I'm constantly asked which speakers to purchase...so, here you go! 
This guide is for PASSIVE speakers. For ACTIVE speakers go here.
Click on the "Spoiler" buttons below to expand each section.
RAN OUT OF CHARACTERS...CONTINUED ON POST #2
This guide is for PASSIVE speakers. For ACTIVE speakers go here.
Click on the "Spoiler" buttons below to expand each section.
What market are these recommendations for?
USA, with USD prices listed below
Does this include discontinued speakers?
No, since i'm only counting speakers that are currently sold at major retailers/resellers in the US.
What is the preference score?
The preference score (introduced by Sean Olive) (also sometimes called "Olive score") is the best science-based representation we have on how to classify whether a speaker (either active or passive) is preferred or not. A more neutral speaker will get the best preference score, and will likely win in a blind listening test, comparing two speakers. You can read about it here.
What are the limitations of the preference score?
1. Distortion handling
Amir and Erin (from ErinsAudioCorner) talk about this in their reviews, so you can take a look there.
Distortion handling of a loudspeaker is usually secondary to frequency response. Meaning, a great frequency response and poor distortion handling speaker will still be preferred over a poor frequency response speaker with great distortion handling. A great example of this is the fact that JBL 305P/306P/308P MKII speakers have higher-than-normal distortion, but because of their relatively neutral frequency response, a lot of people still enjoy them.
2. Loudness handling
Amir and Erin (from ErinsAudioCorner) talk about this in their reviews, so you can take a look there.
In terms of loudness handling, I've made a few notes to speakers below.
3. Your own preference for wide or narrow directivity
In terms of directivity, I haven't added this information below, but I could if enough people show interest.
Accuracy of data:
There are a few speakers in this list that weren't measured using Klippel NFS (that Amir and ErinsAudioCorner have), which provides very accurate spinorama. A less accurate (in terms of resolution) spinorama can be made using quasi-anechoic methods as described in this post.
If you see * => We have quasi-anechoic spinorama or similar, but the speaker wasn't measured using Klippel NFS.
Are you biased in any way?
I purchased PSB Imagine X series of speakers before joining ASR. Read into that what you will.
How did you make this list?
I looked at all the speaker spinorama that we have and their computed preference score and compiled this list.
I also mention a few speakers of note, and talk about which speakers to avoid at a certain price point, based on my own understanding.
What is the limitation of this guide?
Blind reliance on measurements can be misleading ‐ one needs to tie those measurements back to subjective perception. Amir and ErinsAudioCorner both give their overall opinion on speakers, so feel free to read the written reviews.
What am I showing?
Top 3 speakers in terms of preference score, plus other worthy picks (explained in the legend).
Exclusions:
I didn't include DIY type speakers (where you buy the kit, install it yourself, and paint the speaker). Instead, only speakers you can purchase from major retailers/resellers in US.
Do you need an amplifier with these?
Yes, since the speakers are passive.
Assumptions:
I'm going to assume these JBL 4367 and similar speakers are "towers" and not "bookshelves"
Limitation of preference score?
Flipflop: "Using vendor data is not just a problem because of potential credibility issues, but also because some of the data, like the R152 spin, uses a higher amount of smoothing, which results in lower NBD_ON and NBD_PIR values, which in turns result in an artificially increased predicted preference score."
What's the difference between Amir's and Erin (from Erin's Audio Corner) distortion charts?
Amir shows "Non-Anechoic" harmonic distortion.
Erin shows "Anechoic" (using Klippel ISC module) harmonic distortion.
They are similar, but not exactly the same.
Erin explained it in this youtube video
Which makes a direct comparison between Amir's and Erin's distortion graphs inaccurate (unfortunately).
Amir talked about why he stopped doing Anechoic harmonic distortion here.
USA, with USD prices listed below
Does this include discontinued speakers?
No, since i'm only counting speakers that are currently sold at major retailers/resellers in the US.
What is the preference score?
The preference score (introduced by Sean Olive) (also sometimes called "Olive score") is the best science-based representation we have on how to classify whether a speaker (either active or passive) is preferred or not. A more neutral speaker will get the best preference score, and will likely win in a blind listening test, comparing two speakers. You can read about it here.
What are the limitations of the preference score?
1. Distortion handling
Amir and Erin (from ErinsAudioCorner) talk about this in their reviews, so you can take a look there.
Distortion handling of a loudspeaker is usually secondary to frequency response. Meaning, a great frequency response and poor distortion handling speaker will still be preferred over a poor frequency response speaker with great distortion handling. A great example of this is the fact that JBL 305P/306P/308P MKII speakers have higher-than-normal distortion, but because of their relatively neutral frequency response, a lot of people still enjoy them.
2. Loudness handling
Amir and Erin (from ErinsAudioCorner) talk about this in their reviews, so you can take a look there.
In terms of loudness handling, I've made a few notes to speakers below.
3. Your own preference for wide or narrow directivity
In terms of directivity, I haven't added this information below, but I could if enough people show interest.
Accuracy of data:
There are a few speakers in this list that weren't measured using Klippel NFS (that Amir and ErinsAudioCorner have), which provides very accurate spinorama. A less accurate (in terms of resolution) spinorama can be made using quasi-anechoic methods as described in this post.
If you see * => We have quasi-anechoic spinorama or similar, but the speaker wasn't measured using Klippel NFS.
Are you biased in any way?
I purchased PSB Imagine X series of speakers before joining ASR. Read into that what you will.
How did you make this list?
I looked at all the speaker spinorama that we have and their computed preference score and compiled this list.
I also mention a few speakers of note, and talk about which speakers to avoid at a certain price point, based on my own understanding.
What is the limitation of this guide?
Blind reliance on measurements can be misleading ‐ one needs to tie those measurements back to subjective perception. Amir and ErinsAudioCorner both give their overall opinion on speakers, so feel free to read the written reviews.
What am I showing?
Top 3 speakers in terms of preference score, plus other worthy picks (explained in the legend).
Exclusions:
I didn't include DIY type speakers (where you buy the kit, install it yourself, and paint the speaker). Instead, only speakers you can purchase from major retailers/resellers in US.
Do you need an amplifier with these?
Yes, since the speakers are passive.
Assumptions:
I'm going to assume these JBL 4367 and similar speakers are "towers" and not "bookshelves"
Limitation of preference score?
Flipflop: "Using vendor data is not just a problem because of potential credibility issues, but also because some of the data, like the R152 spin, uses a higher amount of smoothing, which results in lower NBD_ON and NBD_PIR values, which in turns result in an artificially increased predicted preference score."
What's the difference between Amir's and Erin (from Erin's Audio Corner) distortion charts?
Amir shows "Non-Anechoic" harmonic distortion.
Erin shows "Anechoic" (using Klippel ISC module) harmonic distortion.
They are similar, but not exactly the same.
Erin explained it in this youtube video
Which makes a direct comparison between Amir's and Erin's distortion graphs inaccurate (unfortunately).
Amir talked about why he stopped doing Anechoic harmonic distortion here.
LEGEND:
Value | Description |
#1 | Best rated-speaker in terms of preference score. Update: I set the threshold at 3.0, ignoring speakers below it. |
#2 | 2nd best-rated speaker in terms of preference score. |
#3 | 3rd best-rated speaker in terms of preference score. |
Worthy | Worthy picks that either Erin (from ErinsAudioCorner) or Amir measured and recommended. From Amir, I included all "highly recommended panther" award winners, plus the recommended picks (that I chose). Erin doesn't give a 'highly recommended' award like Amir does, but after reading Erin's review or watching the youtube reviews, I get the sense that Erin highly recommends that speaker. Plus I've included a few models that weren't measured by neither Amir or Erin, but still for consideration, since we can predict will be good, based on similar model's measurements. |
PS | Preference Score (with no subwoofer added). Value can be negative (for really badly designed speakers) and goes up to a 10 (theoretical limit). Higher is better. |
PSwSub | Preference Score (with theoretically-perfectly-integrated subwoofer added). Value can be negative (for really badly designed speakers) and goes up to a 10 (theoretical limit). Higher is better. |
LFX | Low Frequency Extension (in hz). This is the bass output at -6db point. This was computed, not estimated. Lower is better. |
RL | Response Linearity. This is the response linearity test that Erin (from ErinsAudioCorner) provides when he tests his speakers. The below graphic indicates just how much SPL is lost (compression) or gained (enhancement; usually due to distortion) when the speaker is played at higher output volumes instantly via a 2.7 second logarithmic sine sweep referenced to 76dB at 1 meter. The signals are played consecutively without any additional stimulus applied. Then normalized against the 76dB result. |
* | We have quasi-anechoic spinorama or similar. However, this speaker wasn't measured using Klippel NFS (that Amir and ErinsAudioCorner have), so it's resolution is less accurate. Warning: This will artificially boost the preference score higher than if the same speaker was measured using NFS. |
** | No spinorama for this specific model. I'm including it because we have multiple other spinorama from the same manufacturer, so it's not a stretch to imagine these will be good. |
Red | New speaker added to the table for this price point. |
Bookshelves < US$100/pair:
Bookshelves < US$150/pair:
Bookshelves < US$250/pair:
Bookshelves < US$300/pair:
Bookshelves < US$320/pair:
Bookshelves < US$330/pair:
Bookshelves < US$400/pair:
Bookshelves < US$600/pair:
Bookshelves < US$650/pair:
Bookshelves < US$700/pair:
Bookshelves < US$750/pair:
Bookshelves < US$800/pair:
Bookshelves < US$1,000/pair:
Bookshelves < US$1,500/pair:
Bookshelves < US$1,600/pair:
-Kef Q150 and Q350 are no longer mentioned; since Kef LS50 Meta exists at this price point.
Bookshelves < US$1,650/pair:
Bookshelves < US$1,700/pair:
Bookshelves < US$1,800/pair:
Bookshelves < US$2,200/pair:
Bookshelves < US$3,900/pair:
Bookshelves < US$4,400/pair:
Bookshelves < US$7,000/pair:
Bookshelves < US$7,500/pair:
Bookshelves < US$8,000/pair:
Bookshelves < US$9,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Dayton Audio MK402X (Amir) | 3.9 | 6.3 | 51 |
Bookshelves < US$150/pair:
Bookshelves < US$250/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Polk Audio XT20 (Erin) (RL) | 4.5 | 6.8 | 48 |
Polk Audio XT15 (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.1 | 60 |
Dayton Audio MK402X (Amir) | 3.9 | 6.3 | 51 |
Bookshelves < US$300/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Polk Audio XT20 (Erin) (RL) | 4.5 | 6.8 | 48 |
Polk Audio XT15 (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.1 | 60 |
Bookshelves < US$320/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Monoprice Monolith Encore B6 (Erin) (RL) | 4.7 | 6.9 | 46 |
Polk Audio XT20 (Erin) (RL) | 4.5 | 6.8 | 48 |
Bookshelves < US$330/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ (Amir) (Erin) (RL) | 5.3 | 7.8 | 54 |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Monoprice Monolith Encore B6 (Erin) (RL) | 4.7 | 6.9 | 46 |
Bookshelves < US$400/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (Amir) | 5.4 | 7.7 | 51 |
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ (Amir) (Erin) (RL) | 5.3 | 7.8 | 54 |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Bookshelves < US$600/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
JBL Studio 530 (Amir) | 5.5 | 7.4 | 41 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (Amir) | 5.4 | 7.7 | 51 |
Klipsch RP-500M II (Erin) | 5.4 | 7.9 | 55 |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Bookshelves < US$650/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Polk R100 (Erin) (RL) | 5.6 | 8.0 | 52 |
JBL Studio 530 (Amir) | 5.5 | 7.4 | 41 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (Amir) | 5.4 | 7.7 | 51 |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Bookshelves < US$700/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.6 | 41 |
Polk R100 (Erin) (RL) | 5.6 | 8.0 | 52 |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Bookshelves < US$750/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Polk R200 | 6.3* | 8.3* | 42* |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef Q350 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.5 | 38 |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Bookshelves < US$800/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Polk R200 | 6.3* | 8.3* | 42* |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef Q350 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.5 | 38 |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Bookshelves < US$1,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Polk R200 | 6.3* | 8.3* | 42* |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef Q350 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.5 | 38 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Bookshelves < US$1,500/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Polk R200 | 6.3* | 8.3* | 42* |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef Q350 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.5 | 38 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Kef Q150 (Erin) (RL) | 4.9 | 7.0 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Bookshelves < US$1,600/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Polk R200 | 6.3* | 8.3* | 42* |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Bookshelves < US$1,650/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Polk R200 | 6.3* | 8.3* | 42* |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Bookshelves < US$1,700/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta] | 6.6 | 8.3 | 36 |
Polk R200 | 6.3* | 8.3* | 42* |
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) (RL) | 6.1 | 7.7 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Bookshelves < US$1,800/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta] | 6.6 | 8.3 | 36 |
Polk R200 | 6.3* | 8.3* | 42* |
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) (RL) | 6.1 | 7.7 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir) | 5.8 | 7.6 | 38 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Bookshelves < US$2,200/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta] | 6.6 | 8.3 | 36 |
Polk R200 | 6.3* | 8.3* | 42* |
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) (RL) | 6.1 | 7.7 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
Revel M106 (Amir) | 5.8 | 8.0 | 46 |
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir) | 5.8 | 7.6 | 38 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Kef R3 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Bookshelves < US$3,900/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (RL) (Q/C issues found on June 2022) | 7.0 | 8.6 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta] | 6.6 | 8.3 | 36 |
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) (RL) | 6.1 | 7.7 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
Revel M106 (Amir) | 5.8 | 8.0 | 46 |
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir) | 5.8 | 7.6 | 38 |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Kef R3 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Bookshelves < US$4,400/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (RL) (Q/C issues found on June 2022) | 7.0 | 8.6 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta] | 6.6 | 8.3 | 36 |
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) (RL) | 6.1 | 7.7 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M126Be | 5.9* | 8.2* | 47* |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
Revel M106 (Amir) | 5.8 | 8.0 | 46 |
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir) | 5.8 | 7.6 | 38 |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Kef R3 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Bookshelves < US$7,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (RL) (Q/C issues found on June 2022) | 7.0 | 8.6 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta] | 6.6 | 8.3 | 36 |
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) (RL) | 6.1 | 7.7 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M126Be | 5.9* | 8.2* | 47* |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
Revel M106 (Amir) | 5.8 | 8.0 | 46 |
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir) | 5.8 | 7.6 | 38 |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Revel Ultima2 Gem2 | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R3 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Bookshelves < US$7,500/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (RL) (Q/C issues found on June 2022) | 7.0 | 8.6 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta] | 6.6 | 8.3 | 36 |
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) (RL) | 6.1 | 7.7 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M126Be | 5.9* | 8.2* | 47* |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
Revel M106 (Amir) | 5.8 | 8.0 | 46 |
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir) | 5.8 | 7.6 | 38 |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Revel Ultima2 Gem2 | ** | ** | ** |
Kef Reference 1 [Discontinued. Replaced by Reference 1 Meta in Feb 2022] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R3 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Bookshelves < US$8,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (RL) (Q/C issues found on June 2022) | 7.0 | 8.6 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta] | 6.6 | 8.3 | 36 |
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) (RL) | 6.1 | 7.7 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M126Be | 5.9* | 8.2* | 47* |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
Revel M106 (Amir) | 5.8 | 8.0 | 46 |
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir) | 5.8 | 7.6 | 38 |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Perlisten s4b (Erin) (RL) | 5.5 | 8.1 | 58 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Revel Ultima2 Gem2 | ** | ** | ** |
Kef Reference 1 [Discontinued. Replaced by Reference 1 Meta in Feb 2022] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R3 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Bookshelves < US$9,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Kef Reference 1 Meta (Erin) (Using Long Port) (RL) | 7.0 | 8.4 | 30 |
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (RL) (Q/C issues found on June 2022) | 7.0 | 8.6 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX | 6.8 | 8.6 | 36 |
Kef Reference 1 Meta (Erin) (Using Short Port) (RL) | 6.7 | 8.4 | 36 |
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta] | 6.6 | 8.3 | 36 |
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) (RL) | 6.1 | 7.7 | 33 |
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V2 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 42 |
Revel M126Be | 5.9* | 8.2* | 47* |
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir) | 5.9 | ?? | ?? |
Revel M105 (Amir) | 5.9 | 8.3 | 51 |
Revel M106 (Amir) | 5.8 | 8.0 | 46 |
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir) | 5.8 | 7.6 | 38 |
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.8 | 43 |
Revel M16 with open port (Amir) | 5.6 | 7.7 | 45 |
Perlisten s4b (Erin) (RL) | 5.5 | 8.1 | 58 |
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 7.6 | 62 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) (RL) | 4.4 | 7.3 | 68 |
Revel Ultima2 Gem2 | ** | ** | ** |
Kef Reference 1 [Discontinued. Replaced by Reference 1 Meta in Feb 2022] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R3 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$300/pair:
Towers < US$500/pair:
Towers < US$700/pair:
Towers < US$1,200/pair:
Towers < US$1,400/pair:
Towers < US$1,500/pair:
Towers < US$1,700/pair:
Towers < US$2,000/pair:
Towers < US$2,600/pair:
Towers < US$3,600/pair:
Towers < US$3,900/pair:
Towers < US$4,000/pair:
Towers < US$4,800/pair:
Towers < US$5,000/pair:
Towers < US$5,500/pair:
Towers < US$6,500/pair:
Towers < US$7,700/pair:
Towers < US$11,000/pair:
Towers < US$14,000/pair:
See post #2 for more tower speakers
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Polk Audio T50 (Amir) | 4.0 | 5.9 | 41 |
Towers < US$500/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Polk XT60 (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
JBL Stage A180 (Amir) | 4.7 | 6.3 | 35 |
Polk Audio T50 (Amir) | 4.0 | 5.9 | 41 |
Towers < US$700/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Polk XT70 (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
Polk XT60 (Erin) (RL) | 4.8 | 6.7 | 39 |
JBL Stage A180 (Amir) | 4.7 | 6.3 | 35 |
Towers < US$1,200/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin) (RL) | 5.8 | 7.3 | 32 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Klipsch RP-5000F II (Erin) (RL) | 5.2 | 7.2 | 41 |
Towers < US$1,400/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin) (RL) | 5.8 | 7.3 | 32 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Aperion N5T (Amir) | 5.3 | 6.9 | 35 |
Towers < US$1,500/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin) (RL) | 5.8 | 7.3 | 32 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$1,700/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin) (RL) | 5.8 | 7.3 | 32 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$2,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin) (RL) | 5.8 | 7.3 | 32 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$2,600/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin) (RL) | 5.8 | 7.3 | 32 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$3,600/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by Kef R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$3,900/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH) | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$4,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH) | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R7 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$4,800/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH) | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$5,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH) | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R7 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$5,500/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F208 (Amir) | 6.6 | 7.7 | 26 |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH) | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R7 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$6,500/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F208 (Amir) | 6.6 | 7.7 | 26 |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH) | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R7 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$7,700/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F208 (Amir) | 6.6 | 7.7 | 26 |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F226Be (Erin) (RL) | 5.8 | 7.9 | 43 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH) | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R7 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$11,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F208 (Amir) | 6.6 | 7.7 | 26 |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Revel F228Be (Amir) | 6.2 | 7.6 | 30 |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F226Be (Erin) (RL) | 5.8 | 7.9 | 43 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH) | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R7 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Towers < US$14,000/pair:
Name | PS | PSwSub | LFX |
Revel F208 (Amir) | 6.6 | 7.7 | 26 |
Revel F206 | 6.4* | 8.1* | 36* |
Revel F228Be (Amir) | 6.2 | 7.6 | 30 |
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) (RL) | 6.0 | 7.8 | 36 |
Kef R5 (Erin) (RL) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta] | 5.9 | 7.5 | 33 |
Revel F226Be (Erin) (RL) | 5.8 | 7.9 | 43 |
Revel F35 (Amir) | 5.7 | 7.6 | 39 |
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) (RL) | 5.1 | 7.5 | 51 |
JBL 4309 (Amir) | 3.7 | 5.7 | 41 |
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta] | ** | ** | ** |
Revel F36 | ** | ** | ** |
Kef Reference 3 [Discontinued. Replaced by Reference 3 Meta in Feb 2022] | ** | ** | ** |
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH) | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R7 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
Kef R11 Meta | ** | ** | ** |
See post #2 for more tower speakers
RAN OUT OF CHARACTERS...CONTINUED ON POST #2
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