at 20Hz; ±0.5dB 100Hz-10kHz; ±1dB 10kHz-20kHz) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (analog), XLR AES/EBU (digital), proprietary KiiLink digital multi-pin
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	7.70
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.35
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Vintage King ($16,970) →Search eBay for Kii THREE →

Ranked #6 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Genelec 8361A: $11,700 per pair B&H Photo Video $5,850.00 eBay

Same family: the Genelec 8331A (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8341A (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5). See every Genelec 8351 and The Ones generation.

Pros: The coaxial design combines consistent imaging with substantial output capability. ASR measured a 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 33.7Hz -3dB extension and a 8.08 ideal-subwoofer score. Low distortion and restrained compression support its use at greater distances than smaller nearfield monitors. Woofers above and below the coaxial driver give nearly identical vertical response whether you sit or stand. Measured bass extension of 34Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its larger size buys headroom, not uniformly better tonality than the smaller Ones models. Some lower-midrange unevenness remains, and listening angle can affect perceived treble balance. The cabinets are very heavy and expensive; GLM setup and suitable stands need to be budgeted separately.

Full Genelec 8361A review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2019 (7 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	1000w Per Speaker
App	Yes (GLM)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Maximum SPL	118dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	6.76
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.08
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	70.3 lbs (31.9 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($5,850.00) →Search eBay for Genelec 8361A →

Links
- Official Genelec 8361A Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Genelec 8361a is FANTASTIC for Your Home Studio or HiFi! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #10 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Dutch & Dutch 8C: $13000 per pair Tidepool Audio $13000 eBay

Featured on:

Studio Monitors

Full Dutch & Dutch 8C review and specifications →

Released	2017 (9 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	1000W (250W tweeter + 250W mid + 500W dual woofers)
App	Yes (Ascend)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	<20Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	23Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Maximum SPL	106dB @ 1m continuous (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	~106dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Streaming Services	Yes (network streaming)
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	57.3 lbs (26 kg) each
Wi-Fi	Yes (Ethernet)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Tidepool Audio ($13000) →Search eBay for Dutch & Dutch 8C →

Ranked #12 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Buchardt A10: $4300 per pair Buchardt Audio $4300 eBay

Featured on:

Wi-Fi & Streaming

Full Buchardt A10 review and specifications →

Released	2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	200w Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	21Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	14.6”H x 7”W x 9.6”D (370.8 x 177.8 x 243.8 mm)
Drivers	6.5” PURIFI Extended Stroke Driver with Ultra Low Distortion, Custom made with triple Voice Coil woofer, 19 mm / 0.74” Resonance Free Aluminum dome with CDC aluminum waveguide tweeter
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	28Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	7.28
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.00
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	15 lbs (6.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Buchardt Audio ($4300) →Search eBay for Buchardt A10 →

Links
- Official Buchardt A10 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Buchardt A10 Bookshelf Review: The Real Pros and Cons More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #18 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Buchardt A500: $4,150 per pair Discontinued Buchardt Audio $4,150 eBay

Same family: the Buchardt A200 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5), the Buchardt A10 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.7/5) and the Buchardt A700 (floorstanding, rated 4.5/5).

Pros: Erin measured unusually deep bass for the cabinet size: 24.9Hz at -3dB. A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.02 standalone preference score support balanced, full-range listening. Master Tunings and optional wireless integration provide practical flexibility. Measured bass extension of 24.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass extension depends on the selected tuning and comes with output tradeoffs at high levels. The 7.92 ideal-subwoofer score is good but not class-leading. A rear-facing woofer does not by itself establish cardioid radiation, and alternate Master Tunings should not inherit the measured configuration’s score. Discontinued.

Full Buchardt A500 review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	3 x 150W per speaker
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension	Master-tuning dependent; approximately 25–40Hz
Bass Extension (-10dB)	23.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	24.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	14.4H x 7W x 11D inches
Drivers	0.74-inch dome; front and rear 6-inch long-throw woofers
Frequency Response	25Hz - 40kHz (+/- 1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, WiSA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	7.02
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.92
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	55.1 lbs (25kg)/pair
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Buchardt Audio ($4,150) →Search eBay for Buchardt A500 →

Ranked #29 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - SHIVAUDYO Point Zero: €6,500 per pair Shivaudyo eBay

Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 31.5Hz and a 7.66 ideal-subwoofer score combine useful bass with broadly balanced sound. Cardioid control through the low midrange reduces some rearward energy, and selectable bass presets let the listener trade extension for headroom. Measured bass extension of 31Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92.9dB.

Cons: Cardioid control begins around 200Hz rather than extending through all deep bass. Listening height can change vocal weight, and the measured 2.0dB midband span does not capture every directional variation. The deepest bass preset sacrifices output, so its nominal cutoff is not a clean-SPL guarantee.

Full SHIVAUDYO Point Zero review and specifications →

AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	600W total (300W subs + 200W mid-woofer + 100W tweeter, Hypex NCore)
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	22Hz (measured on-axis, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	31Hz (measured on-axis, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	Yes
Crossover Frequency	120Hz / 1600Hz, 4th-order Linkwitz-Riley
DSP	Yes (Hypex, downloadable software, 3 bass presets)
Dimensions	15.7”H x 8.7”W x 15.4”D (400 x 220 x 390 mm)
Drivers	6.5” mid-woofer, 1” waveguide dome tweeter, 2x 8” side-firing subwoofers (opposed, vibration-cancelling)
Frequency Response	30Hz - 20kHz ±1dB (anechoic, Preset 1)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, RCA, AES-EBU, S/PDIF, Toslink
Maximum SPL	110dB long-term, 116dB short-term, 120dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	92.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; Erin notes this figure is scaled rather than directly comparable to passive-speaker sensitivity)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.59
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.66
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	36.4 lbs (16.5 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Shivaudyo (€6,500) →Search eBay for SHIVAUDYO Point Zero →

Ranked #37 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kali Audio LP-6 V2: $498 per pair B&H Photo Video $249.00 eBay

Older model: the Kali Audio LP-6 (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5). See every Kali Audio LP generation.

Same family: the Kali Audio LP-8 V2 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5) and the Kali Audio LP-UNF (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5).

Pros: Erin’s measurements give a 7.48 ideal-subwoofer score and 42.5Hz -3dB bass extension, a strong combination for an affordable nearfield monitor. The waveguide and placement switches help with practical setup, and the second generation improves close-range noise behavior. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz leaves some tonal unevenness. Vertical crossover behavior makes ear-height placement important, and compression limits loud bass playback. Its good tonal score is not evidence of the output capability of a much larger monitor.

Featured on:

Full Kali Audio LP-6 V2 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2021 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	40W LF + 40W HF per speaker; Bi-amplified Class D
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims
Dimensions	14.1”H x 8.8”W x 10.2”D
Drivers	1” soft-dome tweeter; 6.5” woofer
Frequency Response	47Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, balanced TRS and RCA
Maximum SPL	Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	5.53
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.48
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	15.5 lbs (7.05 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($249.00) →Search eBay for Kali Audio LP-6 V2 →

Ranked #38 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kali Audio IN-8 V2: $998 per pair Amazon $499.00 eBay

Same family: the Kali Audio IN-5 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.2/5) and the Kali Audio IN-UNF (larger bookshelf, rated 3.3/5).

Featured on:

Studio Monitors

Full Kali Audio IN-8 V2 review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	140w Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	17.8”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm)
Drivers	8” (203mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	45Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.36
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.30
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($499.00) →Search eBay for Kali Audio IN-8 V2 →

Ranked #40 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 4305P: $1,499.99 per pair Amazon $1,499.99 JBL eBay

Same family: the JBL 4329P (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: The measured 1.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, with a 7.45 ideal-subwoofer score and 45.4Hz -3dB bass extension. Integrated consumer connectivity makes this a more convenient living-room system than many studio monitors. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Crossover-region directivity changes mean the narrow on-axis span does not describe every listening angle. Limiting becomes relevant at high output, particularly with bass-heavy music. It suits near- to midfield listening better than the largest high-output systems here. Erin measured about 8dB lost near 50Hz at the highest drive level and reached roughly 93dB unweighted at 2m in-room.

Featured on:

Full JBL 4305P review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	300W system: 125W LF + 25W HF per speaker
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Version	5.1
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	13.2H x 8.3W x 8.8D inches
Drivers	5.25-inch pulp woofer; 1-inch annular compression driver
Frequency Response	45Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR/TRS combo, 3.5mm Aux, Optical, USB-B, Ethernet
Maximum SPL	~93dB at 2m in-room before limiting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.44
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.45
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	Yes
Weight	Primary 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg), Secondary 14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($1,499.99) →Check current price at JBL →Search eBay for JBL 4305P →

Ranked #41 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB: $7,998 per pair Amazon $3,999.00 B&H Photo Video eBay

Older model: the Devialet Phantom I (ranked lower, rated 4/5). See every Devialet Phantom generation.

Same family: the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5).

Pros: Erin’s measurements show full bass output all the way down to about 20Hz, the lowest frequency measured, which is remarkable from a single cabinet about 34cm deep. The listening window is close to flat, with a -0.04dB per octave tilt and 0.80 smoothness, earning a 6.73 preference score on its own and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer. Directivity is smooth, so room reflections keep the same tonal balance as the direct sound. Wi-Fi 6 streaming with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Roon Ready, plus Ethernet and optical inputs, makes one unit a complete music system. Measured bass extension of <21Hz (-3dB).

Cons: DSP limiting and compression take over near maximum volume, so the deep bass you hear at moderate levels shrinks when you push it; Erin’s 96dB distortion test ran into the limiter. Stereo means buying two units, which puts a pair well above conventional powered monitors that measure as well. There is no analog input or subwoofer output, and the rounded shape does not sit on a shelf or desk stand like a box speaker.

Full Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2026 (6 months ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	1,100W total
App	Yes (Devialet)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	<21Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	<21Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	10”H x 9.7”W x 13.5”D (255 x 246 x 342 mm)
Drivers	Aluminum tweeter, aluminum midrange, two opposed aluminum woofers
Frequency Response	14Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Optical
Maximum SPL	108dB (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	6.73
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.38
Streaming Services	Yes (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready, UPnP)
Subwoofer Output	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	24.5 lbs (11.1 kg) each
Wi-Fi	Yes (Wi-Fi 6, dual-band)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($3,999.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video →Search eBay for Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB →

Ranked #54 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Thomann Swissonic A306: $250 per pair Discontinued Thomann $250 eBay

Older model: the Thomann Swissonic A305 (rated 4.2/5). See every Swissonic A30 generation.

Pros: With the treble control set to -2dB, Erin measured a 7.29 ideal-subwoofer score and 43.9Hz -3dB bass extension. This is a useful affordable monitoring option when carefully set up, with onboard controls for basic tonal adjustment. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.9dB.

Cons: The published result is not the flat-control setting: it specifically uses -2dB treble. Even then, the response spans 2.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, so balance is not as even as the leaders. Bass output and vertical listening position remain practical limitations. Discontinued.

Full Thomann Swissonic A306 review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100W bi-amplified total (50W + 50W, Class D)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Crossover Frequency	2600Hz
DSP	Yes (rear-panel treble/bass trim, wall/near-wall placement switches)
Dimensions	8.8”W x 14.2”H x 11.1”D (224 x 361 x 282 mm)
Drivers	6.5” woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter with waveguide
Frequency Response	43Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (balanced), RCA (unbalanced)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	89.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.41
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.29
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	13.6 lbs (6.17 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Thomann ($250) →Search eBay for Thomann Swissonic A306 →

Ranked #58 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: $15,000 per pair JBL Professional Dealer Locator $15,000 eBay

Featured on:

Studio Monitors

Full JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor review and specifications →

Released	2013 (13 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	21.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Crossover Frequency	800Hz active DSP
Dimensions	49.4”H x 20”W x 14”D (1256 x 508 x 355.6 mm)
Drivers	15” 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide
Frequency Response	20Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	None (passive cabinet driven by a matched Crown amplifier via speaker-level connection)
Maximum SPL	123dB manufacturer specified
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.74
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.58
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	130.1 lbs (59 kg) each
XLR Input	No

Check current price at JBL Professional Dealer Locator ($15,000) →Search eBay for JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor →

Ranked #61 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Palmer Orbit 11: $1,532 per pair Thomann $766 eBay

Pros: A 27.8Hz measured -3dB point provides genuinely deep standalone bass. The 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, and the coaxial arrangement offers a compact acoustic source for nearfield listening. A cardioid front baffle reduces rear and side room reflections. Measured bass extension of 27.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its 7.10 ideal-subwoofer score is more modest than the narrow midrange span alone suggests; response outside that band and off-axis behavior also matter. Deep-bass extension does not prove high-level headroom. Studio-oriented connections and setup are less convenient than an all-in-one consumer pair. It has XLR analog and AES3 digital connections only, with no RCA or TRS.

Full Palmer Orbit 11 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2026 (8 months ago)
AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	1000W peak / 400W RMS total; Tri-amped Class D
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	21.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	27.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	8.5” x 11.5” x 11.5” (217 x 293 x 292 mm) each
Drivers	1” tweeter + 6.5” midrange (coaxial), 2x 8” woofers
Frequency Response	28Hz - 28kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (balanced analog), AES3 (digital, via XLR)
Maximum SPL	116dB peak at 1m
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	6.20
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.10
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	30.6 lbs (13.9 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Thomann ($766) →Search eBay for Palmer Orbit 11 →

Links
- Official Palmer Orbit 11 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Palmer Orbit 11 More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #64 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 708P: $3,798 per pair B&H Photo Video $1,899.00 eBay

Older model: the JBL LSR6328P (ranked higher, rated 4.6/5). See every JBL 7 Series generation.

Same family: the JBL 705P (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the JBL 708i (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: Erin’s measurements give 43.9Hz -3dB extension and a 6.91 ideal-subwoofer score, with useful bass from a professional active monitor. The waveguide and onboard processing make it a practical choice for a carefully installed studio system. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The 2.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes audible-relevance irregularities, with port-region features and vertical crossover sensitivity. High-level distortion remains a constraint. Its professional positioning and amplifier power do not make it automatically more neutral than the cheaper JBL 308P MKII. A port resonance adds a mild rise around 600 to 900Hz, and vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so stay within a few degrees of the tweeter axis.

Full JBL 708P review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2017 (9 years ago)
AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter)
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
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)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.03
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.91
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	25.1 lbs (11.4 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($1,899.00) →Search eBay for JBL 708P →

Ranked #65 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch The Nines: $999.99 per pair Crutchfield $999.99 eBay

Newer model: the Klipsch The Nines II, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5, released Jan 2026. It adds XLR input. See every Klipsch The Fives, Sevens and Nines generation.

Same family: the Klipsch The Fives (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Klipsch The Sevens (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: The 1.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports even mids, and measured -3dB extension is 42.5Hz. Extensive consumer connections and app adjustment make it convenient for TV and music, while the horn provides a focused listening presentation. Erin called it his favorite Klipsch speaker. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82.5dB.

Cons: The 6.90 ideal-subwoofer score reflects limitations beyond the narrow midband span. Horizontal coverage is relatively focused, so placement matters for multiple seats. The reviewer preferred reduced treble, and bass limiting at higher playback levels means the large woofer is not a guarantee of unlimited output. The app’s flat setting leaves treble elevated; Erin preferred a -2dB tweeter trim.

Featured on:

Full Klipsch The Nines review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	240W total (480W peak; 100W LF + 20W HF per powered speaker)
App	Klipsch Connect (bass/mid/treble EQ)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	42.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	19.13”H x 9.5”W x 13.38”D
Drivers	8” high-excursion fiber-composite woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn
Frequency Response	34Hz - 25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0, phono/line RCA, 3.5mm, USB, optical
Maximum SPL	115dB at 1m (stereo pair, manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	82.5dB (measured at 0.30V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.32
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.90
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) primary, 26.9 lbs (12.2 kg) secondary
Woofer Cabinet	rear-ported bass reflex
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Crutchfield ($999.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch The Nines →

Links
- Official Klipsch The Nines Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #71 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Fluid Audio Image 2: $3,798 per pair Fluid Audio $1,899 eBay

Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 38.1Hz gives useful bass reach, while a 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids. The active multiway design and DSP tools offer flexibility for a studio installation.

Cons: The 6.80 ideal-subwoofer score places its measured native tonality below the leading monitors. DSP flexibility should not be confused with verified accuracy before adjustment. Full-range headroom, room integration and cabinet placement still need attention in a demanding monitoring system.

Full Fluid Audio Image 2 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	675W each
Aux Input	No
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	Yes
Dimensions	14.3H x 9.5W x 13.8D in
Drivers	AMT tweeter, 5-inch midrange, dual opposed 8-inch woofers
Enclosure	Active sealed 3-way
Frequency Response	40Hz-27kHz +/-2.2dB
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR/TRS, AES/EBU, SPDIF
Maximum SPL	112dB each
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.22
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.80
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Fluid Audio ($1,899) →Search eBay for Fluid Audio Image 2 →

Links
- Fluid Audio Image 2 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Live Review: Fluid Audio Image 2 More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Fluid Image 2 Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #73 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - JBL 4329P: $4,500 per pair Discontinued eBay

Same family: the JBL 4305P (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 32.2Hz provides deeper native bass than the smaller JBL 4305P. Integrated amplification and streaming make it convenient for a full-range living-room system, and its larger format is useful when scale matters. Measured bass extension of 31Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 102.2dB.

Cons: The measured 4.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes a notable midrange dip, so it is not as neutral as its size and price might suggest. Its 6.72 ideal-subwoofer score trails the JBL 4305P. There is no HDMI connection for the simplest TV hookup. Discontinued.

Full JBL 4329P review and specifications →

Released	2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	300W RMS per speaker (600W total system power)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, aptX Adaptive
Bluetooth Version	5.3
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	20.3”H x 12.6”W x 12.7”D
Drivers	8” midwoofer, 1” compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn
Frequency Response	30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	No
Sensitivity	102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.40
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.72
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	34.4 lbs (15.6 kg) (primary), 34.4 lbs (15.6 kg) (secondary)
Woofer Cabinet	ported
XLR Input	No

Search eBay for JBL 4329P →

Ranked #74 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kali Audio LP-8 V2: $598 per pair Amazon $299.00 eBay

Older model: the Kali Audio LP-8 (ranked lower, rated 3.9/5). See every Kali Audio LP generation.

Same family: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5) and the Kali Audio LP-UNF (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5).

Pros: Erin measured 39.6Hz -3dB extension, useful for music without a subwoofer. Placement switches and the waveguide assist nearfield setup, with second-generation noise improvements making it more practical at a desk.

Cons: The 3.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.68 ideal-subwoofer score show less even tonality than the smaller Kali Audio LP-6 V2. A larger woofer brings bandwidth and output tradeoffs, not automatically greater accuracy. Vertical placement and bass demands still matter.

Full Kali Audio LP-8 V2 review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2021 (5 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	100W total, bi-amped (60W LF, 40W HF)
Aux Input	No
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States (design)
Dimensions	16.5”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (419 x 254 x 286 mm)
Drivers	1” soft dome tweeter, 8” woofer
Enclosure	2-way active, ported
Frequency Response	37Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, TRS, RCA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	4.94
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.68
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	19.8 lbs (9 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($299.00) →Search eBay for Kali Audio LP-8 V2 →

Links
- Kali Audio LP-8 V2 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Which budget Kali monitor makes most sense for YOU? LP-6v2 or LP-8v2? More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Cambridge Audio L/R X: $2,399.00 per pair Amazon $2,399.00 eBay

Same family: the Cambridge Audio L/R S (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Cambridge Audio L/R M (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5).

Pros: A 2.5-way active design with a 28mm aluminum tweeter, a front-facing 5-inch mid-woofer, a second 5-inch woofer at the base whose passband overlaps the first (the source of the “.5”), and dual 6-inch side-firing passive radiators per speaker. Erin’s Audio Corner measured wide, even horizontal dispersion (a broad flare out to about the -6dB point around 1.5 to 3kHz) and deeper extension than the smaller L/R S, with an F3 of about 43Hz and F10 of about 37Hz. In-app DSP for room size, speaker distance from the front wall, and reflective surface type gave an audible change in bass tightness in testing. Connectivity covers HDMI eARC, RCA aux, a moving-magnet phono input, optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Wi-Fi streaming, and a subwoofer output, making it a full living-room hub rather than just a stereo pair. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis response is less linear than the L/R S, with dips in the bass, a peak around 1-2kHz, and a dip spanning the upper mid-range into the lower treble; Cambridge confirmed the dip is a deliberate DSP notch for a tweeter breakup resonance rather than a driver flaw, but it was audible as a mild suck-out in an AB pink-noise comparison. Vertical dispersion is narrower and asymmetric than the L/R S, at about plus 20 to minus 10 degrees, because the greater distance between the tweeter and mid-woofer creates more lobing, so listening height and stand placement matter more. Multitone distortion rides close to the 3% threshold at 96dB measured at 1 meter in the far field, limiting headroom for loud, wide-band material. Output falls off quickly below about 50Hz, so home-theater use with deep bass content benefits from an added subwoofer.

Featured on:

Wi-Fi & Streaming

Full Cambridge Audio L/R X review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2026 (3 months ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	800W total (400W per speaker)
App	Yes
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction
Dimensions	7.9” (200 mm) W x 330mm H x 260mm D (each)
Drivers	28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators
Frequency Response	35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer
RCA Input	Yes
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($2,399.00) →Search eBay for Cambridge Audio L/R X →

Links
- Official Cambridge Audio L/R X Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Cambridge Audio LRS & LRX Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #101 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch The Sevens II: $1,899.99 per pair Amazon $1,899.99 eBay

Older model: the Klipsch The Sevens (ranked lower, rated 3.7/5). See every Klipsch The Fives, Sevens and Nines generation.

Same family: the Klipsch The Fives II (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.3/5) and the Klipsch The Nines II (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5).

Pros: A 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofer and a 1-inch titanium tweeter in Klipsch’s Tractrix horn, with 200W of amplification per side. It adds far more than the original Sevens: HDMI 2.1 eARC with Dolby Atmos decoding, Wi-Fi streaming with Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Spotify, Tidal and Qobuz Connect and Roon Ready, Dirac Live room correction, a phono stage, and RCA, USB-C, optical and coaxial inputs plus Bluetooth. Klipsch rates it at 39Hz to 25kHz.

Cons: Erin’s Audio Corner has reviewed it, but the measurements the other speakers here are ranked on aren’t available yet, so it can’t be placed against them or against the original Sevens. At about $1,900 to $2,000 a pair it costs roughly twice as much as the original.

Full Klipsch The Sevens II review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2026 (9 months ago)
Amplifier Power	200W per speaker
App	Yes
Bluetooth	Yes
Coaxial Input	Yes
Dimensions	15”H x 8.1”W x 12.5”D (381 x 206 x 318 mm)
Dolby Atmos	Yes
Drivers	1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, 6.5” Cerametallic woofer
EQ	Yes (Dirac Live room correction)
Frequency Response	39Hz - 25kHz (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes (HDMI 2.1 eARC)
Inputs	HDMI eARC, RCA (phono), USB-C, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	Yes (switchable phono preamp)
USB Input	Yes (USB-C)
Weight	23.6 lbs (10.7 kg) each
Wi-Fi	Yes (Google Cast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($1,899.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch The Sevens II →

Links
- Official Klipsch The Sevens II Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Don’t Buy The Klipsch The Sevens II Before Watching This More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #104 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Focal Twin6 Be Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Focal ST6 Twin6, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5, released 2022. See every Focal Twin6, Solo6 and Trio6 generation.

Pros: The dual-woofer arrangement offers useful output capability for studio work, with a 48.3Hz measured -3dB point in the horizontal test. Its professional controls and format can suit a dedicated monitoring installation. Measured bass extension of 48.3Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The horizontal measurement scores 6.06 with an ideal subwoofer and spans 2.9dB from 300Hz to 5kHz. Off-axis variation limits tonal consistency across listening positions. Orientation matters, and neither the beryllium tweeter nor the additional woofer makes its measured balance class-leading. Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though harmonic distortion measured low. Discontinued.

Full Focal Twin6 Be review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2015 (11 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension	40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	48.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	9.8” x 19.7” x 13.4” (250 x 500 x 340 mm) (H x W x D)
Drivers	1” inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5” W-cone drivers
Frequency Response	40Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	4.04
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.06
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	48.5 lbs (22 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Search eBay for Focal Twin6 Be →

Links
- Official Focal Twin6 Information
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #108 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch The Sevens: $849.99 per pair Amazon $849.99 eBay

Newer model: the Klipsch The Sevens II, ranked higher, estimated 3.8/5, released Jan 2026. It adds RCA input. See every Klipsch The Fives, Sevens and Nines generation.

Same family: the Klipsch The Fives (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Klipsch The Nines (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: Erin reported 49Hz -3dB extension, with useful bass for ordinary music listening. HDMI, phono, USB, optical and Bluetooth connections make the system convenient for TV and music, while app controls and a subwoofer output provide adjustment options. Bass reaches about 36Hz at -10dB, delivering a controlled thump near 40Hz in-room without strain. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The review found a recessed 2-4kHz region and upper-treble emphasis, producing a scooped balance that a simple treble reduction did not fully fix. Relatively narrow horizontal coverage limits consistency across seats.

Full Klipsch The Sevens review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	200W total (400W peak)
App	Yes (treble/mid/bass EQ, subwoofer output, dynamic bass mode)
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	No
Dimensions	16.375”H x 8.125”W x 13.1875”D
Drivers	6.5” high-excursion woofer, 1” titanium tweeter on Tractrix horn
Frequency Response	39Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	HDMI, Phono, 3.5mm, USB, Optical, Bluetooth
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer
RCA Input	No
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	Yes
Weight	22.3 lbs (10.1 kg) (primary), 19.8 lbs (9 kg) (secondary)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear flared port
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($849.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch The Sevens →

Large Size Powered Floorstanding Speakers

Ranked #1 of 14 in Large Size Powered Floorstanding Speakers - Genelec 8381A: $64,000 per pair B&H Photo Video $64,000 eBay

Same family: the Genelec 8331A (smallest bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8341A (bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8361A (largest bookshelf, rated 4.8/5). See every Genelec 8351 and The Ones generation.

Pros: Genelec’s flagship main monitor: each speaker combines three 15” woofers, four 5” midrange drivers and a coaxial 5” midrange with 1” tweeter, specified at ±1.5dB from 20Hz to 35kHz, so it reaches the bottom of the audible range with no subwoofer. It is specified at 126dB short-term output from 5,426W of Class D amplification. GLM room calibration, analog XLR and AES/EBU digital inputs are included.

Cons: Only listening reviews have been published, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Each speaker is 1.46m tall and weighs 162kg, and the amplifiers live in a separate 3U rack, so it only suits a large dedicated room.

Full Genelec 8381A review and specifications →

Released	May 2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	Yes
Amplifier Power	5426W Class D (external 3U rack amplifiers)
App	Yes (GLM)
Aux Input	No
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes
Dimensions	57.4”H x 19.7”W x 27.3”D (1458 x 500 x 694 mm)
Drivers	3x 15” (380mm) woofers, 4x 5” (125mm) midrange, 5” (125mm) coaxial midrange with 1” (25mm) coaxial tweeter
EQ	Yes (via GLM software)
Frequency Response	20Hz - 35kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, AES/EBU
Maximum SPL	126dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	357.1 lbs (162 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($64,000) →Search eBay for Genelec 8381A →

Links
- Official Genelec 8381A Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Genelec 8381A vs Genelec 8361A
- Genelec 8381A vs Kii THREE

Ranked #2 of 14 in Large Size Powered Floorstanding Speakers - KEF LS60: $5,999.99 per pair Amazon $5,999.99 Crutchfield $5,999.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF LSX II LT (smallest bookshelf, rated 4/5), the KEF LSX II (bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5) and the KEF LS50 Wireless II (largest bookshelf, rated 4.3/5).

Featured on:

Full KEF LS60 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	700W (500W LF Class D + 100W MF Class D + 100W HF Class AB)
App	Yes (KEF Connect)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	<20Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	23Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC, AAC
Bluetooth Version	5.0
Coaxial Input	Yes
DSP	Yes (Music Integrity Engine)
Dimensions	42.9”H x 8.3”W x 15.5”D (1089.7 x 210.8 x 393.7 mm)
Drivers	4 x 135 mm (5.25 in.) Uni-Core Force Cancelling Driver: woofers, 100 mm (4in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with Metamaterial Absorption Technology tweeter
EQ	Yes (Normal and Expert modes, room adaptation)
Frequency Response	31Hz - 24kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	Yes
Inputs	Wifi, Optical, Digital coaxial, RCA, HDMI eARC, Ethernet
Maximum SPL	111dB @ 1m (pink noise) (manufacturer specified)
Optical Input	Yes
Outputs	Subwoofer RCA
RCA Input	Yes
Sensitivity	97.7dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	7.26
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.91
Streaming Services	Yes (AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Amazon Music, Qobuz, Deezer)
Subwoofer Output	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	69 lbs (31.3 kg) each
Wi-Fi	Yes (dual-band)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($5,999.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($5,999.99) →Search eBay for KEF LS60 →

Ranked #7 of 14 in Large Size Powered Floorstanding Speakers - Buchardt A700: $6,600 per pair Buchardt Audio $6,600 eBay

Same family: the Buchardt A200 (smallest bookshelf, estimated 4.4/5), the Buchardt A10 (bookshelf, rated 4.7/5) and the Buchardt A500 (largest bookshelf, rated 4.6/5).

Pros: The standard tuning measures a 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and scores 7.72 with an ideal subwoofer. Low midrange multitone distortion supports clean reproduction at ordinary listening levels. Selectable Master Tunings include cardioid operation for near-wall placement, while an optional Platin hub adds streaming and useful room and manual EQ. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Standard-mode bass crosses -3dB around 51Hz but continues to -6dB around 26Hz; it is not flat to the deepest advertised frequencies. Cardioid tuning changes that balance and bass reach substantially. The roughly +/-50-degree horizontal presentation is more focused than wider-radiating alternatives, and vertical listening height needs care. DSP limiting constrains loud full-range playback; a subwoofer with high-pass filtering can improve headroom.

Featured on:

Wi-Fi & Streaming

Full Buchardt A700 review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	600W total (4x150W amplifier channels per speaker)
App	Yes (with Platin hub)
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	22Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	Yes (multiple selectable Master Tuning profiles via USB, plus room/manual EQ via Platin hub app)
Dimensions	40”H x 7”W x 11”D
Drivers	3/4” tweeter with waveguide, 6” midwoofer, 2x 6” front woofers, 2x 6” rear woofers
Frequency Response	19Hz - 29kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	RCA, Optical, Platin wireless hub (streaming)
Optical Input	Yes
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	6.60
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.72
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	61.7 lbs (28 kg) each
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Buchardt Audio ($6,600) →Search eBay for Buchardt A700 →

Links
- Official Buchardt A700 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Buchardt A700 vs B&O Beolab20
- Buchardt A700 vs KEF LS60

12-Inch PA Speakers

Ranked #76 of 78 in 12-Inch PA Speakers - Behringer Eurolive B212XL: $219.00 each Passive Amazon $219.00 eBay

Same family: the Behringer Eurolive B215XL (larger model, rated 3/5).

Pros: A low-cost passive 12-inch two-way with a 1.75-inch titanium compression driver, rated at 95dB sensitivity so a modest amplifier drives it loud, and light at 10.9kg. Parallel speakON and quarter-inch inputs let you daisy-chain a second box, and it fits a standard speaker pole. Measured bass extension of 95Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Erin’s Audio Corner’s measurements are among the weakest in this class: the listening window spans 8.5dB between 300Hz and 5kHz, the predicted in-room response is rough (0.32 smoothness), and the preference score is -1.01 (2.30 with an ideal subwoofer). Bass rolls off early, around 95Hz at -3dB, so it needs a subwoofer for music, and being passive it also needs an external amplifier. Erin’s verdict was not to buy it for home theater.

Full Behringer Eurolive B212XL review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 800W peak handling rating
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-3dB)	95Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Cabinet Material	Molded enclosure
Coaxial Input	No
Configuration	Passive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker
Coverage	90° x 60°
DSP	No (passive)
Dimensions	21.7”H x 13.6”W x 10.6”D (550 x 345 x 270 mm)
Drivers	12” woofer, 1.75” titanium-diaphragm compression driver
Frequency Response	65Hz - 18kHz (manufacturer specified)
Guitar Input	No
HDMI Input	No
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Inputs	Parallel professional twist-lock and quarter-inch inputs
Microphone Input	No
Optical Input	No
Passive	Yes
Power Handling	200W continuous, 800W peak (manufacturer specified)
RCA Input	No
Rigging	Standard speaker-pole mount; optional wall bracket
Sensitivity	95dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	-1.01
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	2.30
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	24 lbs (10.9 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($219.00) →Search eBay for Behringer Eurolive B212XL →

Links
- Behringer Eurolive B212XL Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

15-Inch PA Speakers

Ranked #50 of 62 in 15-Inch PA Speakers - Behringer Eurolive B215XL: $329.00 Passive Amazon $329.00 B&H Photo Video $329.00 eBay

Same family: the Behringer Eurolive B212XL (smaller model, rated 2.3/5).

Pros: High-quality independent measurement data gives a clear, well-documented result: a 3.39 ideal-subwoofer preference score with 77Hz extension. At a fraction of the price of every active speaker here, it is a genuine budget entry point for a 15-inch two-way box. Measured bass extension of 85Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Being passive, it needs an external amplifier and crossover to work at all, and RMS power handling and build quality trail every powered alternative in this ranking. The 70° x 40° pattern is on the narrow side.

Full Behringer Eurolive B215XL review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	Passive speaker; use external amplification within the 1,000W peak handling rating
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85Hz (measured, independent data)
Bluetooth	No
Cabinet Material	Molded enclosure
Coaxial Input	No
Configuration	Passive 2-way bass-reflex PA speaker
Coverage	70° x 40°
DSP	No (passive)
Dimensions	27.4”H x 17.3”W x 13.2”D (695 x 440 x 335 mm)
Drivers	15” woofer, 1.75” titanium-diaphragm compression driver
Frequency Response	55Hz - 20kHz (manufacturer specified)
Guitar Input	No
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	Parallel professional twist-lock and quarter-inch inputs
Maximum SPL	126dB (manufacturer specified)
Microphone Input	No
Optical Input	No
Passive	Yes
Power Handling	1,000W peak (manufacturer specified)
RCA Input	No
Rigging	Standard speaker-pole mount; optional wall bracket
Spinorama Preference Score	0.25
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	3.39
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	38.8 lbs (17.6 kg)
XLR Input	No

Check current price at Amazon ($329.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($329.00) →Search eBay for Behringer Eurolive B215XL →

Ranked #62 of 62 in 15-Inch PA Speakers - Altec Lansing SoundRover Pro 650: $249.99 each Amazon $249.99 eBay

Pros: A 15-inch woofer and horn-loaded tweeter in a wheeled cabinet with a trolley handle, at a lower price than most 15-inch PA speakers. A wireless microphone and a tripod stand come in the box, and it adds a guitar input, a 1/8-inch aux input, USB and SD playback, USB charging ports and LED lighting. Two can be paired for stereo. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Erin’s Audio Corner’s Klippel measurements are among the worst we rank: the listening window swings over an 8.4dB span between 300Hz and 5kHz, the predicted in-room response is very uneven (0.24 smoothness), and the preference score is -0.72 (1.81 with an ideal subwoofer). Bass only reaches about 60Hz (-3dB) and 56Hz (-6dB) despite the 15-inch woofer, and horizontal coverage averages a narrow 30 degrees. It has no battery and no app.

Full Altec Lansing SoundRover Pro 650 review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
Amplifier Power	650W peak
App	No
Aux Input	Yes
Bass Extension (-10dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Battery Life	No Battery
Bluetooth	Yes
Bluetooth Codecs	SBC
Built-in Microphone	No
Digital Aux Input	No
Dimensions	31.5”H x 18”W x 22”D (801 x 457 x 558 mm)
Drivers	15” woofer, horn-loaded tweeter
Guitar Input	Yes
Lights	Yes
Microphone Input	Yes (wireless microphone included)
Omnidirectional	No
Party Mode	No
Passive	No
Power Bank	Yes (USB charging ports)
Power Input	AC Power cord
Removable Battery	No
Spinorama Preference Score	-0.72
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	1.81
Stereo	No
Strap	No
TWS	Yes
USB Playback	Yes (USB and SD card)
Weight	44.1 lbs (20 kg)
Wheels	Yes
Wi-Fi	No

Check current price at Amazon ($249.99) →Search eBay for Altec Lansing SoundRover Pro 650 →

Links
- Official Altec Lansing SoundRover Pro 650 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Let’s PARTY!!!! Live Review of Altec Lansing SoundRover 650! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #1 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Audio First Fidelia: £950 per pair for the flatpack kit (assembly required) Audio First Designs eBay

Featured on:

DIY Speaker Kits

Full Audio First Fidelia review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1560Hz
DIY Kit	Yes
Dimensions	11.8”H x 7.1”W x 11.7”D (300 x 180 x 297.6 mm)
Drivers	5” ceramic-aluminum cone woofer, 1” ceramic-aluminum tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	84dB
Spinorama Preference Score	6.45
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.46
Weight	15 lbs (6.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Audio First Designs (£950) →Search eBay for Audio First Fidelia →

Ranked #2 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Philharmonic Ceramic Mini: $900 per pair Philharmonic Audio $900 eBay

Pros: Gorgeous looks and finish options for the price. Very low midrange distortion for the size, well under 1% above about 400-500Hz. Excellent on-axis linearity. Mild, pleasant bass bump around 100Hz that adds welcome warmth without being excessive. Wide soundstage and dispersion (~70-80 degrees horizontally). Clean cabinet and port with no measured resonances. A great value combination of looks and performance at this price. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82dB.

Cons: Somewhat limited output capability for its size: audible woofer compression (“flopping”) around 95dB at 3 meters for a stereo pair, so keep to moderate levels or pair with a subwoofer for home theater use. A mild diffraction-related dip around 4-6kHz can cause occasional sibilance on some vocal tracks. Measured sensitivity (82.2dB average) runs a bit below the manufacturer’s claimed 84dB, so it needs more amp power than the spec alone suggests. Needs a subwoofer for real bass authority below about 40Hz.

Featured on:

Under $1,000

Full Philharmonic Ceramic Mini review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	USA (Vienna, Virginia)
Crossover Frequency	2kHz (Linkwitz-Riley 4th order)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12” x 8.5” x 11.3” (305 x 216 x 286 mm)
Drivers	5.25” ceramic woofer, 1” ceramic dome tweeter
Frequency Response	55Hz - 20kHz (+1.5/-3dB, Manufacturer specified, ported)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms min, 15 ohms max) (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	82dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.77
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.78
Weight	17 lbs (7.7 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Philharmonic Audio ($900) →Search eBay for Philharmonic Ceramic Mini →

Ranked #3 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2: $1000 per pair Ascend Acoustics $1000 eBay

Featured on:

Under $1,000

Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2023 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.65
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.61
Weight	18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Ascend Acoustics ($1000) →Search eBay for Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 →

Ranked #4 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF LS50 Meta: $1,599.00 per pair Amazon $1,599.00 Crutchfield $1599.99 eBay

Older model: the KEF LS50 (ranked lower, rated 3.9/5). See every KEF LS50 generation.

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 its frequent sale price, well below 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.”. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.

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.

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full KEF LS50 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.74
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.88
Weight	17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,599.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($1599.99) →Search eBay for KEF LS50 Meta →

Ranked #8 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Arendal 1961 Monitor: $1150 per pair Arendal Sound $1150 eBay

Same family: the Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5), the Arendal 1961 Tower (floorstanding, rated 4.4/5) and the Arendal Sound 1961 Center (center, rated 3.6/5).

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. Measured bass extension of 84Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.9dB.

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 →

Released	Jul 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	84Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1500Hz
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.69
Weight	16 lbs (7.25 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($1150) →Search eBay for Arendal 1961 Monitor →

Ranked #14 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Moondrop M4P MTM: $920 per pair Shenzhen Audio $920 eBay

Pros: MTM (mid-tweeter-mid) two-way layout with dual 4” carbon-cone woofers flanking a 1” aluminum-magnesium dome tweeter, crossed over at 1.8kHz. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±60° through the midrange and still around ±50° near the tweeter, giving an expansive, enveloping soundstage on well-recorded stereo material. Noticeable mid-bass “thump” around 100-160Hz that adds a sense of punch and kick-drum impact, more pronounced than the reviewer’s Audiofirst Fidelia reference. Rolled-off, laid-back treble (roughly 1-2dB below linear) rather than the 2-5dB high-frequency boost common on speakers marketed as “detailed”: a plus for listeners who find brighter speakers fatiguing. Tonal balance stays consistent whether pointed straight on or toed out about 30°, so side-to-side seating position doesn’t change the sound much. At $920/pair in a compact monitor cabinet (13-14 lbs), reasonably priced for the format. Measured bass extension of 69Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: Vertical placement is very fussy: staying within about ±20° of the tweeter axis is essential, because the two woofers cancel each other through the crossover region (classic MTM lobing). Sit above or below that window and the upper midrange loses clarity and detail. SPL-limited: noticeable compression showed up both subjectively (thinner-sounding transients at 80-85dB/10 feet) and in measurements, with roughly 1.5dB of dynamic-range loss and about 3dB of added distortion under instantaneous compression testing. Harmonic distortion jumps substantially at 96dB versus 86dB (mostly second-order, so less audible than it looks on paper), and multitone distortion rides right at the reviewer’s 3% threshold at full output. Low impedance (3.7-ohm minimum, 1.7-ohm minimum EPDR) means a Class AB amp may run hot over longer sessions; a Class D amp is recommended for better thermal headroom. Designed primarily for nearfield use (about 1 meter); farfield listening is more of a gamble since dynamic range drops off noticeably at distance. Slight sibilance and a mild upper-midrange dip give a touch of a recessed, warm character alongside the bass emphasis. Bass reaches only about 50-60Hz in-room, and not with much volume before running into the SPL limits noted above.

Full Moondrop M4P MTM review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1800Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15”H x 6.1”W x 7.3”D (380 x 155 x 185 mm)
Drivers	2x 4” (87mm) carbon cone woofer, 1” (25mm) aluminum/magnesium dome tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	75W rated / 150W max
Sensitivity	85dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.05
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.59
Weight	13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Shenzhen Audio ($920) →Search eBay for Moondrop M4P MTM →

Ranked #16 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G: $799 per pair Discontinued Crutchfield $799 eBay

Newer model: the Monitor Audio Silver 50 8G, estimated 4.2/5, released Aug 2026.

Older model: the Monitor Audio Silver RX1 (rated 4.1/5). See every Monitor Audio Silver generation.

Same family: the Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.3/5), the Monitor Audio Silver 200 7G (smallest floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5), the Monitor Audio Silver 300 7G (floorstanding, estimated 4.4/5), the Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G (largest floorstanding, estimated 4.5/5) and the Monitor Audio Silver C250 7G (center, estimated 4.1/5).

Pros: The 7th generation C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter with UD Waveguide II and RST II mid bass driver produce a listening window smoothness score of 0.50 at an accessible price, earning a Hi-Fi News Outstanding Product Award. A HiVe II reflex port system is tuned to 58Hz for real bass weight from a compact 5.25 inch two way. Measured bass extension of 87.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The on axis response trends noticeably upward toward the treble (rising about 0.5dB per octave, a steep tilt), which can read as bright on already bright recordings. Off axis sound also tracks the on axis response less consistently than most speakers here. Bass extension is limited to a measured 87.9Hz at -3dB, so a subwoofer is recommended for full range use, and minimum impedance dips to 3.9 ohms at 250Hz. Discontinued.

Full Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2021 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	87.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	China
Crossover Frequency	2.6kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.1”H x 6.5”W x 10.7”D (282 x 165 x 272 mm)
Drivers	1” C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter, 5.25” C-CAM RST II mid bass driver
Enclosure	ported
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum
Maximum SPL	104dB (manufacturer specified)
Port Tuning	58Hz
Power Handling	100W RMS handling, 40-100W recommended amplifier power
Sensitivity	86dB @ 2.83V/1m
Spinorama Preference Score	5.40
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.01
Warranty	Lifetime, parts and labor
Weight	12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each

Check current price at Crutchfield ($799) →Search eBay for Monitor Audio Silver 50 7G →

Ranked #17 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf: $900 per pair Arendal Sound $900 eBay

Same family: the Arendal 1961 Monitor (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5), the Arendal 1961 Tower (floorstanding, rated 4.4/5) and the Arendal Sound 1961 Center (center, rated 3.6/5).

Pros: Direct-to-consumer pricing at $900/pair backed by a 10-year speaker warranty (5-year on electronics) and a 60-day home audition with free return shipping. On-axis response is close to flat for a compact sealed design, tilting by only about 0.09dB per octave. Compact sealed 5.5” woofer + 28mm tweeter 2-way layout in a small 28.7 x 16.3 x 15cm, 4.9kg cabinet. Measured bass extension of 108.4Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The sealed cabinet and compact 5.5” woofer cap bass extension at 108.4Hz (-3dB) / 54.9Hz (-10dB): the shallowest-extending speaker in this entire batch, a real tradeoff for the small footprint. On-axis response is somewhat uneven, with an average deviation of about 0.53dB, so it is less smooth than pricier active speakers. Direct-to-consumer model means no local dealer for an in-person audition before buying (mitigated by the 60-day home trial).

Full Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	54.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	108.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	28.7 x 16.3 x 15cm (11.3 x 6.4 x 5.9 in) each
Drivers	28mm tweeter, 5.5” woofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	84dB (2.83V/1m)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.15
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.14
Weight	10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	Sealed

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($900) →Search eBay for Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf →

Links
- Official Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The little bookshelves that could. (Also with on-wall measurements) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #23 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Emotiva B1+: $250 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, rated 4.2/5, released Feb 2024. See every Emotiva Airmotiv generation.

Same family: the Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ (center, rated 3.4/5).

Pros: Emotiva B1+ uses 5.25” woven fiber cone with SBR surround woofer, 25x32 mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter in a conventional wired-speaker design. Its form factor and driver layout make it a sensible match for a properly chosen amplifier and room. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: It needs an external amplifier and thoughtful placement. Speaker performance will depend heavily on the partnering electronics and room acoustics. Discontinued.

Full Emotiva B1+ review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2019 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	10.8”H x 7.1”W x 8.3”D (274 x 181 x 210 mm)
Drivers	5.25” woven fiber cone with SBR surround woofer, 25x32 mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.34 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.86 (spinorama.org)
Weight	8.8 lbs (4.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for Emotiva B1+ →

Ranked #27 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch RP-500M II: $389.99 per pair Amazon $389.99 eBay

Older model: the Klipsch RP-500M (ranked lower, rated 3.4/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Featured on:

Under $500

Full Klipsch RP-500M II review and specifications →

Released	May 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1530Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.6”H x 6.8”W x 10.6”D (344.4 x 173 x 270.5 mm)
Drivers	5.25” Cerametallic™ cone woofer with Faraday rings, 1” LTS Titanium diaphragm tweeter with Hybrid Cross-Section Expanded Tractrix® horn
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.22
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.84
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($389.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-500M II →

Ranked #28 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Wharfedale Super Denton: $1,499.00 per pair Amazon $1,499.00 Crutchfield $1499 eBay

Same family: the Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.2/5), the Wharfedale Linton 85 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Wharfedale Super Linton (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: A 3-way design with a 1” soft dome tweeter, a 2” soft dome midrange offset to the side of a centered 6.5” woven Kevlar woofer: a more compact alternative to the Wharfedale Linton 85 with a similar overall character. Measured sensitivity around 86.6-87dB with on-axis linearity within about ±3dB. No cabinet or box resonances turned up in impedance testing, and there are no spike feet to install. Harmonic distortion looks good at both 86dB and 96dB, with about 20dB of usable dynamic range up to 96dB before compression starts to affect the midrange more noticeably near 102dB. Because bass rolls off starting around 60Hz, placing it closer to a wall (about 1-2 feet) than usual boosts low-end punch without the midbass bloat a deeper-extending speaker would get from the same placement. In the reviewer’s own comparison, its estimated in-room response actually measured more linear than the pricier Wharfedale Linton 85’s, despite being a bit less linear on-axis. Measured bass extension of 61Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.6dB.

Cons: A mid-range scoop from about 200-800Hz and a separate upper-midrange scoop were both audible in direct ABX comparison against a reference-neutral speaker, giving aggressive-sounding material a more subdued character. A resonance around 660-700Hz shows up in measurement, though the reviewer couldn’t reliably hear it with real music in his own blind-ish A/B testing. The offset tweeter-and-midrange layout makes horizontal off-axis response noticeably asymmetric (response drops as much as 8dB more to one side than the other at wider angles) so the reviewer recommends aiming the speakers directly at the listener (not toed out, which loses upper treble) and suggests sidewall absorption to control uneven reflections. Must be listened to with the grille on: measurements are noticeably worse with it off (wider 2-4kHz dip, extra treble bump). Horizontal soundstage width felt a bit narrower than the reviewer personally prefers, likely related to the same offset driver layout. Multitone distortion gets high in the midrange at 96dB/1m, a concern mainly in larger rooms where you’d need to play louder.

Full Wharfedale Super Denton review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	940Hz, 4.6kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.2”H x 9.7”W x 10.8”D (360 x 246 x 275 mm)
Drivers	1” soft dome tweeter, 2” soft dome midrange, 6.5” woven Kevlar woofer
Frequency Response	52Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified); -6dB to 40Hz
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.6dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.9 (Erin’s Audio Corner)
Weight	20.3 lbs (9.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($1,499.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($1499) →Search eBay for Wharfedale Super Denton →

Ranked #32 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Wharfedale Diamond 12.1: $599 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.1i, ranked higher, estimated 4/5, released Feb 2026.

Older models: the Wharfedale Diamond 220 (ranked lower, rated 3.7/5), the Wharfedale Diamond 11.1 (ranked lower, estimated 3.7/5), the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 (estimated 3.3/5) and the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 (rated 2.8/5). See every Wharfedale Diamond generation.

Same family: the Wharfedale Diamond 12.0 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.1/5), the Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.9/5), the Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.1/5) and the Wharfedale Diamond 12.C (center, estimated 3.5/5).

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. Measured bass extension of 61Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.

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 →

Released	Oct 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	46Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2.6kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12.2”H x 7”W x 10.9”D (310 x 178 x 277 mm)
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.01
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.42
Weight	15 lbs (6.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 →

Ranked #38 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Neumi BS5: $139.99 per pair Amazon $139.99 eBay

Pros: Exceptional budget value: Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB on-axis linearity through most of the mid/treble, 84dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity and a manageable 4.6-ohm minimum. The 5-inch fiberglass woofer and 1-inch silk dome provide good horizontal directivity for the price; a mild upper-bass rise adds punch, and ordinary modern AVRs can generally drive the mostly six-ohm load at sensible levels. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.

Cons: Erin measured F3 at 64Hz, so kick-drum punch should not be mistaken for deep-bass extension. Output around 90dB began to reveal distortion and compression, limiting farfield/high-volume use. A narrow dip near 800Hz, port/cabinet resonances and imperfect crossover directivity remain visible; the tweeter itself is approximately four ohms even though the system is sold as nominal six ohms. A subwoofer is strongly preferred.

Featured on:

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Full Neumi BS5 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	10.6”H x 7.2”W x 8.5”D (269.2 x 182.9 x 215.9 mm)
Drivers	1” silk-dome tweeter; 5” fiberglass woofer
Impedance	4.6 ohms minimum; approximately 6 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	Approximately 84dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.60
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.12
Weight	7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Amazon ($139.99) →Search eBay for Neumi BS5 →

Ranked #39 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Radiant Acoustics Clarity 4.2: $2,998 per pair Radiant Acoustics $2,998 eBay

Same family: the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 (floorstanding, rated 4.6/5).

Pros: Compact bookshelf design using a 4” Purifi mid-woofer with matching Purifi passive radiators and an AMT tweeter on a purpose-designed waveguide, built with genuine heft: aluminum baffle, extensive internal bracing and damping. Surprisingly wide horizontal dispersion (about ±70° through the midrange and into the treble), more enveloping than its larger 6.2 sibling despite the smaller cabinet. More linear on-axis than the bigger Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2, which needs 15-20° of toe-out to tame a rising treble; the 4.2 can be listened to closer to on-axis without that same correction. Wider-than-typical vertical dispersion (roughly +30°/-20°) for a two-way design, since its smaller woofer keeps the tweeter-to-woofer distance short. Genuinely deep bass extension for its size (F3 44Hz, reaching about 40Hz in-room), though it comes at a real cost to sensitivity. No resonance issues visible in impedance measurements. Measured bass extension of 44 Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Low sensitivity (rated 78dB, measured 78.5dB) is the trade-off for its bass extension: needs a fair amount of amplifier power, around 100W recommended for small-to-medium rooms versus the manufacturer’s own 60W baseline. Designed specifically for smaller rooms; the reviewer had to move testing out of his open-plan living room and into a smaller bedroom to avoid running into compression. A dip in the upper midrange gives a mild lack of attack and clarity, and a peak around 5kHz occasionally added a touch of extra sibilance. Multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold at 96dB, making about 88dB a better average listening level; a slight upper-midrange bump persists even with an 80Hz high-pass filter applied. Dynamic range is limited: fine at 86dB, but the woofer starts giving up headroom by 96dB and drops off significantly by 102dB. Compared to its pricier sibling, the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2, it has notably less dynamic range and higher multitone distortion, reflecting the smaller driver complement. A niche product size-wise: the reviewer couldn’t identify a clear direct competitor in the same size/price/SPL class.

Full Radiant Acoustics Clarity 4.2 review and specifications →

Released	May 2025 (1 year ago)
Amplifier Power	External amplifier required
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35 Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	44 Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	9.5”H x 6.3”W x 9.4”D (241 x 160 x 239 mm)
Drivers	(2) 4” (102mm) woofer + AMT tweeter
Frequency Response	40 Hz - 25 kHz
Impedance	4 ohms
Recommended Power	50-200W
Sensitivity	78 dB
Weight	28.7 lbs (13 kg) (per pair: 57.3 lbs (26 kg))
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at Radiant Acoustics ($2,998) →Search eBay for Radiant Acoustics Clarity 4.2 →

Ranked #40 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Tekton Troubadour: $1,000 per pair Discontinued eBay

Pros: Offset in-phase array of 2x 5.25” mid-woofers and 3x 1” dome tweeters gives good on-axis linearity (within about ±2.5 dB) and a wide vertical listening window (about ±20°), so seating height isn’t fussy. Bass extension is solid for a stand-mount this size: F3 around 51 Hz, F10 around 39 Hz, with distortion staying below 3% THD down to about 40 Hz at 96 dB. Made in the USA. Asymmetrical tweeter/mid-woofer placement broadens horizontal dispersion versus a conventional symmetric layout. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88dB.

Cons: Forward, elevated upper-midrange presentation from increased off-axis energy in the 2-8 kHz range, centered around 4 kHz, that can read as hot or aggressive depending on the room and listener; a couple bands of EQ can tame it. Multitone distortion climbs to about 10% around 1 kHz at higher output, attributed to the 4-inch mid-range drivers. Because the driver layout is offset rather than mirror-imaged, left/right placement and toe-in matter more than with a standard symmetric bookshelf design. Discontinued.

Full Tekton Troubadour review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	USA
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	21” x 13.5” x 9” (533 x 343 x 229 mm)
Drivers	2x 5.25” mid-woofers, 3x 1” dome tweeters (offset in-phase array)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.6 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.50
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.52
Weight	32 lbs (14.5 kg) each

Search eBay for Tekton Troubadour →

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

Ranked #48 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF Q150: $350 per pair Discontinued Amazon $350 eBay

Newer model: the KEF Q1 Meta, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5, released Oct 2024.

Older model: the KEF Q100 (ranked lower, rated 2.4/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.

Same family: the KEF Q350 (larger bookshelf, rated 3/5), the KEF Q250c (smaller center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q650c (larger center, rated 3.7/5).

Full KEF Q150 review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2017 (9 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.9”D (303 x 180 x 278 mm)
Drivers	130mm (5.25”) aluminium Uni-Q woofer, 25mm (1”) vented aluminium dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, about 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	~85dB (300Hz-3kHz on-axis, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.86
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.06
Weight	12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($350) →Search eBay for KEF Q150 →

Ranked #51 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Polk Audio XT15: $149.00 per pair Amazon $149.00 B&H Photo Video $149.00 Crutchfield $179 eBay

Same family: the Polk Monitor XT20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio XT60 (smaller floorstanding, rated 3.5/5), the Polk Audio XT70 (larger floorstanding, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT30 (smaller center, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT35 (larger center, rated 4.1/5), the Polk Audio Monitor XT10 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.1/5) and the Polk Audio Monitor XT12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.3/5). See every Polk Monitor generation.

Pros: Very low $149/pair entry price for a Hi-Res Audio Certified 2-way design that’s Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible, and works with either 4- or 8-ohm amplifier outputs so it drops into almost any AVR without matching concerns. Off axis sound tracks the on axis response reasonably consistently for the price. Measured bass extension of 77.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass rolls off early, at 77.6Hz (-3dB) and 54.2Hz (-10dB). On-axis response is relatively uneven, with an average deviation of about 0.45dB, and its listening window is less smooth than pricier speakers. Modest 86dB sensitivity wants a reasonably powered amp channel. The 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofer is Polk’s entry-tier driver, not the polypropylene/Turbine cones used in its pricier Signature Elite/Reserve lines.

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Full Polk Audio XT15 review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	54.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	77.6Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.51 x 18.24cm (6.5 x 7.18 in), 4.08kg (9 lb) each
Drivers	1” Terylene dome tweeter, 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofer
Impedance	4/8-ohm compatible
Sensitivity	86dB (1W/1m)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.56
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.31
Weight	9 lbs (4.08 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	Ported

Check current price at Amazon ($149.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($149.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($179) →Search eBay for Polk Audio XT15 →

Links
- Official Polk Audio XT15 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #52 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - PSB Imagine B50: $999 per pair PSB Speakers $999 eBay

Same family: the PSB Imagine T54 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5) and the PSB Imagine T65 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.3/5).

Pros: The standmount sibling to the PSB Imagine T65 tower, from PSB’s current 2023-refreshed Imagine line, using the same titanium-dome tweeter and woven-carbon-fiber woofer platform. Measured bass extension of 69.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis smoothness of just 0.235 and a deviation of 0.368dB are unremarkable for the price, with a +0.22dB per octave upward tilt giving it a brighter-leaning balance, a predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.35, and a Harman in-room bass extension estimate of only 49Hz. Current retail pricing ($999/pair) has risen well above the ~$700 figure recorded in the spinorama snapshot.

Full PSB Imagine B50 review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	44.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	69.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Country	Canada (design)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	6.75W x 11.8H x 9.875D in
Drivers	1” titanium dome tweeter (ferrofluid neodymium magnet), 5.25” woven carbon-fiber woofer
Enclosure	2-way, bass-reflex with rear slot port
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum
Sensitivity	85dB anechoic / 87dB in-room
Spinorama Preference Score	4.63
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.92
Weight	approx. 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each

Check current price at PSB Speakers ($999) →Search eBay for PSB Imagine B50 →

Links
- PSB Imagine B50 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #53 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Jamo S7-15B: $299.00 per pair Amazon $299.00 eBay

Same family: the Jamo S7-17B (larger bookshelf, estimated 3.7/5) and the Jamo S7-25F (floorstanding, estimated 3.7/5).

Pros: Distinctive 7-degree tilted cabinetry, fabric-dome tweeter and a solid 4.52 raw local Spinorama score. With a subwoofer it reaches 6.66, while the compact format and magnetic grilles suit living-room use. Measured bass extension of 69.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Despite the 45Hz snapshot extension metric, Jamo specifies a conservative 71Hz +/-3dB bandwidth, so deep bass needs support. The four-ohm load and modest 86.3dB sensitivity require a capable amplifier.

Full Jamo S7-15B review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 39.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	69.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12.6H x 7.9W x 13.4D in
Drivers	1-inch fabric tweeter, 5.5-inch paper woofer
Enclosure	2-way bass reflex
Frequency Response	71Hz-22kHz +/-3dB
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	86.3dB
Spinorama Preference Score	4.52
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.66
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($299.00) →Search eBay for Jamo S7-15B →

Ranked #57 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Neumi Silk 4: $199.99 per pair Amazon $199.99 eBay

Featured on:

Under $500

Full Neumi Silk 4 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	83Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	8.9”H x 5.5”W x 8.2”D (226.1 x 139.7 x 208.3 mm)
Drivers	4” treated paper cone, rubber surround, cast aluminum basket, vented pole woofer, 1” silk dome, dispersion-optimized waveguide, neodymium magnet tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	82.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.44
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.10
Weight	6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($199.99) →Search eBay for Neumi Silk 4 →

Ranked #58 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Dayton Audio OPAL1: $1,038.99 per pair Dayton Audio $1,038.99 eBay

Pros: A 2-way bookshelf speaker with a 5.25” mid-woofer (large surround) and a 1” dome tweeter, plus two passive radiators on the rear panel. A bass shelf in its response lets it sit closer to a wall than many speakers without sounding overly boomy, a similar design trait to the KEF R3 Meta. Measured F3 of about 55Hz and F10 of about 30Hz. Harmonic distortion is good for a 5.25” mid-woofer at both 86dB and 96dB output, and dynamic range/compression is reasonably well controlled up to about 96dB. Horizontal radiation of about ±60° lands right in the reviewer’s personally preferred range for soundstage width. On-axis, the sound is a little forward-leaning rather than dull, and EQ can bring back midrange fullness and a bigger sense of image spread if the stock tuning’s slightly recessed midrange isn’t to your taste. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 75.7dB.

Cons: Measured average sensitivity is notably low at about 75.7dB (well under the 78dB spec) due to a nearly 3dB dip through the midrange, and the reviewer needed serious amplification (monoblock power amps, not just a compact streaming amp) to drive them to real listening levels for bass testing. On-axis response is within only about ±3dB (a 6dB window) (not very linear) with a mid-range scoop and a bump around 1kHz that makes the sound a bit forward and less full than a neutral reference; EQ can address most of this but makes the image slightly more diffuse in exchange for added fullness. A roughly one-octave-wide diffraction dip between 3-5kHz can’t be corrected with EQ, since boosting it raises reflected energy in a band that’s already elevated off-axis. Top end rolls off fairly quickly above about 10kHz on-axis, and toeing the speakers out more than about 10° loses noticeable air and cymbal/hi-hat detail: best kept close to on-axis. Multitone distortion jumps substantially between 87dB and 96dB SPL/1m, so headroom for loud listening is limited. Vertical window is tight at about ±20°.

Full Dayton Audio OPAL1 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2,200Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14”H x 7”W x 9.5”D
Drivers	5.25” mid-woofer, 1” dome tweeter, dual rear passive radiators
Frequency Response	32Hz - 20kHz (-3dB, half-space, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (4.3 ohms minimum @ 4.4kHz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	200W RMS (75-200W recommended amplifier power)
Sensitivity	75.7dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 78dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.08
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.58
Weight	20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator, rear (dual)

Check current price at Dayton Audio ($1,038.99) →Search eBay for Dayton Audio OPAL1 →

Ranked #60 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - MartinLogan Motion B10: $1,039.98 per pair Crutchfield $519.99 eBay

Same family: the MartinLogan Motion F10 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the MartinLogan Motion F20 (larger floorstanding, estimated 3.9/5), the MartinLogan Motion C10 (center, estimated 3.7/5) and the MartinLogan Motion MP10 (surround, estimated 3.5/5).

Pros: MartinLogan’s folded-motion tweeter technology (a 9.2 sq in diaphragm, larger than a typical dome) reaches this price point, with an excellent sound-power smoothness score of 0.111, meaning its off-axis output tracks its on-axis response unusually well. Sensitivity of 92dB makes it easy to drive. Measured bass extension of 74.7Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis deviation of 0.669dB is rough for the price, with a pronounced +0.32dB per octave upward tilt giving it a notably bright balance, and predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.16, the roughest of any speaker measured here. Bass extension is shallow too, a Harman in-room estimate of just 62Hz.

Full MartinLogan Motion B10 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	56.1Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	74.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Country	United States (design)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12.5H x 7W x 9.75D in
Drivers	1” x 1.4” Gen2 Obsidian Folded Motion tweeter, 5.5” woven fiberglass midrange
Enclosure	Rear-ported, 2-way
Impedance	5 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	92dB
Spinorama Preference Score	4.01
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.76
Weight	14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each

Check current price at Crutchfield ($519.99) →Search eBay for MartinLogan Motion B10 →

Links
- MartinLogan Motion B10 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Martin Logan XT B100 & B10 Review (LIVE) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #64 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF Q1 Meta: $399.99 per pair Amazon $399.99 eBay

Older models: the KEF Q150 (ranked higher, rated 3.7/5) and the KEF Q100 (ranked lower, rated 2.4/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.

Same family: the KEF Q4 Meta (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.4/5), the KEF Q3 Meta (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the KEF Q Concerto Meta (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the KEF Q7 Meta (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the KEF Q11 Meta (larger floorstanding, rated 4/5), the KEF Q6 Meta (center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q8 Meta (surround, rated 3.4/5).

Pros: 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver places the 1” vented aluminium dome tweeter at the centre of the 5.25” aluminium woofer, with KEF’s Metamaterial Absorption Technology behind the tweeter. KEF’s own Spinorama measurements, published on spinorama.org, hold the 300Hz to 5kHz response within 2.3dB with a flat on-axis trend, so the tonal balance is even. Measured bass reaches 65Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB), respectable for a compact bookshelf. Same cabinet size as the KEF Q150 it replaces. Measured bass extension of 65.1Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The only measurements are KEF’s own, not independently verified, and spinorama.org computes no preference score for them because the data is truncated at low frequencies. Sound power directivity is less even than the best in this class (3.16dB index deviation), so off-axis listeners and room reflections shift the balance more. Minimum impedance of 3.2 ohms is a harder load than the KEF Q150’s, and rated maximum output is a modest 108dB, so plan on a subwoofer for loud listening.

Full KEF Q1 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 43.4Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	65.1Hz (measured, KEF vendor data via spinorama.org)
Cabinet Color	Satin Black, Satin White, Walnut
Crossover Frequency	2.1kHz
Dimensions	11.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.9”D (302 x 180 x 277 mm)
Drivers	Uni-Q: 130mm (5.25”) aluminium cone woofer, 25mm (1”) vented aluminium dome tweeter with MAT
Frequency Response	51Hz-20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified)
Maximum SPL	108dB (manufacturer specified)
Recommended Power	10-150W
Sensitivity	86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Weight	13.4 lbs (6.1 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($399.99) →Search eBay for KEF Q1 Meta →

Links
- Official KEF Q1 Meta Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: KEF Q1 Meta vs Emotiva vs Klipsch | The Real Differences More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- KEF Vendor Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #67 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Aperion Audio Novus N5B: $449.25 per pair Aperion Audio $449.25 eBay

Same family: the Aperion Audio Novus N5T (floorstanding, rated 3.8/5) and the Aperion Audio Novus N5C (center, rated 3.6/5).

Pros: Compact front-ported bookshelf pair with a silk-dome tweeter, 5.25-inch aramid woofer and wall-mount inserts. Erin’s data shows a nearly flat +0.02dB/octave tonal slope, 47Hz extension and a 5.98 preference score with a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: Measured sensitivity is very low at about 81.6dB and the 4-ohm load benefits from a capable amplifier. On-axis smoothness (0.221) is only fair, predicted in-room smoothness is poor at 0.160, and the raw no-subwoofer preference score is 3.76.

Full Aperion Audio Novus N5B review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 37.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	58.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.8H x 7.1W x 7.9D in
Drivers	1” silk-dome tweeter, 5.25” aramid-fiber woofer
Enclosure	2-way passive, front-ported
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	85dB specified; 81.6dB measured
Spinorama Preference Score	3.76
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.98
Weight	9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) each

Check current price at Aperion Audio ($449.25) →Search eBay for Aperion Audio Novus N5B →

Links
- Aperion Audio Novus N5B Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #68 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC BS41: $180.00 per pair Discontinued Amazon $180.00 eBay

Pros: A small sealed two-way with a 4-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter that measures more evenly than its low price suggests. Erin’s Audio Corner found the listening window within a 2.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a predicted in-room response smoothness of 0.60, for a preference score of 4.29 (6.57 with an ideal subwoofer). Bass reaches about 54Hz (-3dB) and 47Hz (-10dB), and the sealed box makes it easy to place near a wall. Measured bass extension of 54.2Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The sealed 4-inch woofer limits output and deep bass, so it suits small rooms or pairing with a subwoofer. Sensitivity is a modest 84.5dB. It is discontinued and mostly found used.

Full ELAC BS41 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	46.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	10.9”H x 6.6”W x 8.9”D (277 x 168 x 226 mm)
Drivers	4” woofer, 1” tweeter
Frequency Response	48Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	84.5dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.29
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.57
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Amazon ($180.00) →Search eBay for ELAC BS41 →

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

Ranked #69 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Polk Signature Elite ES15: $299.00 per pair Passive Amazon $299.00 eBay

Older model: the Polk Audio Signature S15 (ranked higher, rated 3.7/5). See every Polk Signature generation.

Same family: the Polk Signature Elite ES10 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.1/5), the Polk Signature Elite ES20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Polk Signature Elite ES50 (smallest floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the Polk Signature Elite ES55 (floorstanding, estimated 4/5), the Polk Signature Elite ES60 (largest floorstanding, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES30 (smaller center, estimated 3.5/5), the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES35 (larger center, estimated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES8 Subwoofer (smallest subwoofer, estimated 3.2/5), the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES10 Subwoofer (subwoofer, estimated 3.7/5) and the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES12 Subwoofer (largest subwoofer, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: A compact 5.25-inch passive bookshelf speaker designed for hi-res stereo music and home theater surrounds. Features a 1-inch Terylene dome tweeter capable of extending up to 40kHz alongside a 5.25-inch mica-reinforced polypropylene woofer and Polk’s patented Power Port bass-reflex technology. Erin’s Audio Corner Klippel NFS testing demonstrates excellent directivity control and smooth listening-window response with very low distortion. Power Port reduces turbulent air noise and provides clean low-frequency reinforcement down to approximately 58Hz. Measured bass extension of 58Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The 5.25-inch woofer has lower sensitivity (88dB) and less low-bass extension than its larger sibling, the 6.5-inch Polk Signature Elite ES20. A dedicated subwoofer is recommended for home theater action dynamics and full-range orchestral playback.

Full Polk Signature Elite ES15 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	58Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2.5kHz
Dimensions	12” x 7.5” x 10.2” (305 x 191 x 259 mm)
Drivers	1” Terylene high-res dome tweeter, 5.25” mica-reinforced polypropylene woofer
Frequency Response	48Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms (4-8 ohm compatible)
Passive	Yes
Sensitivity	88dB (2.83V @ 1m)
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($299.00) →Search eBay for Polk Signature Elite ES15 →

Links
- Official Polk Audio Signature Elite ES15 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Polk Signature Elite ES15 Bookshelf Speaker Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #72 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Sony SS-CS5: $150 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Sony SS-CS5 M2, ranked lower, rated 3.2/5, released Aug 2025. See every Sony SS-CS generation.

Same family: the Sony SS-CS3 (floorstanding, rated 2.8/5).

Pros: A budget three-way bookshelf speaker with a 5.12” woofer, a 1” main tweeter and a 3/4” super tweeter. Erin’s measurements show a smooth predicted in-room response and sound power, for a preference score of 4.16 that reaches 7.07 with an ideal subwoofer, unusually good for a budget speaker. Measured bass extension of 85Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass is limited, 85Hz (-3dB) and about 62Hz (-10dB), so a subwoofer helps. The on-axis response is uneven (1.29 average deviation). Sony replaced it with the Sony SS-CS5 M2. Discontinued.

Full Sony SS-CS5 review and specifications →

Released	May 2014 (12 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 61.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.2”H x 7”W x 8.3”D (335 x 178 x 210 mm)
Drivers	5.12” (130mm) mica-reinforced cellular woofer, 1” (25mm) polyester main tweeter, 3/4” (19mm) super tweeter
Frequency Response	53Hz-50kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	87dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.16
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.07
Weight	9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for Sony SS-CS5 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SS-CS5 vs Sony SS-CS5 M2
- Sony SS-CS5 vs Neumi BS5

Ranked #74 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch RP-500M: $299.99 per pair Amazon $299.99 eBay

Newer model: the Klipsch RP-500M II, ranked higher, rated 4/5, released May 2022. See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Same family: the Klipsch RP-600M (larger bookshelf, rated 2.9/5).

Pros: The original Reference Premiere 2-way bookshelf, still sold new alongside the newer Klipsch RP-500M II at a lower price. Klipsch’s signature Hybrid Tractrix Horn tweeter loading is unmistakable and the price has dropped from its original $579/pair to roughly $300/pair. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Independently measured by Erin’s Audio Corner with a very rough response: on-axis deviation of 0.961dB and on-axis smoothness of just 0.216, well behind the revised tuning Klipsch gave the newer Klipsch RP-500M II. Directivity-index standard deviation of 4.24, a pronounced +0.26dB per octave upward tilt, and a predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.16, the worst of any speaker measured here, all point to an inconsistent, brighter-leaning presentation. Full sensitivity and impedance specs aren’t published on Klipsch’s own product page.

Full Klipsch RP-500M review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2018 (8 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 51.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	United States (Klipsch design)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.50H x 6.81W x 9.50D in
Drivers	1” Titanium LTS tweeter (Hybrid Tractrix Horn), 5.25” Spun Copper Cerametallic woofer
Enclosure	2-way, ported
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	93dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.00
Weight	11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($299.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-500M →

Links
- Klipsch RP-500M Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch RP-500M
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #86 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2: $269.00 per pair Amazon $269.00 eBay

Newer model: the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB53, ranked higher, estimated 3.9/5, released Mar 2025. See every ELAC Debut generation.

Same family: the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.5/5).

Pros: Good horizontal directivity: the off-axis curves track the on-axis response closely, so the broad tonal error responds predictably to EQ. Erin demonstrated that a single high-shelf filter centered near 1.6kHz, about -2dB with Q near 2, substantially improves linearity. Moderate roughly +/-50-60 degree horizontal coverage balances room interaction and image focus. The front port makes close-to-wall placement practical. Erin measured F3 near 60Hz and F10 near 40Hz, useful extension for a compact 5.25-inch two-way. Harmonic distortion is mostly below 1% at 86dB/1m, and low-frequency distortion is better than its size might suggest. Compact cabinet and inexpensive pair pricing make it a workable EQ-assisted desktop or small-room system. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.

Cons: Erin measured a broad +3dB step beginning around 1.5kHz; the resulting elevated upper range sounds tonally uneven even though it is not a narrow, sharp resonance. Native response spans roughly -2.6 to +4dB around the mean, so this is not a neutral speaker without correction. Sensitivity is only about 83dB after correcting the shelf, demanding materially more amplifier voltage than ELAC’s 86dB specification implies. Vertical response changes substantially outside roughly +/-10 degrees of tweeter height. Dynamic compression is the larger limitation: at the highest sweep level it loses roughly 1-1.5dB through the midrange, and even the 86dB trace shows unusual nonlinearity that may involve crossover heating. At about 96dB, multitone distortion rises audibly around 600Hz; an 80-120Hz subwoofer crossover helps but does not turn it into a high-output design. Erin recommends the larger ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 instead when EQ is unavailable.

Full ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2018 (8 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.4”H x 7.1”W x 9.2”D (341 x 180 x 234 mm)
Drivers	5.25” aramid-fiber woofer, 1” cloth-dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	About 83dB after recommended EQ (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.02
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.27
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Amazon ($269.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 →

Ranked #87 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Sony SS-CS5 M2: $153.99 per pair Amazon $153.99 eBay

Older model: the Sony SS-CS5 (ranked higher, rated 3.5/5). See every Sony SS-CS generation.

Same family: the Sony SS-CS3 M2 (floorstanding, estimated 3/5) and the Sony SS-CS8 M2 (center, estimated 2.8/5).

Pros: Added internal bracing (corners, sides, front baffle) plus an updated crossover meaningfully reduce the resonance issues that plagued the original Sony SS-CS5, giving a smoother, more neutral character overall. A modest mid-range dip (about 1-2dB) is present but tolerable, and the reviewer would rather have this dip than a peak in that region. Slightly deeper bass than the previous version, measuring about 2dB more output around 60Hz. Distortion drops noticeably when crossed to a subwoofer around 80-120Hz, meaningfully improving midrange clarity and detail versus running full-range. Easy to drive on a standard AVR: no need for a dedicated high-power amplifier. More modern, understated waveguide look compared to the previous version’s glossy trim. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Mild sibilance in the 3-5kHz range stands out on S and T sounds in vocals. Some forwardness in the midrange noticeable on certain vocal recordings. Soundstage and sense of envelopment are comparatively flat and two-dimensional, especially next to reference-quality speakers with strong 3D imaging. Marketed as a “three-way” design mainly due to an added super-tweeter that the reviewer considers largely superfluous: it engages only at very high frequencies and adds complexity without a clearly audible benefit, when that cost might have been better spent on the main crossover. Output-limited: realistic ceiling is around the mid-90s dB SPL at a few meters, with comfortable listening closer to 75-85dB at 3-4 meters before distortion and compression become audible. Bass noticeably compresses/shelves below about 120Hz as volume increases, softening kick-drum impact at higher output. Smaller drivers and a lighter motor structure than rivals like the Polk Monitor XT20, which the reviewer generally prefers for its better directivity and higher SPL capability. Still needs a subwoofer for any real bass extension.

Full Sony SS-CS5 M2 review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2025 (1 year ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.2”H x 7”W x 8.7”D (335 x 178 x 220 mm)
Drivers	5.12” woofer, 0.98 in tweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter; 0.75-inch supertweeter
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	82.5dB
Weight	9.5 lbs (4.3 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($153.99) →Search eBay for Sony SS-CS5 M2 →

Links
- Official Sony SS-CS5 M2 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Is Sony’s NEW SS-CS5 Version 2 WORTH the Upgrade? More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 10 Great (and Terrible) Speakers Under $300!
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #89 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Micca MB42X Mark III: $99.99 per pair Amazon $99.99 eBay

Newer model: the Micca MB42X G2, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Apr 2024. See every Micca MB42X generation.

Pros: A very inexpensive, compact 4-inch passive pair with a real crossover and removable grilles. Erin’s data predicts a respectable 6.27 preference score when crossed to a subwoofer, low 0.099 on-axis roughness and broad horizontal coverage. Measured bass extension of 101.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass extension is limited to about 81Hz in-room and the response rises steeply at +0.81dB per octave, so it can sound bright without EQ. The measurement’s provenance is not fully documented, sensitivity is low, and output is limited by the small woofer.

Full Micca MB42X Mark III review and specifications →

Released	2015 (11 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	61.7Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	101.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Country	United States (design)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	9.5H x 5.8W x 6.5D in
Drivers	0.75” silk-dome tweeter, 4” carbon-fiber woofer
Enclosure	2-way, rear-ported
Impedance	4-8 ohms
Sensitivity	85dB
Spinorama Preference Score	3.04
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.27
Weight	approx. 4 lbs (1.8 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($99.99) →Search eBay for Micca MB42X Mark III →

Links
- Micca MB42X Version Guide
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Micca MB42X Mark III
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Micca MB42X Mark III vs KEF Q150
- Micca MB42X Mark III vs KEF LS50 Meta

Ranked #91 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL Stage 250B: $349.95 per pair Amazon $349.95 JBL $439.95 eBay

Older models: the JBL Arena 120 (ranked higher, rated 3.8/5) and the JBL Stage A130 (ranked lower, rated 2.1/5). See every JBL Arena and Stage generation.

Same family: the JBL Stage 2 240B (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 2.7/5), the JBL Stage 2 260F (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the JBL Stage 2 280F (larger floorstanding, rated 3.4/5), the JBL Stage 2 245C (center, estimated 3.2/5), the JBL Stage 200P (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.5/5) and the JBL Stage 220P (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.7/5).

Pros: Good local Spinorama scores of 4.06 raw and 6.60 with a subwoofer, with smooth horizontal directivity from JBL’s next-generation HDI waveguide. The current Stage 2 model offers solid build details, magnetic grilles and useful 56Hz measured extension at an accessible price. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its objective score is good rather than class-leading, and the rear port needs some wall clearance. At 86dB sensitivity and six-ohm nominal impedance it is not especially easy to drive, while the compact woofer limits deep-bass output.

Full JBL Stage 250B review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12.6H x 7.9W x 9.5D in
Drivers	1-inch aluminum tweeter, 5.25-inch polycellulose woofer
Enclosure	Passive 2-way rear-ported
Frequency Response	50Hz-25kHz (-6dB)
Impedance	6 ohms
Power Handling	75W RMS
Recommended Power	20-150W
Sensitivity	86dB/2.83V/1m
Spinorama Preference Score	4.06
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.60
Weight	12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($349.95) →Check current price at JBL ($439.95/pair) →Search eBay for JBL Stage 250B →

Ranked #92 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Monoprice Monolith THX Compact Satellite: $249.99 per pair Amazon $249.99 Monoprice $249.99 eBay

Pros: A compact sealed satellite with a 4.5-inch coaxial driver and a 20mm silk-dome tweeter mounted at its center, THX certified and built to sit with a subwoofer crossed over at 80Hz. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a listening window within a 4.0dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz, a smooth predicted in-room response (0.61 smoothness) and wide, even dispersion (about 60 degrees horizontally and 55 degrees vertically), and its preference score rises to 6.56 with an ideal subwoofer. A keyhole slot makes wall mounting easy. Measured bass extension of 82Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass stops at about 82Hz (-3dB) and 62Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer for any full-range use, and without one its preference score is only 3.57. Sensitivity is a low 81dB into a 4-ohm load, so it needs a capable amplifier to play loud. Out of stock at Monoprice and Amazon, with Monoprice quoting a restock date well into 2027.

Full Monoprice Monolith THX Compact Satellite review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	61.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	6.3”H x 6”W x 5.9”D (160 x 153 x 150 mm)
Drivers	4.5” polypropylene woofer with coaxial 20mm silk-dome tweeter
Frequency Response	80Hz-20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	81dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.57
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.56
Weight	4.2 lbs (1.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Amazon ($249.99) →Check current price at Monoprice ($249.99) →Search eBay for Monoprice Monolith THX Compact Satellite →

Ranked #101 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Totem Kin One: $600 per pair Sky by Gramophone $600 eBay

Pros: Compact two-way design with a 1” titanium-infused soft dome tweeter and 4” MHex cone woofer, available in distinctive colorways beyond the usual black/white. Surprisingly spacious, wide sound for its tiny size: horizontal dispersion of about ±75° through the midrange gives real envelopment and soundstage width. Reasonably good overall directivity, meaning it takes well to EQ correction. Pairs well with an EQ-capable streaming amp (the reviewer specifically suggests something like a WiiM Amp), which can smooth out its main tonal issues with just a few bands of correction. Crossing over to a subwoofer around 80Hz measurably reduces midrange distortion and improves resolution. For a 4” woofer, distortion performance up to about 88dB is reasonable and shouldn’t be judged against larger-driver speakers. Measured bass extension of 91Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.4dB.

Cons: Real-world sensitivity measured significantly below the manufacturer’s spec (about 83.4dB measured versus 89dB claimed). Treble rolls off sharply above about 8kHz, an unusually attenuated top end that the reviewer wasn’t sure was even an intentional design choice. A dip around 600Hz-1kHz paired with a nearby resonance (likely port-related) gives a combination of hollow and forward character depending on the exact frequency. Bass rolls off around 80-90Hz (F3 91Hz, F10 59Hz), typical for a compact 4” woofer, so a subwoofer is essential for any real bass. Vertical placement has a real sweet spot: going too far above or especially below the tweeter axis noticeably changes the tonal balance. Distortion rises substantially at 96dB and the port/woofer begin struggling at extreme low frequencies and volumes. Best aimed directly at the listener given how quickly the treble rolls off; toeing it out requires EQ compensation to avoid sounding dull.

Full Totem Kin One review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	91Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	9.5”H x 5”W x 6.3”D (241 x 127 x 159 mm)
Drivers	4” MHEX cone woofer, 1” titanium infused soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 4.4 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	20-100W RMS
Sensitivity	83.4dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 89dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.68
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.61
Weight	6.2 lbs (2.83 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Sky by Gramophone ($600) →Search eBay for Totem Kin One →

Ranked #111 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2: $399 per pair Discontinued Amazon $399 eBay

Pros: Good directivity linearity: on-axis and off-axis response track each other well despite an otherwise uneven overall response, which means the tonal problems can be EQ’d out with reasonably good success. Wide horizontal radiation, about ±50°. Nicely finished cabinet: the reviewer specifically called out the fit and finish as a genuine positive. Both units of the review pair measured closely matched to each other. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.

Cons: High-frequency level runs noticeably too hot regardless of placement: the reviewer tried four different setups (near/far from wall, on-axis, 30° off-axis) at two listening distances and couldn’t get it to sound right at any of them. A mid-range dip that the reviewer attributes to internal cabinet resonance rather than intentional baffle-step compensation, reinforced by an internal inspection showing no cross-bracing and a slot port that may itself be resonating when tapped. Small tweeter waveguide magnet suggests limited power handling headroom. At this price and radiation pattern, the reviewer would pick the ELAC DBR62 (more neutral, similar ±60° pattern) or, for less money, the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 over this speaker; the KEF Q150 and SVS Prime Bookshelf are also called out as more linear alternatives nearby in price. Discontinued.

Full Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2.9kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.4”H x 6.5”W x 9.8”D (290 x 165 x 250 mm)
Drivers	5.25” midwoofer, 1” soft fabric dome tweeter with waveguide
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.96
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.18
Weight	20.1 lbs (9.1 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear slot port

Check current price at Amazon ($399) →Search eBay for Acoustic Energy AE100 Mk2 →

Ranked #121 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL L52 Classic: $999.00 per pair Amazon $999.00 eBay

Same family: the JBL L82 Classic (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the JBL L100 Classic (larger bookshelf, estimated 3.7/5). See every JBL Classic L Series generation.

Pros: Genuine walnut wood veneer cabinet with a retro Quadrex foam grille (black, orange, or dark blue) reviving JBL’s classic L-series look. 5.25” pure pulp cone woofer and 0.75” titanium dome tweeter on a waveguide, front-firing bass reflex port, in a compact stand-mount cabinet. A pronounced upper-bass bump around 100 Hz gives kick drums a punchy, textured character. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: Measured compression and distortion behavior from about 1-5 kHz was inconsistent (“wonky”) across output levels, and didn’t clean up even at lower volume; adding a subwoofer high-pass didn’t fix the high-frequency distortion either. Response rolls off quickly above the upper-bass bump, so there’s punch and impact but not real low-end rumble or fundamental weight below about 60 Hz without a subwoofer. Soundstage width was inconsistent track to track, with imaging not staying locked to where instruments should be. Vocals could sound hot and slightly grainy in the 2.5-5 kHz region; pointing the speakers off-axis reduced that sharpness but also killed high-frequency air.

Full JBL L52 Classic review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2021 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	45Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	62Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2.8kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13-1/16”H x 7-13/16”W x 8-11/16”D
Drivers	5.25” pure pulp cone woofer, 0.75” titanium dome tweeter with waveguide
Frequency Response	47Hz - 24kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	10-75W RMS
Sensitivity	85dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.54
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.96
Weight	11 lbs (5 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($999.00) →Search eBay for JBL L52 Classic →

Links
- Official JBL L52 Classic Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #132 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit: $119.98 per pair Parts Express $119.98 eBay

Pros: Inexpensive, beginner-friendly CNC flat-pack kit with a compact 8 x 5-inch desktop footprint and only one 3.5-inch full-range driver per channel. The point-source layout avoids a conventional woofer/tweeter crossover and, when listened to around 20 degrees above the driver as intended, can produce precise near-field imaging. Erin measured roughly 81dB sensitivity, consistent with Parts Express’s specification. The included baffle-step network improves lower-midrange balance, while the optional series inductor reduces the driver’s rising top end; Erin recommends retaining it. Several remaining narrow peaks can be corrected with desktop software EQ. Bottom porting conserves desk space, and unfinished MDF invites custom finishing. Measured bass extension of 98.1Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.

Cons: Despite the ‘full-range’ label, output rolls off around 120-150Hz and a subwoofer with an unusually high 100-200Hz crossover is effectively mandatory. Native response has resonances near roughly 2.1kHz and 8kHz plus a broad 14-20kHz rise of 5-8dB, so it is not smooth without the supplied network and additional EQ. Distortion already exceeds 3% in places at 86dB/1m and becomes extreme at 96dB. Erin’s multitone test approached -10dB distortion (roughly 30%) full-range at the highest level, accompanied by 3-4dB compression; even a 200Hz high-pass leaves roughly 3-5% distortion and 2-3dB compression. The angled cabinet demands a specific near-field ear height, and its very low sensitivity plus 10W RMS power rating leave almost no clean-output headroom for room listening.

Full Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	69.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	98.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	Yes
Dimensions	8”H x 5”W x 6.5”D (203 x 127 x 165 mm)
Drivers	3.5” Dayton Audio PS95-8 full-range driver
Frequency Response	120Hz-20kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms (manufacturer specified)
Power Handling	10W RMS / 20W maximum; 25W RMS with 50Hz high-pass
Sensitivity	81dB @ 1W/1m (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner and manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.11 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.35 (spinorama.org)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, bottom

Check current price at Parts Express ($119.98) →Search eBay for Parts Express Copperhead Desktop Kit →

Ranked #133 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL Stage A120: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the JBL Stage 2 240B, ranked higher, estimated 2.7/5, released 2024. See every JBL Arena and Stage generation.

Same family: the JBL Stage A130 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 2.1/5), the JBL Stage A180 (floorstanding, rated 3.8/5), the JBL Stage A125C (smaller center, rated 3.4/5) and the JBL Stage A135C (larger center, rated 2.9/5).

Pros: Comes with a port bung, letting you experiment between ported and sealed configurations: the reviewer found the sound improved somewhat with the port sealed. Distortion at 96dB is broadly comparable to competitors in this price range outside of some elevated low-end THD. Wide horizontal radiation pattern for a compact bookshelf speaker in the low-to-midrange. Measured bass extension of 71Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.

Cons: A pronounced “Batman”-shaped frequency response: boosted bass, a scooped midrange, and elevated treble (about 3-4dB above the midrange), driven partly by confirmed cabinet panel resonance around 800Hz-1.7kHz. Directivity shows significant back-to-back peaks and dips, making the speaker harder to correct with EQ since the off-axis sound doesn’t track the direct sound cleanly. Elevated treble that some might call “detailed” reads as an unwelcome boost to the reviewer rather than genuine resolution. Compression testing shows the low end degrading substantially at high output (102dB). Overall considered one of the weaker speakers the reviewer has tested in this class, with a competing model (Emotiva B1+) recommended instead at a similar price. Discontinued.

Full JBL Stage A120 review and specifications →

Released	2018 (8 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.3”H x 6.8”W x 7.4”D (285.8 x 171.5 x 188.9 mm)
Drivers	0.75” tweeter + 5” woofer
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	83dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.50
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.24
Weight	10.6 lbs (4.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for JBL Stage A120 →

Ranked #143 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Micca RB42: $159.99 per pair Amazon $159.99 eBay

Same family: the Micca RB42-C (center, estimated 2.1/5).

Pros: Curved cabinet fit and finish look closer to a speaker costing three times as much. Rated for a wide 15-100W amplifier range with 4-8 ohm compatibility, giving flexibility with modest amplification. Measured bass extension of 85Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 80dB.

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
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.59
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.87
Weight	6 lbs (2.7 kg) each (per retailer listing)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Amazon ($159.99) →Search eBay for Micca RB42 →

Links
- Official Micca RB42 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #146 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Q Acoustics 5020: $1,199.00 per pair Amazon $1,199.00 eBay

Same family: the Q Acoustics 5010 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 3.5/5), the Q Acoustics 5040 (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.1/5), the Q Acoustics 5050 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5) and the Q Acoustics 5090 (center, estimated 3.7/5).

Pros: Attractively finished compact standmount with a 5-inch Continuous Curved Cone woofer and carefully engineered cabinet details. Erin found distortion well controlled at normal levels: below 1% down to about 50Hz at 86dB/1m. Its 87dB measured sensitivity is unremarkable rather than hard to drive, and it maintains acceptable output for typical 80-85dB listening. The rear port can be plugged for placement flexibility. Measured bass extension of 103Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.1dB.

Cons: Erin found the tonal balance distinctly too crisp, forward and treble-heavy: the top end is roughly 3-5dB elevated while the 1-3kHz region is recessed, so vocals change level unnaturally as they move through their range. The shallow woofer crossover and steeper tweeter slope contribute to the off-axis discontinuity, while the port has a strong 1kHz resonance. Bass is limited: Erin measured F3 103Hz and F10 48Hz; at 96dB distortion reaches about 3% by 100Hz, and he bottomed the woofer when pushed hard. He preferred the less-expensive Q Acoustics 3020i’s linearity and did not recommend the 5020 for neutral listening without EQ.

Full Q Acoustics 5020 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2.5kHz (manufacturer specified)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.2”H x 7.1”W x 11.5”D
Drivers	5” (125mm) C3 mid/bass driver, 1” (25mm) tweeter
Frequency Response	53Hz - 30kHz (-6dB, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified)
Recommended Power	25W - 100W (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.9dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.63
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.55
Weight	15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	rear-ported

Check current price at Amazon ($1,199.00) →Search eBay for Q Acoustics 5020 →

Links
- Official Q Acoustics 5020 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #150 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL Stage A130: $399 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the JBL Stage 250B, ranked higher, rated 3.2/5, released Aug 2024.

Older model: the JBL Arena 120 (ranked higher, rated 3.8/5). See every JBL Arena and Stage generation.

Same family: the JBL Stage A120 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 2.5/5), the JBL Stage A180 (floorstanding, rated 3.8/5), the JBL Stage A125C (smaller center, rated 3.4/5) and the JBL Stage A135C (larger center, rated 2.9/5).

Pros: More constant, better-behaved directivity than the smaller JBL Stage 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 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. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.2dB.

Cons: Still shows the same underlying “Batman”-shaped response pattern as the JBL Stage 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 JBL Stage A120. Output-limited at extreme volumes (102dB), similar to its smaller sibling. Loses to the similarly-priced Emotiva B1+ in overall linearity and neutrality, according to the reviewer’s direct comparison. Discontinued.

Full JBL Stage A130 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	3.2kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12.6”H x 7.5”W x 9.1”D (321 x 190 x 230 mm)
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.04
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.51
Weight	12 lbs (5.45 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for JBL Stage A130 →

Ranked #160 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch R-51M: $289.99 per pair Passive Amazon $289.99 eBay

Newer model: the Klipsch Reference R-50M, ranked higher, estimated 1.7/5, released 2022. See every Klipsch Reference generation.

Same family: the Klipsch R-41M (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 1.3/5).

Pros: A high-efficiency 5.25-inch passive bookshelf speaker featuring Klipsch’s 90 x 90 square Tractrix horn mated to a 1-inch aluminum LTS tweeter and spun-copper IMG woofer. Delivers high sensitivity (93dB @ 2.83V/1m) that allows it to achieve loud volume levels effortlessly even with low-powered budget amplifiers. Rear-firing Tractrix port provides clean, tight punch down to approximately 62Hz at -3dB, offering noticeably fuller low-end weight than the smaller 4-inch Klipsch R-41M. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Anechoic NFS measurements from Erin’s Audio Corner and ASR reveal significant tonal colorations: a sharp treble boost between 2kHz and 6kHz combined with a recessed upper midrange creates a bright, sibilant presentation that causes listener fatigue over time. Requires aggressive DSP/EQ correction to achieve neutral tonal accuracy.

Full Klipsch R-51M review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2018 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1660Hz
Dimensions	13.3” x 7” x 8.5” (338 x 178 x 215 mm)
Drivers	1” aluminum LTS tweeter on 90x90 Tractrix horn, 5.25” spun-copper IMG woofer
Frequency Response	62Hz - 21kHz (+/- 3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms
Passive	Yes
Sensitivity	93dB (2.83V @ 1m)
Weight	11 lbs (5.0 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($289.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch R-51M →

Links
- Official Klipsch R-51M Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speaker Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review: Klipsch R-51M Bookshelf Speaker Review More from Audio Science Review →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #163 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Jamo C 93 II: $299 per pair Discontinued eBay

Pros: Attractive cabinet and finish for the price. The mild midbass rise can add subjectively enjoyable punch at modest playback levels, and the speaker is reasonably compact. Erin measured about 84dB sensitivity through the midrange. Harmonic distortion at moderate output is not the central problem; the much larger limitations are frequency-response accuracy, directivity and compression. Measured bass extension of 68.8Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.

Cons: Extremely non-linear tonal balance: Erin measured treble averaging roughly 5dB above the midrange, with local swings from near the midrange level to +6dB by about 12kHz. The result is hollow midrange, exaggerated apparent detail and a bright, fatiguing balance. Multiple diffraction discontinuities around the crossover and waveguide prevent reliable EQ correction; turning the speakers 30 degrees outward does not fix the irregularity. Midwoofer directivity narrows before the tweeter abruptly widens, indicating poor crossover/directivity matching. Vertical listening position should remain near tweeter axis. Output behavior is exceptionally poor: Erin found compression running off the plotted scale at high level and multitone distortion crossing -20dB (10%) across roughly 200Hz-1.2kHz, which produces audible grain. The grille makes response still less linear. Erin judged the cheaper Emotiva B1+ better in accuracy, soundstage and output. Discontinued.

Full Jamo C 93 II review and specifications →

Released	May 2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	53.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.8”H x 7.9”W x 10.2”D (350 x 200 x 260 mm)
Drivers	6” HCCC cone woofer, 1” silk-dome tweeter with waveguide
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	84dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.35
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.97
Weight	14.1 lbs (6.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for Jamo C 93 II →

Ranked #165 of 168 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Jamo S 803: $119.99 per pair Discontinued Amazon $119.99 Crutchfield eBay

Same family: the Jamo S807 (floorstanding, rated 2.8/5).

Pros: Low pair price, compact dimensions and a front slot port suit inexpensive desktop or surround installations. The pronounced 80-100Hz hump supplies immediate punch and can sound impressive in a short demonstration. Harmonic distortion at 86dB is broadly typical for an inexpensive 5-inch two-way, and high-passing near 80Hz reduces some woofer-driven midrange distortion. The cabinet also accepts Jamo’s matching top-mounted Atmos module. Measured bass extension of 60.1Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.

Cons: A textbook V-shaped response rather than accurate reproduction. Erin measured only about 81dB average sensitivity from 300Hz-3kHz, far below Jamo’s 87dB claim; bass around 80-100Hz and the treble are each roughly 5dB above that midrange reference. The bass is therefore resonant one-note punch rather than deep extension. Horizontal coverage is only about +/-50 degrees, while the midwoofer narrows before the tweeter widens abruptly, creating a directivity discontinuity that EQ cannot repair around 4kHz. Vertical tolerance is especially asymmetric: roughly 10 degrees above tweeter axis is usable, but moving below it rapidly damages the response. At high output, compression and multitone distortion become audible; an 80Hz crossover helps but does not correct the native tonality. Erin’s conclusion was an unequivocal pass in favor of a more neutral alternative. Discontinued.

Full Jamo S 803 review and specifications →

Released	2018 (8 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	48.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.9”H x 7.5”W x 9.9”D (353 x 191 x 252 mm)
Drivers	5” polyfiber woofer, 1” soft-dome tweeter with waveguide
Frequency Response	57Hz-26kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	81dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.59
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.10
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front slot

Check current price at Amazon ($119.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield →Search eBay for Jamo S 803 →

Large Size Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #1 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX): $87,500 per pair eBay

Pros: A 3-way stand-mount design built around a coaxial tweeter-and-6.5” midrange assembly plus an 8” woofer, crossed over at 250Hz and 2kHz, rated for 200W and 86dB sensitivity (measured at about 85.2dB, 2.83V/1m). On-axis linearity holds within about ±3dB down to its F3 of 69Hz (F10 38Hz). The coaxial layout gives it exceptionally wide, consistent tonality moving around the room (both horizontally and vertically) since the tweeter and midrange radiate from the same point, unlike a conventional offset tweeter-over-woofer layout that narrows vertically much sooner. Harmonic and multitone distortion measured the lowest the reviewer has recorded to date, beating even the KEF Blade Two Meta and PS Audio Aspen FR10, previously his two lowest-distortion references. Compression is minimal: only about 0.5dB of low-frequency loss between 76dB and 102dB output (26dB of usable dynamic range), with softening only appearing at the very top end at 102dB. At 101 lbs each, the massive, heavily braced cabinet is completely inert: no audible panel resonance even driven hard with full-range bass. CTA-2034 sound power is excellent, and a mild dip in the lower treble/upper midrange shows up with smooth, consistent directivity through that region, indicating it’s a deliberate voicing choice rather than a crossover flaw. Measured bass extension of 69Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.5dB.

Cons: Extraordinarily expensive at $87500 per pair. Despite the manual recommending the speakers be placed close to a wall (about 1-2 feet) and aimed directly at the listener, the reviewer found direct on-axis aiming made the treble read a bit hot, and preferred toeing them out about 20-30° for a smoother top end: worth experimenting with in your own room. The mid-base-to-midrange transition region is deliberately sloped down in anechoic measurement, meaning it’s designed to be reinforced by nearby wall boundary gain rather than played free-standing well out into the room. At 101 lbs each, the speakers are genuinely difficult to move or set up alone.

Full TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	Japan
Crossover Frequency	250Hz, 2kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	24.7”H x 13.4”W x 17.6”D (628 x 341 x 446 mm)
Drivers	Coaxial 1.38” tweeter + 6.5” midrange, 8” woofer
Frequency Response	32Hz - 100kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	200W max
Sensitivity	85.5dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.45
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.79
Weight	101 lbs (45.8 kg) each

Search eBay for TAD Compact Reference One (CR1TX) →

Ranked #2 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Perlisten S4b: $8,000 per pair Perlisten Dealer Locator $8,000 eBay

Same family: the Perlisten S5m (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.4/5), the Perlisten S5t (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.5/5), the Perlisten S7t (larger floorstanding, rated 4.5/5), the Perlisten S5c (smaller center, estimated 4.5/5), the Perlisten S7c (larger center, rated 4.6/5) and the Perlisten S4s (surround, rated 4.6/5).

Pros: Reference-grade directivity and output from a compact sealed monitor. Erin called its radiation behavior the smoothest he had measured: Perlisten’s DPC array (beryllium tweeter between two midrange domes) shapes vertical output while transitioning cleanly to the 7-inch woofer. Harmonic distortion remains below 1% at 86dB and, above 100Hz, also below 1% at 96dB; compression is exceptionally low. The response is highly linear, the midrange was a listening highlight, and the sealed F10 of 40Hz provides a predictable slope for subwoofer integration. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.5dB.

Cons: Erin measured only 84.5dB sensitivity and an impedance minimum just under 4 ohms, a difficult efficiency/load combination that deserves substantial clean amplification. Its 78Hz F3 means a subwoofer is effectively mandatory for full-range listening despite the 40Hz F10. A roughly +3dB feature around 10kHz appears on-axis, though Erin did not find it objectionable. Price is extreme for a stand-mount and the tightly managed vertical radiation makes correct stand height important.

Full Perlisten S4b review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.5”H x 9.4”W x 7.3”D
Drivers	DPC array with 28mm beryllium tweeter and dual 28mm midrange domes; 7” woofer
Impedance	Just under 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.35
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.01
Weight	24.3 lbs (11 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Perlisten Dealer Locator ($8,000) →Search eBay for Perlisten S4b →

Ranked #3 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF Reference 1 Meta: $9999.98 per pair KEF $9999.98 eBay

Full KEF Reference 1 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17.3”H x 8.1”W x 16.6”D (439.4 x 205.7 x 421.6 mm)
Drivers	165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 2.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	82.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.48
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.29
Weight	40.1 lbs (18.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at KEF ($9999.98) →Search eBay for KEF Reference 1 Meta →

Ranked #5 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - March Audio Sointuva AWG: $4150 per pair March Audio $4150 eBay

Older model: the March Audio Sointuva (ranked lower, rated 4.6/5). See every March Audio Sointuva generation.

Full March Audio Sointuva AWG review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2023 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17.7”H x 9.4”W x 8.7”D (449.6 x 238.8 x 221 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Purifi PTT-OEM Midwoofer, Satori TW29BNWG-4 Beryllium Dome Tweeter with Waveguide
Impedance	6 ohms
Sensitivity	82.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.95
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.45
Weight	11 lbs (5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at March Audio ($4150) →Search eBay for March Audio Sointuva AWG →

Ranked #6 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - AsciLab C6B: $1145 per pair Ascilab $1145 eBay

Same family: the AsciLab C5B (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.2/5).

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full AsciLab C6B review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.7”H x 8”W x 10.4”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 264.2 mm)
Drivers	6” Aluminium Ceramic Cone with cast Aluminium Chassis woofer, 1” Aluminium Ceramic Dome tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 2.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.33
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.28
Weight	18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at Ascilab ($1145) →Search eBay for AsciLab C6B →

Ranked #7 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Audio First Cadentia 3: $7199 per pair Audio First Designs $7199 eBay

Pros: Near-textbook measurements: excellent on-axis linearity, listening window, and directivity, with only minor deviations. Extremely low distortion and compression, holding steady even at 102dB with barely any loss. Very wide, consistent horizontal dispersion (~70 degrees) gives a big, enveloping soundstage with strong image specificity outside the speaker boundaries. Strong bass extension for a bookshelf (F3 43Hz, F10 26Hz) with a punchy, guttural mid-bass. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.4dB.

Cons: A mild scoop through the upper midrange/lower treble slightly softens the attack of snares, hand claps, and sibilants: fixable with a single-band EQ (2.5kHz, +1dB, Q~1). High-frequency dispersion narrows quickly above about 4kHz, so off-axis listeners lose some air and detail. Very high asking price for a bookshelf-class speaker, and the complete (finished) version has a long lead time; the loaner kit version ships as an unfinished cabinet you assemble and finish yourself.

Full Audio First Cadentia 3 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	United Kingdom (Cambridge)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	23.2” x 11.8” x 17” (590 x 300 x 433 mm)
Drivers	1.1” tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 9” woofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.4dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	7.55
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.91
Weight	45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	3-way, bass reflex

Check current price at Audio First Designs ($7199) →Search eBay for Audio First Cadentia 3 →

Ranked #8 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - March Audio Sointuva: $3,995 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the March Audio Sointuva AWG, ranked higher, rated 4.7/5, released Nov 2023. See every March Audio Sointuva generation.

Pros: The Purifi woofer and Satori waveguided tweeter combine class-leading distortion with unusually deep extension for a compact cabinet. Erin measured roughly 83dB sensitivity yet found the speaker could still sustain about 96dB/1m with 3% THD not crossed until ~60Hz; compression remains exceptionally low until the deepest bass at the highest sweep. Horizontal directivity is broad and smooth, the early-reflections trend is readily equalizable, and the passive radiators avoid port turbulence while reaching approximately 50Hz anechoic and lower in-room. Measured bass extension of ~50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.

Cons: Erin measured a 3.8-ohm minimum and an average load near four ohms; combined with ~83dB sensitivity, this demands a powerful four-ohm-stable amplifier even though the drivers tolerate that power cleanly. Vertical directivity shows the unavoidable woofer/tweeter crossover cancellation, so stand height matters. The original waveguide narrows somewhat in the upper treble compared with the later AWG revision, and the premium price is difficult to justify if low-level listening or an 80Hz sub crossover leaves the Purifi woofer’s excursion capability unused. Discontinued.

Full March Audio Sointuva review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2020 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	~50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17.7”H x 9.4”W x 8.7”D (450 x 240 x 220 mm)
Drivers	6.5-inch Purifi woofer; Satori waveguided dome tweeter; dual passive radiators
Enclosure	Dual passive radiator
Impedance	~4 ohms average; 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	~83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.80
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.45
Weight	14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each

Search eBay for March Audio Sointuva →

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

Ranked #10 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF R3 Meta: $2,499.99 per pair Amazon $2,499.99 Crutchfield $2,499.99 eBay

Older models: the KEF R3 (ranked lower, rated 4.5/5) and the KEF R300 (ranked lower, estimated 3.9/5). See every KEF R Series generation.

Full KEF R3 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.6”H x 7.9”W x 13.2”D (421.6 x 200.7 x 335.3 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Hybrid aluminum ported woofer, 5” aluminum cone midrange, 1” vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.9dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.10
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.91
Weight	27.3 lbs (12.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($2,499.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($2,499.99) →Search eBay for KEF R3 Meta →

Ranked #11 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF Q Concerto Meta: $1,399.99 per pair Amazon $1,399.99 Crutchfield $1,399.99 eBay

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full KEF Q Concerto Meta review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.3”H x 8.3”W x 12.4”D (414 x 210.8 x 315 mm)
Drivers	165 mm (6.5 in.) hybrid aluminium cone woofer, 100 mm (4 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 19 mm (0.75 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.2dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.01
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.71
Weight	20.9 lbs (9.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,399.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($1,399.99) →Search eBay for KEF Q Concerto Meta →

Ranked #12 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - AsciLab F6B: $980 per pair Ascilab $980 eBay

Same family: the AsciLab F6Bs (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.5/5).

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. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

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.

Featured on:

Under $1,000

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
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.32
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.26
Weight	16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	Passive radiator loaded

Check current price at Ascilab ($980) →Search eBay for AsciLab F6B →

Links
- Official AsciLab F6B Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #13 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Wharfedale Aura 2: $2799 per pair Crutchfield $2799 eBay

Same family: the Wharfedale Aura 1 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5), the Wharfedale Aura 3 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.6/5), the Wharfedale Aura 4 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.7/5), the Wharfedale Aura CS (smaller center, estimated 3.6/5) and the Wharfedale Aura C (larger center, estimated 4.1/5).

Pros: Three-way “mini tower” design with a 27x90mm AMT tweeter, 4” mid-range, and 6.5” midwoofer, using an unusual bottom-firing port. Nearly “ruler flat” on-axis linearity (within about 1.5dB for most of the range) apart from one specific breakup point. Exceptional output capability with very low distortion even at high volume: the reviewer reached about 100dB average at 10 feet with no audible strain, outperforming rivals like the KEF LS50 Meta in multitone distortion above 1kHz. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±70° combined with excellent imaging and pair matching: passed demanding stereo-separation test tracks with precise instrument placement. Bass reaches a genuine 40Hz in most rooms, potentially eliminating the need for a subwoofer for material that doesn’t demand extreme sub-bass. About 20dB of usable dynamic range with no compression issues at 96dB/1m. Considered by the reviewer one of the best speakers he’s tested, potentially challenging his personal all-time top five. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.

Cons: A breakup/peak around 13kHz can sound sharp or shrill depending on the track, the main tonal flaw noted. Minor midbase-to-midrange balance discrepancy (about 1dB), most noticeable if the speaker sits more than about 2 feet from the rear wall. Vertical listening window is narrower than typical, a consequence of the AMT ribbon tweeter’s tall physical size: staying within about ±15-20° of the tweeter reference axis (or slightly below it) is important. Impedance dips to about 3.1 ohms with a 1.4-ohm minimum EPDR, meaning a dedicated amplifier is recommended over an AVR due to potential power-supply strain. Distortion rises at the very lowest frequencies (an expected limitation of a 6.5” woofer), and the woofer audibly struggles with extreme 30-35Hz content at high volume. Horizontal directivity narrows from about ±70° to ±50° above roughly 6-7kHz as the ribbon tweeter’s pattern collapses inward.

Full Wharfedale Aura 2 review and specifications →

Released	May 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	22.1”H x 11.3”W x 15.3”D (561.3 x 287 x 388.6 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone woofer, 4” Black Glass Fibre Matrix Cone midrange, 27x90mm AMT tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (3.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.03
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.65
Weight	45 lbs (20.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($2799) →Search eBay for Wharfedale Aura 2 →

Ranked #14 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - DIYSG HTM-12 v2: $920 per pair per kit Discontinued DIY Sound Group eBay

Older model: the DIYSG HTM-12 v1 (ranked lower, rated 3.8/5). See every DIYSG HTM-12 generation.

Pros: Purpose-built high-output cinema kit pairing a 12-inch woofer with a compression driver in a large SEOS waveguide. Erin measured 91dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, extraordinarily low distortion (still below 1% to about 60Hz at 102dB) and only about 0.5dB tweeter compression at the same level. Horizontal directivity is consistent and crossover integration is unusually good, so response corrections remain EQ-friendly. The benign impedance curve can be driven by many capable AVRs. Measured bass extension of 67Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91dB.

Cons: Erin measured F3 at approximately 67Hz, the normal efficiency/bass-extension tradeoff of a high-sensitivity 12-inch design, so a subwoofer is mandatory. A few narrow resonances appear in the response, impedance and decay plots; Erin suggested crossover/component investigation could improve them. Vertical radiation narrows around the crossover, the unfinished kit requires cabinet assembly and finishing, and its broad baffle is visually and physically substantial. Discontinued.

Full DIYSG HTM-12 v2 review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	Yes
Dimensions	25”H x 18”W x 9.5”D (635 x 457.2 x 241.3 mm)
Drivers	12” woofer; compression driver in SEOS waveguide
Impedance	AVR-compatible impedance profile (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	91dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.26
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.88
Weight	39.9 lbs (18.1 kg) assembled
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at DIY Sound Group →Search eBay for DIYSG HTM-12 v2 →

Ranked #15 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF R3: $1,545.56 per pair Amazon $1,545.56 eBay

Newer model: the KEF R3 Meta, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5, released Mar 2023.

Older model: the KEF R300 (ranked lower, estimated 3.9/5). See every KEF R Series generation.

Same family: the KEF R5 (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.4/5), the KEF R7 (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the KEF R11 (largest floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5) and the KEF R2c (center, rated 4/5).

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. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-10dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.

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 →

Released	Dec 2018 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	Approximately 58Hz (manufacturer specified; consistent with Erin’s measured roll-off)
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.2 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.97 (spinorama.org)
Weight	29.9 lbs (13.55 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear Flexible Port

Check current price at Amazon ($1,545.56) →Search eBay for KEF R3 →

Ranked #16 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Buchardt Audio E50: $4600 per pair Buchardt Audio $4600 eBay

Pros: Exceptional bass extension for a bookshelf (F3 at 40Hz, F10 at 34Hz) with genuinely low-end weight the reviewer kept noticing track after track, not just a single room-boosted note. Mid and lower-midrange are very neutral with no coloration and well-executed baffle-step compensation, so it doesn’t need to sit close to a wall like many bookshelf designs. Low distortion throughout the midrange, controlled ~60-degree horizontal directivity, and a striking driver/waveguide integration that looks genuinely upscale. Measured bass extension of 40Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.1dB.

Cons: A roughly 3dB dip in the upper midrange/lower treble softens attack and dialogue clarity: the reviewer’s main complaint, and it’s baked into the crossover rather than a directivity artifact, so it’s audible both on and off axis. Sounds too bright pointed directly at the listener; needs about 10-20 degrees of toe-out to tame the treble and slightly smooth (not eliminate) that dip. Below-average sensitivity (measured 83.1dB vs 85dB spec) calls for a beefier amp, and the speaker’s tonal balance is unusually sensitive to amplifier output impedance: a poor tube amp can shift the midrange by up to 2dB.

Full Buchardt Audio E50 review and specifications →

Released	2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	Denmark
Crossover Frequency	2000Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.6” x 7.5” x 11.2” (395 x 190 x 284 mm)
Drivers	1” Scanspeak dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” Purifi extended-stroke woofer, dual 6.5” passive radiators
Frequency Response	36Hz - 30kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Recommended Power	60W - 200W
Sensitivity	83.1dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.84
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.61
Weight	19 lbs (8.6 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	Passive radiator loaded

Check current price at Buchardt Audio ($4600) →Search eBay for Buchardt Audio E50 →

Links
- Official Buchardt Audio E50 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Buchardt Audio E50 Bookshelf Speaker Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #17 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - MoFi SourcePoint 8: $2594 per pair Crutchfield $2594 eBay

Same family: the MoFi SourcePoint 10 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.4/5) and the MoFi SourcePoint 888 (floorstanding, rated 4.7/5). See every MoFi SourcePoint generation.

Full MoFi SourcePoint 8 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	18”H x 11.4”W x 13.2”D (457.2 x 289.6 x 335.3 mm)
Drivers	8” woofer, 1.25-inch soft-dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (8 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.3dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.15
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.28
Weight	28 lbs (12.7 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($2594) →Search eBay for MoFi SourcePoint 8 →

Ranked #23 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Arendal 1528 Monitor 8: $6000 per pair Arendal Sound $6000 eBay

Same family: the Arendal Sound 1528 Bookshelf 8 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5), the Arendal Sound 1528 Tower 8 (floorstanding, estimated 4.5/5) and the Arendal Sound 1528 Center 8 (center, estimated 4.1/5).

Pros: Three-way design featuring a 28mm tweeter, 5” mid-range, and dual 8” mid-bass drivers in a convertible sealed/ported HDF cabinet, with a supplied port bung for sealed operation near a wall. In ported configuration, reaches down to about 35Hz in most rooms (F3 41Hz, F10 26Hz): deep enough that many listeners could skip a subwoofer unless they want output below 40Hz. Extremely low distortion and compression across the board (harmonic, multitone, and both long- and short-term compression testing): among the best the reviewer has tested at this price, beating speakers costing twice as much. Wide, consistent horizontal soundstage of about ±60°. Smooth, non-fatiguing high frequency rather than the elevated “detail” boost common on speakers marketed for resolution. A slight forwardness around 1.5kHz adds a touch of attack without tipping into brightness. Measured bass extension of 41Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.4dB.

Cons: A dip in the midbase around 100Hz noticeably reduces the “chestiness” of male vocals compared to the reviewer’s reference speaker. A diffraction-related flare in the upper-midrange/lower-treble (around 1.5-2kHz) gives a mild forwardness that benefits from sidewall absorption panels, though it’s not a major issue. Vertical sweet spot is fairly narrow at about ±20°: a bigger consideration for multi-row home theater seating than rivals like the MoFi SourcePoint 8, which manages about ±60°. The MoFi SourcePoint 8, a similarly-priced rival, also has more linear bass with no midbase dip, at the cost of a more elevated top end. Minor resonances appear around 400Hz and 800Hz in measurements, though the reviewer considers them inaudible or insignificant. Very heavy (about 104 lbs each) HDF cabinet requires dedicated, sturdy stands. Low EPDR (dips to about 1.9 ohms in two spots) means a Class AB amplifier needs to comfortably handle a 4-ohm load without overheating; a Class D amp is a safer choice for full-range use.

Full Arendal 1528 Monitor 8 review and specifications →

Released	2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	31.8”H x 11.4”W x 17.6”D (807.7 x 289.6 x 447 mm)
Drivers	Dual 8” woofers, 5” midrange, 28mm tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.59
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.04
Weight	103.6 lbs (47 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($6000) →Search eBay for Arendal 1528 Monitor 8 →

Ranked #25 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Wharfedale Super Linton: $2,699.00 per pair Amazon $2,699.00 Crutchfield $2,999.00 eBay

Full Wharfedale Super Linton review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2024 (1 year ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	23.8”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (604.5 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm)
Drivers	8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.09
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.94
Weight	43.7 lbs (19.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($2,699.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($2,999.00) →Search eBay for Wharfedale Super Linton →

Ranked #26 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - GR-Research NX-Bravo: $1540 per pair kit with finished cabinets (assembly required) GR Research $1540 eBay

Same family: the GR-Research NX-Studio (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.8/5) and the GR-Research NX-Treme (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).

Pros: Vertical dispersion is unusually wide for a two-way bookshelf: tonal matching holds from about 50° above the tweeter axis down to 20° below it, well beyond the roughly ±10-20° typical of most two-ways. Horizontal dispersion is also wide at about ±70° through the midrange, widening further when toed out, so sidewall acoustic treatment isn’t really necessary. Burst decay is extremely clean with essentially no ringing: the reviewer compared it favorably to a $13,000/pair speaker that showed significant ringing at 120Hz and 500Hz. A deliberate dip around 7kHz reduces sibilance while the 1-4kHz upper-midrange stays neutral, so the sound doesn’t come across as laid-back or recessed. Easy to drive electrically, with a 5-ohm minimum impedance and 2.5-ohm minimum EPDR. Available from $700 as a kit up to about $2,500 fully finished, with the option of the designer’s flush-mount tube/banana-plug terminals for a cleaner look. Measured bass extension of 77Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.8dB.

Cons: Pointed straight on-axis there’s a deliberate ~5dB high-frequency bump meant to compensate for narrowing dispersion off-axis; it needs about 15° of toe-out (aimed to cross behind the listener) to sound balanced, which won’t suit every room layout. Higher-than-normal high-frequency distortion becomes audible in sine-sweep testing at higher output, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB, making roughly 88dB the safer output ceiling. SPL-limited by the manufacturer’s own admission: not intended for loud, full-range playback and best paired with a subwoofer, as with most two-way bookshelf designs. F3 of 77Hz and F10 of 45Hz mean bass only reaches about 50-60Hz in-room. A minor enclosure or port resonance shows up in the frequency response (though not in burst decay), likely a non-issue but visible in measurements. Adding a subwoofer reduces midrange distortion but doesn’t address the elevated high-frequency distortion.

Featured on:

DIY Speaker Kits

Full GR-Research NX-Bravo review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	Yes
Dimensions	14”H x 7.5”W x 11.5”D (355.6 x 190.5 x 292.1 mm)
Drivers	GR-Research M165 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon deep rear cup tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.8dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.18
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.52
Weight	16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at GR Research ($1540) →Search eBay for GR-Research NX-Bravo →

Ranked #27 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - MoFi SourcePoint 10: $3795 per pair Crutchfield $3795 eBay

Newer model: the MoFi SourcePoint 10 Master Edition, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5, released Jul 2025. See every MoFi SourcePoint generation.

Same family: the MoFi SourcePoint 8 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5) and the MoFi SourcePoint 888 (floorstanding, rated 4.7/5).

Pros: Andrew Jones-designed concentric/coincident driver delivers best-in-class sound power and early-reflections directivity in the reviewer’s testing: a genuine “point source” design. Vertical and horizontal radiation patterns closely match each other (about ±50° horizontal, ±30-40° vertical), a hallmark benefit of a well-executed concentric driver. Distortion stays low: under 1% above 100Hz at 86dB, and under 3% up to 100Hz even at 96dB, better than the reviewer expected from a low-excursion waveguide-loaded woofer. Surprisingly strong dynamic capability with little audible compression at both low and high volume. Widely spaced (about 11 feet apart) with roughly 15° of toe-out produced a huge, expansive soundstage without significant loss of imaging precision. Solidly built cabinet (about 40 lbs, heavily braced) minimizes cabinet resonance. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.2dB.

Cons: Like virtually all coincident designs, sounds notably bright pointed directly on-axis due to a deliberate treble lift (meant to compensate for the 28mm tweeter’s earlier beaming versus a typical 25mm/1” tweeter) combined with a diffraction dip/peak from the waveguide edge; needs about 15° of toe-out to sound neutral, and even then benefits from an extra 1-2dB of treble EQ. Toeing out further (to 30°) flattens the treble further but introduces a dip in the midrange-to-tweeter crossover region: there’s no single toe-out angle that fixes everything at once. F3 of 56Hz and F10 of 38Hz (about 40Hz in-room) mean genuine deep bass is limited; the reviewer would pair it with a sealed 10” or 12” subwoofer for regular daily listening. Bass extension and cabinet placement trade off against midrange cleanliness: placing it close to a wall for more bass risks a wall-bounce suckout in the midrange (roughly 200-500Hz depending on distance). Not perfectly time-aligned between tweeter and woofer (about 0.4ms delta), an inherent limitation of passive coincident drivers versus actively time-corrected designs. Some resonances appear in measurements, likely port-related. Minimum impedance around 6.4 ohms with EPDR near 3 ohms, so the reviewer recommends sticking with a 4-ohm-rated amplifier to be safe.

Full MoFi SourcePoint 10 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2022 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	22.5”H x 14.5”W x 16.6”D (571.5 x 368.3 x 421.6 mm)
Drivers	10” Paper-pulp Cone woofer, 1.25-inch soft-dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 6.4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.16
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.17
Weight	46.3 lbs (21.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($3795) →Search eBay for MoFi SourcePoint 10 →

Ranked #28 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2: $4500 per pair Radiant Acoustics $4500 eBay

Same family: the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 4.2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.8/5) and the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 (floorstanding, rated 4.6/5).

Full Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.3”H x 8.7”W x 10.5”D (363.2 x 221 x 266.7 mm)
Drivers	6.5” PURIFI USHINDI woofer, Custom AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (2.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.3dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.97
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.75
Weight	23.8 lbs (10.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at Radiant Acoustics ($4500) →Search eBay for Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 →

Ranked #29 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Dynaudio Heritage Special: $7,000 per pair Safe and Sound HQ $7,000 eBay

Pros: One of the rare cases where the reviewer measured a speaker as flawed but still genuinely enjoyed listening to it. A massive 4” voice coil on the midwoofer gives it exceptional output capability for a bookshelf speaker: averaged 100dB at 3.5 meters with no audible mechanical noise, port chuffing, or woofer bottoming even when deliberately pushed hard. Bass is very robust and doesn’t noticeably give up output as volume increases, staying solid at both low and high listening levels. Big, well-proportioned soundstage: wide without losing image focus. Limited run of 2,500 pairs with genuine collectible/heritage value; the tweeter (Esotar 3) and midwoofer both use premium Dynaudio-made drivers with an unusually wide, stout voice coil. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: At lower listening volumes, dynamic range and kick-drum punch fell short of higher-sensitivity speakers the reviewer has tested (JBL 4367, KEF Reference 1 Meta): the sheer output ceiling is impressive, but it isn’t a highly dynamic-sounding speaker at modest levels. A degree of “softness” in the upper mid-range. Selective sibilance in the 4-6kHz treble region that shows up on some tracks but not others, which the reviewer found mildly aggravating and would want to EQ down given the choice. Neither the tweeter nor the woofer is fully flush-mounted to the baffle, likely intentional as part of the heritage-styled look, but the reviewer wonders how much this affected linearity. At $7000/pair (and a discontinued limited run, so used/open-box pricing around $5,000/pair is about the best you’ll do now), this is a serious investment for a bookshelf speaker.

Full Dynaudio Heritage Special review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2020 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	Denmark
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.2”H x 8.2”W x 12.6”D (385 x 208 x 320 mm)
Drivers	18cm MSP cone woofer, 28mm Esotar 3 dome tweeter
Impedance	5.1 ohms minimum, ported mode (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.32
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.33
Weight	24.3 lbs (11 kg) each

Check current price at Safe and Sound HQ ($7,000) →Search eBay for Dynaudio Heritage Special →

Ranked #30 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Buchardt Audio S400: €1,800 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Buchardt S400 MK3, ranked lower, estimated 4/5, released Mar 2026. See every Buchardt S400 generation.

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. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.

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 Buchardt S400 MKII already ranked. Discontinued.

Full Buchardt Audio S400 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.8”H x 7.1”W x 9.6”D (375 x 180 x 245 mm)
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.23
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.43
Weight	16.1 lbs (7.30 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed with rear passive radiator

Search eBay for Buchardt Audio S400 →

Ranked #31 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Selah Audio Purezza: $2,950 per pair Discontinued Selah Audio eBay

Pros: Premium two-way built around Purifi’s exceptionally linear 6.5-inch woofer and a tall RAAL ribbon. Erin measured about 85dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, a 4.7-ohm minimum and the lowest midrange nonlinear distortion he had measured at the time. It reached roughly 103dB at 1m with little audible strain; horizontal response is smooth and broad, and Erin’s 200Hz low shelf (+3.5dB, Q 0.7) flattened the lower-mid/bass balance effectively. Measured bass extension of 86.0Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: The ribbon’s tall aperture creates deliberately narrow vertical radiation (roughly 20-30 degrees around 7kHz), so stand height and listening elevation are critical. Erin found a directivity change around 1-2kHz, a feature near 4kHz, and insufficient baffle-step compensation below 200-300Hz in his sample. The 4.7-ohm minimum and modest sensitivity favor a separate amplifier. A subwoofer crossed near 80Hz is recommended for distance and output. Discontinued.

Full Selah Audio Purezza review and specifications →

Bass Extension	Subwoofer crossover near 80Hz recommended by Erin’s Audio Corner
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	86.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.5H x 8.5W x 11D in
Drivers	RAAL ribbon tweeter; 6.5” Purifi woofer
Impedance	4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Maximum SPL	Approximately 103dB at 1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	Approximately 85dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.61 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.65 (spinorama.org)
Weight	24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Selah Audio →Search eBay for Selah Audio Purezza →

Ranked #36 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Wharfedale Linton 85: $1999 per pair Crutchfield $1999 eBay

Pros: Very neutral frequency response and good bass extension. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.1dB.

Cons: The spacing of the drivers makes the vertical off axis not very good

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Full Wharfedale Linton 85 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	22.2”H x 11.8”W x 13”D (563.9 x 299.7 x 330.2 mm)
Drivers	8”(200mm) black woven Kevlar® cone woofer, 5”(135mm) black woven Kevlar® cone midrange, 1” (25mm) soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.1dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.87
Weight	40.6 lbs (18.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($1999) →Search eBay for Wharfedale Linton 85 →

Ranked #37 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX: $1598 per pair Ascend Acoustics $1598 eBay

Same family: the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.7/5), the Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.3/5), the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Titan Tower (floorstanding, rated 4.4/5) and the Ascend Acoustics Sierra Horizon V2 (center, estimated 4.3/5). See every Ascend Sierra generation.

Pros: Very neutral, flat frequency response: within about plus or minus 1.5dB ignoring one narrow dip. Bass extension down to about 40Hz in-room despite the compact size. Wide, well-balanced soundstage (~60 degrees). Solid build quality with a laminated bamboo cabinet. Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.

Cons: Very low sensitivity at about 81dB, so it needs a genuinely powerful amplifier to reach normal listening levels. Noticeable midrange distortion becomes audible above about 82-83dB SPL. A narrow dip around 3.5kHz on-axis in larger rooms without sidewall reflections: toeing the speakers out 10-20 degrees fills it in, but adds some brightness to the treble. Sensitive to listening height: sitting even slightly above or below tweeter level noticeably shifts the tonal balance.

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Full Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	USA
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.3” x 7.5” x 10.5” (362 x 191 x 267 mm)
Drivers	6” aluminum cone woofer, 26mm dome tweeter
Frequency Response	28Hz - 23kHz (in-room, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum)
Power Handling	350W continuous, 500W peak
Sensitivity	81dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.63
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.44
Weight	20.9 lbs (9.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	Bass reflex, flared rear port

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Ranked #38 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Revel M126Be: $4,400 per pair Crutchfield $2,200.00 eBay

Older models: the Revel M106 (ranked higher, rated 4.6/5) and the Revel Performa M22 (ranked lower, rated 3.3/5). See every Revel Performa generation.

Full Revel M126Be review and specifications →

Released	May 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	103Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.2”H x 8.3”W x 10.3”D (386.1 x 210.8 x 261.6 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Deep Ceramic Composite (DCC) Aluminum Cone with cast frame woofer, 1” Beryllium dome with acoustic lens waveguide tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (4.9 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.1dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.08
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.34
Weight	22 lbs (10.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($2,200.00) →Search eBay for Revel M126Be →

Ranked #39 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC VELA BS 403: $2,899 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the ELAC Vela BS 403.2, ranked higher, estimated 4.4/5, released 2024. See every ELAC Vela generation.

Pros: JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter pairs with a 6” aluminum/paper sandwich woofer for extended, well-controlled bass: Erin measured usable in-room extension to about 50 Hz, deeper than the competing JBL L52 Classic despite lacking that speaker’s mild upper-bass bump. Compression stays within about 1 dB above 100 Hz up to 102 dB, on the better side of normal for a bookshelf this size, indicating good dynamic and transient capability. Wide, spacious soundstage radiation. Overall neutral voicing that Erin called “a really good speaker,” from the looks to the sound. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.3dB.

Cons: Deliberate dip-and-peak voicing in the crossover region around 2 kHz reduces attack and clarity in the mids and highs: intentional per ELAC’s design, but not to Erin’s personal preference. Lower measured sensitivity (84.3 dB) means it wants more amplifier power than average to reach the same levels. Multitone distortion roughly triples, from about 1% to 3%, between 88 dB and 96 dB output, so it’s happiest at moderate listening levels. A minor distortion bump shows up around 800 Hz in the data, though Erin didn’t hear it. Discontinued and no longer sold new.

Full ELAC VELA BS 403 review and specifications →

Released	May 2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	46Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	59Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2.4kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14-3/16”H x 7-1/2”W x 9-3/8”D
Drivers	JET 5 folded ribbon tweeter, 6” aluminum/paper sandwich cone woofer
Frequency Response	41Hz - 50kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	up to 100W RMS
Sensitivity	84.3dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.94
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.28
Weight	15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each

Search eBay for ELAC VELA BS 403 →

Ranked #40 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Philharmonic BMR (v1): $2,395 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Philharmonic BMR Monitor, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5, released 2015. See every Philharmonic BMR generation.

Pros: Large three-way combining a Scan-Speak 7-inch paper/carbon woofer, 2.5-inch Tectonic balanced-mode midrange and RAAL 64-10 ribbon. Erin measured approximately +/-1.5dB linearity from 80Hz upward, very broad +/-40-degree-or-better horizontal coverage and about 83dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity. The port is tuned in the mid/low-30Hz region without audible chuffing, the midrange provides unusually expansive staging, and distortion remained subjectively unobtrusive. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.

Cons: The measured 83dB sensitivity and roughly 4-ohm load demand meaningful external amplification. A 1-2dB shelf below about 300Hz reduces warmth unless corrected, while a response/impedance feature near 250-300Hz corresponded with Erin’s sense of resonance. The ribbon produces narrower vertical than horizontal radiation, and second-order high-frequency distortion plus dynamic enhancement near 3kHz appeared in testing. This was an earlier cabinet/version, not the current v2. Discontinued.

Full Philharmonic BMR (v1) review and specifications →

Released	2015 (11 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	Approximately 62Hz relative to mean (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner website)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	22H x 9W x 13.5D in
Drivers	RAAL 64-10 ribbon; 2.5” BMR midrange; 7” Scan-Speak woofer
Impedance	Approximately 4 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Port Tuning	Mid/low-30Hz range (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	Approximately 83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.86
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.17
Weight	37.9 lbs (17.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for Philharmonic BMR (v1) →

Ranked #44 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT: $3,998 per pair JTR Speakers $1,999 eBay

Same family: the JTR Speakers Noesis 212RT (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5).

Pros: Exceptionally high-output sealed loudspeaker: Erin measured 92.5dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, less than 3% distortion at both 86dB and 96dB test levels, and excellent compression behavior. The coaxial compression driver and dual 10-inch woofers cross at roughly 850Hz into a nominal 60° x 60° pattern, keeping radiation controlled enough that broad response errors remain amenable to EQ. Its sealed 12dB/octave bass roll-off simplifies subwoofer integration, while Baltic-birch construction and professional-grade drivers suit reference-level cinema use. Measured bass extension of 76Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92.5dB.

Cons: Erin measured F3 at 76Hz and F10 at 43Hz, so the 210HT is designed to hand bass duties to subwoofers rather than operate full-range. The impedance falls to approximately 3 ohms through 100-200Hz (Erin), making a stable separate amplifier preferable. Midrange resonances and the horn-to-woofer directivity transition raise the predicted in-room treble balance; careful toe-in, room treatment and DSP are advisable. Each enclosure is unusually large and heavy for a stand-mount, and the narrow coverage is less forgiving across a wide seating area.

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Full JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	Approximately 850Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	34”H x 12.25”W x 14”D
Drivers	Dual 10” woofers; coaxial compression driver on 60° x 60° horn
Impedance	Approximately 3 ohms minimum at 100-200Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	92.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.66
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.41
Weight	85.1 lbs (38.6 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at JTR Speakers ($1,999) →Search eBay for JTR Speakers Noesis 210HT →

Ranked #49 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Emotiva Airmotiv XB2: $549 per pair Emotiva $549 eBay

Older models: the Emotiva B1+ (rated 4.1/5) and the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ (ranked lower, rated 3/5). See every Emotiva Airmotiv generation.

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Full Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2.6kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12.8” x 8.5” x 11.5” (325 x 216 x 292 mm)
Drivers	1x 6” woven cone woofer, 1x 25x32mm AMT folded ribbon tweeter
Frequency Response	48Hz - 27kHz (+3/-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (safe with 8-ohm rated amps)
Power Handling	125W continuous, 200W peak
Sensitivity	86dB (2.83V/1m, Manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.65
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.93
Weight	18.1 lbs (8.2 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	Bass reflex, rear ported

Check current price at Emotiva ($549) →Search eBay for Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 →

Ranked #50 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63: $499.00 per pair Amazon $499.00 Crutchfield $499.00 eBay

Older model: the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 (ranked lower, rated 3.5/5). See every ELAC Debut generation.

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Full ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	76Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.3”H x 7.7”W x 11.7”D (337.8 x 195.6 x 297.2 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (4.4 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Weight	17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($499.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($499.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63 →

Ranked #51 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX: $1,499 per pair Arendal Sound $1,499 eBay

Same family: the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S THX (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Tower THX (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Center S THX (smaller center, estimated 3.7/5) and the Arendal Sound 1723 Center THX (larger center, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: Exceptionally controlled radiation for a conventional two-way: Erin found the early-reflections directivity index smooth enough for broad-band EQ, while horizontal coverage remains orderly through the 1.5kHz crossover. Midbass attack around 120-160Hz is strong, the response is mostly neutral below the treble shelf, and dynamic compression remains under roughly 1dB even near 102dB/1m above the bass. The waveguided 28mm dome and heavy HDF enclosure support clean, cinema-capable output, and sealed/ported flexibility eases subwoofer integration. Measured bass extension of ~80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81.6dB.

Cons: Erin measured only 81.6dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, so substantial amplifier voltage is required. Anechoic output rolls off around 80Hz and 3% THD is crossed near 80Hz at 96dB, making an 80Hz subwoofer crossover effectively mandatory. The treble sits a couple dB high on-axis and can sound bright; Erin preferred roughly 20° toe-out or a ~2dB high shelf. A vertical cancellation appears above the tweeter axis, so multi-row installations need careful height/aiming.

Full Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	44.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	~80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.2”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (385 x 245 x 320 mm)
Drivers	6.5-inch woofer; 28mm waveguided soft-dome tweeter
Enclosure	HDF, sealed/ported
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	81.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.89
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.68
Weight	32 lbs (14.5 kg) each

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($1,499) →Search eBay for Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX →

Ranked #55 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Danley SH50: $8,000 per pair Danley Dealer Contact eBay

Pros: A true point-source-style professional loudspeaker: two 12-inch woofers, four 5-inch midranges and a compression driver share one Synergy horn, preserving approximately 50° x 50° constant directivity through most of the passband. Erin measured roughly 97dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity, an F3 near 60Hz and extraordinary output. Distortion stayed below 1% above about 60Hz at 86dB, and compression remained negligible above roughly 70Hz even at 102dB. Broad response trends can be corrected with DSP without destroying the controlled radiation pattern. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 97dB.

Cons: This 133-pound, roughly 28-inch cube is engineered for venues and large rooms, not conventional domestic nearfield listening. Its narrow 50° coverage demands precise aiming and provides a small sweet area close up. Erin measured impedance just below 4 ohms near 100Hz and 1kHz; the high sensitivity eases voltage demand, but professional use still warrants a robust dedicated amplifier and DSP. A resonance/second-harmonic distortion feature around 900Hz and smaller nonminimum-phase response features cannot be fully equalized. Subwoofers remain appropriate below the approximately 60Hz measured F3.

Full Danley SH50 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2005 (20 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	Approximately 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Coverage	50° horizontal x 50° vertical
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	28”H x 28”W x 25.5”D
Drivers	Two 12” woofers; four 5” midranges; 1” compression driver in Synergy horn
Impedance	Just under 4 ohms near 100Hz and 1kHz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Maximum SPL	127dB continuous, 133dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	Approximately 97dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	-0.29 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	1.93 (spinorama.org)
Weight	132.9 lbs (60.3 kg) each

Check current price at Danley Dealer Contact →Search eBay for Danley SH50 →

Ranked #56 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX: $2,400 per pair Arendal Sound $2,400 eBay

Same family: the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S THX (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Tower THX (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Center S THX (smaller center, estimated 3.7/5) and the Arendal Sound 1723 Center THX (larger center, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: Independent ASR Klippel data shows a narrow 1.8dB reference band, 0.391 listening-window smoothness, and useful bass extension to 48.3Hz at -6dB. Its preference score rises from 5.16 to 7.30 with a subwoofer. Dual 8-inch woofers, a waveguided tweeter, robust HDF construction, and THX Ultra certification suit high-output rooms. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The measured on-axis average absolute deviation is 0.979dB and the sound-power directivity-index standard deviation is 3.63, so its response and dispersion are less even than the best alternatives. Bass reaches only 63Hz at -3dB despite the very large cabinet, and the 1.239 low-frequency Q indicates a pronounced alignment. At roughly 60 lb each, these require substantial stands and space.

Full Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX review and specifications →

Released	2017 (9 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	approximately 37Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	63Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Certification	THX Ultra
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.7”H x 10.8”W x 25”D (400 x 275 x 635 mm)
Drivers	Two 8-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	89dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.16
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.30
Weight	58.9 lbs (26.7 kg) each

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($2,400) →Search eBay for Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX →

Ranked #62 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - StarkSound Beta 5: $499.00 per pair Amazon $499.00 eBay

Pros: Impressive bass extension for the price: F3 at 52Hz, F10 at 37Hz, reaching down to 40-50Hz in-room with solid kick-drum impact. Good harmonic distortion control at both moderate and loud listening levels. Solid build with a thick polycarbonate baffle meant to reduce cabinet resonance. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.

Cons: Sensitivity undershoots its own spec: rated 86dB, measured closer to 83dB. A resonance artifact shows up independently in the on-axis response, burst decay, and impedance measurements, hurting directivity. Multitone distortion spikes to about 10% in the 800Hz-1kHz range, tied to woofer excursion: a subwoofer crossover helps. Needs to sit close to the wall (about 10 inches) or be EQ’d if placed further out, since the midrange sounds thin and the treble boosted otherwise.

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Full StarkSound Beta 5 review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2026 (9 months ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2200Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	11.9” x 7.2” x 13” (302 x 182 x 330 mm)
Drivers	1.15” tweeter, 5.25” dry-carbon woofer
Frequency Response	45Hz - 23kHz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Maximum SPL	108dB (1m, Manufacturer specified)
Recommended Power	30W - 150W
Sensitivity	83dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Weight	15 lbs (6.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	Bass reflex, rear ported

Check current price at Amazon ($499.00) →Search eBay for StarkSound Beta 5 →

Links
- Official StarkSound Beta 5 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: This Speaker Setup Mistake Will Ruin Your Sound More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #64 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Power Sound Audio MT-110-M: $1,350 per pair Power Sound Audio $1,350 eBay

Pros: Made in the USA with a 1” polyimide compression tweeter on a cast aluminum exponential horn plus a 10” high-efficiency neodymium woofer, both BMS-made drivers. Reasonably high measured sensitivity (about 92.5dB at 2.83V/1m), so it doesn’t need much power to play loud. Excellent dynamic range: frequency response barely shifts (about 0.5dB deviation) from 76dB to 102dB output, which the reviewer calls completely acceptable headroom. Not fatiguing or bright despite the horn-loaded compression driver: the constant-directivity horn avoids the artificially flat, reflection-heavy in-room high-frequency buildup that some waveguide designs suffer from. Sealed cabinet design means placement near a wall is less of a bass-reinforcement concern than with a ported design. Solid build quality using threaded nutserts rather than screws driven directly into the cabinet wood. Measured bass extension of 113Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 92.5dB.

Cons: A mid-range bump makes the tonal balance sound too thick and needs 2-3 bands of EQ to flatten out; correcting it also pulls measured sensitivity down to about 90-91dB in practice. F3 of 113Hz and F10 of 68Hz mean this doesn’t get low without a subwoofer: in the reviewer’s room it barely reached 70Hz with any real authority. Rising distortion in the upper mid-range, likely from woofer breakup, that lines up with anomalies seen in the impedance sweep above 500Hz: not a major concern but worth noting. The reviewer explicitly frames this as a home theater speaker rather than a stereo/music speaker.

Featured on:

Tube & Low-Power Amps

Full Power Sound Audio MT-110-M review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	113Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	USA
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17.5”H x 11”W x 14”D (includes grille)
Drivers	1” polyimide compression tweeter with cast aluminum exponential horn, 10” high-efficiency neodymium woofer
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; matches manufacturer spec)
Power Handling	175W
Sensitivity	92.5dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; matches manufacturer spec)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.53
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.86
Weight	30 lbs (13.6 kg) each (unboxed)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Power Sound Audio ($1,350) →Search eBay for Power Sound Audio MT-110-M →

Ranked #66 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62: $1,299.00 per pair Amazon $1,299.00 eBay

Same family: the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UFR52 (floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5) and the ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UCR52 (center, rated 3.3/5).

Full ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension	41Hz manufacturer specified; Erin’s response-linearity graph shows limited high-output bass headroom
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	58.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.1”H x 8.2”W x 13.1”D
Drivers	1” tweeter coaxial with 4” midrange; 6.5” woofer
Impedance	4 ohms minimum near 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	83dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.44 (measured, spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.7 (measured, spinorama.org)
Weight	23.5 lbs (10.68 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, dual front slot vents

Check current price at Amazon ($1,299.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Uni-Fi Reference UBR62 →

Ranked #67 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX: $2,200 per pair Arendal Sound $2,200 eBay

Same family: the Arendal 1723 Bookshelf S THX (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor THX (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Tower S THX (smaller floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Tower THX (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5), the Arendal Sound 1723 Center S THX (smaller center, estimated 3.7/5) and the Arendal Sound 1723 Center THX (larger center, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: A THX-certified two-way with twin 6.5-inch woofers around a waveguided 28mm tweeter, and port plugs that let you run it sealed, with one vent or two to suit the room. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a listening window within a 2.4dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz, a smooth listening window (0.77) and predicted in-room response (0.71), and a preference score of 5.07 that rises to 7.08 with an ideal subwoofer. Sensitivity is a healthy 88.7dB. Measured bass extension of 76.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: In the configuration measured, the bass response starts to fall early, about 77Hz at -3dB, though it keeps going to about 50Hz at -6dB and 33Hz at -10dB, so it benefits from a subwoofer or placement near a wall. It is large and heavy for a stand-mount at 56.9cm tall and 18.7kg, presents a 4-ohm load, and is sold direct by Arendal.

Full Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2017 (8 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	76.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Certification	THX Ultra
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	22.4”H x 9.6”W x 12.6”D (569 x 245 x 320 mm)
Drivers	Two 6.5-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided tweeter
Frequency Response	46Hz-20kHz ±3dB with two vents, 66Hz sealed (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	88.7dB (manufacturer specified, 2.83V/1m)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.08
Weight	41.2 lbs (18.7 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed or ported (port plugs included)

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($2,200) →Search eBay for Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX →

Ranked #68 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Paradigm Founder 40B: $2,399.98 per pair Audio Advice $1,199.99 eBay

Older model: the Paradigm Prestige 15B (rated 3.5/5). See every Paradigm Prestige and Founder generation.

Same family: the Paradigm Founder 80F (smallest floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Paradigm Founder 100F (floorstanding, estimated 4.4/5), the Paradigm Founder 120H (largest floorstanding, estimated 4.6/5), the Paradigm Founder 70LCR (smaller center, estimated 4.1/5) and the Paradigm Founder 90C (larger center, rated 2.5/5).

Pros: A 6-inch aluminum-magnesium woofer and a 1-inch ceramic dome tweeter in a deep waveguide, with Paradigm’s perforated phase-aligning lenses over both. Toed in 30 degrees as Paradigm recommends, Erin’s Audio Corner measured an exceptionally even listening window, within a 1.7dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz, with low on-axis deviation (0.36) and wide horizontal dispersion averaging 60 degrees, for a preference score of 4.89 that rises to 7.11 with an ideal subwoofer. Sensitivity is a high 89dB anechoic. Measured bass extension of 69.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass rolls off early for a speaker this size, about 70Hz at -3dB and 44Hz at -10dB, so it works best with a subwoofer or close to a wall. It needs the recommended toe-in: measured straight on, its response is less even (preference score 4.58) and the tonal balance shifts. At about $2,400 a pair it is expensive for a 6-inch two-way.

Full Paradigm Founder 40B review and specifications →

Released	May 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	69.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.5”H x 7.8”W x 12.6”D (368 x 197 x 320 mm)
Drivers	6” AL-MAG woofer; 1” AL-MAC ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide
Frequency Response	69Hz-23kHz ±2dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	Compatible with 8 ohms (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	89dB anechoic, 92dB in-room (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.89
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.11
Weight	24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Audio Advice ($1,199.99) →Search eBay for Paradigm Founder 40B →

Links
- Official Paradigm Founder 40B Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #80 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC DBR62: $664.99 per pair Amazon $664.99 Crutchfield $799.00 eBay

Same family: the ELAC Debut Reference DFR52 (floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5) and the ELAC Debut Reference DCR52 (center, estimated 3.4/5).

Full ELAC DBR62 review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.27
Weight	18.1 lbs (8.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Amazon ($664.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($799.00) →Search eBay for ELAC DBR62 →

Ranked #81 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Yamaha NS-800A: $4,999.90 per pair The Music Room $4,999.90 eBay

Pros: Exceptionally well-built cabinet with no internal resonance issues at all: confirmed clean in both burst decay and impedance measurements. Good, wide directivity (~75 degrees horizontal) that stays consistent enough to EQ successfully. Distortion is low, staying under 3% at 96dB, and dynamic range holds up well until right near its 102dB limit. A shallower, higher-frequency bass rolloff profile (F3 68Hz, F10 35Hz) means it can be placed closer to the wall (about a foot) without turning boomy, actually gaining bass presence rather than losing it. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.9dB.

Cons: A wide, roughly 2kHz-10kHz scoop in the upper-midrange/lower-treble gives it a laidback, soft, low-attack character: notably worse than the reviewer’s Audio First Fidelia reference in an A/B comparison. On top of that, treble breaks up badly above 10kHz, swinging up as much as 8dB: a significant, named flaw. Sounds inconsistently voiced as a result (bright on some material like cymbals and shakers, dull/laidback on vocals and instrument attack) until corrected with real parametric EQ (the reviewer needed a +2dB boost around 4.5kHz at Q0.5 plus taming the treble spike to bring it to life) combined with near-wall placement and 30-degree toe-out. Without that combination, it’s a tough sale for a $5000 bookshelf speaker.

Full Yamaha NS-800A review and specifications →

Released	2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2600Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.5”H x 9.1”W x 14.1”D (419.1 x 231.8 x 358.8 mm)
Drivers	1.25” dome tweeter, 6.5” mid-woofer
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 4.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	40W nominal, 120W max
Sensitivity	84.9dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86.5dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.66
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.43
Weight	28.7 lbs (13.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	Bass reflex

Check current price at The Music Room ($4,999.90) →Search eBay for Yamaha NS-800A →

Links
- Official Yamaha NS-800A Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #95 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL L100 Classic MKII: $5,599.90 per pair Crutchfield $2,799.95 eBay

Older model: the JBL L100 Classic (ranked lower, estimated 3.7/5). See every JBL Classic L Series generation.

Same family: the JBL L82 Classic MkII (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 4/5).

Pros: A high-output modern version of JBL’s iconic 1970s monitor, with a 12-inch woofer, dedicated midrange and adjustable mid/treble level controls. Erin’s measurements show excellent 0.152 on-axis smoothness, a tight 2.70 directivity-index deviation, and 41Hz estimated in-room extension. Measured bass extension of 50.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The response has a moderate -0.30dB-per-octave downward tilt and the bass alignment is somewhat resonant at Q 1.64. It is very large for a standmount, weighs nearly 59 lb each, and matching JS-120 stands cost extra.

Full JBL L100 Classic MKII review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2023 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 32.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Country	United States (design)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	25.1H x 15.7W x 14.6D in
Drivers	1” titanium-dome tweeter, 5.25” midrange, 12” pulp-cone woofer
Enclosure	3-way, front-ported
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	90dB
Spinorama Preference Score	4.64
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.59
Weight	58.9 lbs (26.7 kg) each

Check current price at Crutchfield ($2,799.95) →Search eBay for JBL L100 Classic MKII →

Links
- JBL L100 Classic MKII Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Trick to Getting Ultimate Sound Quality with JBL L100 Classic MkII! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #96 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Dynaudio Contour 20i: $5750 per pair Safe and Sound HQ $5750 eBay

Pros: Two-way design with a 1.125” Esotar2i silk dome tweeter and a 7” magnesium silicate polymer woofer in a vented enclosure. A shallow bass rolloff profile lets it sit closer to a wall (about 1-2 feet worked best in testing) without becoming boomy, and makes subwoofer integration comparatively easy. Very wide horizontal radiation (about ±70° through the midrange) gives an enveloping, spacious sound in a suitably sized room. On-axis response holds within about ±3dB overall and ±1.5dB through the midrange. Attractive build quality with a distinctive metal front baffle and gloss finish options. Long-term compression stays good up to 96dB, and short-term compression is within about 0.5dB at that same level. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Notably room-dependent: sounds too bright in the lower treble in smaller rooms with close sidewalls, needing sidewall absorption to sound neutral, while performing better in larger or more open rooms without that treatment. A roughly 2dB lift in the lower treble combined with wide dispersion means more energy reflecting off sidewalls than some listeners will prefer. Relatively low sensitivity (about 82.5dB measured). Unusually sensitive to amplifier output impedance: high-output-impedance amps like tube or SET designs introduce up to a 2dB dip in the midrange, making the sound more mellow rather than “warmer,” the opposite of what many tube-amp buyers expect. Elevated harmonic and multitone distortion around 700Hz, which the reviewer attributes to typical cone-edge/surround behavior common across many driver brands, though it stands out on the measurement graphs. An upper-midrange dip around 2kHz can reduce attack and clarity on vocals and brass instruments. Vertical listening window is fairly narrow (roughly -20° to +30°): moving outside that range causes a noticeable tonal shift, unlike coaxial designs that tolerate more vertical movement.

Full Dynaudio Contour 20i review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17.4”H x 8.5”W x 14.2”D (442 x 215.9 x 360.7 mm)
Drivers	18 cm MSP woofer, 28mm Esotar 2i with Hexis tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	82.5dB
Weight	30.9 lbs (14 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Safe and Sound HQ ($5750) →Search eBay for Dynaudio Contour 20i →

Links
- Official Dynaudio Contour 20i Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Dynaudio Contour 20i Bookshelf Speaker Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #98 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - SVS Ultra Bookshelf: $1,200 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 4/5, released Apr 2024. See every SVS Ultra and Ultra Evolution generation.

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. Measured bass extension of 69Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.8dB.

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. Discontinued; SVS replaced the Ultra line with the Ultra Evolution series.

Full SVS Ultra Bookshelf review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2013 (13 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	69Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.63
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.10
Weight	19 lbs (8.6 kg) each

Search eBay for SVS Ultra Bookshelf →

Ranked #99 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Monolith Encore B6 Discontinued eBay

Same family: the Monolith Encore T6 (floorstanding, rated 4/5) and the Monolith Encore C6 (center, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: For its budget price, the B6 delivers useful midbass punch and a long reflex tail: Erin measured F3 at 68Hz and F10 near 37Hz. The revised tweeter assembly yields broadly smooth horizontal directivity and an early-reflections trend that accepts EQ well. At sane levels, its 6.5-inch pulp woofer provides satisfying attack, and gloss top/bottom panels plus a braced MDF cabinet are unusually substantial for the class. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.3dB.

Cons: Erin measured 85.3dB sensitivity and a 3.4-ohm minimum, so this is not an easy load despite its modest output ceiling. Low-frequency compression reaches about 2dB and distortion rises rapidly when driven full-range; use an 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Response variation is roughly +2.7/-3.7dB, with residual crossover/treble irregularities that keep it from true neutrality without EQ. The listening window tightens vertically, so ear height matters. Discontinued.

Full Monolith Encore B6 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2021 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.7H x 7.9W x 9.9D inches
Drivers	6.5-inch pulp woofer; 25mm waveguided silk dome
Impedance	4 ohms nominal; 3.4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.3dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.67
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.93
Weight	15.4 lbs (7.0 kg) each

Search eBay for Monolith Encore B6 →

Ranked #110 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Buchardt S400 MKII: $2400 per pair Discontinued Buchardt Audio $2400 eBay

Newer model: the Buchardt S400 MK3, ranked higher, estimated 4/5, released Mar 2026.

Older model: the Buchardt Audio S400 (ranked higher, rated 4.4/5). See every Buchardt S400 generation.

Pros: Two-way design with a 3/4” tweeter on a well-implemented aluminum waveguide (compression-driver style, letting the small tweeter cross unusually low at 1800Hz), a 6” SB Acoustics-style mid-woofer, and a tunable 5x8” passive radiator adjustable via rear weights. Exceptionally flat on-axis linearity, within about ±2dB from 80Hz to 16kHz. Wide horizontal radiation for a waveguided design (about ±45-50°), notably broader than a comparable narrow-waveguide rival like the Klipsch Sevens (~±30°). Well-focused, precise imaging, aided by tight pair matching between the two speakers. Takes very well to EQ correction, letting listeners easily dial in the top end or add midrange fullness to taste. Bass extension reaches a genuine 50Hz in-room from a mellow, well-tuned rolloff rather than an artificially boosted one. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.7dB.

Cons: Sounds a bit bright and slightly boosted above about 7-8kHz on-axis, even with 30° of toe-out: benefits from about 1 inch of sidewall absorption at the first reflection points to tame it. A mild dullness noted especially on male vocals, alongside a small dip around 300-600Hz. Vertical positioning is critical and unusually “temperamental”: sitting even slightly toward the tweeter line causes a suckout, while sitting above it adds too much energy; not well suited to multi-height home theater seating. Distortion is fine at 86dB but runs into real issues by 96dB: not a high-output speaker. Some compression-related enhancement appears around 1.2kHz (crossover-region interaction), and the tweeter shows clear compression at 102dB. The woofer can bottom out at extreme low-frequency content played very loud; crossing to a subwoofer below 60Hz caused output problems at high volume, while 80-100Hz worked well. A subwoofer isn’t strictly required to protect the speaker at moderate listening levels (80-85dB at 3 meters), but is still recommended for genuine low-octave extension. Discontinued.

Full Buchardt S400 MKII review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.4”H x 7”W x 11”D (365.8 x 177.8 x 279.4 mm)
Drivers	6.5” aluminum cone woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.46
Weight	16.5 lbs (7.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Buchardt Audio ($2400) →Search eBay for Buchardt S400 MKII →

Links
- Official Buchardt S400 MKII Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #114 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - MoFi SourcePoint 10 Master Edition: $3,799 per pair MoFi Electronics $3,799 eBay

Older model: the MoFi SourcePoint 10 (ranked higher, rated 4.4/5). See every MoFi SourcePoint generation.

Pros: A high-sensitivity 10-inch concentric design with a refined crossover, adjustable treble and amplifier-friendly impedance. Local Spinorama scores of 4.76 raw and 6.77 with a subwoofer combine with 42Hz extension and broad controlled radiation. Measured bass extension of 56.4Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The cabinets are unusually large and heavy for stand-mount speakers, and suitable stands add expense and floor space. A mild response contour remains despite the premium Master Edition crossover.

Full MoFi SourcePoint 10 Master Edition review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2025 (1 year ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41.0Hz (derived from Erin’s Audio Corner on-axis curve, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	56.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	22.5H x 14.5W x 16.6D in
Drivers	1.25-inch soft-dome tweeter concentric in 10-inch paper woofer
Enclosure	2-way vented
Frequency Response	42Hz-30kHz
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 6.2 ohms minimum
Sensitivity	91dB
Spinorama Preference Score	4.76
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.77
Weight	46.3 lbs (21 kg) each

Check current price at MoFi Electronics ($3,799) →Search eBay for MoFi SourcePoint 10 Master Edition →

Links
- MoFi SourcePoint 10 Master Edition Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Time for a Switch?! MoFi SourcePoint 10 Master Edition Is Here! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- SourcePoint 10 Master Edition Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #115 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - DIYSG HTM-12 v1: $660 per pair per kit Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the DIYSG HTM-12 v2, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5, released 2020 (also discontinued). See every DIYSG HTM-12 generation.

Pros: A high-output home theater kit with a 12” Eminence Deltalite woofer and a Denovo DNA-325 compression driver in a SEOS-15 waveguide. Erin measured about 94dB sensitivity and the lowest distortion and compression he had measured at the time, so it plays very loud cleanly. Measured bass extension of 78Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 94dB.

Cons: A dip around 3kHz makes voices sound less natural and calls for EQ, and the radiation pattern changes with frequency, for a preference score of 2.59 that reaches 5.38 with an ideal subwoofer. Bass rolls off early, 78Hz (-3dB) and 53Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer. It is a kit: the cabinet must be built or bought separately. DIYSG replaced it with the DIYSG HTM-12 v2. Discontinued.

Full DIYSG HTM-12 v1 review and specifications →

Released	2017 (9 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	78Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	Yes
Drivers	12” Eminence Deltalite woofer; Denovo DNA-325 compression driver in SEOS-15 waveguide
Sensitivity	94dB/2.83V/1m (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.59
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.38

Search eBay for DIYSG HTM-12 v1 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- DIYSG HTM-12 v1 vs DIYSG HTM-12 v2

Ranked #119 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - PS Audio Aspen FR5: $3,499 per pair PS Audio $3,499 eBay

Same family: the PS Audio Aspen FR10 (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.2/5), the PS Audio Aspen FR20 (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5) and the PS Audio Aspen FR30 (largest floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5).

Pros: Deep-reaching compact design combining a 6.5-inch woofer, rear passive radiator and planar-magnetic tweeter. Erin’s data estimates 34Hz extension, a near-neutral +0.10dB/octave slope and a 6.26 preference score with a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 56.4Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.5dB.

Cons: Very low measured sensitivity near 81.6dB means it needs capable amplification despite its benign 5.6-ohm minimum. On-axis smoothness (0.217), directivity consistency (3.46) and predicted in-room smoothness (0.229) are respectable rather than exceptional at this price.

Full PS Audio Aspen FR5 review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 32.4Hz (measured, Spinorama data)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	56.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.5H x 8W x 13D in
Drivers	2.5” planar tweeter, 6.5” woofer
Enclosure	2-way passive with rear passive radiator
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.6 ohms minimum
Sensitivity	83.5dB specified; 81.6dB measured
Spinorama Preference Score	4.64
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.26
Weight	26.7 lbs (12.1 kg) each

Check current price at PS Audio ($3,499) →Search eBay for PS Audio Aspen FR5 →

Links
- PS Audio Aspen FR5 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: What Makes PS Audio FR5 Bookshelf Speakers SO Special? More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #121 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch RP-600M II: $449.99 per pair Amazon $449.99 eBay

Older model: the Klipsch RP-600M (ranked lower, rated 2.9/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Full Klipsch RP-600M II review and specifications →

Released	May 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.7”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm)
Drivers	6.5” Cerametallic cone woofer, 1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.64
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.77
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($449.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-600M II →

Ranked #129 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Dynaudio Emit 20: $1,049.00 per pair Amazon $1,049.00 eBay

Full Dynaudio Emit 20 review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2019 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.6”H x 8.1”W x 12.3”D (370.0 x 205.0 x 312.0 mm)
Drivers	7.1” Magnesium Silicate Polymer woofer, 1.1” Cerotar soft dome with Hexis tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (5.5 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.22
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.92
Weight	12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,049.00) →Search eBay for Dynaudio Emit 20 →

Links
- Official Dynaudio Emit 20 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #130 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Philharmonic BMR Monitor: $2200 per pair Philharmonic Audio $2200 eBay

Older model: the Philharmonic BMR (v1) (ranked higher, rated 4.3/5). See every Philharmonic BMR generation.

Full Philharmonic BMR Monitor review and specifications →

Released	2015 (11 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	20”H x 8”W x 12.5”D (508 x 203.2 x 317.5 mm)
Drivers	6” Ceramic woofer, Balanced Mode Radiator 2.5” midrange, RAAL 64-10X OEM tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.02 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.67 (spinorama.org)
Weight	32 lbs (14.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Philharmonic Audio ($2200) →Search eBay for Philharmonic BMR Monitor →

Ranked #131 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - JBL Studio 630: $699 per pair Discontinued eBay

Older model: the JBL Studio 530 (rated 3.3/5). See every JBL Studio generation.

Same family: the JBL Studio 690 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5) and the JBL Studio 698 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.3/5).

Pros: Excellent directivity linearity: harmonics of the same instrument stay collocated in the soundstage instead of drifting between positions, giving precise, stable imaging that holds up well into higher frequencies where many speakers start to beam and narrow. Good compression behavior: mid-bass stays taut and controlled from low to high volume without the sound falling apart or distorting as you turn it up. A pleasant, controlled mid-bass bump in the 60-100 Hz range adds punch to kick drums without bleeding into an uncontrolled boom on bass guitar. Horizontal radiation holds steady off-axis (about ±60°), so toe-in isn’t fussy. Compared directly to its predecessor, the JBL Studio 530, the reviewer would pick the 630 (smoother trend line through the upper mids and treble, and likely more dynamic headroom) as long as you’re willing to EQ. Measured bass extension of 54.2Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.2dB.

Cons: Noticeable mid-range dip/scoop relative to the higher frequencies: not dramatic, but audibly “missing” something by the second or third track. Some tracks read as forward or aggressive around 2 kHz, like the upper frequencies are jumping out at you rather than sitting in stage depth. Needs EQ to bring the mid-range back up to be fully recommendable; without EQ available, the reviewer says he’d look at a different speaker entirely. Measured sensitivity (about 83.2dB) runs noticeably below the 85dB manufacturer spec, likely a byproduct of the mid-range dip skewing the average downward. Discontinued and no longer sold new.

Full JBL Studio 630 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14-13/16”H x 9”W x 11-5/16”D
Drivers	6.5” PolyPlas cone woofer, 1” compression driver (2414H-1) with waveguide
Frequency Response	45Hz - 40,000Hz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 4.7 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	up to 150W
Sensitivity	83.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 85dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.67
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.68
Weight	19.8 lbs (9 kg) each

Search eBay for JBL Studio 630 →

Ranked #135 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - MartinLogan Motion XT B100: $1,359.98 per pair Amazon $679.99 MartinLogan Dealer Network $849.99 eBay

Older model: the MartinLogan Motion 35XTi (ranked lower, estimated 3.4/5). See every MartinLogan Motion generation.

Same family: the MartinLogan Motion XT F100 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.9/5), the MartinLogan Motion XT F200 (larger floorstanding, estimated 4/5) and the MartinLogan Motion XT C100 (center, estimated 3.9/5).

Pros: A premium 6.5-inch standmount with MartinLogan’s large folded-motion tweeter and high rated sensitivity. Erin’s data predicts 55Hz in-room extension, a 6.35 subwoofer-assisted preference score and good 0.153 sound-power smoothness. Measured bass extension of 71.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The measured response rises strongly at +0.84dB per octave and directivity-index consistency is a poor 4.34, so tonal balance and off-axis behavior are less neutral than the price implies. The cabinet is large, heavy and $680 per pair before stands.

Full MartinLogan Motion XT B100 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50.7Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Country	United States (design)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.5H x 8W x 12.5D in
Drivers	1.25 x 2.4” folded-motion XT tweeter, 6.5” Kevlar woofer
Enclosure	2-way, rear-ported
Impedance	4 ohms
Sensitivity	93dB
Spinorama Preference Score	3.83
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.35
Weight	20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($679.99) →Check current price at MartinLogan Dealer Network ($849.99) →Search eBay for MartinLogan Motion XT B100 →

Links
- MartinLogan Motion XT B100 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Martin Logan XT B100 & B10 Review (LIVE) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #137 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Parts Express Samba MT: $329.96 per pair Parts Express $164.98 eBay

Pros: A Dayton Audio designed two-way kit built around the RS180P-4 7-inch Reference paper woofer and the RST28F-4 fabric-dome tweeter, with CNC-cut MDF knock-down panels, the crossover parts and damping included. Erin’s Audio Corner measured deep bass for a bookshelf, about 45Hz at -3dB and 34Hz at -10dB, a smooth predicted in-room response (0.69 smoothness) and wide horizontal dispersion averaging 60 degrees, for a preference score of 4.46. Measured bass extension of 45.4Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The listening window spans 6.0dB between 300Hz and 5kHz in Erin’s Audio Corner’s measurements, less even than the best speakers here, and the preference score only reaches 6.27 with an ideal subwoofer. It is a kit: you assemble the cabinet, solder the crossover and finish the raw MDF yourself, and each kit builds a single speaker.

Full Parts Express Samba MT review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	33.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	Yes
Dimensions	15”H x 8.5”W x 11.7”D (381 x 216 x 298 mm)
Drivers	Dayton Audio RS180P-4 7” paper woofer, RST28F-4 1-1/8” fabric dome tweeter
Frequency Response	40Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Power Handling	70W RMS, 140W max (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87dB 1W/1m (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.46
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.27
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Parts Express ($164.98) →Search eBay for Parts Express Samba MT →

Links
- Official Parts Express Samba MT Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #143 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Dynaudio Special Forty: $3600 per pair Safe and Sound HQ $3600 eBay

Pros: Smooth, “buttery” overall tonal character consistent with Dynaudio’s house sound. Surprisingly precise, focused imaging despite wide horizontal radiation (about ±70°): atypical, since wide-radiating speakers usually sacrifice some image precision in reflective rooms. Strong output capability: reached 100-101dB average at 3.5 meters with no audible distortion or woofer distress, and compression testing at 102dB shows the cabinet holding up mechanically well at extreme output. Bass reaches a genuine 50Hz (potentially 40Hz) in most rooms from a rear-ported design. Distortion stays below 1% at 86dB and doesn’t cross 3% THD until about 50Hz even at 96dB. Extra weight and impact on snares and percussion around 700-800Hz that the reviewer found appealing on many tracks. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.5dB.

Cons: A glaring, sometimes sibilant quality around 3-4kHz was the most noticeable issue in listening, the one thing the reviewer would want notched out with EQ. Multiple enclosure resonances appear between 500Hz-1kHz across on-axis, listening window, early-reflections, and sound-power measurements, corroborated by independent third-party CSD data showing similar 500-800Hz cabinet resonances. A dip around 1.2kHz traces to a cone-edge-to-surround compliance mismatch in the driver itself (confirmed by testing the bare driver’s impedance): a known artifact common to many similarly-sized drivers across several manufacturers, contributing to elevated second-order distortion in that region. A somewhat laid-back, recessed 1-2kHz character (sometimes described as a “BBC dip”) gives an overall subdued quality that isn’t overtly problematic but shapes the tonal balance. Impedance drops below 3 ohms in the 100-200Hz region, requiring a genuinely 4-ohm-stable amplifier rather than an AVR. Rear port means it can’t be placed directly against a wall.

Full Dynaudio Special Forty review and specifications →

Released	2017 (9 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.1”H x 7.7”W x 12.1”D (358.1 x 195.6 x 307.3 mm)
Drivers	5.9” MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) cone woofer, 1” Esotar soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (4.9 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	83.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 86dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.73
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.74
Weight	17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Safe and Sound HQ ($3600) →Search eBay for Dynaudio Special Forty →

Ranked #144 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2: $329.00 per pair Amazon $329.00 Crutchfield $329.00 eBay

Newer model: the ELAC Debut 3.0 DB63, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Sep 2024. See every ELAC Debut generation.

Same family: the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.2/5).

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. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.5dB.

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).

Featured on:

Under $500

Full ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2018 (8 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.75 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.0 (spinorama.org)
Weight	29.1 lbs (13.2 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Amazon ($329.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($329.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 →

Ranked #145 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - SVS Prime Bookshelf: $699.00 per pair Amazon $699.00 eBay

Same family: the SVS Prime Satellite (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.3/5), the SVS Prime Tower (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.6/5), the SVS Prime Pinnacle (larger floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the SVS Prime Center (center, rated 3.4/5) and the SVS Prime Elevation (surround, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: Reasonable sensitivity for the price at about 87dB, and the 6.5” woofer sits in its own dedicated sealed sub-compartment inside the cabinet for cleaner midrange/bass separation. Overall response stays within about ±3dB from 80Hz-16kHz, which the reviewer calls reasonable for the price point. Wide, consistent horizontal radiation. Toeing the speakers 30 degrees off-axis smooths the in-room response noticeably if the on-axis tonal balance isn’t to your taste. Measured bass extension of 72Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.

Cons: A scooped mid-range paired with a boosted upper mid-range creates an audibly uneven tonal balance, and there’s an additional dip in the treble around 4-5kHz that reads as slightly tinny relative to the recessed mid-range. Measured minimum impedance dips below 4 ohms (EPDR even lower), so an 8-ohm-only amplifier or AVR may struggle: a 4-ohm-stable amp or separate amplification is recommended. Bass extension is modest (F3 72Hz, F10 49Hz measured): SVS clearly designed this to be paired with one of their subwoofers rather than to stand fully alone. Compared directly against its pricier sibling, the SVS Ultra Bookshelf, in the same review, the reviewer found the Ultra noticeably more tonally neutral.

Full SVS Prime Bookshelf review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	72Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.2”H x 8”W x 10.2”D (335.3 x 203.2 x 259.1 mm)
Drivers	6.5” polypropylene cone woofer with aluminum shorting ring (sealed sub-compartment), 1” aluminum dome tweeter
Frequency Response	48Hz - 25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	87dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.17
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.78
Weight	15.5 lbs (7.03 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($699.00) →Search eBay for SVS Prime Bookshelf →

Ranked #150 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - McIntosh XR50: $4,000 per pair Crutchfield $2000 eBay

Pros: The compact XR50 produces unexpectedly authoritative bass: Erin measured F3 at 43Hz and praised its low-end weight. Horizontal radiation is exceptionally wide, and the four-driver three-way layout holds distortion and compression together reasonably well through the midband. The sealed-back 2-inch inverted-dome midranges isolate vocals from woofer pressure, while the heavily braced nonparallel cabinet, premium terminals and five-year warranty are genuinely high-grade. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.

Cons: Erin measured roughly 80-81dB sensitivity, making the XR50 exceptionally power hungry despite its nominal eight-ohm rating. A broad treble excess sounds bright and sibilant on-axis; at least 20° toe-out or EQ is needed, but toe-out increases reflected energy and trades away image focus. Direct and reflected responses diverge through parts of the treble, limiting perfect EQ correction. At $2000/pair, its tonal flaws and low efficiency are hard to excuse as merely the cost of premium construction.

Full McIntosh XR50 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	35.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17H x 8W x 11.75D inches
Drivers	6-inch woofer; dual 2-inch inverted-dome mids; 0.75-inch titanium dome
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	~81dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.99
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.80
Weight	19.4 lbs (8.8 kg) each

Check current price at Crutchfield ($2000) →Search eBay for McIntosh XR50 →

Ranked #151 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - KEF Q3 Meta: $899.99 per pair Amazon $899.99 Crutchfield $899.99 eBay

Older model: the KEF Q350 (ranked lower, rated 3/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.

Same family: the KEF Q1 Meta (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the KEF Q4 Meta (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.4/5), the KEF Q Concerto Meta (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5), the KEF Q7 Meta (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the KEF Q11 Meta (larger floorstanding, rated 4/5), the KEF Q6 Meta (center, rated 3.9/5) and the KEF Q8 Meta (surround, rated 3.4/5).

Pros: Coaxial two-way design (1” vented aluminum dome tweeter with Meta absorber embedded in a 6.5” aluminum cone mid/bass driver) delivering unusually wide dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each): wider than typical KEF models, which usually run closer to ±50° horizontal and ±15-20° vertical for non-coaxial designs. A deliberate ~2dB bump around 120Hz gives a satisfying sense of kick-drum impact, a voicing choice the reviewer personally favors even though it’s not strictly accurate. Extended bass-shelf tuning allows placement close to a rear wall (about 1 foot) without sounding boomy. Good directivity overall means it takes well to EQ correction if desired. Cabinet resonances around 350-370Hz and 600Hz look concerning in impedance measurements, but blind ABX testing (24 trials) after adding damping material couldn’t reliably distinguish the treated cabinet from the untreated one: these particular resonances appear to fall below the threshold of audibility. Sturdier build than previous KEF Q-series models. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.5dB.

Cons: Not well suited to high-output use: compression and strain in the 1-2kHz region emerge above about 90dB at 10 feet, so a high-output home theater setup isn’t the best application. A slight loss of attack and clarity around 1-2kHz was noticeable both subjectively and in measurements. F3 of 52Hz with a fairly quick rolloff below 50Hz means a subwoofer is still recommended for real bass extension, even for moderate-volume home theater use. Sealed configuration (using the included port bungs) pushes the bass rolloff up into the 100Hz+ region: the reviewer recommends leaving it in ported mode instead. Sounds best pointed directly at the listener; toeing it out 30° rolls off the top end without a meaningful soundstage benefit. Compression testing shows real breakdown at 102dB/1m, with the woofer losing excursion control: confirms the practical output ceiling. An unexplained -5dB dip appears in on-axis measurements that the reviewer couldn’t attribute to a specific cause.

Full KEF Q3 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.1”H x 8.3”W x 12”D (357.0 x 210.0 x 305.0 mm)
Drivers	165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone woofer, 25 mm (1 in.) vented aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.7 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.5dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.66
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.50
Weight	15.9 lbs (7.2 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($899.99) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($899.99) →Search eBay for KEF Q3 Meta →

Ranked #152 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Polk Monitor XT20: $279.00 per pair Amazon $279.00 Crutchfield $199.00 eBay

Older model: the Polk Audio Monitor 40 Series II (rated 3.2/5). See every Polk Monitor generation.

Featured on:

Tube & Low-Power Amps

Full Polk Monitor XT20 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13”H x 7.5”W x 11”D (330.2 x 190.5 x 279.4 mm)
Drivers	6.5” bilaminate paper cone woofer, 1” Terylene dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.71
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.07
Weight	11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($279.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($199.00) →Search eBay for Polk Monitor XT20 →

Ranked #153 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Sonus Faber Lumina II: $1,600 per pair Crutchfield $1,600 eBay

Same family: the Sonus Faber Lumina I (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.3/5), the Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3/5), the Sonus Faber Lumina III (smallest floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the Sonus Faber Lumina V (floorstanding, estimated 3.6/5), the Sonus Faber Lumina V Amator (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5) and the Sonus Faber Lumina Center I (center, estimated 3.5/5).

Pros: Handmade in Italy with a gloss-finished front baffle and black leather-wrapped cabinet: genuinely nice-looking speaker with real brand cachet. Bass extension is competitive for the size, reaching about 50 Hz in-room with mild compression and good distortion figures, so higher output levels and greater listening distances aren’t a problem down to that point. About 20 dB of dynamic range at typical listening levels (73 dB at 4m), which comfortably covers most music without the tonal balance shifting as instruments and vocals peak. Off-axis behavior is consistent: toeing the speakers 20-30 degrees out doesn’t meaningfully change the in-room high-frequency character, so placement flexibility is good once you’ve dialed in the tonal balance. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.

Cons: Not a neutral speaker: has a persistent high-frequency boost/lift that makes it sound forward and bright, present whether pointed directly at the listener or toed out. A slightly nasal quality traced to a resonance around 1 kHz that EQ can address. The reviewer needed to trim treble by about 4 dB on his preamp to get the tonal balance he wanted, meaning most listeners will want equalization available to fully enjoy this speaker. At roughly the same $1,000ish price point, alternatives like the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1 v2 measure more linear (with a tradeoff in distortion and crossover-region directivity), and the Dynaudio Emit 20 offers deeper bass extension and lower compression at the cost of a more deliberately colored tonal signature.

Full Sonus Faber Lumina II review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1800Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm)
Drivers	29mm DAD dome tweeter, 150mm paper cone mid-woofer
Frequency Response	55Hz - 24kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 4.1 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	30W - 150W
Sensitivity	86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; matches manufacturer spec)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.81
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.10
Weight	12.5 lbs (5.65 kg) each

Check current price at Crutchfield ($1,600) →Search eBay for Sonus Faber Lumina II →

Ranked #155 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Polk Reserve R100: $559.00 per pair Amazon $559.00 Polk Audio $649 eBay

Same family: the Polk R200 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.2/5), the Polk Reserve R500 (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.2/5), the Polk Reserve R600 (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R700 (largest floorstanding, rated 4.3/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R300 (smallest center, estimated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R350 (center, rated 3.7/5) and the Polk Audio Reserve R400 (largest center, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: Compact cabinet, unusually useful bass for its size and well-controlled woofer breakup. Erin measured F3/F10 points of 68Hz/49Hz, and the X-Port vent avoids much of the chuffing and pipe resonance common to budget rear ports. The 5.25-inch Turbine Cone woofer and 1-inch Pinnacle ring-radiator tweeter produce good detail at moderate levels, while listening roughly 20° off-axis reduces part of the elevated top octave. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: Erin measured only about 85dB sensitivity and the impedance reaches 3.6 ohms, so it is neither efficient nor an entirely benign AVR load. The treble runs roughly 3dB above the midrange and becomes aggressive above about 85dB SPL. A directivity discontinuity through the woofer/tweeter crossover means EQ cannot fully repair the power response, and a 400Hz impedance feature plus 500Hz-1kHz response irregularity suggests a cabinet or system resonance. Substantial low-frequency compression at higher playback levels limits clean dynamics.

Full Polk Reserve R100 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12.8”H x 6.5”W x 10.2”D
Drivers	1” Pinnacle ring-radiator tweeter; 5.25” Turbine Cone midwoofer
Impedance	3.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.46
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.93
Weight	12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear X-Port

Check current price at Amazon ($559.00) →Check current price at Polk Audio ($649/pair) →Search eBay for Polk Reserve R100 →

Ranked #159 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Focal Aria 906: $2,199.00 per pair used Discontinued Amazon $2,199.00 eBay

Newer model: the Focal Aria Evo X N°1, ranked higher, estimated 3.5/5, released Feb 2024. See every Focal Aria generation.

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. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.5dB.

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 →

Released	Mar 2015 (11 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.4”H x 8.9”W x 11”D (390.0 x 225.0 x 280.0 mm)
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.64
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.00
Weight	39.9 lbs (18.1 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Amazon ($2,199.00) →Search eBay for Focal Aria 906 →

Ranked #173 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Polk R200: $639.00 per pair Amazon $639.00 eBay

Same family: the Polk Reserve R100 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Reserve R500 (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.2/5), the Polk Reserve R600 (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R700 (largest floorstanding, rated 4.3/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R300 (smallest center, estimated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio Reserve R350 (center, rated 3.7/5) and the Polk Audio Reserve R400 (largest center, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: Two-way design with a 6.5” midwoofer and 1” ring radiator tweeter, giving reasonably tight, well-defined imaging. Neutral through most of the midrange (roughly 200Hz-1kHz). On-axis response holds within about 1.5dB up to 10kHz. About 20dB of usable dynamic range (76dB to 96dB) before more significant compression sets in. Reasonably close to a 4-ohm nominal load, giving some flexibility with amplifier choice, though a dedicated 4-ohm-capable amp is still recommended. Measured bass extension of 74Hz (-3dB).

Cons: A resonance and associated distortion increase around 800Hz-1kHz creates a “tinny,” occasionally glaring quality on certain instruments and vocals, confirmed both by ear and in the frequency-response and distortion measurements. Above about 10kHz, the ring-radiator tweeter takes on an artificial, “digital-esque” quality, then falls off quickly above 16kHz. F3 of 74Hz and F10 of 50Hz mean there’s essentially no meaningful bass “thump” below about 60Hz: a subwoofer is strongly recommended even just to restore basic kick-drum presence. The ring radiator tweeter’s dispersion narrows sharply above about 8kHz, so the speaker should be aimed close to on-axis (no more than 5-10° of toe-out). Vertical listening position is fairly critical: moving more than a few degrees above or below the tweeter line causes a noticeable timbre shift due to a gap in the crossover region. Multitone distortion spikes substantially (to around 10%) in the 600Hz-1kHz region at higher output levels (around 96dB/1m), meaning the glare gets worse the louder it’s played. At the highest tested output (102dB, 26dB of dynamic range), the woofer shows clear signs of struggling; crossing to a subwoofer around 80-100Hz helps prevent bottoming out but doesn’t fully eliminate the compression.

Full Polk R200 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	74Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.1”H x 7.5”W x 13.9”D (359.0 x 190.0 x 353.8 mm)
Drivers	25mm soft dome + 165mm woofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.8 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85dB
Spinorama Preference Score	5.09
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.61
Weight	31.3 lbs (14.2 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($639.00) →Search eBay for Polk R200 →

Ranked #177 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Audio Craftsmen Victoria: $4,000 per pair Discontinued eBay

Pros: Two-way bass-reflex design with a 180mm mid-base driver and 29mm tweeter in a distinctive slit-pattern cabinet, well-built overall. Wide, enveloping horizontal radiation of about ±70° through the midrange and lower treble. Low, well-controlled distortion overall, staying below about 1% up to roughly 100Hz at both 86dB and 96dB. Easy to drive electrically (minimum impedance about 7.3 ohms, minimum EPDR 4.4 ohms), fine for most Class AB amplifiers. Best placed closer to the rear wall (about 6 inches to a foot) rather than the typical 1-meter recommendation, reducing a mid-range cancellation dip that worsens with more wall clearance. Measured bass extension of 65Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.7dB.

Cons: A notably thin, hollow midrange (a dip roughly 1-2 octaves wide) reduces vocal fullness and “thump,” seemingly from a baffle-step compensation shortfall in the crossover design. Very light bass overall; a subwoofer is recommended for both deep bass (30-40Hz) and even basic mid-bass kick (50-80Hz). Highly aiming-dependent in the treble: toeing the speaker away from the listener (about 30°) causes a significant loss of high-frequency shimmer and detail. A crossover handoff mismatch between the mid-woofer and tweeter shows up in directivity measurements, correlating with the midrange dip. Multitone distortion becomes elevated around 1kHz at higher output levels, confirmed through careful band-pass diagnostic testing and independently corroborated by another reviewer’s similar impression. Limited dynamic range below about 100Hz at higher volumes: driver excursion appears suspension-limited, causing real compression above roughly 90dB for a pair at typical listening distances. Below-average sensitivity (about 84dB versus a typical 85-86dB for bookshelf speakers) partly offsets its easy-to-drive impedance. Not well suited to listening beyond about 10 feet or much above 85-90dB. Discontinued.

Full Audio Craftsmen Victoria review and specifications →

Released	2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	45Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	65Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.9”H x 9.1”W x 14”D (405.0 x 230.0 x 355.0 mm)
Drivers	1” tweeter + 4” woofer
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 7.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	83.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.87
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.34
Weight	37 lbs (16.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for Audio Craftsmen Victoria →

Links
- Official Audio Craftsmen Victoria Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #178 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2: $3500 per pair Crutchfield $3500 eBay

Older model: the Sonus Faber Sonetto II (ranked lower, rated 3/5). See every Sonus Faber Sonetto generation.

Same family: the Sonus Faber Sonetto I G2 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3/5), the Sonus Faber Sonetto III G2 (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.2/5), the Sonus Faber Sonetto V G2 (larger floorstanding, estimated 3.3/5) and the Sonus Faber Sonetto Center G2 (center, estimated 3/5).

Pros: Two-way design with a 1.125” damped Apex Dome silk tweeter and 6.5” cone woofer, using a base of concrete, aluminum, and steel with under-cabinet venting. Notably more neutral than the Sonus Faber Lumina II, which runs 2-5dB hotter in the treble. Horizontal directivity narrows at a fairly constant, well-behaved rate rather than narrowing-then-widening-then-narrowing like some rivals (including the Sonus Faber Lumina II), meaning sidewall reflections match the direct sound well enough that the reviewer doesn’t recommend sidewall absorption for this speaker. The tweeter-to-woofer crossover handoff around 3kHz looks clean, suggesting a higher-order crossover than typical for the size/price class. Good dynamic range: the low end loses only about 2dB from 76dB to 96dB, otherwise holding up well. Not a difficult amplifier load (about 4.2 ohms minimum impedance). Bass extension reaches a genuine 50Hz in-room, fuller than the Sonus Faber Lumina II. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87dB.

Cons: Sounds notably bright pointed directly on-axis; toeing the speaker out about 30° reduces treble energy and sibilance meaningfully. A resonance around 700Hz gives vocals a slightly nasal, hollow quality. A dip in the upper midrange (roughly 1-2kHz) reduces perceived detail and attack, while the elevated treble can read as “analytical” or “detailed” to some listeners despite being a coloration rather than true resolution. Needs more clearance from the rear wall than some rivals (about 1.5-2 feet in an ideal room, more or less depending on your specific room modes) or the 80-120Hz region can become boomy. Vertical listening window is limited to about ±10-15° from the tweeter axis. Some unexplained directivity irregularities appear around 1.2kHz and 1.6kHz, possibly port-related, along with a longer decay in the 800Hz-1600Hz range in burst-decay measurements. Multitone distortion approaches the reviewer’s 3% threshold through the midrange, though likely not obviously audible without direct A/B comparison. A resonance in the cabinet appears around 400Hz in impedance measurements.

Full Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2025 (1 year ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.3”H x 8.9”W x 14”D (414.3 x 227.0 x 355.6 mm)
Drivers	1x 6.5” mid-woofer (paper cone), 1x 1.1” (28mm) DAD soft dome tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (4.2 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	87dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.25
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.54
Weight	38.4 lbs (17.4 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Crutchfield ($3500) →Search eBay for Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2 →

Ranked #180 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Emotiva Airmotiv B2+: $449 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5, released Feb 2024. See every Emotiva Airmotiv generation.

Same family: the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (floorstanding, rated 4.2/5) and the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ (center, rated 2.9/5).

Pros: Erin measured a useful 86dB average sensitivity and strong midbass punch around 120Hz. The folded-ribbon tweeter provides very broad upper-treble radiation, and the speaker can create a spacious presentation when positioned carefully. Response and directivity remain reasonably orderly below the roughly 2kHz crossover region. The 6.5-inch woofer offers more output capability than compact 5-inch competitors, while F3/F10 of 66/43Hz leave adequate overlap for a conventional 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Horizontal directivity data makes the broad baffle-step trend amenable to partial EQ below the crossover. Measured bass extension of 66Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.

Cons: The replacement B2+ did not deliver the neutral upgrade Erin expected. A baffle-step loss around 500Hz depresses the lower midrange while the AMT’s much wider radiation above crossover injects excess room energy, yielding a bright, forward balance and false impression of cymbal detail. The directivity discontinuity near 2kHz cannot be completely equalized. Erin measured F3 at 66Hz and F10 at 43Hz, so meaningful kick-drum fundamentals and low bass still need a subwoofer. Vertical listening tolerance is roughly +/-10 degrees, with best results between the top of the woofer and tweeter axes. Broad lateral treble energy may require careful toe-out and sidewall absorption. Despite a large cabinet, it offers limited deep-bass advantage and was not Erin’s hoped-for successor to the more linear Emotiva B1+. Discontinued.

Full Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	66Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12.8”H x 8.5”W x 11.5”D (324 x 216 x 293 mm)
Drivers	6.5” woven-fiber woofer, 32 x 25mm folded-ribbon tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.60
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.96
Weight	15.7 lbs (7.1 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ →

Ranked #181 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Pylon Jasper Monitor 18: $2,499 per pair Discontinued eBay

Pros: Premium two-way monitor using a ScanSpeak Revelator midwoofer and ScanSpeak tweeter, drivers the reviewer has a longstanding personal fondness for. Delivers extra mid-bass thump and attack that makes instruments “jump out,” giving an engaging, lively character at lower listening volumes. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±60-70°, right in the reviewer’s preferred range for an enveloping soundstage. Compression holds up well to about 95-96dB before real issues appear. Attractive build quality and finish options. Measured bass extension of 48Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83dB.

Cons: Sounds notably bright, thumpy, and fatiguing pointed directly on-axis; needs about 30° of toe-out to bring the high-frequency lift into better balance. A peak around 2kHz combined with a recessed midrange and a dip around 3-4kHz makes vocals sound hollow while accentuating that same 2kHz energy, especially noticeable at higher listening volumes (75-85dB). The bass bump around 100Hz measures 3-5dB, more than the reviewer’s preferred 1-2dB range, adding more mid-bass emphasis than he’d like. Even toed off-axis, the speaker still reads as bright in a typical room with sidewall reflections: the reviewer recommends adding 2-4” acoustic absorption panels at the first reflection points. The ScanSpeak Revelator woofer (an older, though well-regarded, drive unit design) carries some inherent resonance and elevated second-order distortion, independently corroborated by third-party raw driver measurements: crossing over to a subwoofer at 80Hz doesn’t fully resolve it since it’s a driver characteristic rather than a bass-loading issue. Vertical listening window is limited (about ±10-20°) due to the curved baffle, and angling your ears upward toward the tweeter rather than keeping them level with it causes a suckout in the upper-mid/tweeter region. Bass output (about 60Hz extension) noticeably drops at higher volumes due to compression. Moderate sensitivity (about 83dB) paired with a 4.4-ohm minimum impedance means a genuinely powerful amplifier is needed to avoid potential heat issues driving it hard. Discontinued.

Full Pylon Jasper Monitor 18 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	16.9”H x 7.9”W x 16.3”D (430.0 x 200.0 x 413.0 mm)
Drivers	1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 4.4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	83dB (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.72
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.34
Weight	34.2 lbs (15.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for Pylon Jasper Monitor 18 →

Links
- Official Pylon Jasper Monitor 18 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #183 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator: $2000 per pair Crutchfield $2000 eBay

Same family: the Sonus Faber Lumina I (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.3/5), the Sonus Faber Lumina II (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 3.4/5), the Sonus Faber Lumina III (smallest floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the Sonus Faber Lumina V (floorstanding, estimated 3.6/5), the Sonus Faber Lumina V Amator (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5) and the Sonus Faber Lumina Center I (center, estimated 3.5/5).

Pros: Solid bass extension for a bookshelf (F3 63Hz, F10 43Hz), reaching about 50Hz in-room. Decent sensitivity and wide, consistent horizontal dispersion (~60-70 degrees): better directivity than expected for a two-way design. Gorgeous, luxury-grade cabinet design. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.9dB.

Cons: Very bright treble, running 3-6dB above the midrange depending on measurement angle: independently corroborated by other owners online, not just one reviewer’s opinion. Causes audible sibilance and a forward, grainy character. Notably the brightest of three Sonus Faber models Erin’s Audio Corner has tested, even brighter than the brand’s own Sonus Faber Sonetto II G2. A mechanical resonance/ringing artifact shows up around 1kHz in measurements. Needs a subwoofer for anything below about 50Hz.

Full Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	63Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	Italy (Vicenza)
Crossover Frequency	2600Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	12” x 7.1” x 10.4” (304 x 180 x 263 mm)
Drivers	1.14” DAD (Damped Apex Dome) tweeter, 5.9” paper cone woofer
Frequency Response	55Hz - 24kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	30W - 150W
Sensitivity	86.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Weight	12.8 lbs (5.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	Bass reflex, ported

Check current price at Crutchfield ($2000) →Search eBay for Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator →

Ranked #187 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Klipsch RP-600M: $239.97 per pair Discontinued Amazon $239.97 eBay

Newer model: the Klipsch RP-600M II, ranked higher, rated 3.7/5, released May 2022. See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.4/5).

Pros: More linear horizontal dispersion than the updated Klipsch 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. Measured bass extension of 73Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.2dB.

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 Klipsch 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 →

Released	Dec 2018 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	73Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.7”H x 8”W x 11.9”D (398.8 x 203.2 x 302.3 mm)
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.66
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.61
Weight	16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($239.97) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-600M →

Ranked #192 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Triangle Borea BR03: $395.00 per pair Amazon $395.00 eBay

Same family: the Triangle Borea BR02 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 2.7/5), the Triangle Borea BR04 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 3/5), the Triangle Borea BR07 (smallest floorstanding, estimated 3/5), the Triangle Borea BR08 (floorstanding, estimated 3.2/5), the Triangle Borea BR09 (floorstanding, estimated 3.3/5), the Triangle Borea BR10 (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.3/5), the Triangle Borea BRC01 (smaller center, estimated 3.4/5) and the Triangle Borea BRC2 (larger center, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: Bass output is genuinely decent for the price: measured extension reaches F3 57Hz/F10 42Hz, which the reviewer had no real complaints about. Dual front-firing ports and a well-stuffed, well-braced cabinet. Solid build quality overall. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.5dB.

Cons: A noticeable mid-range suckout, most pronounced in the upper mid-range/lower treble, that the reviewer attributes to cabinet resonances and driver breakup rather than a deliberate voicing choice: it makes vocals and instruments sound recessed and thin rather than warm. Sibilance in the 4-8kHz region shows up on every track the reviewer tried. Measured minimum impedance dips to about 4.2 ohms (with an even lower EPDR), despite the speaker and its own rear panel being labeled 8 ohms: worth knowing if you’re planning to drive these with a receiver/AVR that assumes an 8-ohm nominal load. The reviewer is upfront that this speaker has a devoted following among other reviewers, but says he specifically doesn’t hear what they hear and wants people who own it to trust their own ears rather than assume something’s wrong with their hearing if they don’t love it either.

Full Triangle Borea BR03 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2019 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	3600Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	14.96”H x 8.11”W x 12.36”D
Drivers	6.5” natural cellulose midwoofer, 1” (25mm) EFS silk dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer spec), 4.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	100W
Sensitivity	87.5dB (measured at 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.03
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.38
Weight	13.2 lbs (6 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, dual front ports

Check current price at Amazon ($395.00) →Search eBay for Triangle Borea BR03 →

Ranked #195 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Fosi Audio SP601: $399.99 per pair Amazon $399.99 Fosiaudio eBay

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. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.4dB.

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 →

Released	Feb 2025 (1 year ago)
App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	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)
Power Handling	80w RMS Per Speaker
Sensitivity	85.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Weight	11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($399.99) →Check current price at Fosiaudio →Search eBay for Fosi Audio SP601 →

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

Ranked #196 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Aperion Audio Verus V8B: $1,499 per pair Aperion Audio $1,499 eBay

Pros: Low-distortion bass that reaches a reasonable level for an 8-inch mid-woofer: the reviewer had no complaints about bass cleanliness, just extension. Wide-enough horizontal radiation to give some room involvement without being uncomfortably narrow. HDF (high-density fiberboard) cabinet construction instead of the more typical MDF. Nice aesthetic in the gloss cherry finish (also available in black); solidly built at nearly 28 lbs each. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: A large mid-range scoop from about 100Hz-500Hz strips out the “meat” of male and female vocals, giving the speaker an overall dull, subdued character the reviewer specifically didn’t care for. Two back-to-back resonant peaks (around 4kHz and 10kHz) cause sibilance and an overbearing hi-hat crispness on some tracks; toeing the speakers 30 degrees off-axis helps a little but doesn’t remove the underlying resonances. At $1499/pair, the reviewer felt EQ shouldn’t be necessary to get a satisfying result out of the box. Minimum impedance (EPDR) dips to around 3 ohms despite a 5.7-ohm nominal rating, so a Class AB amplifier needs to be 4-ohm capable. Bass extension is modest for an 8” driver: measured F3 55Hz/F10 39Hz, getting into the mid-40s Hz in-room rather than truly deep bass.

Full Aperion Audio Verus V8B review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	17”H x 10.6”W x 13”D
Drivers	8” Woven Kevlar long-throw woofer, 1.1” Custom Aperion ASR dome tweeter with ferrofluid
Frequency Response	30Hz - 35kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (manufacturer spec), 5.7 ohms nominal / ~3 ohms EPDR minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	20-150W
Sensitivity	85dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; 88dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.65
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.79
Weight	28 lbs (12.7 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Aperion Audio ($1,499) →Search eBay for Aperion Audio Verus V8B →

Ranked #197 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Triad In-Room Gold LCR: $6,600 per pair Triad Authorized Dealer $6,600 eBay

Pros: Built for serious home theater output: the sealed three-way layout uses dual 8.5-inch woofers, a 5.5-inch midrange and a 1-inch fabric dome. At 86dB/1m, Erin measured under 1% distortion to 50Hz; at 96dB it remained under 1% only above about 80Hz, supporting Triad’s intended 80Hz subwoofer crossover. Compression and 32-band multitone distortion were both low, even at high playback levels. Broad horizontal coverage (about +/-70 to 80 degrees through the midrange) and a roughly +/-20-degree vertical window give a generous listening area. It can be made substantially more linear with EQ, and its 89dB measured sensitivity is suitable for a capable AVR or power amplifier. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.9dB.

Cons: At $6600/pair, Erin found the raw response and value hard to defend without EQ: a 100-300Hz dip makes male vocals thin, a 1kHz dip adds hollowness, and a 4-5kHz rise makes sibilants harsh. The directivity begins to narrow above about 5kHz as the tweeter beams. Despite its dual woofers, it requires a subwoofer; Erin measured F3 57Hz and F10 40Hz. Load dips below 3 ohms, so it needs an amplifier stable into 4 ohms. Plain, utilitarian styling will not suit everyone.

Full Triad In-Room Gold LCR review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	USA (handcrafted, manufacturer specified)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	29”H x 10.75”W x 11.375”D
Drivers	Two 8.5” metal woofers, 5.5” paper/fiber midrange, 1” fabric-dome tweeter
Frequency Response	50Hz - 20kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal; dips below 3 ohms (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	100W - 450W recommended (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	88.9dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 92dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.04
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.41
Weight	54.9 lbs (24.9 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	sealed / acoustic suspension

Check current price at Triad Authorized Dealer ($6,600) →Search eBay for Triad In-Room Gold LCR →

Ranked #199 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - DIYSG Volt-8 v2: $300 per pair kit eBay

Same family: the DIYSG Volt-6 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 2.3/5).

Pros: A DIY kit from DIY Sound Group built around an 8” coaxial driver. Erin measured a preference score of 1.81 that reaches 4.56 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.70 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 90.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass rolls off early and the on-axis response is uneven (0.94 average deviation). It is a kit to build yourself. Bass reaches 90.8Hz (-3dB) and about 57Hz (-10dB).

Full DIYSG Volt-8 v2 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 57.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	90.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	Yes
Drivers	8” coaxial driver
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	94dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	1.81
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	4.56
Weight	22.9 lbs (10.4 kg)

Search eBay for DIYSG Volt-8 v2 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →

Ranked #200 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Cerwin Vega LA165: $269.99 per pair Amazon $269.99 eBay

Pros: Passive bookshelf design with decent internal cabinet damping/batting material for the price. Delivers noticeable mid-bass punch around 100-120Hz, giving a sense of kick and impact that fans of the brand’s traditionally punchy sound may appreciate. Horizontal radiation of about ±60-70° lands in the reviewer’s preferred range for soundstage width. Reasonably priced at around $270/pair. Measured bass extension of 66.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.2dB.

Cons: Overall tonal balance is far from neutral: a 2-3dB cut through the vocal fundamental range gives a hollow midrange, while a dip around 2-4kHz removes attack, snap, and clarity from snares and other transient sounds. An elevated upper treble region adds a sibilant, edgy quality (though not as extreme as some pricier speakers with similar issues). The manufacturer’s quoted 33Hz-20kHz frequency response is essentially meaningless without a tolerance bound: actual measured extension is closer to an F3 of 67Hz and F10 of 47Hz, roughly 19dB down at the claimed 33Hz. Measured sensitivity (about 86.2dB) runs several dB below the manufacturer’s 90dB spec regardless of which impedance figure is used to convert it. Significant modal ringing in the midwoofer cone, confirmed by testing the driver in isolation, ties directly to elevated distortion and resonances around 700Hz-1kHz from a cone-edge/surround mismatch. Multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold at 96dB, adding graininess through the midrange and upper-mid. Unusual compression behavior shows the treble actually gaining level (rather than compressing) under both long-term and instantaneous testing: an atypical and not particularly desirable trait. Directly compared to the similarly-priced Polk Monitor XT20, which the reviewer considers clearly superior in linearity, distortion, and bass extension.

Full Cerwin Vega LA165 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	66.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.7”H x 8”W x 12.4”D (348.0 x 203.2 x 315.0 mm)
Drivers	1” tweeter + 6.5” woofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	86.2dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.01
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.48
Weight	26.5 lbs (12 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($269.99) →Search eBay for Cerwin Vega LA165 →

Links
- Official Cerwin Vega LA165 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Are These $270 Speakers Worth It or a Total Letdown? More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #205 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Dayton Audio MK602X: $149 per pair Discontinued eBay

Same family: the Dayton Audio MK402X (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.4/5). See every Dayton Audio MK generation.

Pros: Inexpensive, compact two-way with a 6.5-inch glass-fiber woofer and 1-inch silk dome. Erin measured respectable small-box extension (72Hz F3 and 43Hz F10) and roughly 85dB sensitivity. The cabinet and removable grille are tidy for the price, and the response can be made less bright with broad treble EQ when listening close to the reference axis. Measured bass extension of 72Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: The top end sits roughly 5dB above the midband, producing brightness that can masquerade as detail. More seriously, the low-order woofer filter creates a 4-5dB directivity discontinuity around 2kHz; because the reflected sound differs from the direct sound, equalization cannot fully fix it. Erin also found multiple resonances around 900Hz and rising distortion/compression from the woofer at higher levels. Its 4-ohm nominal load and modest 85dB measured sensitivity demand more amplifier current than the price suggests, while the 72Hz F3 makes a subwoofer advisable despite the relatively low F10. Discontinued.

Full Dayton Audio MK602X review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2021 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	72Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.1”H x 8.6”W x 11.8”D
Drivers	1” silk-dome tweeter; 6.5” glass-fiber midwoofer
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified; Erin’s impedance measurement confirms a low-impedance load)
Sensitivity	Approximately 85dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.39
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.91
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for Dayton Audio MK602X →

Links
- Official Dayton Audio MK602X Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #206 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Chesky LC1: $1,000 per pair Discontinued eBay

Pros: Premium build details: silver-soldered crossover with film capacitors, dual inertially-balanced 8” passive radiators, and a multi-layer, non-resonant cabinet construction. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±60-70° through the midrange, in the reviewer’s preferred range. Extremely easy to drive electrically (minimum impedance about 8.4 ohms, minimum EPDR 5.4 ohms). Distortion shows good separation between second- and third-order harmonics at both 86dB and 96dB. The reviewer took the unusual step of verifying his measurements weren’t due to a defective unit: he impedance-swept both speakers, then corresponded directly with the manufacturer, whose own measurements matched his, confirming the sound reflects the actual product design. Measured bass extension of 71Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81.4dB.

Cons: Overall tonal balance sounded dull, hollow, and unengaging in extensive listening, with recessed vocals (both male and female) and minimal bass: the reviewer independently confirmed the same impressions auditioning the speakers at an audio show, ruling out a fluke with his own pair. Essentially no meaningful bass below about 90-100Hz in-room (F3 71Hz, F10 49Hz), well short of the 50Hz frequency-response spec, and measured sensitivity (about 81.4dB) runs well below the 86dB claimed. A pattern of peaks and dips across the spectrum, rather than a simple tilt, makes different instruments sound inconsistent depending on what frequency range they occupy: an unusually difficult profile to characterize or EQ around. Center-image focus never locked in properly regardless of listening position: traced to a measurable mismatch between the two individual speaker samples’ on-axis response, an unusual quality-control issue for a simple dome-tweeter design. A cancellation/lobing region just below the tweeter axis, likely from shallow first-order crossover slopes and some crossover-region overlap, means listening position needs to stay right at or slightly above tweeter level. Elevated multitone distortion in a region tied to a cone-edge/surround resonance (a known issue across several driver brands), only marginally improved by adding a subwoofer. Sample-to-sample driver measurements showed real inconsistency between the two review units’ tweeters and midwoofers. A cosmetic gap around the tweeter’s flush-mount cutout suggests room for tighter fit-and-finish. Discontinued.

Full Chesky LC1 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	10”H x 8”W x 10”D (254.0 x 203.2 x 254.0 mm)
Drivers	1” tweeter + 4” woofer
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (8.4 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	81.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.21
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.87
Weight	17.6 lbs (8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Search eBay for Chesky LC1 →

Ranked #207 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - HSU Research CCB-8: $699 per pair HSU Research $699 eBay

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. Measured bass extension of 65Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90.4dB.

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 →

Released	Jun 2017 (9 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	65Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15” x 10.5” x 12” (381 x 267 x 305 mm)
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	1.62
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	4.04
Weight	22 lbs (10 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	Vented

Check current price at HSU Research ($699) →Search eBay for HSU Research CCB-8 →

Links
- Official HSU Research CCB-8 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: This Speaker Was A Letdown More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #209 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - DIYSG Volt-6: $300 per pair kit eBay

Same family: the DIYSG Volt-8 v2 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 2.6/5).

Pros: A DIY kit from DIY Sound Group built around a 6.5” coaxial driver. Erin measured a preference score of 0.26 that reaches 3.97 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.87 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 124.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass rolls off early and the on-axis response is less even (0.80 average deviation). It is a kit to build yourself. Bass reaches 124.5Hz (-3dB) and about 83Hz (-10dB).

Full DIYSG Volt-6 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 83.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	124.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	Yes
Drivers	6.5” coaxial driver
Spinorama Preference Score	0.26
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	3.97

Search eBay for DIYSG Volt-6 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →

Ranked #210 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Yamaha NS-10: $499 per pair Discontinued eBay

Pros: Legendary studio reference monitor with a well-documented history; Yamaha’s original spec sheet included genuine measured data (frequency response, distortion, impedance, polar response) rather than just marketing numbers, unusually transparent for the era. Distortion, compression, and multitone performance all measured better than the reviewer expected for a decades-old design: in some respects competitive with newer speakers he’s tested. Vertical dispersion holds up reasonably well for a speaker of this vintage. The redesigned “Studio” cabinet is more robust than the original, with crossover tweaks and nicer binding-post terminals. Sealed cabinet design allows placement close to a wall without added boominess, though at the cost of overall bass extension. Measured bass extension of 126Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90.2dB.

Cons: A pronounced peak of about 7dB above the midrange average around 1.7kHz gives the sound a forward, bright, or “tinny” character: this is the real underlying issue, and it wasn’t actually fixed by the “Studio” revision. Comparing the Studio version’s measured response to the original NS-10M’s published data, the original arguably measures more linear: Yamaha’s fix (lowering tweeter level by 2-3dB) left the core midrange peak largely untouched, addressing the wrong problem. The famous “tissue paper over the tweeter” mixing-engineer trick doesn’t actually help: testing it directly showed it adds diffraction and comb filtering rather than correcting the real midrange peak. Poor horizontal directivity, especially in its designed on-console orientation: usable window is only about ±20° off the tweeter axis before tonal character shifts noticeably. Directivity mismatches between direct and reflected sound make this difficult to properly correct with EQ in a typical farfield listening setup with nearby wall reflections. Bass is quite limited (F3 around 100Hz in most rooms once corrected for the inflated on-axis sensitivity reading), typical of a small sealed monitor design. Correcting the main midrange peak with EQ likely requires two bands rather than a single simple filter, since the peak isn’t perfectly symmetrical. Possible age-related tweeter compression at very high output, potentially from degraded ferrofluid affecting heat dissipation in these decades-old drivers. Discontinued.

Full Yamaha NS-10 review and specifications →

Released	1978 (48 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	75Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	126Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15”H x 8.5”W x 7.8”D (382.0 x 215.0 x 198.0 mm)
Drivers	7.1” woofer, 1.4” soft dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 5.4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	90.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.24 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.63 (spinorama.org)
Weight	9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Search eBay for Yamaha NS-10 →

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

Ranked #214 of 216 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Zu Audio Method: $700 per pair Zu Audio $700 eBay

Pros: High-sensitivity design (measured about 90-90.7dB average through the 300Hz-3kHz vocal range), making it easy to drive to loud levels with modest amplifier power. Not a difficult electrical load: minimum impedance around 5.8 ohms, compatible with most 8-ohm-rated amplifiers, though Class A/AB amps should have good ventilation given a 3-ohm minimum EPDR. Verified not to be a defective unit: both speakers in the pair measured consistently with each other, and an independent reviewer’s own measurements of the same model matched the findings here. Measured bass extension of 92Hz (-3dB).

Cons: A severe suckout in the 1.5-3kHz range (down as much as 19dB below the mean at its worst) removes attack and clarity from brass, woodwinds, and snares, and gives an overall laid-back, unengaging character. Erratic, inconsistent high-frequency response (alternating between accentuated and subdued at different frequencies) makes cymbals, hi-hats, and sibilant vocal sounds behave unpredictably from track to track. Directivity is poor and inconsistent with frequency, meaning off-axis (sidewall-reflected) energy is actually louder than the direct sound in several bands: a problem that fundamentally cannot be corrected with EQ, since boosting the direct sound would boost the already-too-loud reflections even more. High sensitivity comes at the direct cost of bass extension: F3 of 92Hz and F10 of 56Hz mean essentially no meaningful bass. Despite the high sensitivity, dynamic headroom is poor rather than better as often assumed: distortion in the higher frequencies creates what the reviewer calls an “electronic glare.” Third-order harmonic distortion peaks sharply around 6-7kHz, contributing to an edgy, metallic quality on cymbals and hi-hats, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold. Instantaneous compression testing shows serious dynamic-range issues specifically in the treble (a dip around 2kHz, a peak around 4kHz, and a large dip across 5-7kHz). Vertical radiation has an unusually narrow sweet spot, since the midrange driver beams while the tweeter stays wide, creating a mismatch. Switching to a high-output-impedance amplifier shifts the response by roughly 1-1.5dB in places but doesn’t come close to correcting the fundamental frequency-response problems. Toeing the speakers out reduces some of the on-axis dip’s severity but doesn’t restore a properly immersive soundstage, since off-axis and on-axis response remain too different from each other.

Full Zu Audio Method review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2025 (1 year ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	92Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15”H x 8.7”W x 11”D (381.0 x 222.0 x 280.0 mm)
Drivers	8” coax HE (Eminence/Zu) woofer, Eminence ASD-1001 tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	91dB
Spinorama Preference Score	0.25
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	3.05
Weight	12.1 lbs (5.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Zu Audio ($700) →Search eBay for Zu Audio Method →

Links
- Official Zu Audio Method Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Zu Audio Method Bookshelf Speaker Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Large Size Floorstanding Speakers

Ranked #3 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - KEF Blade Two Meta: $28,000 per pair only sold in stores eBay

Same family: the KEF Blade One Meta (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.8/5).

Full KEF Blade Two Meta review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	46.6”H x 13.5”W x 14.8”D (1183.6 x 342.9 x 375.9 mm)
Drivers	4 x 165 mm (6.5 in.) aluminium cone, force cancelling woofers, 125 mm (5 in.) aluminium cone midrange, 25 mm (1 in.) aluminium dome with MAT tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.8dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.99
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.11
Weight	79.4 lbs (36 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for KEF Blade Two Meta →

Ranked #4 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition: $7995 per pair Crutchfield $7995 eBay

Full MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2025 (1 year ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	25Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	48.8”H x 15.5”W x 19.9”D (1239.5 x 393.7 x 505.5 mm)
Drivers	10” woofer, 10” paper‑cone concentric midrange, 1.25” soft‑dome concentric tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5.3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88.8dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.00
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.31
Weight	160.9 lbs (73 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at Crutchfield ($7995) →Search eBay for MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition →

Ranked #8 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - MoFi SourcePoint 888: $5495 per pair Crutchfield $5495 eBay

Same family: the MoFi SourcePoint 8 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.5/5) and the MoFi SourcePoint 10 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5). See every MoFi SourcePoint generation.

Full MoFi SourcePoint 888 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	26Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	41.2”H x 12.6”W x 16.1”D (1046.5 x 320 x 408.9 mm)
Drivers	Dual 8” paper cone woofers, 8” Paper Cone midrange, 1.25” wide roll soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.09
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.21
Weight	94.8 lbs (43 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($5495) →Search eBay for MoFi SourcePoint 888 →

Ranked #11 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66: $7,998 per pair Radiant Acoustics $7,998 eBay

Same family: the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 4.2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.8/5) and the Radiant Acoustics Clarity 6.2 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: ASR’s revised Spinorama measurement shows bass reaching 32.2Hz at -3dB and 27.8Hz at -6dB, giving substantial low-end weight without a subwoofer. The response spans 2.3dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with preference scores of 6.01 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer. The review’s exceptionally low bass distortion at ordinary levels complements that extension, while dual 6.5-inch Purifi woofers provide a strong foundation for full-range listening. Measured bass extension of 32.2Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.9dB.

Cons: Vertical directivity is narrow and horizontal coverage is uneven, so listening height and placement affect tonal balance. Treble resonances and response irregularities keep it from reference-level neutrality. Spinorama’s modeled EQ improves the scores to 6.85 standalone and 7.75 with an ideal subwoofer, but those are corrected results, not stock performance. Measured sensitivity is 85.9dB at 2.83V/1m with a nominal 4-ohm load; use an amplifier comfortable driving 4 ohms. Distortion rises at very high playback levels.

Full Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2026 (7 months ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	24.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	32.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Crossover Frequency	2.4kHz
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.01
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.03
Weight	101.4 lbs (46 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, large rear port

Check current price at Radiant Acoustics ($7,998) →Search eBay for Radiant Acoustics Clarity 66 →

Ranked #14 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - KEF R5 Meta: $3,999.99 per pair Discontinued eBay

Older model: the KEF R5 (ranked lower, rated 4.4/5). See every KEF R Series generation.

Full KEF R5 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2023 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	42.2”H x 10.7”W x 13.6”D (1073 x 273 x 346 mm)
Drivers	1 in. vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT, 5 in. aluminum cone midrange, two 5.25 in. hybrid aluminum cone woofers
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	86dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.33
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.07
Weight	54 lbs (24.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for KEF R5 Meta →

Ranked #15 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Revel F226Be: $8,469.90 per pair Crutchfield $4,234.95 eBay

Older model: the Revel F206 (ranked lower, rated 4.5/5). See every Revel Performa generation.

Full Revel F226Be review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	41.3”H x 9.8”W x 13.7”D (1049 x 248.9 x 348 mm)
Drivers	Two 6.5” (165mm) 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 (3.7 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	89.7dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.96 (spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.15 (spinorama.org)
Weight	58.2 lbs (26.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Check current price at Crutchfield ($4,234.95) →Search eBay for Revel F226Be →

Ranked #16 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - JBL 4367: $16,500 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the JBL 4369, ranked higher, estimated 4.7/5, released May 2026. See every JBL 4300 Series generation.

Full JBL 4367 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2016 (10 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	37.2”H x 22.2”W x 16.8”D (944.9 x 563.9 x 426.7 mm)
Drivers	15” (380mm) 2216Nd-1 Dual Differential Drive® woofer, 3” (75mm) D2430K dual compression tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (5.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	92.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.07
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.88
Weight	119 lbs (54 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

Search eBay for JBL 4367 →

Ranked #17 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - KEF Reference 203: $5,000 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the KEF Reference 3 Meta, ranked lower, rated 4.6/5, released Apr 2022. See every KEF Reference generation.

Pros: An unusually accomplished 4-way design for its era: excellent on-axis linearity (within about +/-3dB), genuinely good directivity both horizontally (~55 degrees) and vertically (~40-50 degrees), and an estimated in-room response that closely matches what the reviewer actually heard. Distortion is excellent: under 1% harmonic above 80Hz at both 86dB and 96dB, and multitone stays around 1% even at 96dB. Bass reaches a real F3 of 51Hz (F10 37Hz), with in-room extension into the low-mid-40s. The reviewer’s overall listening notes were essentially “nothing stood out bad or good”: a genuinely neutral, accurate speaker with a distinctive rounded-baffle look that avoids the diffraction issues a flat baffle this wide would normally have. Measured bass extension of 51Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88dB.

Cons: This is a 20+ year old, long-discontinued speaker only findable secondhand (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, audio forums): condition, driver matching, and component aging vary by unit, so audition before buying if at all possible. Demands a robust amplifier: impedance dips to about 3.6 ohms with an EPDR of 2.2 ohms. The small supertweeter shows minor breakup artifacts at the extremes of the vertical polar plot and some compression at very high output in the top octave, though neither was audible in normal listening.

Full KEF Reference 203 review and specifications →

Released	2001 (25 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	400Hz, 2.7kHz, 15kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	42”H (1067H mm)
Drivers	1x 0.75” supertweeter, coaxial 1” dome tweeter + 6.5” midrange, 2x 6.5” woofers
Frequency Response	55Hz - 55kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.6 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 3.2 ohms per manufacturer spec)
Recommended Power	50-200W
Sensitivity	88dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.83
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.84
Weight	58 lbs (26.3 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	Bass reflex, with switchable flat/cut/lifted bass ports for wall placement

Search eBay for KEF Reference 203 →

Links
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website KEF Reference 203
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #26 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - JBL HDI-3800: $5,000 per pair Discontinued eBay

Full JBL HDI-3800 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43.3”H x 11.8”W x 16.4”D (1100.5 x 300.0 x 417.8 mm)
Drivers	1 in. 2410H-2 Teonex compression driver with HDI horn, triple 8 in. Advanced Aluminum Matrix cone woofers
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	92dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.62
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.03
Weight	83.8 lbs (38.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for JBL HDI-3800 →

Ranked #31 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Revel Concerta2 F35: $900 per pair Crutchfield $900 eBay

Same family: the Revel Concerta2 M16 (bookshelf, rated 4.1/5), the Revel Concerta2 F36 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.6/5) and the Revel Concerta2 C25 (center, rated 4.1/5).

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 of $900/pair, down from full retail, the reviewer calls it a “no-brainer,” undercutting comparable budget floorstanders like the ELAC Debut 3.0 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. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.4dB.

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.

Featured on:

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)
DIY Kit	No
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)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.35
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.30
Weight	41 lbs (18.6 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($900) →Search eBay for Revel Concerta2 F35 →

Ranked #42 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - KEF R5: $2,999 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the KEF R5 Meta, ranked higher, rated 4.6/5, released Dec 2023 (also discontinued). See every KEF R Series generation.

Same family: the KEF R3 (bookshelf, rated 4.5/5), the KEF R7 (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5), the KEF R11 (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.3/5) and the KEF R2c (center, rated 4/5).

Pros: Slim three-way tower with the acoustic advantages of KEF’s coincident Uni-Q midrange/tweeter: horizontal and vertical off-axis responses track the direct sound smoothly, producing stable imaging and a well-behaved directivity index. Erin measured deep low-frequency reach for the cabinet width (77Hz F3 but 33Hz F10) and less than 1% harmonic distortion at 86dB. At 96dB it remains clean when high-passed, and its mild response deviations are suitable for equalization because the radiation pattern stays orderly. Measured bass extension of 77Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86dB.

Cons: The unusual gap between 77Hz F3 and 33Hz F10 indicates a gradual bass contour rather than flat deep-bass output; a subwoofer and roughly 80Hz high-pass are recommended for high-level playback. Erin measured a minimum near 3.5 ohms around 150Hz, although most of the curve remains above 4 ohms, so amplifier quality still matters. Sensitivity is approximately 86dB/2.83V/1m. At 102dB, compression reaches roughly 1dB around 150Hz, showing the limits of the twin 5.25-inch woofers. This original model lacks the Meta version’s MAT rear-wave absorption. Discontinued.

Full KEF R5 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	40.4”H x 6.9”W x 13.5”D
Drivers	1” aluminum tweeter coaxial with 5” midrange; dual 5.25” woofers
Impedance	Approximately 3.5 ohms minimum near 150Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	Approximately 86dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.78
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.40
Weight	59.5 lbs (27 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Search eBay for KEF R5 →

Links
- Official KEF R Series Information
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #43 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Arendal Sound 1610 Tower 8: $7,600 per pair Arendal Sound $7,600 eBay

Same family: the Arendal Sound 1610 Bookshelf 8 (bookshelf, estimated 4.3/5) and the Arendal Sound 1610 Center 8 (center, estimated 4.1/5).

Pros: Arendal’s flagship passive tower, a 5-driver 3-way design with a dedicated carbon-cone midrange in its own sealed sub-enclosure and triple 8” aluminum woofers, measuring a -3dB extension point of 42.8Hz (manufacturer measurement); Erin’s Audio Corner independently measured F3 at 41Hz and F10 at 27Hz, with sensitivity of about 88dB at 2.83V/1m. Listening-window smoothness of 0.687 is strong for a tower this size. Erin’s Audio Corner also measured about plus or minus 60 degrees of horizontal dispersion, a wide-but-focused soundstage the reviewer specifically liked, plus a roughly 2-3dB mid-bass bump around 80Hz that adds real punch and weight to kick drum and low male vocals versus flatter competitors, and lower multi-tone distortion in the higher frequencies than two similarly priced coaxial rivals tested alongside it. Measured bass extension of 27Hz (-10dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.5dB.

Cons: At 45.4kg each and nearly 4 feet tall, it’s a serious room commitment, and sound-power smoothness (0.378) is more middling than the on-axis figures suggest. Directivity-index standard deviation of 3.69, on the higher side, and a -0.22dB per octave downward tilt both point to a moderately dark tonal character, and predicted in-room smoothness (0.45) is only middling. Erin’s Audio Corner found the same 80Hz mid-bass bump pulls the F3 higher than a flatter tuning would, so bass appears to roll off more sharply below that point, and content under about 40Hz will need a subwoofer. Because it’s a 3-way design with a vertical gap between the tweeter and midrange, there’s a lobing null around 3kHz that causes an audible suck-out just below the tweeter’s axis, worth noting for home theater rows with more than one seating height. A dip through the upper mid-range to lower treble crossover softens the bite of brass and other transient-heavy instruments compared to a flatter response.

Full Arendal Sound 1610 Tower 8 review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2026 (7 months ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	27Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner); 42.8Hz (manufacturer measurement)
Country	Norway (designed); manufactured overseas
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	115.0H x 26.5W x 45.0D cm (119.8cm tall with feet)
Drivers	28mm Al-Mg dome tweeter, 5” carbon-cone midrange (sealed sub-enclosure), 3x 8” aluminum-cone woofers
Enclosure	3-way, ported (optional sealed configuration)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	89.5dB @ 2.83V/1m (manufacturer); 88dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	7.03
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.20
Weight	100 lbs (45.37 kg) each

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($7,600) →Search eBay for Arendal Sound 1610 Tower 8 →

Links
- Arendal Sound 1610 Tower 8 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #47 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Arendal 1961 Tower: $1,900 per pair Arendal Sound $1,900 eBay

Same family: the Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the Arendal 1961 Monitor (larger bookshelf, rated 4.3/5) and the Arendal Sound 1961 Center (center, rated 3.6/5).

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full Arendal 1961 Tower review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	33”H x 6.4”W x 11.2”D (837.5 x 163 x 285 mm) (without feet)
Drivers	Four 5.5-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided soft dome
Enclosure	Sealed HDF
Impedance	4 ohms nominal; dips below 4 ohms (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.83
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.25
Weight	39.5 lbs (17.9 kg) each

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($1,900) →Search eBay for Arendal 1961 Tower →

Links
- Official Arendal 1961 Tower page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #48 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Morel Avyra 633: $2,000 per pair eBay

Same family: the Morel Avyra 622 (bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5) and the Morel Avyra C5 (center, estimated 4/5).

Full Morel Avyra 633 review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	Israel
Crossover Frequency	250Hz, 2.2kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	38.7”H x 12.8”W x 12.2”D (982 x 326 x 310 mm)
Drivers	Dome tweeter, two 6” mid-woofers (3” voice coil)
Frequency Response	25Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.8 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	200-1000W
Sensitivity	86.5dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.43
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.20
Weight	48.5 lbs (22 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for Morel Avyra 633 →

Ranked #62 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - JBL Studio 698: $1,499.90 per pair Crutchfield $749.95 eBay

Same family: the JBL Studio 630 (bookshelf, rated 3.6/5) and the JBL Studio 690 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5). See every JBL Studio generation.

Pros: High-Definition Imaging (HDI) horn waveguide paired with a 1” compression driver provides excellent high-frequency directivity control and seamless acoustic handoff to the 6” PolyPlas midrange. Dual 8” PolyPlas woofers deliver robust low-end authority with solid bass extension down to an F3 of 53Hz and F10 of 34Hz. High voltage sensitivity (90dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) and clean power handling provide effortless dynamic headroom and low distortion for home theater and music listening. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90dB.

Cons: Measured response exhibits a prominent mid-bass emphasis bump around 80Hz that can sound overly thick or chesty in smaller rooms without DSP EQ. Treble response lacks top-octave ‘air’ above 12kHz compared to high-end dome or ribbon tweeters. Physically large, heavy cabinet (35.8 kg per speaker) requires careful room placement and a wide acoustic footprint.

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full JBL Studio 698 review and specifications →

Released	2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	41.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.7”D (1058 x 300 x 400 mm)
Drivers	1 in. High-Definition Imaging compression driver, 6 in. PolyPlas midrange, dual 8 in. PolyPlas woofers
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	90dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.20
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.14
Weight	78.9 lbs (35.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Crutchfield ($749.95) →Search eBay for JBL Studio 698 →

Ranked #65 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Polk Audio Reserve R700: $2,398 per pair Amazon $1,199.00 eBay

Full Polk Audio Reserve R700 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	45”H x 12.6”W x 16.9”D (1143.8 x 320.7 x 428.3 mm)
Drivers	2x 8” polypropylene cone woofers, 1x 6.5” turbine cone midrange, 1x 1” Pinnacle ring radiator tweeter
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	87.5dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz @ 2.83V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.83
Weight	102.1 lbs (46.3 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, down-firing

Check current price at Amazon ($1,199.00) →Search eBay for Polk Audio Reserve R700 →

Ranked #66 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - PSB Imagine T65: $2,699 per pair PSB Speakers $2,699 eBay

Same family: the PSB Imagine B50 (bookshelf, rated 3.7/5) and the PSB Imagine T54 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5).

Pros: Three-way design with dual 6.5” woven carbon fiber woofers delivers genuinely strong, extended low end for a $2699 tower: among the better performers Erin has measured in this price class. Distortion shows a clean second-order character with clear separation from third-order all the way up to 96 dB, indicating a well-controlled motor. Compression data shows enhancement rather than compression below about 50-60 Hz, so the bass can sound louder as you turn it up rather than choking off. Wide, forgiving vertical listening window (about ±25°) thanks to the 3-way layout, giving more seating and placement flexibility than most towers. Plenty of dynamic headroom for home theater use or a two-channel system: 100W drove it comfortably in Erin’s room. Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85.1dB.

Cons: Noticeable dip in the midrange/crossover region that Erin flagged as affecting dialogue and vocal clarity, though he notes a couple bands of EQ smooths it out. Some horizontal dispersion mismatch (about 10-15° of ballooning between 1-3 kHz) between the midrange and tweeter can add extra perceived attack or detail if your room’s sidewalls are reflective. Dips to 4 ohms, so it wants an amplifier comfortable driving a 4-ohm load. Distortion climbs above 3% around 60 Hz at 96 dB, though it’s benign second-order distortion.

Full PSB Imagine T65 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	26Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	47Hz (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	600Hz & 2000Hz, 4th-order Linkwitz-Riley
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	38.8” x 8.4” x 13.5” (986 x 213 x 343 mm)
Drivers	1” titanium dome tweeter, 5.25” woven carbon fiber midrange, 2x 6.5” woven carbon fiber woofers
Enclosure	Vented: dual rear slot ports, individual woofer chambers
Frequency Response	28Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.3 ohms minimum measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; manufacturer specifies 4 ohms minimum)
Recommended Power	20-200W
Sensitivity	85.1dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.29
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.51
Weight	44.1 lbs (20 kg) each

Check current price at PSB Speakers ($2,699) →Search eBay for PSB Imagine T65 →

Ranked #82 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Emotiva Airmotiv XT2: $999 per pair Discontinued Emotiva $999 eBay

Older model: the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (ranked lower, rated 4.2/5). See every Emotiva Airmotiv generation.

Same family: the Emotiva Airmotiv XB2 (bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XT1 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XT3 (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XC2 (smallest center, estimated 3.4/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1 (center, estimated 3.6/5), the Emotiva Airmotiv XC3 (largest center, estimated 3.6/5) and the Emotiva Airmotiv XA2 (surround, estimated 3.6/5).

Pros: A three-way tower with a 25mm x 32mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter, a 5.25” woven fiber midrange in its own sub-enclosure, and three 6” long-throw woofers, crossed at 430Hz and 3.1kHz. Emotiva rates it at 40Hz to 27kHz (±3dB) and 90dB (2.83V/1m) efficiency. A 31mm braced baffle, rear port, bi-amp terminals, outrigger feet with spikes, magnetic grilles and a five year warranty.

Cons: No independent measurements have been published yet, so it can’t be compared with the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ it replaces, which Erin measured reaching about 32Hz (-10dB) from two 8” woofers. The XT2 swaps those for three 6” woofers. Its 4 ohm load calls for an amplifier of 100W or more that is comfortable with 4 ohms. It weighs 22kg per speaker, and it is sold mainly direct from Emotiva, where it currently shows sold out. Discontinued.

Full Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 review and specifications →

Released	2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	40Hz (manufacturer specified)
Crossover Frequency	430Hz, 3.1kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	44.8”H x 8.5”W x 12.2”D (1137 x 216 x 311 mm)
Drivers	25mm x 32mm folded ribbon tweeter, 5.25” woven fiber midrange, 3x 6” woven fiber woofers
Frequency Response	40Hz - 27kHz ±3dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms
Recommended Power	100W or more
Sensitivity	90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Weight	48.9 lbs (22.2 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Emotiva ($999) →Search eBay for Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 →

Links
- Official Emotiva Airmotiv XT2 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Why the Emotiva XT2 Outperforms Other Speakers More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #83 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Emotiva Airmotiv T2+: $999 per pair Discontinued Emotiva $999 eBay

Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XT2, ranked higher, estimated 4.2/5, released 2024 (also discontinued). See every Emotiva Airmotiv generation.

Same family: the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ (bookshelf, rated 3/5) and the Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ (center, rated 2.9/5).

Pros: High-value three-way tower with strong output and unusually deep usable sealed-room bass for the price. Erin measured F3 at 62Hz and F10 at 32Hz, with sensitivity just under 90dB/2.83V/1m. Dual 8-inch woven-fiber woofers relieve the 5.25-inch midrange, and the 32mm folded-ribbon tweeter provides broad horizontal coverage. Approximately +/-2.5dB response linearity, solid cabinet bracing and low compression allow substantial playback levels; the gradual low-frequency roll-off integrates well with either room gain or a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 62Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.5dB.

Cons: The nominal 4-ohm system approaches 3 ohms near 100Hz in Erin’s measurement, so a high-current amplifier is preferable. Horizontal and especially vertical directivity through the midrange/tweeter transition is less uniform than the best waveguided or coaxial designs; listener height and nearby reflections matter, and EQ cannot correct the narrowing mismatch. The large rear-ported cabinet needs placement clearance, and its deep F10 should not be confused with flat 30Hz output at cinema levels. Discontinued.

Full Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2019 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	32Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	42.7”H x 12.2”W x 12.3”D
Drivers	32mm folded-ribbon tweeter; 5.25” midrange; dual 8” woofers
Impedance	Approximately 3 ohms minimum near 100Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	Approximately 89.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.56
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.14
Weight	56.9 lbs (25.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Emotiva ($999) →Search eBay for Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ →

Ranked #84 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63: $1,298 per pair Amazon $649.00 eBay

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63 review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43.1”H x 7.7”W x 10.6”D (1094.7 x 195.6 x 269.2 mm)
Drivers	Two 6.5” Aramid Fiber woofer, 6.5” Aramid Fiber midrange, 1” Aluminum Dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (3.4 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.83
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.33
Weight	58.2 lbs (26.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($649.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Debut 3.0 DF63 →

Ranked #85 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Polk Reserve R500: $1,118 per pair Amazon $559.00 eBay

Featured on:

Under $2,000

Full Polk Reserve R500 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	40.3”H x 6.8”W x 12.4”D (1023.6 x 172.7 x 315 mm)
Drivers	Two 5.25” Turbine Cone woofer, 1” Pinnacle Ring Radiator tweeter
Impedance	4.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 8 ohms nominal per manufacturer)
Sensitivity	86.2dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.86
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.44
Weight	39.2 lbs (17.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($559.00) →Search eBay for Polk Reserve R500 →

Ranked #86 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Linkwitz Lab LXmini: $505.00 per pair Madisound LXmini Kit $505.00 eBay

Pros: Open-baffle/dipole upper driver and cylindrical woofer enclosure create a very large, open soundstage with unusually little cabinet signature. Erin praised the stable, well-controlled directivity: despite using a nominal full-range upper driver, off-axis response retains composure beyond its beaming region and the directivity index is smooth enough for reliable DSP voicing. Imaging can be precisely adjusted through placement and toe angle. Erin measured F3 at 50Hz and F10 at 33Hz, impressive for the narrow footprint, and found the system satisfying for much music without a subwoofer. The supplied miniDSP configuration is readily editable; broad shelf correction near 550Hz and a handful of narrow filters can make the response substantially more linear. The kit is mechanically simple, highly customizable and based on well-documented Linkwitz engineering. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB).

Cons: This is not a conventional passive pair: it requires a construction-plan license, assembly, miniDSP, four matched amplifier channels and careful gain/setup work, so the apparent kit price is not the complete system cost. Output below about 50Hz lacks kick-drum weight and benefits from subwoofers. Erin found rising second-order distortion near 1.5kHz on both samples, accompanied by an impedance blip that may indicate an enclosure reflection or driver-compliance effect. At high output the system behaves as if electronically limited even with miniDSP limiting bypassed, reducing bass and subjective dynamics. Default voicing is less linear than expected, with irregularities above roughly 2kHz, though its controlled directivity makes these correctable. Dipole rear radiation demands meaningful distance from the front wall and makes placement less flexible than a box speaker.

Featured on:

DIY Speaker Kits

Full Linkwitz Lab LXmini review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	Four channels, 50W/channel minimum with identical voltage gain
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	700Hz LR2, active DSP
DIY Kit	Yes
Drivers	6.5” SEAS woofer in sealed tube, 4” SEAS full-range dipole driver
Impedance	4 ohms upper driver / 8 ohms woofer nominal (separate actively bi-amplified loads; manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	85dB upper driver / 87dB woofer @ 1W/1m (individual driver specifications; complete active-DSP system sensitivity is not directly specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.89 (measured, spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.77 (measured, spinorama.org)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed cylindrical enclosure; open-baffle upper driver

Check current price at Madisound LXmini Kit ($505.00) →Search eBay for Linkwitz Lab LXmini →

Ranked #87 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - PS Audio Aspen FR10: $12000 per pair PS Audio $12000 eBay

Same family: the PS Audio Aspen FR5 (bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the PS Audio Aspen FR20 (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5) and the PS Audio Aspen FR30 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5).

Pros: Distinctive driver layout: two 6” mid-bass drivers plus three 6x9” passive radiators, an 8” planar ribbon mid-range, and a 2.5” planar ribbon tweeter, with the woofers placed low near the floor to counteract typical floor-bounce cancellation in the mid-bass/lower-midrange handoff. Deliberately shelved bass response around 150Hz allows placement closer to the rear wall than typical, without the usual boominess. Extremely wide horizontal dispersion (the -6dB point isn’t reached until about 80-85° off-axis), giving a wide, enveloping soundstage that stays consistent rather than narrowing unevenly at different frequencies. Passed multiple stereo-imaging tests with precise placement despite the wide radiation, keeping instruments distinctly separated even in complex, heavily panned tracks. Exceptionally low multitone distortion at high frequency: among the best the reviewer has measured on any speaker. Bass extends smoothly to an F3 of 47Hz and F10 of 28Hz, potentially usable without a subwoofer for material that doesn’t dig much below 40Hz. Shows output enhancement rather than compression below about 50Hz even at high volume, adding extra punch and attack to bass transients. Measured bass extension of 47Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.4dB.

Cons: At roughly $12000/pair, expectations are high, and the reviewer found some measured shortfalls relative to that price. A scoop around 600Hz slightly thins out vocal fullness; EQ can restore some body there. A narrow but pronounced dip around 6-7kHz shows up in measurements, though EQ didn’t meaningfully improve it in testing and the reviewer says he’d rather have a dip than a peak in that sibilance-prone region. On-axis, the treble reads as mildly elevated (though far less than some rivals like Martin Logan or Focal); needs about 20° of toe-out, per the manufacturer’s own recommendation, to sound properly balanced and take on a warmer character. Sidewall acoustic treatment should be avoided, since the speaker’s wide, room-filling sound depends on that sidewall interaction, limiting setup flexibility in treated rooms. A minor resonance-like anomaly appears around 800Hz, and some compression shows up at the highest frequencies (around 12kHz) under extreme output testing, though unlikely to be audible in real listening. Large and heavy floorstander (about 76 lbs each, 41” tall).

Full PS Audio Aspen FR10 review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2023 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	28Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	47Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	41.5”H x 11.8”W x 16.3”D (1054.1 x 298.5 x 412.8 mm)
Drivers	2x 6.5” carbon fiber cone woofers, 1x 8” planar magnetic ribbon midrange, 1x 2.5” planar magnetic ribbon tweeter + 3x passive radiators
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.6 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	84.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.08
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.40
Weight	119 lbs (54 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at PS Audio ($12000) →Search eBay for PS Audio Aspen FR10 →

Ranked #88 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Infinity Primus 360: $650 per pair Discontinued eBay

Same family: the Infinity Primus 150 (bookshelf, rated 3.4/5).

Pros: A three-way tower from 2005 (two 6.5” mid-woofers, a 4” mid-range, and a 0.75” dome tweeter, 8 ohms nominal) that holds up remarkably well by modern measurement standards: on-axis linearity is within about ±2dB, and the listening window stays consistent out to roughly ±30° horizontal and ±10° vertical off the mid-range axis. Horizontal directivity is well controlled out to about ±75° before tonality starts to drift, meaning the reflected sound in a room stays close in character to the direct sound: a speaker that takes EQ well without fighting itself. Harmonic distortion measures low at both 86dB and 96dB, and multitone distortion stays under the reviewer’s 3% threshold. Silky, smooth midrange with a rich lower-midrange/upper-bass character. No mechanical issues or surround degradation found in a 20-year-old pair, and a second unit measured within about 1-1.5dB of the first, suggesting good long-term consistency for the design. Measured bass extension of 53Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.4dB.

Cons: Manufacturer-spec sensitivity of 93dB runs about 3-4dB optimistic versus the measured 89.4dB average. Bass output drops off fairly quickly below about 50Hz in-room (F3 53Hz, F10 37Hz), so a subwoofer is needed for real low-end extension. Resonances show up around 170Hz, 220Hz, and 350Hz. On-axis, the lower treble can sound a bit bright or sibilant when the speaker is aimed directly at the listener; toeing out about 10-15° (rather than the more extreme 30°) gave the best balance, and some sidewall acoustic absorption further tamed a 4-5kHz peak. Placed close to the rear wall, bass gets boomy: pulling the speakers out about a foot resolves most of it, with roughly 1.5 feet from the wall as a good compromise between bass character and typical room aesthetics. Straying beyond about 25° above or below the mid-range axis introduces audible suckout. No longer in production, so it’s a used/secondhand purchase only.

Full Infinity Primus 360 review and specifications →

Released	2003 (23 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	350Hz & 3.3kHz, 24dB/octave
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	39” x 8.2” x 13” (990 x 208 x 330 mm)
Drivers	Two 6.5” mid-woofers, 4” mid-range, 0.75” dome tweeter
Frequency Response	38Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	10-200W
Sensitivity	89.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 93dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.97
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.10
Weight	48.5 lbs (22 kg) each

Search eBay for Infinity Primus 360 →

Ranked #113 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Q Acoustics 5040: $3,998 per pair Amazon $1,999.00 eBay

Same family: the Q Acoustics 5010 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.5/5), the Q Acoustics 5020 (larger bookshelf, rated 2.2/5), the Q Acoustics 5050 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5) and the Q Acoustics 5090 (center, estimated 3.7/5).

Pros: C3 (Continuous Curved Cone) driver profile technology provides smooth midrange integration, controlled cone breakup, and improved bass damping. High voltage sensitivity (91.5dB SPL at 2.83V/1m) allows loud listening with low-to-moderate amplifier wattage. Cabinet features Point-to-Point (P2P) internal bracing and Helmholtz Pressure Equalizer (HPE) tubes to suppress internal standing waves and panel vibrations. Measured bass extension of 70Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91.5dB.

Cons: Free-field frequency response exhibits a noticeable mid-bass scoop around 200Hz (~6dB lower than mean SPL), causing an F3 of 70Hz (F10 of 39Hz) in open space and requiring boundary placement (11-22 inches from front wall) to reinforce upper bass output. Measurements indicate an enclosure resonance near 300Hz visible in sound power data. Minimum impedance drops to 3.0 ohms, demanding a stable 4-ohm rated amplifier despite high sensitivity.

Full Q Acoustics 5040 review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	38.1”H x 11.5”W x 14.2”D (967 x 293 x 361 mm)
Drivers	0.88 in. decoupled dome tweeter, twin 5.0 in. C3 Continuous Curved Cone woofers
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (3.0 ohms minimum, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	91.5dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.80
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.41
Weight	39.7 lbs (18.0 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,999.00) →Search eBay for Q Acoustics 5040 →

Links
- Official Q Acoustics 5040 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Q Acoustics 5040 Floorstanding Speaker Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #122 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Klipsch Forte IV: $5,499.98 per pair Amazon $5,499.98 Crutchfield $5,499.98 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch Heresy IV (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 2.3/5), the Klipsch Cornwall IV (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 2.8/5), the Klipsch La Scala AL6 (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 2.8/5) and the Klipsch Klipschorn AK7 (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3/5).

Pros: Three-way heritage design: a 1” titanium tweeter and 1.75” compression driver for the midrange mated to a 12” woofer, plus a 15” passive radiator for extra bass reinforcement. Genuinely resonance-free cabinet, a clear improvement over the notably boomy, resonant Klipsch Heresy IV in the same lineup. Surprisingly wide, expansive soundstage that beat both the Klipsch Heresy IV and a KEF LS50 Wireless 2 in direct comparison: images occasionally appeared several feet outside the physical speaker location. Deeper bass extension than the Klipsch Heresy IV (F3 of 82Hz, about 10Hz lower). Distortion measures well below 1% at 86dB and stays mostly within 1% even at 96dB. Comes as a factory-matched serial-numbered pair, backed by an unusually generous 10-year warranty. Mostly above 4 ohms impedance, so it’s compatible with AVRs, solid-state, or tube amplifiers. More neutral overall than other Klipsch models the reviewer has tested, making it a reasonable pick for listeners who already like the “Klipsch sound” but want something more balanced. Measured bass extension of 82Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 93.8dB.

Cons: Contrary to the classic Klipsch reputation for being forward and bright, this model is actually somewhat recessed in the 1.5-4kHz “presence” region, which can make some tracks sound dull or lacking in detail. A peak around 6kHz reads as sibilant and “painful” when seated exactly on the tweeter axis; sitting a bit above that axis reduces it somewhat. Klipsch’s marketed 99dB sensitivity figure is an in-room rating that assumes 3-6dB of boundary gain: anechoic sensitivity measures closer to 94dB, which the manufacturer does disclose but can still mislead buyers comparing spec sheets. Radiation width isn’t consistent across all frequencies: a noticeable notch around 2-3kHz interrupts otherwise wide dispersion, which can cause a fundamental tone and its harmonics to image in slightly different places in the soundstage. Uses shallow low-pass crossover slopes (despite Klipsch’s steep-crossover marketing, which applies only to the high-pass side), likely contributing to some of the measured dips and possible cone-breakup artifacts. Some compression shows up around the midrange crossover point at very high output (102dB), though likely only audible at extreme volumes. At around $5500/pair, a significant investment, and still needs a subwoofer for material extending below about 50Hz.

Featured on:

Tube & Low-Power Amps

Full Klipsch Forte IV review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	36”H x 16.5”W x 13”D (914.4 x 419.1 x 330.2 mm)
Drivers	1x 12” (305mm) fiber-composite woofer + 15” passive radiator, 1x 1.75” compression driver midrange on horn, 1x 1” titanium compression tweeter on horn
Impedance	8 ohms
Sensitivity	93.8dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner; manufacturer rates 99dB in-room / ~94dB anechoic)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.78
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.72
Weight	117.3 lbs (53.2 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator

Check current price at Amazon ($5,499.98) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($5,499.98) →Search eBay for Klipsch Forte IV →

Ranked #123 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Revival Audio Atalante 5: $5000 per pair Don Better Audio $5000 eBay

Same family: the Revival Audio Atalante 3 (bookshelf, estimated 3.9/5).

Pros: Strong, punchy mid-bass at moderate-to-loud volumes with no port chuffing or excursion strain even pushed hard: a rarity at this price. Good bass extension for the class (F3 42Hz, F10 30Hz), reaching about 40Hz in-room with authority. Distortion is very low (under 1% through most of the range) and compression is well controlled outside the extreme top octave. Striking build and looks, with a large 12” woofer and 3” dome midrange that give real visual presence. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.6dB.

Cons: A pronounced on-axis peak around 4kHz creates real glare/shoutiness on some material, and combined with a mid-bass emphasis that overshadows lower-midrange detail at higher volumes, tonal balance can feel inconsistent: the reviewer described some tracks as sounding notably different from the neutral mix. Imaging precision is looser than more directivity-controlled designs (coaxial or waveguide speakers), with instrument placement sounding a bit fuzzy rather than pinpoint. Horizontal directivity fluctuates between about 40-60 degrees rather than staying constant, worst right around the mid/tweeter crossover. Needs real room to breathe: at least 2-3 feet from the rear wall in ported mode (about a foot if sealed via the included port bungs), and benefits from 5-10 degrees of toe-out to tame the top end.

Full Revival Audio Atalante 5 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	France
Crossover Frequency	450Hz, 3.5kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	28” x 16.5” x 14” (710 x 420 x 355 mm)
Drivers	1.1” (28mm) dome tweeter, 3” dome midrange, 12” woofer
Frequency Response	28Hz - 22kHz -3dB (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum, measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	30-200W recommended
Sensitivity	88.6dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.11
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.69
Weight	72.8 lbs (33 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	3-way, switchable ported/sealed via port bungs

Check current price at Don Better Audio ($5000) →Search eBay for Revival Audio Atalante 5 →

Ranked #124 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - KEF Q11 Meta: $2,499.98 per pair Amazon $1,249.99 eBay

Full KEF Q11 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43.8”H x 12.5”W x 15”D (1112.8 x 317.5 x 381.0 mm)
Drivers	25mm tweeter + dual 165mm drivers
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (3.2 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88.6dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	6.72
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	8.03
Weight	106.9 lbs (48.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,249.99) →Search eBay for KEF Q11 Meta →

Ranked #125 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - KLH Model Five: $2,998.00 per pair Amazon $2,998.00 Crutchfield $2998 eBay

Same family: the KLH Model Three (bookshelf, estimated 3.8/5), the KLH Model Four (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5) and the KLH Model Seven (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4/5).

Pros: Exceptionally wide and even horizontal radiation of roughly +/-70-80 degrees gives a spacious soundstage without sacrificing image focus when toed out about 10 degrees. Three rear-panel mid/high attenuation settings are genuinely useful for room and placement matching; Erin preferred Low in his room, with the grille fitted and slight toe-out. The sealed 10-inch acoustic-suspension woofer reaches an Erin-measured F3 near 52Hz and integrates gradually with a subwoofer. At 96dB/1m, harmonic distortion stays mostly below 1%, and multitone distortion is also well controlled. Compression is good at ordinary and high listening levels until the most extreme sweep, supporting convincing dynamics. The included slanted stands aim the unusually low tweeter toward seated ear height. Near-wall placement naturally fills the mild 200Hz baffle-step depression, as the manual intends. Measured bass extension of 52Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.

Cons: On-axis response is visibly irregular because the wide vintage baffle creates diffraction, and the upper/lower midbass mismatch around 200Hz can sound lean away from the intended wall placement. Erin heard a mild 800-900Hz resonance that coincides with a clear impedance blip, plus occasional hardness around the 2-4kHz crossover region at elevated level. Vertical directivity is narrow; the included five-degree slant bases are important because the tweeter otherwise aims below seated ears. The top end rolls off relative to the midrange, producing a warm balance that may not suit listeners seeking maximum air. At the highest test level the tweeter develops substantial compression. Large size, 52lb weight with stand and roughly $2998/pair price are significant commitments, and subwoofers remain necessary for the lowest octave.

Full KLH Model Five review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	32.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	26”H x 13.8”W x 11.5”D (660 x 350 x 292 mm) without stand
Drivers	10” paper-cone woofer, 4” paper-cone midrange, 1” aluminum-dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 3.5 ohms minimum at 140Hz (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	About 85dB @ 2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 87.5dB free-field manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.76
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.71
Weight	44.1 lbs (20 kg) each without stand; 52 lbs (23.6 kg) with stand
Woofer Cabinet	sealed acoustic suspension

Check current price at Amazon ($2,998.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($2998) →Search eBay for KLH Model Five →

Ranked #126 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Klipsch RP-5000F II: $859.98 per pair Amazon $859.98 B&H Photo Video $429.99 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Pros: The most tonally coherent of the RP II floorstander line, with a mild baffle-step dip and treble tilt but no additional coloration issues beyond that. Precise imaging thanks to the controlled horn/waveguide directivity. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 90dB.

Cons: Bass extension is underwhelming for a floorstander (F3 at 55Hz, F10 at 41Hz) and needs a subwoofer. Narrow horizontal dispersion (~50-60 degrees) trades soundstage width for imaging precision. A mild high-frequency tilt and a slight lack of detail around 1-1.5kHz.

Full Klipsch RP-5000F II review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	41Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1900Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	36.1” x 8.1” x 14.8” (917 x 207 x 375 mm)
Drivers	1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 5.25” cerametallic woofers
Frequency Response	40Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.3 ohms minimum (measured above 80Hz, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	100W continuous, 400W peak
Sensitivity	90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.24
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.25
Weight	38.6 lbs (17.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($859.98) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($429.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-5000F II →

Ranked #127 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Monolith Encore T6 Discontinued eBay

Same family: the Monolith Encore B6 (bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the Monolith Encore C6 (center, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: Three 6.5-inch pulp-cone drivers provide more displacement and cleaner cinema output than the B6, with good compression behavior at normal levels. Erin found the revised waveguided tweeter’s horizontal radiation consistent enough for predictable EQ, while the gloss-capped, heavily braced 49lb cabinet feels far above its price. The tower can produce useful midbass impact when crossed to a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of ~68Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Despite its size, Erin measured F3 around 68Hz, so the tower does not eliminate the need for a subwoofer. The native response needs equalization: crossover-region unevenness and excess top-octave energy prevent a fully neutral presentation. The four-ohm load and low-frequency phase angle warrant a robust amplifier, and the tall multi-driver array creates a narrower vertical listening window than a compact two-way. Discontinued.

Full Monolith Encore T6 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2021 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	31.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	~68Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	40H x 7.9W x 13.8D inches
Drivers	Three 6.5-inch pulp woofers; 25mm waveguided silk dome
Impedance	4 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	87.8dB/2.83V/1m (manufacturer)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.57
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.45
Weight	49.2 lbs (22.3 kg) each

Search eBay for Monolith Encore T6 →

Ranked #137 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Monolith THX-365T Discontinued eBay

Same family: the Monolith THX-365C (center, rated 4.1/5), the Monolith THX-365IW (smaller in-wall, rated 4/5) and the Monolith THX-LCR (larger in-wall, estimated 3.9/5).

Pros: The coaxial midrange/tweeter produces coherent horizontal and vertical coverage through most of the vocal band, while twin 6.5-inch woofers deliver good 88.6dB measured sensitivity. Erin found low distortion above the bass and useful dynamic capacity for home theater; the sealed enclosure also makes the intended 80Hz THX crossover predictable. An integrated up-firing Atmos module and THX Ultra certification make this a compact, unusually versatile LCR/tower. Measured bass extension of 84Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.6dB.

Cons: Erin measured F3 at 84Hz (F10 roughly 40Hz), so it categorically needs a subwoofer. Native response has enough upper-mid/treble irregularity that Erin recommended it only with EQ. Although mostly above four ohms, impedance falls to nearly 3 ohms with an adverse phase angle, potentially stressing an AVR; a separate four-ohm-capable amplifier is prudent. The Atmos module adds cost and height but cannot substitute for properly placed ceiling speakers. Discontinued.

Full Monolith THX-365T review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	~40Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	84Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	22.9”H x 9.7”W x 10.8”D (581 x 246 x 275 mm) (without grille)
Drivers	Dual 6.5-inch woofers; 2-inch coaxial midrange/1-inch dome; 5.25-inch Atmos coaxial
Enclosure	Sealed
Impedance	4 ohms nominal; nearly 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	88.6dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.83
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.90
Weight	28.4 lbs (12.9 kg) each

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Ranked #138 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Klipsch RP-8000F II: $1,159.98 per pair Amazon $1,159.98 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smallest center, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (center, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (largest center, rated 3.8/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Full Klipsch RP-8000F II review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1630Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43.1” x 10.8” x 18.3” (1095 x 275 x 464 mm)
Drivers	1” titanium tweeter with 90x90 Tractrix horn, dual 8” cerametallic woofers
Frequency Response	35Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	150W continuous, 600W peak
Sensitivity	92dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.39
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.12
Weight	61.3 lbs (27.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($1,159.98) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-8000F II →

Ranked #139 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Dynaudio Emit 30: $1,274.25 per pair Amazon $1,274.25 eBay

Same family: the Dynaudio Emit 10 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.2/5), the Dynaudio Emit 20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the Dynaudio Emit 50 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.2/5) and the Dynaudio Emit 25C (center, estimated 3.7/5). See every Dynaudio Emit generation.

Pros: A 2.5-way floorstander: two 5.25” mid-woofers paired with a roughly 1” dome tweeter, driven through dual rear bass-reflex ports. The two woofers hand off at staggered crossover points (around 1kHz and 3.5kHz) rather than sharing one, which avoids the acoustic lobing a shared crossover point would cause between the tweeter and the lower woofer, and adds a few dB of sensitivity in the process. Genuinely deep bass for a speaker around this price: measured F3 near 44Hz and extends audibly down to about 40Hz in-room without much difficulty. Harmonic distortion measures clean and low at both 86dB and 96dB SPL/1m. Good CTA-2034 sound power and uniform directivity mean the speaker takes EQ correction well if a listener wants to dial in its one tonal weak point. Dynamic range and compression performance are strong overall, with only a minor, high-Q compression artifact tied to a cone-edge resonance that’s unlikely to be audible. Wide, consistent horizontal dispersion around ±70° with just a small ~10° narrowing between 1-3kHz, and a reasonably forgiving ±20° vertical window centered on the tweeter axis. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-3dB).

Cons: A dip and inconsistency in the lower-treble presence region (roughly 2-5kHz) makes the top end sound uneven (sometimes soft, sometimes forward) depending on the specific instrument or frequency being reproduced; male vocals can lack presence and cymbals can lack sizzle as a result. A cone-edge surround resonance shows up around 1-1.3kHz in burst-decay measurements (a trait the reviewer has also seen on other Dynaudio models) and lines up with elevated multitone distortion across roughly 600Hz-1.5kHz. An enclosure resonance appears around 350Hz in the impedance curve. Placed too close to a rear wall, the dual ports make the bass noticeably boomy: pulling the speaker out is needed to keep the low end from overloading the room. Fully resolving the top-end inconsistency needs a modest EQ correction (roughly +2dB with a Q of about 1, centered 3-6kHz), so out-of-the-box tonal accuracy in that band isn’t quite class-leading despite otherwise strong measured performance.

Full Dynaudio Emit 30 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	Denmark
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	35.4”H x 6.7”W x 10.7”D (900.0 x 170.0 x 272.0 mm)
Drivers	Dual 5.25” mid-woofers, 1” soft dome tweeter
Frequency Response	44Hz - 25kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms
Power Handling	180W (IEC rated)
Sensitivity	87dB
Spinorama Preference Score	3.84
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.69
Weight	34.2 lbs (15.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear (dual)

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Ranked #140 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Klipsch RP-6000F II: $999.98 per pair Amazon $499.99 eBay

Full Klipsch RP-6000F II review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	33Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1770Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	39.6” x 9.3” x 17.6” (1006 x 236 x 446 mm)
Drivers	1” titanium tweeter with Tractrix horn, dual 6.5” cerametallic woofers
Frequency Response	38Hz - 25kHz (+-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (3.7 ohms minimum, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	125W continuous, 500W peak
Sensitivity	90dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.74
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.47
Weight	49.4 lbs (22.4 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

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Ranked #150 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Definitive Technology BP-9020: $500 per pair Discontinued eBay

Pros: Integrated powered 8” side-firing subwoofer with a 150-watt Class D amplifier provides exceptional sub-bass extension down to an F3 of 35Hz and F10 of 29Hz without requiring a standalone subwoofer enclosure. Forward-Focused Bipolar Array technology (dual 3.5” front midrange drivers + 1” annealed aluminum dome tweeter, plus a 3.5” rear-firing midrange driver) creates a remarkably wide, spacious soundstage with broad room envelopment. On-axis frequency response stays smooth and relatively neutral when listened to directly aligned with the tweeter. Measured average sensitivity of 87.7dB SPL (2.83V/1m) allows comfortable drive from standard multi-channel receivers. Measured bass extension of 35Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 87.7dB.

Cons: Significant high-frequency boost creates notable treble brightness and noticeable sibilance on vocal s-sounds. Bipolar rear driver radiation creates a diffuse soundstage that compromises razor-sharp imaging focus and pinpoint instrument placement. DSP-based internal limiter aggressively compresses output below 80Hz at higher listening levels, causing lower mid-bass and sub-bass impact to diminish as volume increases. Midrange clarity shows slight ‘cuppiness’ and upper-frequency directivity irregularities due to front/rear driver interaction. Discontinued.

Full Definitive Technology BP-9020 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	29Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	35Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	35.3”H x 11”W x 13”D (895.4 x 279.4 x 330.2 mm)
Drivers	1 in. annealed aluminum dome tweeter, two 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (front), one 3.5 in. BDSS midrange (rear), 8 in. powered subwoofer
Impedance	8 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	87.7dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.08
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.53
Weight	30 lbs (13.6 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, slot

Search eBay for Definitive Technology BP-9020 →

Ranked #151 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle: $2,499.00 per pair Amazon $2,499.00 SVS $2,499.99 eBay

Same family: the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.9/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Tower (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.1/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Titan (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.2/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Center (center, estimated 4.1/5) and the SVS Ultra Evolution Elevation (surround, estimated 3.8/5). See every SVS Ultra and Ultra Evolution generation.

Pros: Flagship three-way tower with a diamond-coated tweeter, dual midranges and four force-balanced 8-inch woofers. Erin measured exceptional 27Hz extension, broad roughly +/-75-degree horizontal coverage, an 88.1dB sensitivity and a 4.91 preference score even without a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 41.0Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The 5.25-to-8-inch transitions and complex array do not produce class-leading smoothness: 0.184 on-axis, 0.226 predicted in-room and 3.64 directivity-index consistency. At 96.7 pounds each, these are difficult to position, and their Q of 1.25 indicates some bass emphasis. A dip in the upper midrange followed closely by a peak around 2 to 3kHz gives vocals a shouty, forward quality that toe-out alone does not resolve.

Full SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle review and specifications →

Released	May 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 27.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	50.2H x 11.8W x 18.1D in
Drivers	1” diamond-coated tweeter, dual 5.25” midranges, quad 8” woofers
Enclosure	3-way passive, dual rear ports
Impedance	6 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	88dB
Spinorama Preference Score	4.91
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.13
Weight	96.8 lbs (43.9 kg) each

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Ranked #153 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Vandersteen Treo CT: $11,090 per pair Audio Connection $11,090 eBay

Same family: the Vandersteen Model 2Ce Signature III (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 3.6/5) and the Vandersteen VCC-5 (center, rated 3.4/5). See every Vandersteen generation.

Pros: A time-aligned four-driver floorstander with carbon tweeter, first-order crossovers and exceptional measured bass reach. Erin’s data predicts 27Hz in-room extension, a 4.95 standalone preference score, smooth 0.106 sound power and a 6.17 score with a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: At $11090 per pair, 80 lb each and only 85dB sensitivity, it is costly and amplifier-demanding. The response rises about +0.62dB per octave, horizontal coverage narrows to roughly +/-40 degrees, and on-axis smoothness is only 0.170.

Full Vandersteen Treo CT review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2014 (12 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	22.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Country	United States
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43H x 10W x 15D in
Drivers	1” carbon tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 6.5” woofer, 8” acoustic coupler
Enclosure	4-driver, floorstanding bass-reflex
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 4 ohms minimum
Sensitivity	85dB
Spinorama Preference Score	4.95
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.17
Weight	80 lbs (36.3 kg) each

Check current price at Audio Connection ($11,090) →Search eBay for Vandersteen Treo CT →

Links
- Vandersteen Treo CT Resources
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #165 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Focal Aria Evo X N°2: $4,798 per pair Amazon $2,399.00 eBay

Same family: the Focal Aria Evo X N°1 (bookshelf, estimated 3.5/5), the Focal Aria Evo X N°3 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.3/5), the Focal Aria Evo X N°4 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.4/5) and the Focal Aria Evo X Center (center, estimated 3.7/5). See every Focal Aria generation.

Pros: Solid bass with a deliberate mid-bass bump (80-120Hz) that gives extra thump and weight, extending to about 40-50Hz in-room. High sensitivity (measured 88.2dB) makes it easy to drive, and distortion is low throughout the range even at high output: the reviewer found only a minor compression “glare” around 4.5kHz at very high volumes, not a real concern. Directivity components (mid-range and tweeter) transition smoothly rather than abruptly, and the overall soundstage is wide and enveloping. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.2dB.

Cons: Sounds very bright pointed directly at the listener: the tweeter comes in 5-6dB above the midrange with an unusually wide, roughly two-octave dip (1kHz-4kHz) leading into it, giving a laid-back, low-attack character even after toeing out ~20 degrees. Fixing this properly requires real EQ (a mini DSP or similar), not just toe-out or absorption alone; without EQ, expect it to sound bright for stereo listening. A mild dip around 200Hz makes male vocals sound slightly subdued. Narrow vertical directivity (about +/-15 degrees) means you need to stay close to tweeter-axis height. Impedance dips to 3.4 ohms (EPDR 1.4 ohms), so it wants a 4-ohm-capable amplifier, and requires a plinth for floor clearance since it’s bottom-ported.

Full Focal Aria Evo X N°2 review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	40.7”H x 14.6”W x 11.6”D (1035 x 371 x 294 mm)
Drivers	Aluminum-magnesium inverted dome tweeter with waveguide, 6.5” flax midrange, dual 6.5” flax midbass woofers
Frequency Response	45Hz - 30kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (2.9 ohms minimum, Manufacturer specified; 3.4 ohms minimum measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Recommended Power	40-250W
Sensitivity	88.2dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner; 91.5dB Manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.88
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.82
Weight	55.1 lbs (25 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	3-way, bass reflex (bottom-firing port, requires plinth)

Check current price at Amazon ($2,399.00) →Search eBay for Focal Aria Evo X N°2 →

Ranked #170 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Polk Audio XT70: $578 per pair Amazon $289.00 eBay

Same family: the Polk Audio XT15 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Polk Monitor XT20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio XT60 (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, rated 3.5/5), the Polk Audio XT30 (smaller center, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT35 (larger center, rated 4.1/5), the Polk Audio Monitor XT10 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.1/5) and the Polk Audio Monitor XT12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.3/5). See every Polk Monitor generation.

Pros: The flagship tower in Polk’s current Monitor XT lineup, sitting above the Polk Audio XT60 and Polk Audio XT15 in the same series, adding a second 6.5” woofer and dual 8” passive radiators for more low-end output. Rated for both 4 and 8 ohm operation. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis smoothness (0.274) and listening-window smoothness (0.303) are unremarkable for a tower this size, with a pronounced +0.28dB per octave upward tonal tilt giving it a brighter-leaning balance and a predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.31. Directivity-index standard deviation of 3.33 is unremarkable either way.

Full Polk Audio XT70 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37.7Hz (derived, sustained-crossing interpolation, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Country	China
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	40.4H x 9.25W x 12.5D in
Drivers	1” Terylene dome tweeter, 2x 6.5” Dynamic Balance woofers, 2x 8” passive radiators
Enclosure	Ported, critically-braced MDF
Impedance	4/8 ohm compatible
Sensitivity	89dB @ 1W/1m
Spinorama Preference Score	5.16
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.10
Weight	35.1 lbs (15.9 kg) each

Check current price at Amazon ($289.00) →Search eBay for Polk Audio XT70 →

Links
- Polk Audio Monitor XT70 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #177 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Polk Audio XT60: $370 per pair Amazon $185.00 B&H Photo Video $185.00 Crutchfield $229 eBay

Same family: the Polk Audio XT15 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Polk Monitor XT20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio XT70 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT30 (smaller center, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT35 (larger center, rated 4.1/5), the Polk Audio Monitor XT10 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.1/5) and the Polk Audio Monitor XT12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.3/5). See every Polk Monitor generation.

Pros: Passive-radiator-loaded design (6.5” woofer plus two 6.5” passive radiators) gives deeper bass than the driver size alone would suggest: 43.9Hz at -3dB / 38.1Hz at -10dB, genuinely competitive extension for a budget tower. Hi-Res Audio certified, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X compatible, and works with either 4- or 8-ohm amplifier outputs. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass alignment Q (lfq 0.96) is the highest, least-controlled figure in this entire batch, consistent with owner reports of a slightly loose, boomy low end at higher volumes. On-axis response is also relatively uneven, with narrow-band deviation of about 0.51dB. The vinyl-wrapped (not wood veneer) cabinet reads as budget up close per owner reviews, and at least one owner reported blowing a driver under sustained heavy bass: some caution is warranted with bass-heavy source material at volume.

Full Polk Audio XT60 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	19.05 x 92.5 x 23.09cm (7.5 x 36.4 x 9.09 in) each
Drivers	1” Terylene dome tweeter, 6.5” bilaminate polypropylene woofer, 2x 6.5” passive radiators
Impedance	4/8-ohm compatible
Sensitivity	86dB (1W/1m)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.19
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.13
Weight	20 lbs (9.07 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	Passive radiator-loaded

Check current price at Amazon ($185.00) →Check current price at B&H Photo Video ($185.00) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($229) →Search eBay for Polk Audio XT60 →

Links
- Official Polk Audio XT60 Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #179 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Magnepan LRS+: $1300 per pair Magnepan $1300 eBay

Full Magnepan LRS+ review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	67Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	74Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	48”H x 13.5”W x 1”D (1219.2 x 342.9 x 25.4 mm)
Drivers	Full-range planar magnetic dipole panel (48” tall x 13.5” wide); quasi-ribbon design, two-way with separate mid/bass and tweeter ribbon sections
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	85.1dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	1.27
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	4.32
Weight	30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	open baffle

Check current price at Magnepan ($1300) →Search eBay for Magnepan LRS+ →

Ranked #183 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Vandersteen 2c: $1,200 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Vandersteen Model 2Ce Signature III, ranked higher, estimated 3.6/5, released Jun 2020. See every Vandersteen generation.

Pros: A four-driver, time and phase aligned floorstander with first-order crossovers, pairing an 8 inch woofer with a 10 inch passive radiator. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a smooth predicted in-room response (0.62 smoothness) and bass reaching 48.3Hz (-3dB) and about 38.6Hz (-10dB), for a preference score of 3.89 that rises to 5.77 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 48.3Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.3dB.

Cons: The on-axis response is uneven (0.81 deviation), and the vertical listening window is only about ±10 degrees, so tonal balance shifts if your ears sit above or below the tweeter. Measured sensitivity is a modest 84.3dB. Replaced by the Vandersteen Model 2Ce Signature III. Discontinued.

Full Vandersteen 2c review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2017 (9 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	38.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	48.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Country	United States
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	36.5”H x 16”W x 10.2”D (927 x 406 x 260 mm)
Drivers	1” dome tweeter, 4.5” midrange, 8” woofer, 10” passive radiator
Enclosure	4-driver floorstander, passive radiator
Impedance	7.8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	84.3dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.89
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.77
Weight	58 lbs (26.3 kg)

Search eBay for Vandersteen 2c →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review

Ranked #187 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - JBL Stage 2 280F: $1,059.90 per pair Amazon $529.95 eBay

Older model: the JBL Stage A180 (ranked higher, rated 3.8/5). See every JBL Arena and Stage generation.

Same family: the JBL Stage 2 240B (smaller bookshelf, estimated 2.7/5), the JBL Stage 250B (larger bookshelf, rated 3.2/5), the JBL Stage 2 260F (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.2/5), the JBL Stage 2 245C (center, estimated 3.2/5), the JBL Stage 200P (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.5/5) and the JBL Stage 220P (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.7/5).

Pros: Genuinely impressive output capability and low compression/distortion for the price, courtesy of the dual 8” woofers: the reviewer’s standout praise for this pair. High sensitivity (89.5dB measured) and low impedance make it easy to drive. Decent bass extension (F3 48Hz, F10 30Hz) reaches about 50Hz in-room. Horizontal dispersion is reasonably consistent (~55 degrees), meaning the speaker takes reasonably well to EQ correction. Measured bass extension of 48Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89.5dB.

Cons: Explicitly called out as disappointing relative to expectations for the JBL name and this price point: lacks native linearity compared to similarly-priced alternatives like the Polk Reserve R500, which the reviewer recommends instead for anyone who doesn’t want to rely on EQ. Treble falls off a cliff above about 10-12kHz, giving a notable lack of air/space that needs real correction (a wide +Q0.5 boost from 10-20kHz) to fix. A sharp impedance resonance around 900Hz-1.1kHz is nearly impossible to EQ out cleanly even with narrow filters. Elevated multitone distortion in the 600Hz-2.5kHz range, tied to the midwoofer rather than the tweeter. Compared to the similarly-priced Klipsch RP-6000F II/Klipsch RP-8000F II, this JBL is less directive and native-flat but does extend roughly 20Hz deeper in the bass: a real tradeoff either way, not a clean win.

Full JBL Stage 2 280F review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2025 (10 months ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	30Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	48Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	1.1kHz, 2.1kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	43.8” x 14.1” x 16.5” (1113 x 358 x 419 mm)
Drivers	1” anodized aluminum dome tweeter with HDI waveguide, dual 8” polycellulose woofers
Impedance	6 ohms nominal, 3.9 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Power Handling	125W RMS
Sensitivity	89.5dB (2.83V/1m, measured by Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.69
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.14
Weight	55.1 lbs (25 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($529.95) →Search eBay for JBL Stage 2 280F →

Ranked #194 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - DALI Rubikore 6: $8000 per pair Safe and Sound HQ $8000 eBay

Same family: the DALI Rubikore 2 (bookshelf, estimated 3.2/5), the DALI Rubikore 8 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 3.4/5) and the DALI Rubikore Cinema (center, estimated 3.1/5).

Pros: Unusual 2.5-plus-half-way, four-driver configuration: two woofers overlap up to 800Hz, then one continues alone to about 2600Hz where the tweeter takes over, followed by a supertweeter engaging at 14kHz. A design layout the reviewer says he’d never encountered before. Bass extension reaches a solid 40-45Hz in-room. Distortion is quite low overall, with an especially impressive gap between second- and third-order harmonic distortion in the midwoofers. Wide horizontal radiation of about ±75°, close to the reviewer’s preferred range for an enveloping soundstage. Very good dynamic range, holding up to about 26dB of level increase (70dB to 102dB) with distortion staying within the reviewer’s 3% threshold even at full output. Multiple attractive finish options, including bi-wireable connections. Measured bass extension of 43Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 86.4dB.

Cons: On-axis, the treble sits 3-5dB above the midrange (especially around 4kHz), giving a sibilant, hot top end that the manufacturer itself recommends compensating for with 30° of toe-out (firing the speakers straight into the room rather than at the listener). Even with that toe-out, the midrange still reads as somewhat scooped and recessed: the reviewer needed a wide, +2dB EQ boost around 2.5kHz to bring vocals back into proper balance. A high-Q resonance appears around 590Hz, and another shows up around 800Hz in burst decay measurements. Best combined with sidewall absorption to help tame the elevated 4-5kHz energy, adding to setup complexity. Needs specific listening-height positioning: ears should be at the tweeter (not supertweeter) level for the most accurate sound. Without EQ or acoustic treatment, the reviewer found the combination of a hot tweeter and recessed midrange a “tough sale” despite otherwise strong measured performance.

Full DALI Rubikore 6 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2024 (2 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	39”H x 7.9”W x 15”D (990.0 x 200.0 x 380.0 mm)
Drivers	28mm tweeter + dual 180mm woofers
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (4.3 ohms minimum above 80Hz, measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	86.4dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner; 88.5dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.27
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.96
Weight	114.9 lbs (52.1 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Safe and Sound HQ ($8000) →Search eBay for DALI Rubikore 6 →

Ranked #205 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Endow Audio Bravura 7: $14,000 per pair Discontinued eBay

Pros: A genuinely unusual radiation concept: nine small midrange drivers radiate nearly omnidirectionally from roughly 300Hz to 6kHz, producing an exceptionally large, enveloping soundstage and illuminating the sidewalls, floor and ceiling much more evenly than a conventional box. Erin found solid, snappy midbass and measured F3 at 50Hz and F10 at 36Hz. On-axis response below the tweeter transition is broadly linear for such an unconventional array. Multitone distortion remains comparatively well controlled at ordinary levels. The rear passive radiator and 7-inch woofer give useful extension, and the system’s room-filling spatial presentation is unlike a standard forward radiator. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 82dB.

Cons: The radiation pattern changes abruptly at 6kHz: below it the array is nearly omnidirectional, but the waveguided tweeter collapses to about +/-20 degrees horizontally and less than +/-10 degrees vertically. Ears must remain almost exactly on tweeter axis or the top octave largely disappears. Erin measured very low 81-82dB sensitivity despite the nine-driver array, so substantial amplifier power is required. A 7-8dB high-frequency peak suggests tweeter breakup or diffraction. The small midranges show notable compression at high level; 96dB is acceptable but the 102dB sweep loses significant midrange output, while the woofer compresses below about 60Hz. Harmonic distortion is high around 100Hz at 96dB. Its huge reflected-sound contribution makes results unusually room-dependent, and its price is extremely high for its sensitivity, output limits and discontinuous treble directivity. Discontinued.

Full Endow Audio Bravura 7 review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	21”H x 9”W x 11”D (533 x 229 x 279 mm)
Drivers	7” woofer, nine 1.5” omnidirectional midrange drivers, waveguided tweeter, rear passive radiator
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.1 ohms minimum above 80Hz; 1.5 ohms minimum EPDR (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	81-82dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.67
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	4.62
Weight	24.3 lbs (11 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	passive radiator, rear

Search eBay for Endow Audio Bravura 7 →

Links
- Official Endow Audio Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Endow Audio Bravura 7. The strangest speaker ever? More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #206 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Børresen X3: $11,000 per pair eBay

Same family: the Børresen X6 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 3.1/5).

Pros: A 2.5-way tower built around a planar ribbon tweeter, a 4.5” mid-range driver, and dual 4.5” bass drivers, spec’d at 88dB/1W sensitivity into a 4-ohm nominal load (measured minimum impedance stays a friendly 6.1 ohms above 80Hz, so it doesn’t actually need much power despite the sub-90dB rating). Very wide, remarkably consistent horizontal directivity around ±70° gives an expansive, enveloping soundstage, helped by the reviewer’s pair measuring essentially identically to each other for tight image precision. A pronounced high-Q bass shelf centered around 80Hz (roughly 8dB above the mean level) delivers a punchy, attention-grabbing low-end thump at moderate volumes. Harmonic distortion is clean through the midrange at 86dB, and multitone distortion stays under about 3% even though the low end is handled by relatively small 4.5” drivers rather than something larger. Detailed, extended high frequencies when seated on the tweeter’s intended axis. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB).

Cons: A significant midrange suckout centered around 200-300Hz measures 8-11dB below the mean SPL, creating an audible hole in the mid-range that multiple independent listeners also flagged unprompted. The 80Hz bass shelf comes with the worst low-frequency ringing the reviewer says he has measured to date on a waterfall plot: it lingers well after the surrounding frequencies have decayed, giving kick drum and bass notes a boomy, one-note quality. Significant dynamic compression sets in as volume rises: bass output near 90Hz drops only about 1.5dB at 86dB SPL, but the loss grows substantially by 96dB and 102dB (around 26dB of total dynamic range), so the appealing bass punch measurably fades at higher listening levels. The upper-midrange and lower treble (2-4kHz) read soft and recessed unless the listener sits almost exactly on the tweeter’s reference axis, within about 15°: the manufacturer’s recommended setup (tweeter aimed above ear height, per their design intent) makes this worse rather than better for a seated listener at normal height. A crossover-related directivity kink between the tweeter and mid-range driver, visible in the vertical response, trades some pinpoint image precision for a more diffuse sense of envelopment compared to smaller two-way designs. Resonances appear in the impedance curve near 300Hz and 2kHz, coinciding with the measured midrange dip.

Full Børresen X3 review and specifications →

Released	2023 (3 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	25Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Country	Denmark
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	50.8”H x 13.6”W x 23.9”D (1290.0 x 345.0 x 607.0 mm)
Drivers	Planar ribbon tweeter, 4.5” mid-range driver, dual 4.5” bass drivers
Frequency Response	35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms
Recommended Power	50W minimum
Sensitivity	88dB
Spinorama Preference Score	2.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	3.50
Weight	121.3 lbs (55 kg)

Search eBay for Børresen X3 →

Links
- Official Børresen X3 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Hidden Secrets of BØRRESEN X3 SPEAKER Audiophiles Need to Know More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #213 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Sony SS-CS3: $450 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Sony SS-CS3 M2, ranked higher, estimated 3/5, released Sep 2025. See every Sony SS-CS generation.

Same family: the Sony SS-CS5 (bookshelf, rated 3.5/5).

Pros: Affordable entry-level floorstanding tower offering solid sensitivity (88.6dB SPL at 2.83V/1m), making it easy to power with standard budget AVRs. Harmonic distortion remains reasonably low at moderate listening levels (86dB SPL) when high-pass filtered above 80-100Hz with a dedicated subwoofer. Front-ported design allows relatively close placement to front boundaries without excessive port occlusion. Measured bass extension of 72Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.6dB.

Cons: Severe cabinet and driver resonances plague the passband between 100Hz and 600Hz, imparting audible coloration and chesty resonances to male vocals and acoustic instruments. Irregular frequency response peaks and dips make automated receiver room correction difficult to equalize effectively. Poor low-frequency extension (F3 of 72Hz, F10 of 39Hz) for a floorstander, combined with rapid distortion escalation below 80Hz at higher SPLs (96dB+). Supertweeter driver adds crossover complexity without providing audible high-frequency benefit within the human hearing spectrum. Discontinued.

Full Sony SS-CS3 review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2016 (10 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	72Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	36.3”H x 9.1”W x 10.2”D (922 x 230 x 260 mm)
Drivers	0.75 in. supertweeter, 0.98 in. polyester main tweeter, dual 5.12 in. MRC woofers
Impedance	6 ohms nominal
Sensitivity	88.6dB (measured average, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.11
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.65
Weight	25.4 lbs (11.5 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front

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Ranked #215 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Jamo S807: $299.00 per pair Discontinued Amazon $299.00 eBay

Same family: the Jamo S 803 (bookshelf, rated 1.4/5).

Pros: A slim 2.5-way tower with two 5-inch woofers and a 1-inch tweeter in a shallow waveguide, with a front slot port so it can sit closer to a wall. Its 8-ohm load stays close to 8 ohms across the range in Erin’s Audio Corner’s measurements, so any receiver drives it easily, and harmonic distortion stays under 0.5% above 200Hz at an 85dB level. Metal fasteners on top accept Jamo’s S8 ATM Dolby Atmos elevation module. Measured bass extension of 51.9Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84dB.

Cons: Erin’s Audio Corner’s measurements show a smiley-face tuning: boosted bass around 80Hz and boosted treble with the dialogue range sitting 3 to 5dB lower, plus a resonance near 400Hz. The listening window spans 4.6dB between 300Hz and 5kHz, the predicted in-room response is rough (0.39 smoothness) and the preference score is 3.84 (5.94 with an ideal subwoofer). Measured sensitivity is about 84dB against the 90dB claim, and it loses about 2dB to compression at 40Hz at loud listening levels. Erin’s verdict was not to buy it. Jamo has phased out the Studio 8 series it belongs to, so it is mainly a used buy. Discontinued.

Full Jamo S807 review and specifications →

Released	2018 (8 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	36”H x 7.5”W x 9.9”D (915 x 191 x 252 mm)
Drivers	2x 5” woofer, 1” tweeter with waveguide (2.5-way)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Power Handling	100W rated, 200W peak (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	84dB (measured average 300Hz-3kHz, Erin’s Audio Corner; 90dB manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.84
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.94
Weight	26 lbs (11.8 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, front slot

Check current price at Amazon ($299.00) →Search eBay for Jamo S807 →

Ranked #220 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Klipsch Heresy IV: $3,599.98 per pair Amazon $3,599.98 Crutchfield $3,599.98 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch Forte IV (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4/5), the Klipsch Cornwall IV (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 2.8/5), the Klipsch La Scala AL6 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 2.8/5) and the Klipsch Klipschorn AK7 (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 3/5).

Pros: Very high 94.5dB/2.83V/1m sensitivity in Erin’s anechoic measurement (well below Klipsch’s 99dB in-room claim, but still excellent) and strong short-term output from a 12-inch woofer plus horn-loaded midrange and tweeter. The compact, furniture-grade Heritage cabinet is easier to place than most high-efficiency designs, and dynamics at moderate levels can sound lively. A stable four-ohm-capable amplifier can produce substantial SPL with relatively little voltage. Measured bass extension of 77Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 94.5dB.

Cons: Erin measured a 77Hz F3 and response rolling away near 100Hz in-room, so a subwoofer is required for modern full-range reproduction. The impedance dips to about 4 ohms, reducing the practical amplifier advantage implied by its sensitivity. Pronounced directivity mismatch at the driver transitions, impedance/response resonances and elevated distortion spikes around the crossover remain audible concerns that EQ cannot fully solve. At 102dB Erin measured roughly 1.5dB midband compression; at 96dB distortion rises around crossover. Performance is difficult to justify at the price, and Erin explicitly did not recommend it.

Full Klipsch Heresy IV review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	50.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	77Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	24.8”H x 15.6”W x 13.3”D
Drivers	1” horn-loaded tweeter; 1.75” horn-loaded midrange; 12” woofer
Impedance	Approximately 4 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	94.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.27
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.02
Weight	45 lbs (20.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinet	ported, rear

Check current price at Amazon ($3,599.98) →Check current price at Crutchfield ($3,599.98) →Search eBay for Klipsch Heresy IV →

Ranked #224 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers - Bose 901 Series V Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Bose 901 Series VI, ranked lower, estimated 1.9/5, released 1987. See every Bose 901 generation.

Pros: Historically distinctive direct/reflecting architecture uses eight rear-firing and one front-firing full-range drivers to create a very large, room-filling presentation. Erin measured a benign 6.2-ohm minimum impedance, so the raw electrical load is easier than many modern four-ohm speakers. The supplied active equalizer offers user-adjustable tonal balance and is integral to obtaining usable bandwidth. Measured bass extension of 55.8Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 81dB.

Cons: Even with the required EQ, Erin measured only about 81dB sensitivity, grossly non-flat response, numerous impedance/resonance irregularities and very high distortion. Output above roughly 90-95dB at his seat became audibly poor; multitone testing reached only about 98dB before the distortion limit. The reflection-dominant radiation prevents precise imaging and makes results strongly room-dependent. It requires the proprietary equalizer and substantial amplifier power despite its benign impedance. Discontinued.

Full Bose 901 Series V review and specifications →

Released	1983 (43 years ago)
Bass Extension	Strongly dependent on supplied active equalizer and room (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	34.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	55.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
DSP	External analog active equalizer required
Dimensions	21”H x 21”W x 12.6”D (533.4 x 533.4 x 320.7 mm)
Drivers	Nine full-range drivers: eight rear-firing, one front-firing
Impedance	6.2 ohms minimum (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Sensitivity	Approximately 81dB/2.83V/1m with tested EQ setting (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	0.43
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	2.11
Weight	35.3 lbs (16 kg) each

Search eBay for Bose 901 Series V →

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

Center Channel Speakers

Ranked #6 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - KEF Reference 2 Meta: $5,999.99 each KEF $5,999.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF Reference 1 Meta (bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the KEF Reference 3 Meta (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.6/5), the KEF Reference 5 Meta (larger floorstanding, estimated 4.8/5) and the KEF Reference 4 Meta (larger center, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5). See every KEF Reference generation.

Pros: A three-way sealed center with KEF’s 12th generation Uni-Q coaxial driver (25mm aluminium tweeter with MAT inside a 125mm midrange) between two 6.5” bass drivers. Measured by Erin’s Audio Corner, the listening window stays within 2.1dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the coaxial driver spreads sound evenly out to about ±50 degrees, so dialogue sounds the same from every seat on a wide sofa. Preference score 5.23, rising to 7.84 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 76.9Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass rolls off at 76.9Hz (-3dB) and about 46Hz (-10dB) in the sealed cabinet, so plan on a subwoofer. Sensitivity is a modest 86dB and the impedance dips to 3.2 ohms, so it needs a capable amplifier. At $6000 it costs far more than the KEF R2 Meta, which measures nearly as well.

Featured on:

Center Channel

Full KEF Reference 2 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Feb 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 46.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	76.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	8.1”H x 24.8”W x 13.2”D (205 x 630 x 335 mm)
Drivers	Uni-Q: 25mm aluminium dome tweeter with MAT, 125mm aluminium midrange; 2x 165mm (6.5”) aluminium bass units
Frequency Response	80Hz-35kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal, 3.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified)
Maximum SPL	113.5dB (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.23
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.84
Weight	50.3 lbs (22.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at KEF ($5,999.99) →Search eBay for KEF Reference 2 Meta →

Links
- Official KEF Reference 2 Meta Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #18 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Polk Audio XT35: $268.05 each Amazon $268.05 eBay

Same family: the Polk Audio XT15 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Polk Monitor XT20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio XT60 (smaller floorstanding, rated 3.5/5), the Polk Audio XT70 (larger floorstanding, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT30 (smaller center, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio Monitor XT10 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.1/5) and the Polk Audio Monitor XT12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.3/5). See every Polk Monitor generation.

Pros: A slim center only 106mm tall, built to sit under a TV, with a 1” Terylene dome tweeter between four 3” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured very low on-axis deviation (0.19, among the flattest of any center here) and a listening window within 2.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, for a preference score of 4.43 that reaches 7.34 with an ideal subwoofer. That is a remarkable result at $268. Measured bass extension of 85.0Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Small woofers limit bass to 85Hz (-3dB) and about 59Hz (-10dB), so it really needs a subwoofer with a crossover around 100Hz. Its predicted in-room response is less smooth (0.57) than the top centers here, so reflections color the sound more in a lively room.

Featured on:

Center Channel

Full Polk Audio XT35 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 59.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	85.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	4.2”H x 24.4”W x 5.6”D (106 x 620 x 141 mm)
Drivers	1” Terylene dome tweeter, 4x 3” bi-laminate paper woofers
Frequency Response	84Hz-26kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.43
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.34
Weight	14.1 lbs (6.4 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($268.05) →Search eBay for Polk Audio XT35 →

Links
- Official Polk Audio XT35 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Polk Monitor XT35
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #22 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Monolith THX-365C: $499.99 each Discontinued eBay

Same family: the Monolith THX-365T (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Monolith THX-365IW (smaller in-wall, rated 4/5) and the Monolith THX-LCR (larger in-wall, estimated 3.9/5).

Pros: A THX Ultra certified sealed three-way center with a 1” silk dome tweeter, a 2” silk dome midrange and two 6.5” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a listening window within 2.3dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, a smooth predicted in-room response (0.84) and wide coverage (about ±60 degrees horizontally), for a preference score of 4.38 that reaches 7.37 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass rolls off at 82Hz (-3dB) and about 55Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer. The 4 ohm load needs a capable receiver. Monoprice has wound down the Monolith speaker line. Discontinued.

Full Monolith THX-365C review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 54.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Certification	THX Ultra
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	9.7”H x 22.9”W x 10.8”D (246 x 582 x 274 mm)
Drivers	1” silk dome tweeter, 2” silk dome midrange, 2x 6.5” woofers
Frequency Response	65Hz-24kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	89.5dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.37
Weight	26.5 lbs (12 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Search eBay for Monolith THX-365C →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Monoprice THX-365C

Ranked #31 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Revel C426Be: $5,444.95 each Audio Advice $5,444.95 eBay

Same family: the Revel M126Be (bookshelf, rated 4.3/5), the Revel F226Be (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.6/5), the Revel F228Be (floorstanding, rated 4.5/5) and the Revel F328Be (largest floorstanding, rated 4.7/5). See every Revel Performa generation.

Pros: A three-way center with a 1” beryllium tweeter in Revel’s acoustic lens waveguide, a 5.25” midrange and four 6.5” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a preference score of 5.27 without a subwoofer, behind only the Perlisten and Ascend centers, helped by deep bass of 66.7Hz (-3dB) and about 35Hz (-10dB). Horizontal dispersion is wide (about ±60 degrees), so off-center seats hear the same dialogue balance, and 90dB sensitivity makes it easy to drive. Measured bass extension of 66.7Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The listening window is less even than the best centers here, spanning 3.1dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the directivity index varies more across frequency (3.8dB deviation). It is 977mm wide and 32.2kg, and at $5445 it is one of the more expensive centers here.

Full Revel C426Be review and specifications →

Released	2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 35.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	66.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	10.6”H x 38.5”W x 14”D (268 x 977 x 356 mm)
Drivers	1” beryllium dome tweeter with acoustic lens, 5.25” DCC aluminum midrange, 4x 6.5” DCC aluminum woofers
Frequency Response	38Hz-40kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.27
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.96
Weight	71 lbs (32.2 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported (dual rear ports)

Check current price at Audio Advice ($5,444.95) →Search eBay for Revel C426Be →

Links
- Official Revel C426Be Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Revel C426Be
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #35 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - KEF R2c: $1,299.99 each Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the KEF R2 Meta, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5, released Feb 2023. See every KEF R Series generation.

Same family: the KEF R3 (bookshelf, rated 4.5/5), the KEF R5 (smallest floorstanding, rated 4.4/5), the KEF R7 (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5) and the KEF R11 (largest floorstanding, estimated 4.3/5).

Pros: A sealed three-way center with KEF’s Uni-Q coaxial driver (1” aluminum tweeter inside a 5” midrange) between two 5.25” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured even coverage of about ±50 degrees both horizontally and vertically, so it sounds consistent above or below a screen and across a wide sofa. Preference score 4.37, rising to 7.22 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 79.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass rolls off at 79.8Hz (-3dB) and about 54Hz (-10dB), and the listening window spans 3.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz. KEF replaced it with the KEF R2 Meta. Discontinued.

Full KEF R2c review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2018 (8 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 53.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	79.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	6.9”H x 21.7”W x 12.4”D (176 x 551 x 316 mm)
Drivers	Uni-Q: 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter, 5” aluminum midrange; 2x 5.25” hybrid aluminum woofers
Frequency Response	74Hz-28kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.37
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.22
Weight	37.3 lbs (16.9 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Search eBay for KEF R2c →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KEF R2c vs KEF R3

Ranked #42 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Klipsch RP-500C II: $329.99 each Amazon $329.99 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smallest floorstanding, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smaller center, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (larger center, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Pros: A 1” titanium tweeter in Klipsch’s Tractrix horn between two 5.25” Cerametallic woofers, with a very high 94dB sensitivity, so even a modest receiver drives it to loud levels. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a listening window within 2.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and a preference score of 4.53 that reaches 7.28 with an ideal subwoofer, a strong result at $330. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis response is uneven (1.09dB average deviation), and the horn’s directivity changes more across frequency than any other center here (4.34dB directivity index deviation), so tone shifts between the direct sound and room reflections. Bass rolls off at 82Hz (-3dB) and about 54Hz (-10dB).

Featured on:

Center Channel

Full Klipsch RP-500C II review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 54.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	6.9”H x 19.3”W x 10.6”D (174 x 491 x 269 mm)
Drivers	1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 2x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers
Frequency Response	56Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	94dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.53
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.28
Weight	18.3 lbs (8.3 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported (rear Tractrix port)

Check current price at Amazon ($329.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-500C II →

Links
- Official Klipsch RP-500C II Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch RP-500C II
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #43 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - KEF Q250c: $599.99 each Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the KEF Q6 Meta, ranked higher, rated 3.9/5, released Oct 2024. See every KEF Q Series generation.

Same family: the KEF Q150 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the KEF Q350 (larger bookshelf, rated 3/5) and the KEF Q650c (larger center, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: A compact two-way center with a 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver and two 5.25” passive radiators, so it has no rear port and can sit close to a wall. Erin’s Audio Corner measured even coverage of about ±45 degrees both horizontally and vertically, and a preference score that reaches 6.94 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 90.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis response is uneven (0.97dB average deviation) and bass rolls off at 90.8Hz (-3dB) and about 55Hz (-10dB), so its score without a subwoofer is 4.19. KEF replaced it with the KEF Q6 Meta. Discontinued.

Full KEF Q250c review and specifications →

Released	2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 54.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	90.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	8.4”H x 20.7”W x 7.2”D (214 x 525 x 184 mm)
Drivers	Uni-Q: 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter in 5.25” aluminum cone; 2x 5.25” passive radiators
Frequency Response	68Hz-28kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.4 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified)
Maximum SPL	108dB (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.19
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.94
Weight	16.5 lbs (7.5 kg)

Search eBay for KEF Q250c →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: KEF Q250c

Ranked #45 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52: $399.00 each Amazon $399.00 eBay

Same family: the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 (bookshelf, rated 2.4/5) and the ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52 (floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5). See every ELAC Uni-Fi generation.

Pros: A three-way center channel from Andrew Jones with two 5.25” aluminium woofers and a 4” concentric midrange with a 1” soft dome tweeter at its center. Erin measured a preference score of 4.92 that reaches 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.38 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 71.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The on-axis response is less even (0.60 average deviation) than the listening window. Bass reaches 71.8Hz (-3dB) and about 42Hz (-10dB).

Full ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 review and specifications →

Released	Sep 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 41.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	7.3”H x 21.5”W x 10.8”D (185 x 545 x 275 mm)
Drivers	2x 5.25” aluminium woofers, 4” concentric midrange with 1” soft dome tweeter
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	85dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.92
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.06
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Check current price at Amazon ($399.00) →Search eBay for ELAC Uni-Fi 2.0 UC52 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #47 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Klipsch RP-504C II: $499.99 each Amazon $499.99 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smallest floorstanding, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-404C II (smaller center, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (smaller center, ranked higher, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Pros: The largest Reference Premiere center puts four 5.25” Cerametallic woofers around a 1” titanium tweeter in a Tractrix horn, for a very high 96dB sensitivity. Erin’s Audio Corner measured the deepest bass of the Klipsch centers here, 71.8Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB), and a preference score of 4.58 without a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 71.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis response is the least even of the Klipsch centers (1.13dB average deviation), and directivity varies strongly with frequency (4.27dB directivity index deviation), so the tone changes for off-center seats and in reflective rooms. It is 814mm wide and 383mm deep, so check shelf depth before buying.

Featured on:

Center Channel

Full Klipsch RP-504C II review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 43.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	6.9”H x 32”W x 15.1”D (174 x 814 x 383 mm)
Drivers	1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 4x 5.25” Cerametallic woofers
Frequency Response	50Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	96dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.58
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.83
Weight	36.4 lbs (16.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported (rear Tractrix ports)

Check current price at Amazon ($499.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-504C II →

Links
- Official Klipsch RP-504C II Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch RP-504C II
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #53 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - JBL HDI-4500: $2,119.95 each JBL $2,119.95 eBay

Same family: the JBL HDI-1600 (bookshelf, rated 4.2/5), the JBL HDI-3600 (smaller floorstanding, rated 4.3/5), the JBL HDI-3800 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.5/5) and the JBL HDI-1200P (subwoofer, rated 3.9/5).

Pros: A 1” compression driver in JBL’s High Definition Imaging horn sits between four 5.25” aluminum matrix woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a fairly flat on-axis response (0.30 average deviation) and a preference score of 4.08 without a subwoofer, with bass reaching 67.4Hz (-3dB) and about 44Hz (-10dB). 90dB sensitivity and a compression driver give it plenty of clean output for large rooms. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The listening window spans 3.2dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is only moderately smooth (0.60), so it is less neutral than the best centers here. At $2120 it costs more than several centers that measure better.

Full JBL HDI-4500 review and specifications →

Released	Jun 2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	7.5”H x 33.1”W x 12.3”D (190 x 841 x 312 mm)
Drivers	1” 2410H-2 compression driver with HDI horn, 4x 5.25” aluminum matrix woofers
Frequency Response	50Hz-30kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	4.08
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.28
Weight	44.3 lbs (20.1 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported (rear)

Check current price at JBL ($2,119.95) →Search eBay for JBL HDI-4500 →

Links
- Official JBL HDI-4500 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JBL HDI-4500 vs KEF R2 Meta
- JBL HDI-4500 vs Atlantic Technology 8600iC

Ranked #54 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Klipsch RP-404C II: $399.99 each Amazon $399.99 eBay

Same family: the Klipsch RP-500M II (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-600M II (larger bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Klipsch RP-5000F II (smallest floorstanding, rated 4/5), the Klipsch RP-6000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8000F II (floorstanding, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-8060FA II (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5), the Klipsch RP-500C II (larger center, ranked higher, rated 3.9/5), the Klipsch RP-504C II (larger center, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5), the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500SA II (smaller surround, estimated 3.5/5) and the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-502S II (larger surround, estimated 3.5/5). See every Klipsch Reference Premiere generation.

Pros: A shallow sealed center only 164mm deep, easy to wall mount or tuck under a TV, with four 4” Cerametallic woofers around a 1” titanium tweeter in a Tractrix horn and a 94dB sensitivity. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a preference score of 7.17 when paired with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 124.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass rolls off very early, at 124.5Hz (-3dB) and about 77Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer crossed over higher than the usual 80Hz, and without one its score drops to 3.54. On-axis response is uneven (0.87dB average deviation) and the listening window spans 3.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz.

Full Klipsch RP-404C II review and specifications →

Released	2022 (4 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 76.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	124.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	5.7”H x 26.9”W x 6.5”D (145 x 682 x 164 mm)
Drivers	1” titanium LTS vented tweeter with Tractrix horn, 4x 4” Cerametallic woofers
Frequency Response	87Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	94dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.54
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.17
Weight	20.4 lbs (9.25 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Amazon ($399.99) →Search eBay for Klipsch RP-404C II →

Links
- Official Klipsch RP-404C II Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Klipsch RP-404C II
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #56 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Monolith Encore C6: $249.99 each Discontinued eBay

Same family: the Monolith Encore B6 (bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the Monolith Encore T6 (floorstanding, rated 4/5).

Pros: A budget two-way center with a 1” silk dome tweeter in a waveguide between two 6.5” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured low on-axis deviation (0.24) and bass to 79.1Hz (-3dB) and about 51Hz (-10dB). Measured bass extension of 79.1Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The listening window spans 3.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is not smooth (0.54), so the preference score is 3.62 without a subwoofer. The 4 ohm load suits a capable receiver. Discontinued.

Full Monolith Encore C6 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 51.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	79.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	7.9”H x 22.2”W x 9.9”D (201 x 564 x 251 mm)
Drivers	1” silk dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6.5” long fiber pulp woofers
Frequency Response	56Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87.7dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.62
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.49
Weight	22 lbs (10 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for Monolith Encore C6 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →

Ranked #57 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - KEF Q650c: $749.99 each Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the KEF Q6 Meta, ranked higher, rated 3.9/5, released Oct 2024. See every KEF Q Series generation.

Same family: the KEF Q150 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the KEF Q350 (larger bookshelf, rated 3/5) and the KEF Q250c (smaller center, ranked higher, rated 3.9/5).

Pros: A 2.5-way center with KEF’s 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver between two 6.5” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured bass to 67.4Hz (-3dB) and about 46Hz (-10dB), deeper than the smaller KEF Q250c. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis response is uneven (0.98dB average deviation) and the listening window spans 4.7dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and horizontal coverage is narrow (about ±20 degrees), the classic side-to-side cancellation of a two-woofer center. Preference score 3.92 without a subwoofer. KEF replaced it with the KEF Q6 Meta. Discontinued.

Full KEF Q650c review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2017 (9 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 45.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	8.3”H x 24.8”W x 12”D (210 x 629 x 304 mm)
Drivers	Uni-Q: 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter in 5.25” aluminum cone; 2x 6.5” woofers
Frequency Response	64Hz-28kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 4.2 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified)
Maximum SPL	110dB (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.92
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.53
Weight	30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for KEF Q650c →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →

Ranked #65 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Polk Audio XT30: $139.00 each Amazon $139.00 eBay

Same family: the Polk Audio XT15 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.7/5), the Polk Monitor XT20 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the Polk Audio XT60 (smaller floorstanding, rated 3.5/5), the Polk Audio XT70 (larger floorstanding, rated 3.6/5), the Polk Audio XT35 (larger center, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5), the Polk Audio Monitor XT10 (smaller subwoofer, estimated 3.1/5) and the Polk Audio Monitor XT12 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.3/5). See every Polk Monitor generation.

Pros: One of the least expensive centers here at $139, with a 1” Terylene dome tweeter between two 5.25” woofers and 89dB sensitivity. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a flat on-axis response (0.26 average deviation) and deeper bass than the slimmer Polk Audio XT35, reaching 77.6Hz (-3dB) and about 51Hz (-10dB). Measured bass extension of 77.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The listening window spans 3.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is not very smooth (0.51), so it sounds less even off axis and in reflective rooms. The preference score without a subwoofer is 3.89.

Featured on:

Center Channel

Full Polk Audio XT30 review and specifications →

Released	2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 50.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	77.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	6.5”H x 19”W x 8.1”D (166 x 483 x 207 mm)
Drivers	1” Terylene dome tweeter, 2x 5.25” bi-laminate paper woofers
Frequency Response	77Hz-26kHz -3dB (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	89dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.89
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.50
Weight	13 lbs (5.9 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported (rear)

Check current price at Amazon ($139.00) →Search eBay for Polk Audio XT30 →

Links
- Official Polk Audio XT30 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Polk Monitor XT30
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #66 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Aperion Audio Novus N5C: $349.30 each Aperion Audio $349.30 eBay

Same family: the Aperion Audio Novus N5B (bookshelf, rated 3.5/5) and the Aperion Audio Novus N5T (floorstanding, rated 3.8/5).

Pros: A sealed three-way center with a 1” silk dome tweeter stacked above a 4” aramid midrange in a vertical array between two 5.25” woofers, which keeps horizontal dispersion wide: Erin’s Audio Corner measured even coverage out to about ±70 degrees, so dialogue stays clear across a wide seating row. Measured bass extension of 82.0Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The listening window spans 4.3dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, among the least even of the centers here, and bass rolls off at 82Hz (-3dB) and about 55Hz (-10dB). Preference score 3.55 without a subwoofer. The 4 ohm load suits a receiver with solid current delivery.

Full Aperion Audio Novus N5C review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 54.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	82.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	7.3”H x 19.1”W x 9.1”D (186 x 485 x 231 mm)
Drivers	1” silk dome tweeter, 4” aramid fiber midrange, 2x 5.25” aramid fiber woofers
Frequency Response	55Hz-30kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	88dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.55
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.46
Weight	18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Aperion Audio ($349.30) →Search eBay for Aperion Audio Novus N5C →

Links
- Official Aperion Audio Novus N5C Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Aperion Novus N5C
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Aperion Audio Novus N5C vs SVS Prime Center
- Aperion Audio Novus N5C vs Polk Audio XT35

Ranked #87 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - SVS Prime Center: $449.00 each Amazon $449.00 eBay

Same family: the SVS Prime Satellite (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.3/5), the SVS Prime Bookshelf (larger bookshelf, rated 3.5/5), the SVS Prime Tower (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.6/5), the SVS Prime Pinnacle (larger floorstanding, estimated 3.8/5) and the SVS Prime Elevation (surround, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: A three-way center with a 3.5” midrange between the 1” aluminum tweeter and two 5.25” woofers, which avoids the side-to-side cancellation of two-way centers: Erin’s Audio Corner measured the widest horizontal coverage of any center here, about ±75 degrees. Bass reaches 71.8Hz (-3dB) and about 48Hz (-10dB). Measured bass extension of 71.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis response is uneven (1.29dB average deviation), and the preference score is 3.34 without a subwoofer and 6.0 with one. Sensitivity is a modest 86dB.

Full SVS Prime Center review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2014 (12 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 48.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	71.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	7.7”H x 18.6”W x 9.2”D (196 x 472 x 234 mm)
Drivers	1” aluminum dome tweeter, 3.5” midrange, 2x 5.25” woofers
Frequency Response	48Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	86dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.34
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.00
Weight	20.3 lbs (9.2 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($449.00) →Search eBay for SVS Prime Center →

Links
- Official SVS Prime Center Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: SVS Prime Center
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #88 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Aperion Audio Verus III Grand V6C: $799.20 each Aperion Audio $799.20 eBay

Pros: A sealed three-way center with a 1.1” tweeter and a 4” Kevlar midrange in a vertical array between two 6.5” Kevlar woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured bass to 74.7Hz (-3dB) and about 48Hz (-10dB). Measured bass extension of 74.7Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis response is uneven (1.01dB average deviation) and horizontal coverage is narrow (about ±25 degrees), so seats far to the sides hear a different tonal balance. Preference score 3.34 without a subwoofer. The 4 ohm load suits a receiver with solid current delivery.

Full Aperion Audio Verus III Grand V6C review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 48.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	74.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	9.3”H x 24.8”W x 11”D (235 x 629 x 279 mm)
Drivers	1.1” ASR tweeter, 4” woven Kevlar midrange, 2x 6.5” woven Kevlar woofers
Frequency Response	40Hz-35kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	87dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.34
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.96
Weight	33.1 lbs (15 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Aperion Audio ($799.20) →Search eBay for Aperion Audio Verus III Grand V6C →

Links
- Official Aperion Audio Verus III Grand V6C Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Aperion Verus III Grand V6C
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Aperion Audio Verus III Grand V6C vs KEF Q6 Meta

Ranked #89 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Micca MB42X-C: $89.99 each Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Micca MB42X-C G2, ranked higher, estimated 3.5/5, released 2025. See every Micca MB42X generation.

Pros: A low cost compact center with a 0.75” silk dome tweeter between two 4” carbon fiber woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a preference score that reaches 6.17 with an ideal subwoofer, good for $90. Measured bass extension of 101.1Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis response is very uneven (1.82dB average deviation), and bass rolls off at 101.1Hz (-3dB) and about 65Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer crossed over high. Its score without one is 3.00. Micca replaced it with the Micca MB42X-C G2. Discontinued.

Full Micca MB42X-C review and specifications →

Released	May 2014 (12 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 65.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	101.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	5.3”H x 15”W x 7.1”D (135 x 381 x 180 mm)
Drivers	0.75” silk dome tweeter, 2x 4” woven carbon fiber woofers
Frequency Response	60Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 to 8 ohms (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	86dB (1W/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.00
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.17
Woofer Cabinet	ported

Search eBay for Micca MB42X-C →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Micca MB42X-C vs Micca MB42X-C G2

Ranked #90 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Emotiva Airmotiv C1+: $299 each Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1, ranked higher, estimated 3.6/5, released Feb 2024. See every Emotiva Airmotiv generation.

Same family: the Emotiva B1+ (bookshelf, rated 4.1/5).

Pros: A three-way center with a 32mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter, a 3” midrange and two 5.25” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured wide horizontal coverage (about ±60 degrees) and a listening window within 2.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the score reaches 6.15 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 112.8Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass rolls off very early, at 112.8Hz (-3dB) and about 67Hz (-10dB), so it needs a subwoofer crossed over high, and its score without one is 2.71. The 4 ohm load suits a capable receiver. Emotiva replaced it with the Emotiva Airmotiv XC1. Discontinued.

Full Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 67.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	112.8Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	7.8”H x 20.5”W x 8.3”D (197 x 521 x 210 mm)
Drivers	32mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter, 3” woven fiber midrange, 2x 5.25” woven fiber woofers
Frequency Response	50Hz-28kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	89dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.71
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.15
Weight	18.5 lbs (8.4 kg)

Search eBay for Emotiva Airmotiv C1+ →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Emotiva Airmotiv C1+

Ranked #92 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - JBL Studio 520C: $349.95 each Discontinued eBay

Same family: the JBL Studio 530 (bookshelf, rated 3.3/5) and the JBL Studio 590 (floorstanding, rated 2.8/5). See every JBL Studio generation.

Pros: A two-way center with a 1” compression driver on a horn between two 4” woofers. Erin’s Audio Corner measured low on-axis deviation (0.30) and bass to about 51Hz at -10dB, and the score reaches 5.92 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 98.1Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The listening window spans 4.3dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and directivity is uneven (3.81dB directivity index deviation), for a preference score of 2.92 without a subwoofer. Discontinued.

Full JBL Studio 520C review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2011 (15 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 51.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	98.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	6.8”H x 21.9”W x 6.6”D (172 x 555 x 168 mm)
Drivers	1” compression driver with horn, 2x 4” woofers
Frequency Response	60Hz-40kHz -6dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	88dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.92
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.92
Weight	16.5 lbs (7.5 kg)

Search eBay for JBL Studio 520C →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →

Ranked #106 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Atlantic Technology 8600eC: $1,400 each Discontinued Atlantic Technology $1,400 eBay

Newer model: the Atlantic Technology 8600iC, ranked higher, estimated 3.4/5, released Mar 2024. See every Atlantic Technology 8600 generation.

Same family: the Atlantic Technology 8600eLR (floorstanding, rated 3.1/5).

Pros: A large sealed three-way center with four 6.5” woofers and two 5.25” midranges around a 1” silk dome tweeter, on a tilting base to aim it at the seats. Erin’s Audio Corner measured bass to 60.1Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB) and wide horizontal coverage (about ±60 degrees), and the 93dB sensitivity means it plays loud on modest power. Measured bass extension of 60.1Hz (-3dB).

Cons: On-axis deviation (0.66) and a 3.2dB listening window spread from 300Hz to 5kHz keep its preference score at 3.46 without a subwoofer. It is 955mm wide and weighs 41.5kg. Discontinued.

Full Atlantic Technology 8600eC review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 43.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	60.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.7”H x 37.6”W x 14.5”D (347 x 955 x 369 mm)
Drivers	1” silk dome tweeter, 2x 5.25” glass fiber midranges, 4x 6.5” glass fiber woofers
Frequency Response	45Hz-25kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	6 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	93dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.46
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.88
Weight	91.5 lbs (41.5 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed

Check current price at Atlantic Technology ($1,400) →Search eBay for Atlantic Technology 8600eC →

Links
- Official Atlantic Technology 8600eC Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- AVS Forum: Atlantic Technology 8600eLR and 8600eC objective review
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Atlantic Technology 8600eC vs KEF R2 Meta
- Atlantic Technology 8600eC vs Atlantic Technology 8600eLR

Ranked #107 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D4: $10,500 each Bowers & Wilkins $10,500 eBay

Newer model: the Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D5, ranked higher, estimated 3.4/5, released Sep 2026. See every Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series generation.

Same family: the Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 (bookshelf, estimated 3.2/5), the Bowers & Wilkins 804 D4 (smallest floorstanding, estimated 3.4/5), the Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4 (floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the Bowers & Wilkins 802 D4 (floorstanding, estimated 3.6/5) and the Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 (largest floorstanding, estimated 3.7/5).

Pros: The largest 800 Series Diamond center: a 1” diamond dome tweeter in a separate pod on top, a 6” Continuum cone FST midrange and two 8” Aerofoil bass units. Erin’s Audio Corner measured deep bass for a center, 52.7Hz (-3dB) and about 34Hz (-10dB), and a fairly flat on-axis response (0.49 average deviation). 90dB sensitivity. Measured bass extension of 52.7Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The listening window spans 4.9dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is not smooth (0.47), so off-axis seats and room reflections hear a different balance than the main seat. Preference score 3.93 without a subwoofer. At $10500 it is the most expensive center here, and the impedance dips to 3 ohms.

Full Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D4 review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2021 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 34.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.1”H x 33.3”W x 14.6”D (334 x 847 x 371 mm)
Drivers	1” diamond dome tweeter, 6” Continuum cone FST midrange, 2x 8” Aerofoil cone bass units
Frequency Response	28Hz-28kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal, 3.0 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.93
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.78
Weight	71 lbs (32.2 kg)

Check current price at Bowers & Wilkins ($10,500) →Search eBay for Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D4 →

Links
- Official Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D4 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Bowers & Wilkins HTM81 D4
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #118 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Emotiva Airmotiv C2+: $499 each Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Emotiva Airmotiv XC2, ranked higher, estimated 3.4/5, released 2024. See every Emotiva Airmotiv generation.

Same family: the Emotiva Airmotiv B2+ (bookshelf, rated 3/5) and the Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (floorstanding, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: A large three-way center with an Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter, two 3” midranges and two 6.5” woofers, rated at a high 92dB sensitivity. Erin’s Audio Corner measured bass to 63.0Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB). Measured bass extension of 63.0Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The listening window spans 5.9dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, the predicted in-room response is not smooth (0.30) and horizontal coverage is narrow (about ±20 degrees), for a preference score of 2.89 without a subwoofer. Emotiva replaced it with the Emotiva Airmotiv XC2. Discontinued.

Full Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ review and specifications →

Released	2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 42.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	63.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	8.6”H x 31.9”W x 10.5”D (219 x 811 x 267 mm)
Drivers	25x32mm Airmotiv folded ribbon tweeter, 2x 3” woven fiber midranges, 2x 6.5” woven fiber woofers
Frequency Response	45Hz-28kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	92dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.89
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.03
Weight	36.2 lbs (16.4 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	ported (rear)

Search eBay for Emotiva Airmotiv C2+ →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Emotiva Airmotiv C2+

Ranked #126 of 131 in Center Channel Speakers - Paradigm Founder 90C: $2,899.99 each Audio Advice $2,899.99 eBay

Same family: the Paradigm Founder 40B (bookshelf, rated 4.1/5), the Paradigm Founder 80F (smallest floorstanding, estimated 4.2/5), the Paradigm Founder 100F (floorstanding, estimated 4.4/5), the Paradigm Founder 120H (largest floorstanding, estimated 4.6/5) and the Paradigm Founder 70LCR (smaller center, ranked higher, estimated 4.1/5). See every Paradigm Prestige and Founder generation.

Pros: A three-way center with a coaxial 1” AL-MAC ceramic dome tweeter in a 6” AL-MAG midrange, plus two 7” Carbon-X passive radiators in a sealed cabinet. Erin’s Audio Corner measured bass to 52.7Hz (-3dB) and about 42Hz (-10dB), and Paradigm rates it at a high 91dB sensitivity. Measured bass extension of 52.7Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Its preference score is low for the price, 2.08 without a subwoofer and 4.22 with one: the listening window spans 4.6dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and the predicted in-room response is not smooth (0.40). At $2900 several far cheaper centers here measure better. It is 908mm wide and weighs 48 lb.

Full Paradigm Founder 90C review and specifications →

Released	2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 42.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	52.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	8.9”H x 35.7”W x 12.9”D (226 x 908 x 327 mm)
Drivers	Coaxial 1” AL-MAC ceramic dome tweeter and 6” AL-MAG midrange, 2x 7” Carbon-X passive radiators
Frequency Response	55Hz-23kHz ±2dB (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	91dB anechoic, 94dB in-room (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.08
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	4.22
Weight	48.1 lbs (21.8 kg)
Woofer Cabinet	sealed with passive radiators

Check current price at Audio Advice ($2,899.99) →Search eBay for Paradigm Founder 90C →

Links
- Official Paradigm Founder 90C Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Paradigm Founder 90C
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Paradigm Founder 90C vs Revel C426Be
- Paradigm Founder 90C vs Paradigm Founder 70LCR

Surround and Height Speakers

Ranked #10 of 11 in Surround and Height Speakers - KEF Q8 Meta: $899.99 per pair Amazon $899.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF Q1 Meta (smallest bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the KEF Q4 Meta (bookshelf, estimated 3.4/5), the KEF Q3 Meta (bookshelf, rated 3.4/5), the KEF Q Concerto Meta (largest bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the KEF Q7 Meta (smaller floorstanding, estimated 3.5/5), the KEF Q11 Meta (larger floorstanding, rated 4/5) and the KEF Q6 Meta (center, rated 3.9/5). See every KEF Q Series generation.

Pros: A Dolby Atmos height or wall surround with the same 5.25” Uni-Q coaxial driver and MAT tweeter as the KEF Q1 Meta, so it blends with the rest of the Q Meta range. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a reasonably even listening window, and its preference score with a subwoofer (6.6) sits right next to the KEF Q3 Meta.

Cons: Bass falls away early in Erin’s measurements, 116Hz at -3dB and 98Hz at -6dB, so it needs a subwoofer crossover around 120Hz. Sensitivity is a modest 86dB with a 3.2 ohm minimum impedance.

Full KEF Q8 Meta review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2024 (2 years ago)
Amplifier Power	10-150W recommended
Bass Extension (-3dB)	105Hz (manufacturer specified)
Dimensions	6.9”H x 7.1”W x 10.2”D (176 x 180 x 259 mm)
Drivers	5.25” 12th gen Uni-Q with 1” vented aluminum dome tweeter and MAT
Frequency Response	105Hz - 20kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	86dB (manufacturer specified)
Weight	9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($899.99) →Search eBay for KEF Q8 Meta →

Links
- Official KEF Q8 Meta Product Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers

Ranked #2 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers - Revel W553L: $1,089.90 per pair Crutchfield $544.95 eBay

Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner’s Klippel measurement gives a preference score of 4.84, or 7.50 with a perfect subwoofer, a strong result for an in-wall speaker at this price. On-axis response is smooth (0.68 smoothness) and directivity is well controlled (SPDI deviation 2.35dB), so the sound off to the sides stays close to the sound you hear straight on. Bass measures to 64.5Hz at -3dB and 51.3Hz at -6dB. The 1” aluminum dome tweeter swivels toward the listening seat, a three-position switch trims treble to suit the room, and the cabinet mounts vertically or horizontally, so it works as a left, right or center channel. Measured bass extension of 64.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: At $545 each a stereo pair costs twice that, and a separate amplifier is required. Bass ends early for a main speaker, with -3dB at 64.5Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for music and movies. Audio Science Review’s own measurement was less flattering (preference score 4.04, -3dB at 82Hz), so results differ between test benches. Two 5.25” woofers give less output headroom than the larger Revel in-wall models.

Full Revel W553L review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	39.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	64.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	15.1”H x 7.4”W (384 x 188 mm) (74mm mounting depth)
Drivers	2x 5.25” micro-ceramic composite (MCC) woofers, 1” swiveling aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide
Enclosure	In-wall, LCR (vertical or horizontal mounting)
Mounting Cutout	163W x 359H mm
Power Handling	10-150W recommended amplifier power
Sensitivity	90dB
Spinorama Preference Score	4.84
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.50
Warranty	Lifetime
Weight	7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Check current price at Crutchfield ($544.95) →Search eBay for Revel W553L →

Ranked #4 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers - KEF Ci3160RL-THX: $2,800 per pair Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the KEF Ci3160RLM-THX, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5, released Nov 2023. See every KEF Ci THX In-Wall generation.

Pros: A THX Ultra2 in-wall with a Uni-Q coaxial driver (1” aluminium tweeter inside a 6.5” midrange) and two 6.5” woofers, rated at 90dB. Erin’s Audio Corner measured very consistent directivity (2.29dB directivity index deviation), a listening window within 2.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and bass to 51.3Hz (-3dB), for a preference score of 5.24. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The 4 ohm load needs a capable amplifier. Replaced by the KEF Ci3160RLM-THX. Discontinued.

Full KEF Ci3160RL-THX review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2020 (5 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 31.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Certification	THX Ultra2
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	26.8”H x 9.1”W x 4.2”D (680 x 230 x 106 mm)
Drivers	Uni-Q: 1” vented aluminium tweeter in 6.5” midrange; 2x 6.5” woofers
Frequency Response	45Hz-28kHz (manufacturer specified)
Impedance	4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	90dB (2.83V/1m, manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.24
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.49
Weight	25.8 lbs (11.7 kg)

Search eBay for KEF Ci3160RL-THX →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: HiFi In-Wall Speaker Shootout! The results will floor (wall?) you!!! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)

Ranked #9 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers - Revel W893: $2,200 per pair Discontinued eBay

Pros: A three-way in-wall speaker from Revel’s Architectural line with an 8” woofer, a midrange and an aluminium dome tweeter, with level controls for each. Erin measured a preference score of 5.38 that reaches 7.19 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.37 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 39.6Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The on-axis response is less even (0.91 average deviation) than the listening window. Revel no longer sells it. Bass reaches 39.6Hz (-3dB) and about 30Hz (-10dB). Discontinued.

Full Revel W893 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 30.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	39.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Drivers	8” woofer, midrange, aluminium dome tweeter
Spinorama Preference Score	5.38
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.19
Weight	10.8 lbs (4.9 kg)

Search eBay for Revel W893 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: HiFi In-Wall Speaker Shootout! The results will floor (wall?) you!!! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)

Ranked #10 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers - JBL Synthesis SCL-6: $3,629.90 per pair Audio Advice $1,814.95 eBay

Same family: the JBL Synthesis SCL-4 (smaller in-wall, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5), the JBL Synthesis SCL-3 (larger in-wall, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5), the JBL Synthesis SCL-7 (larger in-wall, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5), the JBL Synthesis SCL-1 (larger in-wall, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5) and the JBL Synthesis SCL-5 (larger in-wall, ranked lower, rated 2.5/5).

Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner measured it with a very tight 1.2dB reference band and 0.67 listening-window smoothness, and its preference score rises from 3.92 to 6.71 with a subwoofer. Four 5.25-inch aluminum woofers around a 2410H-2 compression driver on JBL’s imaging horn give 91dB sensitivity and high output, with an 80 degree by 80 degree treble coverage pattern that keeps directivity consistent. Bass measures 67.4Hz at -3dB and about 40.8Hz at -10dB in free air, before the extra wall reinforcement of an in-wall install. Measured bass extension of 67.4Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass is limited without a subwoofer, and a 3.92 standard score trails the best in-wall speakers here. Average on-axis deviation of 0.49dB is rougher than the Revel in-walls. The 4 ohm load and 766mm tall cutout need a capable amplifier and a tall wall cavity, and at $1815 each it is sold mainly through custom-installation dealers.

Full JBL Synthesis SCL-6 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	40.8Hz (measured, spinorama.org Erin’s Audio Corner data)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	67.4Hz (measured, spinorama.org Erin’s Audio Corner data)
Crossover Frequency	1.8kHz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	31.3”H x 7.3”W x 3.8”D (796 x 185 x 97 mm) (92mm mounting depth)
Drivers	Four 5.25” aluminum matrix cone woofers, 1” 2410H-2 compression driver on HDI horn (2.5-way)
Enclosure	In-wall, open back
Frequency Response	50Hz-30kHz -6dB (manufacturer, 2pi)
Impedance	4 ohms
Mounting Cutout	157 x 766mm (6.18 x 30.18 in)
Power Handling	25-200W recommended amplifier power
Sensitivity	91dB (2.83V/1m, 2pi anechoic)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.92
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.71
Weight	22.2 lbs (10.07 kg)

Check current price at Audio Advice ($1,814.95) →Search eBay for JBL Synthesis SCL-6 →

Links
- JBL Synthesis SCL-6 Official Page
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #17 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers - Miller & Kreisel IW150: $4,998 per pair Audiolab (authorized M&K dealer) $2,499 eBay

Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner’s Klippel measurement shows well controlled directivity (SPDI deviation 2.43dB) and a smooth predicted in-room response, with a preference score of 2.88, or 6.32 with a perfect subwoofer. The unusual layout puts two 5.25” polypropylene woofers beside a column of three 1” soft dome tweeters, a design meant to give even coverage across a room from a single wall opening. It is rated at 90dB sensitivity, and Erin’s measurement computed a real 88.2dB, and it accepts 25-400W of amplifier power. Measured bass extension of 95.2Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Bass is thin: measured -3dB is 95.2Hz and -6dB is 82.0Hz, and Miller & Kreisel rates it only to 80Hz, so a subwoofer is required, and even with a perfect subwoofer the score reaches only 6.32. On-axis smoothness is 0.48 and on-axis deviation averages 0.62dB, so the midrange is rougher than the better in-wall designs. At $2499 each a stereo pair costs twice that. Erin describes it as discontinued from what he can tell, so stock may be limited to remaining inventory.

Full Miller & Kreisel IW150 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	68.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	95.2Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	13.9”H x 12.2”W (354 x 311 mm) baffle (95mm mounting depth)
Drivers	2x 5.25” polypropylene bass/midrange drivers, 3x 1” soft fabric dome tweeters
Enclosure	In-wall
Frequency Response	80Hz-20kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer)
Impedance	4 ohms
Mounting Cutout	288W x 331H mm
Power Handling	25-400W recommended amplifier power
Sensitivity	90dB
Spinorama Preference Score	2.88
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.32
Weight	18.7 lbs (8.5 kg)

Check current price at Audiolab (authorized M&K dealer) ($2,499) →Search eBay for Miller & Kreisel IW150 →

Ranked #21 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers - Focal 1000 IWLCR6: $5,400 per pair Focal eBay

Pros: A three-way in-wall left, center or right speaker from Focal’s 1000 line with two 6.5” woofers, a midrange and an inverted dome tweeter. Erin measured a preference score of 3.08 that reaches 5.44 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.50 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The on-axis response is uneven (1.78 average deviation). Bass reaches 51.3Hz (-3dB) and about 39Hz (-10dB).

Full Focal 1000 IWLCR6 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 38.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	51.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	29.7”H x 12”W x 4”D (755 x 305 x 102 mm)
Drivers	2x 6.5” woofers, midrange, inverted dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	91dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.08
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.44
Weight	24.1 lbs (10.95 kg)

Check current price at Focal →Search eBay for Focal 1000 IWLCR6 →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: HiFi In-Wall Speaker Shootout! The results will floor (wall?) you!!! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #22 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers - Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2: $5,600 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay

Same family: the Bowers & Wilkins CWM 7.5 S2 (smaller in-wall, ranked lower, estimated 3/5). See every Bowers & Wilkins CWM In-Wall generation.

Pros: A three-way in-wall speaker from B&W’s Reference series with two 6” Aerofoil bass drivers, a 4” Continuum midrange and a 1” Carbon Dome tweeter. Erin measured a preference score of 2.57 that reaches 5.36 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.59 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 63.0Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The on-axis response is uneven (1.66 average deviation) in Erin’s measurements. Bass reaches 63.0Hz (-3dB) and about 43Hz (-10dB).

Full Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 review and specifications →

Released	2019 (7 years ago)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	about 43.4Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	63.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	29”H x 10.9”W x 4”D (736 x 276 x 102 mm)
Drivers	2x 6” Aerofoil bass drivers, 4” Continuum midrange, 1” Carbon Dome tweeter
Impedance	8 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified)
Sensitivity	90dB (manufacturer specified)
Spinorama Preference Score	2.57
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.36
Weight	27.3 lbs (12.4 kg)

Check current price at B&H Photo Video →Search eBay for Bowers & Wilkins CWM7.3 S2 →

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

Ranked #23 of 28 in In-Wall & In-Ceiling Speakers - MartinLogan Tribute 5XW: $6,999.98 per pair Audio Advice $3,499.99 eBay

Pros: Erin’s Audio Corner’s Klippel measurement shows a rated 94dB sensitivity that measured a still efficient 88.1dB at 1 meter, so it plays loudly for its size. The folded thin-film Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeter rotates for horizontal or vertical mounting, and it pairs two carbon fiber woofers with two 6.5” passive radiators in a sealed box. It accepts 20-250W of amplifier power and mounts with a slim 3.8” depth behind the wall. Measured bass extension of 74.7Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 94dB.

Cons: The measurement is the weakest of the in-wall speakers here: a preference score of 1.84, or just 4.91 with a perfect subwoofer, with on-axis smoothness of 0.30, an average on-axis deviation of 1.56dB and wide directivity swings (SPDI deviation 3.25dB). Bass measured -3dB at only 74.7Hz, so a subwoofer is required, and MartinLogan rates it to 71Hz. At $3500 each a stereo pair costs twice that and MartinLogan sells it through dealers.

Full MartinLogan Tribute 5XW review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	68.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	74.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Crossover Frequency	2,250Hz
DIY Kit	No
Dimensions	31.1”H x 10.6”W x 4.1”D (791 x 269 x 104 mm) (97mm mounting depth)
Drivers	1.25 x 2.4” Folded Motion XT Obsidian tweeter, 2x 5.25” carbon fiber woofers, 2x 6.5” passive radiators
Enclosure	Sealed back box, in-wall
Frequency Response	71Hz-25kHz +/-3dB (manufacturer)
Impedance	4 ohms
Mounting Cutout	236W x 757H mm
Power Handling	20-250W recommended amplifier power
Sensitivity	94dB (manufacturer), 88.1dB (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	1.84
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	4.91
Weight	25.6 lbs (11.6 kg)

Check current price at Audio Advice ($3,499.99) →Search eBay for MartinLogan Tribute 5XW →

Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs)

Ranked #6 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - SVS 3000 Micro: $799.00 Amazon $799.00 eBay

Newer model: the SVS 3000 Micro R|Evolution, ranked lower, estimated 3.7/5, released Apr 2026. See every SVS 3000 Micro generation.

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 90.6 dB at 20 Hz and 113.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 2x 8” (203mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.

Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 276.9H x 297.2W x 271.8D mm cabinet and 10.2 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.

Featured on:

Full SVS 3000 Micro review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2021 (5 years ago)
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	113.5 dB
Cabinet Color	black, white
Country	United States
Dimensions	10.9”H x 11.7”W x 10.7”D (276.9 x 297.2 x 271.8 mm)
Drivers	2x 8” (203mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Measurement Source	Brent Butterworth
Output SPL at 20 Hz	90.6 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	92.9 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	98.3 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	103.6 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	110.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	117.5 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	122.1 dB
Warranty	5
Weight	22.5 lbs (10.2 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($799.00) →Search eBay for SVS 3000 Micro →

Links
- SVS 3000 Micro Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: SVS 3000 Micro CEA-2010 Results! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #7 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - Sony SA-CS9: $200 Discontinued eBay

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 83.7 dB at 20 Hz and 112.7 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 10” (254mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.

Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 344.9H x 294.9W x 399.8D mm cabinet and 11.5 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration. Discontinued.

Full Sony SA-CS9 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	112.7 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	Japan
Dimensions	13.6”H x 11.6”W x 15.7”D (344.9 x 294.9 x 399.8 mm)
Drivers	10” (254mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, rear
Measurement Source	Brent Butterworth
Output SPL at 20 Hz	83.7 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	95.1 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	98.8 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	104.3 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	112.4 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	117.2 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	116.9 dB
Warranty	1?
Weight	25.4 lbs (11.5 kg)

Search eBay for Sony SA-CS9 →

Links
- Sony SA-CS9 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Amazon 10-inch Subwoofer Showdown: Polk, Klipsch, Elac, Yamaha, Sony More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Sony SA-CS9 vs Klipsch R-10SW
- Sony SA-CS9 vs Monoprice Premium Select 8in 200-Watt

Ranked #23 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - Polk Audio PSW10: $249.00 Discontinued Amazon $249.00 eBay

Pros: 10-inch Dynamic Balance polymer composite driver with 100W Peak Class D amp. Deep bass capabilities are impressive with exceptional definition/control per CNet. Reduces distortion (uncommon at this price). Good hard clean bass performs well at higher volumes. Easy setup and affordable price consistently highlighted by thousands of buyers. Polk Power Port channels airflow cleanly for tighter bass without port noise. Best for average/small rooms and apartments.

Cons: Budget-tier construction, ported room dependency, lower 110.3 dB output, and $249 entry-level positioning. Discontinued.

Full Polk Audio PSW10 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	110.3 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	14.4”H x 14”W x 16.1”D (365.0 x 355.6 x 409.4 mm)
Drivers	10” (254mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, front
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	96.1 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	104.7 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	109.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	113.8 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	113.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	112.2 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	110.7 dB
Warranty	5/3
Weight	26 lbs (11.8 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($249.00) →Search eBay for Polk Audio PSW10 →

Links
- Polk Audio PSW10 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Amazon 10-inch Subwoofer Showdown: Polk, Klipsch, Elac, Yamaha, Sony More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #30 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - Polk Audio PSW108: $179.00 each Amazon $179.00 eBay

Pros: The cosmetic and retail refresh of Polk’s legendary PSW10 budget subwoofer. Pairs a 10-inch dynamic balance polymer composite woofer with a 50W RMS / 100W peak Class A/B amplifier and front-firing tuned port. Clean, compact black vinyl cabinet fits easily into tight living spaces or corners, providing noticeable bass fullness down to 35Hz for budget music and home theater systems. Includes both RCA line-level inputs and speaker-level binding posts for easy integration with vintage receivers lacking a dedicated sub out.

Cons: The 50W internal amplifier is modest by modern subwoofer standards and will compress or produce audible port turbulence when pushed hard on heavy movie low-frequency effects. Bass extension drops off rapidly below 35Hz.

Full Polk Audio PSW108 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	50W RMS, 100W peak
Bass Extension (-3dB)	35Hz (Manufacturer specified)
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	110.3 dB
Country	United States
Crossover Frequency	80Hz - 160Hz variable
Dimensions	14.4” x 14” x 16.1” (365 x 356 x 409 mm)
Drivers	10” dynamic balance polymer composite woofer
Enclosure	Ported, front-firing port
Frequency Response	35Hz - 200Hz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	RCA line in, speaker-level spring terminals
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	96.1 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	104.7 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	109.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	113.8 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	113.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	112.2 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	110.7 dB
Phase Control	0° / 180° switch
RCA Input	Yes
Warranty	5/3
Weight	26 lbs (11.8 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($179.00) →Search eBay for Polk Audio PSW108 →

Links
- Official Polk Audio PSW108 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Amazon 10-inch Subwoofer Showdown: Polk, Klipsch, Elac, Yamaha, Sony More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #36 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - ELAC SUB1010: $550 eBay

Pros: A compact 10-inch ported subwoofer with useful measured output through the upper-bass range: 102.7dB at 40Hz and 110.8dB at 63Hz. Its small cabinet makes it an approachable option for a modest room or a first 2.1 setup, where careful placement can add satisfying weight without taking much floor space.

Cons: Deep-bass output is limited compared with larger subwoofers, with 96.5dB measured at 31.5Hz, so it is not the right choice for demanding home-theater effects or a large room. Ported-room placement can also become boomy; experiment with position and crossover rather than expecting a plug-and-play upgrade.

Full ELAC SUB1010 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	108.1 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	Germany
Dimensions	14.8”H x 12.2”W x 12.2”D (376.2 x 309.4 x 309.4 mm)
Drivers	10” (254mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, rear
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	96.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	102.7 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	107.0 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	110.8 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	111.9 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	111.2 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	109.5 dB
Warranty	3/1
Weight	21.8 lbs (9.9 kg)

Search eBay for ELAC SUB1010 →

Links
- ELAC SUB1010 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Stereo Systems You Will Love More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Amazon 10-inch Subwoofer Showdown: Polk, Klipsch, Elac, Yamaha, Sony
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #45 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - Klipsch R-10SW: $399 Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Klipsch Reference R-101SW, estimated 3.2/5, released 2022. See every Klipsch Reference subwoofers generation.

Same family: the Klipsch R-12SW (larger subwoofer, rated 3.3/5) and the Klipsch R-115SW (larger subwoofer, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 106.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 10” (254mm) driver is a compact way to add useful midbass support to a modest system.

Cons: Without a published 20 Hz result, deep-bass capability is less certain than the midbass figure. The 355.6H x 317.5W x 398.8D mm cabinet and 11.6 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration. Discontinued.

Full Klipsch R-10SW review and specifications →

Released	Jul 2014 (12 years ago)
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	106.8 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	14”H x 12.5”W x 15.7”D (355.6 x 317.5 x 398.8 mm)
Drivers	10” (254mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, rear
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 40 Hz	103.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	106.5 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	109.0 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	108.8 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	107.0 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	104.1 dB
Warranty	5/2
Weight	25.6 lbs (11.6 kg)

Search eBay for Klipsch R-10SW →

Links
- Klipsch R-10SW Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Amazon 10-inch Subwoofer Showdown: Polk, Klipsch, Elac, Yamaha, Sony More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #54 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - Yamaha NS-SW100: $269.95 Amazon $269.95 eBay

Same family: the Yamaha NS-SW050 (smaller subwoofer, ranked lower, estimated 2.7/5).

Pros: 10-inch ported with 100W RMS. Compact 26-pound design delivers surprising deep bass at tight price point. Twisted flare port provides accurate, powerfully rich response. Stylish design complements home decor while delivering satisfying bass depth.

Full Yamaha NS-SW100 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	105.0 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	Japan
Dimensions	13.9”H x 13.9”W x 16.1”D (352.3 x 352.3 x 409.4 mm)
Drivers	10” (254mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, side
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 40 Hz	97.4 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	103.2 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	108.6 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	110.7 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	109.7 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	107.8 dB
Warranty	2
Weight	26.5 lbs (12.0 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($269.95) →Search eBay for Yamaha NS-SW100 →

Links
- Yamaha NS-SW100 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Amazon 10-inch Subwoofer Showdown: Polk, Klipsch, Elac, Yamaha, Sony More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #55 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - Yamaha HS8S: $499.99 Amazon $499.99 eBay

Same family: the Yamaha HS3 (smallest bookshelf, estimated 2.9/5), the Yamaha HS4 (bookshelf, estimated 3.1/5), the Yamaha HS5 (bookshelf, rated 3.6/5), the Yamaha HS7 (bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the Yamaha HS8 (largest bookshelf, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is intended to add useful bass support without a full-size cabinet.

Cons: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure. The 349.2H x 300.0W x 388.9D mm cabinet and 10.2 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.

Full Yamaha HS8S review and specifications →

Released	Apr 2013 (13 years ago)
AES Input	No
Aux Input	No
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	104.8 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Coaxial Input	No
Country	Japan
Dimensions	13.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (349.2 x 300.0 x 388.9 mm)
Drivers	8” (203mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, front
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (2), TRS (2, balanced)
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Optical Input	No
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	90.8 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	100.7 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	104.9 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	106.3 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	107.2 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	105.7 dB
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Warranty	2
Weight	22.5 lbs (10.2 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($499.99) →Search eBay for Yamaha HS8S →

Links
- Yamaha HS8S Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: $499 Subwoofer Shootout: Kali Audio WS-6.2 vs Yamaha HS8S. The Kali is a BEAST! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #58 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - JL Audio Dominion d108: $1,000.00 Audio Advice $1,000.00 eBay

Same family: the JL Audio Dominion d110 (larger subwoofer, estimated 3.2/5).

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 79.7 dB at 20 Hz and 103.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is best suited to upper-bass support in a modest room.

Cons: Deep-bass output is limited relative to its midbass result, so it is not the right choice for the lowest movie effects. The 288.8H x 254.0W x 336.0D mm cabinet and 12.0 kg mass still need deliberate placement and calibration.

Notes: Ash colour.

Full JL Audio Dominion d108 review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	103.0 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	11.4”H x 10”W x 13.2”D (288.8 x 254.0 x 336.0 mm)
Drivers	8” (203mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 20 Hz	79.7 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	85.8 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	91.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	98.4 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	102.9 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	105.6 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	105.0 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	103.9 dB
Warranty	3
Weight	26.5 lbs (12.0 kg)

Check current price at Audio Advice ($1,000.00) →Search eBay for JL Audio Dominion d108 →

Links
- JL Audio Dominion d108 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: JL Audio is Overpriced? Dominion D108 Review. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #66 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - Monoprice Monolith 8 THX Certified: $350 Discontinued eBay

Pros: A compact 9kg, ported 8-inch subwoofer with THX certification that can suit a small room or satellite-based system without taking much floor space. Measured output is useful through the upper bass: 99.3dB at 50Hz, 100.7dB at 63Hz and 101.6dB at 80Hz. Its selectable THX/EQ modes provide a more controlled option for music than the extended setting.

Cons: Deep-bass output is modest for a home-theater subwoofer, falling to 72.9dB at 20Hz and 86.1dB at 25Hz. It will not deliver the infrasonic impact or room-filling output of a larger model, and the manufacturer lists it as out of stock. Choose it for compactness and moderate listening levels, not for demanding cinema effects. Discontinued.

Notes: Product # 41289

Full Monoprice Monolith 8 THX Certified review and specifications →

CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	99.6 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	12.6”H x 13.5”W x 12.6”D (319.8 x 342.9 x 319.8 mm)
Drivers	8” (203mm) driver
Enclosure	ported
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 20 Hz	72.9 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	86.1 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	93.2 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	96.9 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	99.3 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	100.7 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	101.6 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	101.9 dB
Weight	19.8 lbs (9.0 kg)

Search eBay for Monoprice Monolith 8 THX Certified →

Ranked #73 of 73 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - REL Acoustics Tzero MKIII: $549.00 Amazon $549.00 eBay

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 89.2 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 6.5” (165mm) driver is intended to add useful bass support without a full-size cabinet.

Cons: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure. The 241.3H x 215.9W x 266.7D mm cabinet and 6.8 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration.

Full REL Acoustics Tzero MKIII review and specifications →

Released	Oct 2020 (6 years ago)
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	89.2 dB
Cabinet Color	black, white
Country	United Kingdom
Dimensions	9.5”H x 8.5”W x 10.5”D (241.3 x 215.9 x 266.7 mm)
Drivers	6.5” (165mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 25 Hz	70.4 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	76.6 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	83.7 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	89.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	91.5 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	92.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	90.8 dB
Warranty	3
Weight	15 lbs (6.8 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($549.00) →Search eBay for REL Acoustics Tzero MKIII →

Links
- REL Acoustics Tzero MKIII Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Audiophile Hype? REL T/Zero MKIII Review. More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- REL Acoustics Tzero MKIII vs Axiom Audio EP400 v3
- REL Acoustics Tzero MKIII vs Monoprice Premium Select 8in 200-Watt

Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs)

Ranked #2 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - JTR Speakers Kallos 12Sub: $3,699 JTR Speakers $3,699 eBay

Pros: A compact sealed subwoofer with a 12-inch driver and a 2,000W RMS Class D amplifier, with DSP tuning for a smooth response and high output. JTR rates it at 22Hz to 800Hz within 3dB outdoors, with in-room gain extending it lower. The cabinet is stacked Baltic birch, about 48cm square and 32cm deep.

Cons: Erin’s Audio Corner tested it outdoors on video, but CEA-2010 output figures in the form the other subwoofers here are ranked on haven’t been published, so it can’t be placed against them. At $3,699 it is expensive for a single 12-inch subwoofer, and it is sold mainly direct from JTR.

Full JTR Speakers Kallos 12Sub review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	2000W RMS (Class D)
Cabinet Material	Stacked Baltic birch
Country	United States
Dimensions	18.7”H x 18.7”W x 12.8”D (476 x 476 x 324 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Frequency Response	22Hz - 800Hz (+/-3dB outdoor) (Manufacturer specified)
Warranty	5/3

Check current price at JTR Speakers ($3,699) →Search eBay for JTR Speakers Kallos 12Sub →

Links
- Official JTR Kallos 12Sub Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Testing this Subwoofer Got Me In Trouble! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- JTR Speakers Kallos 12Sub vs JTR Speakers Captivator RS1
- JTR Speakers Kallos 12Sub vs SVS SB16-Ultra

Ranked #15 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - SVS SB-3000: $1,199.00 Amazon $1,199.00 eBay

Newer model: the SVS SB-3000 R|Evolution, ranked lower, estimated 4.1/5, released Feb 2026. See every SVS subwoofers generation.

Same family: the SVS PB-1000 (smaller subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5), the SVS PB-2000 (smaller subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 4.1/5), the SVS PB-3000 (smaller subwoofer, rated 4.2/5), the SVS PB-4000 (smaller subwoofer, rated 4.2/5), the SVS SB-1000 (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.9/5), the SVS SB-2000 (smaller subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 3.9/5), the SVS SB-4000 (larger subwoofer, rated 4.2/5) and the SVS PC-2000 (larger subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 3.7/5).

Pros: 13-inch sealed design with 800W RMS (2500W peak) that Audioholics measured at a 118.7dB CEA-2010-A average from 40-80Hz, and rated by SVS at 18-270Hz within ±3dB. Beautifully made with pinpoint control and flawless tonal accuracy. Sweet spot performance-to-value ratio. Three-band parametric EQ with 1Hz precision adjustment.

Cons: Being sealed, it gives up deep-bass output: Audioholics measured 96.6dB at 20Hz and 101.7dB at 25Hz, about 15dB behind the ported SVS PB-3000 from the same series, so a large room or reference-level movie bass may call for a second sub.

Featured on:

Full SVS SB-3000 review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2018 (7 years ago)
Amplifier Power	800W RMS / 2500W peak
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	118.7 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Crossover Frequency	30-200Hz adjustable, 6/12/18/24dB slopes
Dimensions	15.6”H x 15.2”W x 15.7”D (396.2 x 386.1 x 398.8 mm)
Drivers	13” (330mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Features	Auto/On, 3-12V AC/DC trigger
Frequency Response	18-270Hz, ±3dB
Inputs	RCA (unbalanced), USB
Measurement Source	Audioholics
Output SPL at 15 Hz	90.3 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	96.6 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	101.7 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	107.8 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	114.6 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	118.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	120.7 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	120.9 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	120.8 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	120.7 dB
Phase Control	0°-180°
Warranty	5
Weight	54.5 lbs (24.7 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($1,199.00) →Search eBay for SVS SB-3000 →

Links
- SVS SB-3000 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: SVS SB-3000 More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Audioholics: SVS 3000 Series Powered Subwoofers Review
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #39 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - SVS PB-2000 PRO: $1,199.00 Amazon $1,199.00 eBay

Older model: the SVS PB-2000 (ranked higher, rated 4.1/5). See every SVS subwoofers generation.

Same family: the SVS PB-1000 PRO (smaller subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5), the SVS SB-1000 PRO (larger subwoofer, rated 3.7/5), the SVS SB-2000 Pro (larger subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5) and the SVS PC-2000 Pro (larger subwoofer, ranked lower, estimated 3.7/5).

Pros: 12-inch ported with 550W RMS (1500W peak) delivers breathtaking 116.5dB average output (40-80Hz). Reaches to 16Hz subterranean extension with precision detail. Three-band parametric EQ with SVS smartphone app control. Large-room performance rating.

Full SVS PB-2000 PRO review and specifications →

Released	Dec 2019 (6 years ago)
Amplifier Power	550W RMS / 1500W peak
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	116.5 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	20.9”H x 17.3”W x 22.5”D (530.9 x 439.4 x 571.5 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver with ported design
Enclosure	ported, front
Frequency Response	16-290Hz, ±3dB
Measurement Source	Audioholics
Output SPL at 15 Hz	96.8 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	108.1 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	114.8 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	116.2 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	116.7 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	116.6 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	116.4 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	116.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	116.0 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	116.3 dB
Warranty	5
Weight	64.8 lbs (29.4 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($1,199.00) →Search eBay for SVS PB-2000 PRO →

Links
- SVS PB-2000 PRO Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: SVS PB-2000 Pro 12 inch Subwoofer Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #55 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S: $1,000 Arendal Sound $1,000 eBay

Same family: the Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V (larger subwoofer, rated 3.8/5).

Pros: Sealed 12-inch with 550W RMS delivers clean 110dB+ punch with extension below 20Hz. Better group delay than most sealed subs avoids overhang or sluggishness. Exceptional build quality and flexible adjustability for hi-fi and cinema.

Full Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
Amplifier Power	550W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	115.5 dB
Cabinet Color	black, white
Country	Norway
Dimensions	16.3”H x 12.4”W x 16.3”D (414.8 x 315.0 x 414.8 mm)
Drivers	12.2” (310mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Frequency Response	19-200Hz, ±3dB
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 15 Hz	93.2 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	102.5 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	102.6 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	107.8 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	111.3 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	115.0 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	117.5 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	118.0 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	117.6 dB
Warranty	10/5
Weight	44.1 lbs (20.0 kg)

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($1,000) →Search eBay for Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S →

Links
- Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Arendal 1961 1S & 1V Subwoofer Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #69 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Dayton Audio SUB-1200: $180 Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Dayton Audio CS1200, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5, released Dec 2025. See every Dayton Audio Subwoofers generation.

Same family: the Dayton Audio SUB-1000L (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.4/5) and the Dayton Audio SUB-1500 (larger subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5).

Pros: 12” long-throw woofer, 120W. Impeccable construction inside and out. Tight and controlled like sealed, digs deep like ported. Continuously variable 40-140Hz crossover. High-level inputs/outputs. Great bang-for-buck at $180.

Cons: Discontinued.

Full Dayton Audio SUB-1200 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	120W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	115.1 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	16.7”H x 16.2”W x 17.7”D (425.4 x 411.0 x 450.8 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, bottom
Frequency Response	25-140Hz
Measurement Source	Brent Butterworth
Output SPL at 16 Hz	82.1 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	91.5 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	101.7 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	106.8 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	111.3 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	114.8 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	117.2 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	117.2 dB
Warranty	5
Weight	44.8 lbs (20.3 kg)

Search eBay for Dayton Audio SUB-1200 →

Links
- Dayton Audio SUB-1200 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget 12-inch Subwoofer Shootout. Infinity, Klipsch, Dayton, Jamo, OSD & Bic! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #72 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - SVS SB-2000 Pro: $736.00 each Amazon $736.00 eBay

Older models: the SVS SB-2000 (ranked higher, rated 3.9/5) and the SVS SB12-Plus (ranked lower, rated 3.6/5). See every SVS subwoofers generation.

Same family: the SVS PB-1000 PRO (smaller subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 3.8/5), the SVS PB-2000 PRO (smaller subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 3.9/5), the SVS SB-1000 PRO (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.7/5) and the SVS PC-2000 Pro (larger subwoofer, ranked lower, estimated 3.7/5).

Pros: A compact sealed 12-inch subwoofer, about 37cm on each side, with a 550W RMS (1,500W peak) Sledge amplifier and SVS’s smartphone app for volume, crossover, phase, room gain compensation and parametric EQ from the listening seat. Erin’s Audio Corner measured a 114.7dB CEA-2010-A average from 40 to 80Hz, and SVS rates it at 19-240Hz within 3dB.

Cons: Output is modest next to larger or ported subwoofers: Erin’s Audio Corner measured about 102.5dB at 20Hz, and he judged the SVS SB-3000, about $200 more, the better value for its considerably higher output. Sealed designs this size run out of headroom sooner in large rooms.

Featured on:

Full SVS SB-2000 Pro review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2020 (6 years ago)
Amplifier Power	550W RMS, 1500W peak
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	114.7 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	14.6”H x 14.2”W x 15.6”D (370.8 x 360.7 x 396.2 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Frequency Response	19-240Hz ±3dB
Measurement Source	Erin’s Audio Corner
Output SPL at 20 Hz	102.5 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	113.3 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	114.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	114.1 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	115.9 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	115.0 dB
Warranty	5
Weight	38.6 lbs (17.5 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($736.00) →Search eBay for SVS SB-2000 Pro →

Links
- SVS SB-2000 Pro Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: SVS SB-2000 Pro vs SB-3000 Subwoofer Shootout More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #96 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Infinity Speakers REFERENCE SUB R12: $500 Discontinued eBay

Same family: the Infinity Reference R152 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.8/5), the Infinity Reference R162 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.8/5), the Infinity Reference 253 (smaller floorstanding, rated 3.5/5), the Infinity Reference R263 (larger floorstanding, rated 4.4/5), the Infinity Reference RC252 (smaller center, rated 4.4/5) and the Infinity Reference RC263 (larger center, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: 12-inch ported with 300W RMS. Slipstream tuned-port technology delivers optimized low-frequency sound. Seamless integration and powerful performance for budget-conscious buyers. Good home theater value option.

Cons: Discontinued.

Full Infinity Speakers REFERENCE SUB R12 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	300W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	112.6 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	18.7”H x 15.2”W x 16.8”D (476.0 x 385.1 x 426.0 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, rear
Frequency Response	29-150Hz
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 15 Hz	77.0 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	90.6 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	98.8 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	106.3 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	107.6 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	112.3 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	115.8 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	114.6 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	113.2 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	111.7 dB
Warranty	5/2
Weight	40.1 lbs (18.2 kg)

Search eBay for Infinity Speakers REFERENCE SUB R12 →

Links
- Infinity Speakers REFERENCE SUB R12 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget 12-inch Subwoofer Shootout. Infinity, Klipsch, Dayton, Jamo, OSD & Bic! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →

Ranked #97 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - OSD (Optimal Speaker Design) TreVoce 12 DSP: $599 Discontinued eBay

Pros: 12-inch dual passive radiator with 300W RMS reaches 18Hz. Onboard DSP with 25-band parametric EQ via app control. Compact cube delivers high output from small footprint. Clean nuanced performance for movies and music. AVSForum Top Choice.

Cons: Discontinued.

Full OSD (Optimal Speaker Design) TreVoce 12 DSP review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	300W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	112.5 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	15.4”H x 16”W x 15”D (391.2 x 406.4 x 381.0 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	passive radiator
Frequency Response	18-250Hz
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 25 Hz	77.3 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	102.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	108.2 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	112.3 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	115.4 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	114.0 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	111.5 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	110.1 dB
Warranty	2
Weight	44.1 lbs (20.0 kg)

Search eBay for OSD (Optimal Speaker Design) TreVoce 12 DSP →

Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget 12-inch Subwoofer Shootout. Infinity, Klipsch, Dayton, Jamo, OSD & Bic! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →

Ranked #116 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - WiiM Sub Pro: $479.00 Amazon $479.00 eBay

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 77.4 dB at 20 Hz and 111.8 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported enclosure with an 8” driver suits a small-to-mid room.

Cons: The 398.8H x 299.7W x 322.6D mm cabinet and 16.0 kg mass still need deliberate placement. Newly launched, so long-term reliability is unproven.

Full WiiM Sub Pro review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2025 (1 year ago)
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	111.8 dB
Country	China
Dimensions	15.7”H x 11.8”W x 12.7”D (398.8 x 299.7 x 322.6 mm)
Drivers	8” (203mm) driver
Enclosure	ported
Measurement Source	Brent Butterworth
Output SPL at 20 Hz	77.4 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	92.9 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	102.0 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	109.5 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	111.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	113.6 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	112.6 dB
Warranty	1
Weight	35.3 lbs (16.0 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($479.00) →Search eBay for WiiM Sub Pro →

Links
- Official WiiM Sub Pro Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: NEW SVS vs WiiM vs KEF || Small Subwoofer Face-Off! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #126 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Monoprice 12in 150-Watt Powered: $186.25 Amazon $186.25 eBay

Pros: 12-inch ported with 150W RMS delivers extraordinary output for the price. Excellent performance reaches 111.7dB average. Easy setup at ultra-budget price point.

Notes: Product # 9723

Full Monoprice 12in 150-Watt Powered review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	150W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	111.7 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	17”H x 17.3”W x 17.5”D (431.8 x 439.4 x 444.5 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, bottom
Frequency Response	25-250Hz
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 20 Hz	90.2 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	89.8 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	99.7 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	105.1 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	110.6 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	115.7 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	115.4 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	114.2 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	113.3 dB
Weight	53.8 lbs (24.4 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($186.25) →Search eBay for Monoprice 12in 150-Watt Powered →

Links
- Monoprice 12in 150-Watt Powered Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Monoprice $99 Budget 12 Inch Powered Subwoofer Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #127 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Monoprice Monolith 10 THX Select: $699 Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Monoprice Monolith M-10 V2, ranked lower, rated 3.4/5, released Nov 2021. See every Monoprice Monolith generation.

Pros: THX-certified 10-inch ported with 500W amp extends down to 20Hz with no internal resonance or port noise. HDF cabinet construction ensures inert enclosure. Variable phase adjustment and robust built-to-last design.

Cons: Discontinued.

Notes: Product # 24456

Full Monoprice Monolith 10 THX Select review and specifications →

Released	2017 (9 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	500W RMS
Aux Input	No
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	111.5 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States
Dimensions	18.9”H x 15”W x 19.7”D (480.1 x 381.0 x 500.4 mm)
Drivers	10” (254mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, front
Frequency Response	17-20Hz
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, RCA, XLR passthrough out
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Optical Input	No
Output SPL at 15 Hz	95.4 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	102.6 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	107.7 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	109.0 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	110.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	112.0 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	112.0 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	112.0 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	112.0 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	111.0 dB
RCA Input	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Warranty	5
Weight	72.5 lbs (32.9 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Search eBay for Monoprice Monolith 10 THX Select →

Links
- Monoprice Monolith 10 THX Select Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Monoprice Monolith 10, 12 and 15-inch Subwoofers Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #163 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - BIC America F-12: $299.00 Amazon $299.00 eBay

Pros: 12” woofer with 475W peak power, reaches 116dB. Ported enclosure with low distortion. 150W RMS with high SNR. Performs like subs costing twice as much. Backed by 5-year warranty.

Full BIC America F-12 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	150W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	110.1 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	17”H x 14.7”W x 17.2”D (431.8 x 374.6 x 438.1 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, rear
Frequency Response	25-200Hz
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 15 Hz	74.9 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	83.8 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	95.8 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	101.6 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	104.6 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	110.6 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	113.3 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	111.9 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	110.0 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	106.7 dB
Warranty	5
Weight	42.1 lbs (19.1 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($299.00) →Search eBay for BIC America F-12 →

Links
- BIC America F-12 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget 12-inch Subwoofer Shootout. Infinity, Klipsch, Dayton, Jamo, OSD & Bic! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #176 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Klipsch R-12SW: $259.00 Amazon $259.00 eBay

Newer model: the Klipsch R-121SW, ranked higher, rated 3.6/5, released Jul 2022. See every Klipsch Reference subwoofers generation.

Same family: the Klipsch R-10SW (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.2/5) and the Klipsch R-115SW (larger subwoofer, rated 4.2/5).

Pros: 12-inch copper-spun IMG driver provides low frequency with minimal breakup/distortion. 400W digital amplifier (200W RMS) with 29-120Hz frequency response. Unique copper diaphragm ensures durability while producing deep bass without distortion. Clean detailed bass at this price range stands out. Elegant cube design (14x18.5x16 inches, 30 lbs) with straightforward setup and easy connectivity via RCA inputs.

Full Klipsch R-12SW review and specifications →

Released	May 2018 (8 years ago)
Amplifier Power	200W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	108.5 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	16”H x 14”W x 18.5”D (406.4 x 355.6 x 469.9 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, rear
Frequency Response	29-120Hz
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 15 Hz	68.5 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	86.9 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	97.1 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	100.0 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	104.7 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	109.0 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	111.2 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	109.3 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	107.6 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	105.8 dB
Warranty	5/2
Weight	33.1 lbs (15.0 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($259.00) →Search eBay for Klipsch R-12SW →

Links
- Klipsch R-12SW Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget 12-inch Subwoofer Shootout. Infinity, Klipsch, Dayton, Jamo, OSD & Bic! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #189 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Jamo C 912 SUB: $599 Discontinued eBay

Pros: 12-inch ported with 200W RMS outputs fairly accurate smooth bass for music and movies. Relaxed energetic low-frequency presentation without listening fatigue. Front-facing port enables flexible placement.

Cons: Discontinued.

Full Jamo C 912 SUB review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	200W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	106.7 dB
Cabinet Color	black, white, wood
Country	Denmark
Dimensions	17.9”H x 14”W x 18.9”D (454.4 x 355.3 x 479.6 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, front
Frequency Response	29-125Hz
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 15 Hz	78.4 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	88.0 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	95.5 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	99.0 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	103.4 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	106.5 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	108.6 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	108.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	106.6 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	104.9 dB
Warranty	5/2
Weight	41.7 lbs (18.9 kg)

Search eBay for Jamo C 912 SUB →

Links
- Jamo C 912 SUB Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget 12-inch Subwoofer Shootout. Infinity, Klipsch, Dayton, Jamo, OSD & Bic! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #198 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Kali Audio WS-6.2: $599.00 Amazon $599.00 eBay

Same family: the Kali Audio WS-12 V2 (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, estimated 3.8/5).

Pros: Dual 6.5-inch ported drivers deliver 104.5dB CEA-2010-A average in a compact powered design.

Full Kali Audio WS-6.2 review and specifications →

Released	2023 (3 years ago)
AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	400W RMS
Aux Input	No
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	104.5 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States
Dimensions	14.5”H x 12.2”W x 11”D (368.3 x 309.9 x 279.4 mm)
Drivers	2x 6.5” (165mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, front
Frequency Response	27-200Hz
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR/TRS combo (2), RCA (2)
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Optical Input	No
Output SPL at 25 Hz	96.6 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	102.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	102.4 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	101.8 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	103.4 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	110.4 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	111.6 dB
RCA Input	Yes
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Warranty	1
Weight	31.1 lbs (14.1 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Check current price at Amazon ($599.00) →Search eBay for Kali Audio WS-6.2 →

Links
- Kali Audio WS-6.2 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: $499 Subwoofer Shootout: Kali Audio WS-6.2 vs Yamaha HS8S. The Kali is a BEAST! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #200 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - KEF KF92: $2,000 Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the KEF KC92, ranked lower, estimated 3/5, released Feb 2024. See every KEF KC and KF Subwoofers generation.

Pros: Dual opposing 9-inch force-canceling sealed drivers with 1000W deliver tight clean deep bass to 11Hz. Music Integrity Engine (iBX) provides intelligent dynamic enhancement. Flexible setup options for various room placements.

Cons: Discontinued.

Full KEF KF92 review and specifications →

Released	Nov 2019 (6 years ago)
Amplifier Power	1000W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	103.7 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United Kingdom
Dimensions	13.9”H x 13”W x 14.2”D (352.3 x 329.9 x 360.4 mm)
Drivers	2x 9.2” (234mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Frequency Response	11-160Hz
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 20 Hz	86.0 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	91.6 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	95.4 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	101.1 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	103.0 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	104.4 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	106.3 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	107.2 dB
Warranty	5/2/5
Weight	44.1 lbs (20.0 kg)

Search eBay for KEF KF92 →

Links
- Kef KF92 Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: KEF KF92 Dual 9-inch Subwoofer Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: KEF KC62 vs KF92. Compact Subwoofer Comparison.
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KEF KF92 vs KEF KC92
- KEF KF92 vs KEF KC62

Ranked #206 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - JBL SUB 550P: $600 Discontinued eBay

Pros: 10-inch sealed with 300W RMS delivers low distortion realistic bass compared to cheaper options. Deep bass response similar to larger 12” models. Multiple line-level inputs and adjustable crossover control.

Cons: Discontinued.

Full JBL SUB 550P review and specifications →

Released	2011 (15 years ago)
Amplifier Power	300W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	102.9 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Country	United States
Dimensions	17.5”H x 14.9”W x 15”D (444 x 379 x 380 mm)
Drivers	10” (254mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Frequency Response	27-150Hz
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 20 Hz	84.7 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	89.8 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	98.1 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	101.5 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	103.2 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	103.3 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	103.7 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	104.2 dB
Warranty	1
Weight	50 lbs (22.7 kg)

Search eBay for JBL SUB 550P →

Links
- JBL SUB 550P Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Budget Friendly JBL SUB 550P 10” Subwoofer. How Does It Compare to the Competition? More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #212 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - KEF KC62: $1,699.99 Amazon $1,699.99 eBay

Same family: the KEF KC92 (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, estimated 3/5). See every KEF KC and KF Subwoofers generation.

Pros: Dual 6.5-inch force-canceling drivers with 1000W in ultra-compact basketball-sized sealed enclosure. Deep extension to 11Hz with five room placement EQ presets. Elegant design fits any décor.

Featured on:

Small Rooms

Full KEF KC62 review and specifications →

Released	Jan 2021 (5 years ago)
Amplifier Power	1000W RMS
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	96.9 dB
Cabinet Color	black, white
Country	United Kingdom
Dimensions	9.7”H x 10.1”W x 9.8”D (245.9 x 255.8 x 247.9 mm)
Drivers	2x 6.5” (165mm) driver
Enclosure	sealed
Frequency Response	11-200Hz
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 20 Hz	80.0 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	84.6 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	88.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	92.2 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	95.1 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	97.7 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	102.6 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	104.2 dB
Warranty	5/2/5
Weight	30.9 lbs (14.0 kg)

Check current price at Amazon ($1,699.99) →Search eBay for KEF KC62 →

Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)

Ranked #63 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) - Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra: $1,700 Discontinued eBay

Same family: the Monoprice Monolith 12 THX Ultra (smaller subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5), the Monoprice Monolith 15 THX Ultra (larger subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5) and the Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5). See every Monoprice Monolith generation.

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 115.0 dB at 20 Hz and 121.1 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 13” (330mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.

Cons: The 604.5H x 515.6W x 739.1D mm cabinet and 69.5 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential. Discontinued.

Notes: Product # 41496

Full Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra review and specifications →

Released	Aug 2021 (5 years ago)
AES Input	No
Aux Input	No
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	121.1 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States
Dimensions	23.8”H x 20.3”W x 29.1”D (604.5 x 515.6 x 739.1 mm)
Drivers	13” (330mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, front
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR (stereo balanced), RCA (stereo/mono)
Measurement Source	Audioholics
Optical Input	No
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz	94.0 dB
Output SPL at 15 Hz	109.1 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	115.0 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	118.0 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	119.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	120.3 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	120.7 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	121.4 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	122.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	122.7 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	123.8 dB
RCA Input	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Warranty	5
Weight	153.2 lbs (69.5 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Search eBay for Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra →

Ranked #66 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) - Monoprice Monolith 15 THX Ultra: $1,999 Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Monoprice Monolith M-15 V2, ranked lower, rated 4.2/5, released Nov 2021 (also discontinued). See every Monoprice Monolith generation.

Same family: the Monoprice Monolith 12 THX Ultra (smaller subwoofer, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5), the Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra (smaller subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5) and the Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 110.0 dB at 20 Hz and 120.5 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 15” (381mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.

Cons: The 680.7H x 449.6W x 701.0D mm cabinet and 58.3 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential. Discontinued.

Notes: Product # 24458

Full Monoprice Monolith 15 THX Ultra review and specifications →

Released	2017 (9 years ago)
AES Input	No
Aux Input	No
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	120.5 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States
Dimensions	26.8”H x 17.7”W x 27.6”D (680.7 x 449.6 x 701.0 mm)
Drivers	15” (381mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, front
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Optical Input	No
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz	90.0 dB
Output SPL at 15 Hz	100.8 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	110.0 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	115.6 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	118.0 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	122.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	121.0 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	120.0 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	119.0 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	119.0 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	118.0 dB
RCA Input	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Warranty	5
Weight	128.5 lbs (58.3 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Search eBay for Monoprice Monolith 15 THX Ultra →

Links
- Monoprice Monolith 15 THX Ultra Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Monoprice Monolith 10, 12 and 15-inch Subwoofers Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Monoprice Monolith 15 THX Ultra vs Klipsch RP-1600SW
- Monoprice Monolith 15 THX Ultra vs Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra

Ranked #126 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) - Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V: $1,200 Arendal Sound $1,200 eBay

Same family: the Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1S (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.8/5).

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 104.3 dB at 20 Hz and 116.0 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.

Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 544.8H x 389.9W x 499.9D mm cabinet and 36.1 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.

Full Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V review and specifications →

Released	2020 (6 years ago)
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	116.0 dB
Cabinet Color	black, white
Country	Norway
Dimensions	21.4”H x 15.4”W x 19.7”D (544.8 x 389.9 x 499.9 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, rear
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 15 Hz	101.8 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	104.3 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	107.2 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	111.3 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	113.5 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	116.1 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	117.2 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	117.3 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	116.2 dB
Warranty	10/5
Weight	79.6 lbs (36.1 kg)

Check current price at Arendal Sound ($1,200) →Search eBay for Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V →

Links
- Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Arendal 1961 1S & 1V Subwoofer Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner Website: Arendal 1961 Subwoofer 1V
Head-to-Head Comparisons

Ranked #127 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) - Monoprice Monolith 12 THX Ultra: $1,499 Discontinued eBay

Newer model: the Monoprice Monolith M-12 V2, ranked lower, rated 3.8/5, released Nov 2021 (also discontinued). See every Monoprice Monolith generation.

Same family: the Monoprice Monolith 13 THX Ultra (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5), the Monoprice Monolith 15 THX Ultra (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5) and the Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra (larger subwoofer, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 108.4 dB at 20 Hz and 115.2 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, front enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.

Cons: The 579.1H x 424.2W x 599.4D mm cabinet and 44.7 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential. Discontinued.

Notes: Product # 24457

Full Monoprice Monolith 12 THX Ultra review and specifications →

Released	2017 (9 years ago)
AES Input	No
Aux Input	No
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	115.2 dB
Cabinet Color	black
Coaxial Input	No
Country	United States
Dimensions	22.8”H x 16.7”W x 23.6”D (579.1 x 424.2 x 599.4 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, front
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, RCA, XLR passthrough out
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Optical Input	No
Output SPL at 12.5 Hz	87.7 dB
Output SPL at 15 Hz	101.2 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	108.4 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	110.9 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	113.0 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	114.0 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	115.0 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	116.0 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	116.0 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	115.0 dB
Output SPL at 125 Hz	114.0 dB
RCA Input	Yes
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Warranty	5
Weight	98.5 lbs (44.7 kg)
XLR Input	Yes

Search eBay for Monoprice Monolith 12 THX Ultra →

Links
- Monoprice Monolith 12 THX Ultra Website
Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner: Monoprice Monolith 10, 12 and 15-inch Subwoofers Review More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Monoprice Monolith 12 THX Ultra vs HSU Research VTF-3 MK3
- Monoprice Monolith 12 THX Ultra vs Monoprice Monolith 16 THX Ultra

Ranked #131 of 143 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) - RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S: $884.96 RSL $884.96 eBay

Same family: the RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 10E (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.3/5), the RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 10S (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.4/5) and the RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 10S MKII (smaller subwoofer, rated 3.6/5). See every RSL Speedwoofer generation.

Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 109.3 dB at 20 Hz and 113.2 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, rear enclosure with 12” (305mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.

Cons: The 565.1H x 479.4W x 562.0D mm cabinet and 37.2 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential.

Full RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S review and specifications →

Released	Mar 2023 (3 years ago)
CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz)	113.2 dB
Cabinet Color	black, white
Country	United States
Dimensions	22.2”H x 18.9”W x 22.1”D (565.1 x 479.4 x 562.0 mm)
Drivers	12” (305mm) driver
Enclosure	ported, rear
Measurement Source	ErinsAudioCorner
Output SPL at 15 Hz	104.4 dB
Output SPL at 20 Hz	109.3 dB
Output SPL at 25 Hz	110.9 dB
Output SPL at 31.5 Hz	112.5 dB
Output SPL at 40 Hz	113.4 dB
Output SPL at 50 Hz	113.4 dB
Output SPL at 63 Hz	113.0 dB
Output SPL at 80 Hz	113.1 dB
Output SPL at 100 Hz	112.2 dB
Warranty	5/3
Weight	82 lbs (37.2 kg)

Check current price at RSL ($884.96) →Search eBay for RSL (Rogersound Labs) Speedwoofer 12S →

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Favorite Picks

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Bookshelf Speakers: Under $1000

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Bookshelf Speakers: Under $1500

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Bookshelf Speakers: Under $3000

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Bookshelf Speakers: Under $5000

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Bookshelf Speakers: Over $5000

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF Reference 1 Meta: $9999.98 per pair KEF $9999.98 eBay

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Tower Speakers: Under $1500

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One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Klipsch RP-6000F II: $999.98 per pair Amazon $499.99 eBay

Tower Speakers: Under $2500

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Klipsch RP-8000F II: $1,159.98 per pair Amazon $1,159.98 eBay

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the Arendal 1961 Tower: $1,900 per pair Arendal Sound $1,900 eBay

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Tower Speakers: Under $5000

One of Erin’s Audio Corner’s picks in this price range is the KEF R5 Meta: $3,999.99 per pair Discontinued eBay

Tower Speakers: Under $10000

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Tower Speakers: Over $10000

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All Speakers Reviewed by Erin’s Audio Corner

Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers

Ranked #53 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers - Bose Soundlink Revolve+: $269.99 Discontinued Amazon $269.99 eBay

Ranked #61 of 175 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers - Bose Soundlink Revolve: $194.00 Discontinued Amazon $194.00 eBay

Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers

Ranked #10 of 14 in Small Size Powered Desktop Speakers - Apple HomePod Mini: $149.36 each Amazon $149.36 eBay

Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers

Ranked #28 of 28 in Medium Size Powered Desktop Speakers - IKEA SYMFONISK Table Lamp Speaker (1st gen): $179 each Discontinued eBay

Powered Subwoofer and Satellite Combo Speakers

Ranked #4 of 8 in Powered Subwoofer and Satellite Combo Speakers - Klipsch ProMedia Lumina: $249.99 Amazon $249.99 eBay

Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #1 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Audio Smile Little British Monitor: £529 per pair Audio Smile eBay

Ranked #3 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - ADAM Audio D3v: $349.99 per pair Amazon $349.99 eBay

Ranked #4 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Cambridge Audio L/R S: $549.00 per pair Amazon $549.00 eBay

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Ranked #12 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Kanto ORA4: $449.99 per pair Amazon $449.99 eBay

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