HDTVs and More’s Top Bookshelf Speakers for Music and TV Sound

At HDTVs and More, we provide product info not just for televisions, but for associated electronics as well. And one of those additional categories is audio products. As you may know from my About and Introduction pages, I’m a long-time A/V enthusiast and heavily into high-end/high-performance audio.

Bookshelf speakers are a great choice for consumers who desire an aesthetically appealing, unobtrusive decor-friendly compact design that is capable of delivering exceptional full-bodied sound quality at its best, without having to purchase a pair of their much larger floor-standing speaker counterparts.

In this article, I will feature eight brands and 11 models of what I consider very good performing bookshelf speakers which I recently recommend to a friend and co-worker who asked for my advice on which bookshelf speakers he should audition.

My primary focus for choosing these speakers is their excellent audio quality with music. However, they will also serve well in a 2-channel audio setup to provide enhanced sound quality from your flat panel HDTV. This setup will certainly outperform the mediocre speakers that are built into most TVs sold today. All you need to do to achieve this is output the audio from your TV to an A/V receiver – connect the speakers to the receiver and you’re good to go.

Note: You can also route the sound from your cable or satellite box to an A/V receiver which is then output to the speakers.

And remember, this is just a small sampling of the many excellent performing bookshelf speakers that are currently available on the market today.

Q Acoustics

Models: 2020i ($369.00), 3010 ($389.00), 3020 ($499.00) Pair

Q Acoustics claims its products to be the “best affordable speakers in the world”. Q Acoustics’ design team consists of some of the most experienced designers in the world, which allows them to achieve this claim. And the results speak for themselves. Their loudspeakers have received critical acclaim from consumers and expert reviewers from around the world.

The Q Acoustics bookshelf series delivers an exceptional audio performance that simply can’t be beaten by any other loudspeaker in their class.

So if you’re in the market for top-notch sound quality at an affordable price. I invite you to check out their awesome bookshelf speakers presented here.

Specs for 2020i:

• Enclosure type: 2-way reflex
• Bass Unit: 125m
• Treble Unit: 25mm
• Frequency Response: 64Hz – 22kHz
• Nominal Impedance: 6 ohm
• Minimum Impedance: 4 ohm
• Sensitivity: 88dB
• Recommended Power: 25 – 75w
• Crossover Frequency: 2.9kHz
• Dimensions H/D/W mm: 265 x 278 x 170
• Weight: 6kg
• Sold in: Pairs
• Warranty: 5 Years

Specs for 3010:

• Enclosure type: 2-way reflex
• Bass Unit: 100mm
• Treble Unit: 25mm
• Frequency Response: 68Hz – 22kHz
• Nominal Impedance: 6 ohm
• Minimum Impedance: 6 ohm
• Sensitivity: 86dB
• Recommended Power: 15 – 75w
• Crossover Frequency: 2.8kHz
• Dimensions H/D/W mm: 235 x 200 x 150
• Weight: 3.6kg
• Sold in: Pairs
• Warranty: 5 Years

Specs for 3020:

• Enclosure type: 2-way reflex
• Bass Unit: 125m
• Treble Unit: 25mm
• Frequency Response: 64Hz – 22kHz
• Nominal Impedance: 6 ohm
• Minimum Impedance: 4.0 ohm
• Sensitivity: 88dB
• Recommended Power: 25 – 75w
• Crossover Frequency: 2.9kHz
• Dimensions H/D/W mm: 260 x 226 x 170
• Weight: 4.6kg
• Sold in: Pairs
• Warranty: 5 Years

Website: qacoustics.co.uk

Buy from Mok and Martensen

Dali

Model: Dali Zensor 1 ($395.00) Pair

The DALI ZENSOR 1 is ideal as an all-around stereo loudspeaker suited for use in small to medium-sized rooms. It even works great as a front speaker in a 2.1 surround set-up or as a back speaker in a 5.1 system with either set-up including a subwoofer.

The ZENSOR 1’s are very musical and produce an open, spacious and well-balanced sound that is nicely detailed.

In the end, the DALI ZENSOR 1 succeeds as an all-around excellent performing bookshelf loudspeaker that will satisfy most listeners with an enticing and pleasurable audio experience.

Specs for Dali Zensor 1:

• Product Series: ZENSOR
• Frequency Range: (+/-3 dB) [Hz] 53 – 26,500
• Sensitivity: (2,83 V/1 m) [dB] 86.5
• Nominal Impedance [ohms] 6
• Maximum SPL [dB] 106
• Recommended Amplifier Power [W] 25 – 100
• Crossover Frequency [Hz] 2,900 Hz
• High-frequency driver, Quantity:1 x 25 mm
• High-frequency driver, Diaphragm type Soft Textile Dome
• Low-frequency driver, Quantity:1 x 5.25″
• Low-frequency driver, Diaphragm type:  Wood Fibre Cone
• Enclosure type:  Bass Reflex
• Bass Reflex Tuning Frequency [Hz] 51.5
• Connection Input: Single Wire
• Magnetic Shielding: Semi Magnetic Shielded
• Recommended Placement: On-Wall, shelf, or stand
• Dimensions With Base (HxWxD) [mm] 274 x 162 x 220
• Weight [kg] 4.2
• Accessories Included: Manual
• Rubber Bumpers
• Optional Accessories: White Grille

Website: www.dali-speakers.com

Buy from Amazon.com

KEF

Model: Q300 ($649.99) Pair

The KEF Q300’s standout design features KEF’s Uni-Q driver design that utilizes a “point source” driver array that contains a 25mm vented tweeter that sits in the center of a 165mm aluminum mid-bass unit, which in return allows for a more accurate sound image dispersed more evenly throughout your listening environment.

The overall sound quality of the KEF Q300s will definitely get your attention by delivering audiophile sound that is detailed, articulate and accurate.

So put the Q300s on your short list of bookshelf loudspeakers to audition… you won’t be disappointed.

Specs for Q300:

• Design: Two-way bass reflex
• Drive Units: 165mm (6.5in.) aluminum Uni-Q 25mm (1in.) vented aluminum dome HF
• Frequency Response: ±3dB  42Hz – 40kHz
• Crossover Frequency: 2.5kHz
• Amplifier requirements:15 – 120W
• Sensitivity: (2.83V/1m)   87dB
• Maximum output (SPL): 110dB
• Impedance: 8Ω
• Weight: 7.7kg (17.0lbs)
• Dimensions (H x W x D) 355 x 210 x 302 mm (14.0 x 8.3 x 11.9 in.)

Website: www.kef.com

Buy from Amazon.com

PSB

Model: PSB Image B ($1099.99) Pair

The PSB Image B may be a bit pricey, but after hearing these beautifully designed little gems, you may come to the realization that they are worth the price of admission.

The Image B will give you a musical soundscape that is full and robust, delivering excellent clarity and detail in the high and mid frequencies, in addition to producing very good bass extension.

Specs Imagine B:

Frequency Response:

• On Axis @ 0°±3dB:  52-23,000Hz
• On Axis @ 0°±1 1/2dB: 55-20,000Hz
• Off-Axis @ 30°±1 1/2dB: 55-10,000Hz
• LF Cutoff: -10dB 48Hz

Sensitivity:

• Anechoic Chamber: 87dB
• Listening Room: 89dB

Impedance:

• Nominal: 8 Ohms
• Minimum: 4 Ohms

Input Power:

• Recommended: 20 – 150 Watts
• Program: 150 Watts

Acoustic Design:

• Tweeter: 1” (25mm) Titanium Dome with Ferrofluid Neodymium Magnet
• Woofer: 5 1/4” (133mm) Clay/Ceramic reinforced, Polypropylene Cone, Rubber Surround

Crossover:

• 1,800Hz, LR4

Internal Volume:

• 0.27 cu ft (7.7L)

Design Type:

• Bass Reflex

Size (W x H x D)

• 7 1/2 x 12 7/8 x 12 1/8”
• 190 x 324 x 305mm

Weight:

• 17.2lb (7.8kg)/each
• 38lb (17.3kg)/pair

Finish:

• Black Ash, Dark Cherry, Walnut
• Wood Veneer, Gloss Black or Gloss White

Website: www.psbspeakers.com

Buy from Crutchfield.com

Wharfedale

Model: Wharfedale Diamond 220 ($349.00) Pair

The Wharfedale Diamond 220 provides some of the best sound quality in its class. These well-designed units deliver a nicely balanced sound that contains a strong dynamic presence. The mid/bass driver has very good deep bass extension for a compact loudspeaker. The overall sound quality of the Diamond 220s is open, spacious and clear with a smooth and tonally accurate presence while delivering very good stereo imaging.

Specs for Diamond 220:

• General description: 2-way bookshelf speaker
• Enclosure type: Bass reflex
• Transducer complement: 2-way
• Bass driver: 130mm Woven Kevlar Cone
• Treble driver: 25mm Soft Dome
• AV shield: No
• Sensitivity(2.83V @ 1m): 86dB
• Recommended amplifier power: 25-100W
• Peak SPL: 95dB
• Nominal impedance: 8Ω Compatible
• Minimum impedance: 4.1Ω
• Frequency response: (+/-3dB) 56Hz – 20kHz
• Bass extension: (-6dB 45Hz
• Crossover frequency: 2.2kHz
• Cabinet Volume (in liters): 7L
• Height (on plinth & spikes):  315mm
• Width: 174mm
• Depth (with terminals): (227+28)mm
• Carton size: 495x320x410mm
• Net weight: 5.3kg/pcs
• Gross weight: 12.6kg/ctn

Website: www.wharfedale.co.uk

Buy from Amazon.com

Axiom Audio

Model: M3 v4 ($498.00) Pair

The M3 is Axiom’s most versatile and compact stereo and home theater speaker. Winner of the SoundStage! Reviewer’s Choice Award and GoodSound! Product of the Year, the M3 delivers powerful bass, outstanding treble, and award-winning musical sound for under $500. Its powerful 6.5-inch aluminum-cone woofer and 1-inch titanium dome tweeter deliver crystal clear vocals, driving bass and shimmering cymbals.

Specs for Millennia M3 v4:

• Enclosure: Vortex / Reflex
• Max Amp Power: 175 Watts
• Min Amp Power: 10 Watts
• Freq Resp +/-3dB: 60 Hz- 20 kHz
• Freq Resp +3dB- 9dB: 50 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance (Ohms): 8 Ohms
• SPL in Room1w/1m: 92 dB
• SPL Anechoic 1w/1m: 88 dB
• X-Over: 2.2 kHz
• Tweeter: Single 1″
• Woofer: Single 6.5″
• Dimens. H W D (inches): 13.5″ x 8.5″ x 8.25″
• Dimens. H W D (mm): 343 x 216 x 210
• Weight (lbs) each: 12.7 lbs
• Weight (kg) each: 5.761 kg for M3 v4:

Website: www.axiomaudio.com

SVS Sound

Model: Prime Bookshelf ($499.98) Pair

SVS Prime Bookshelf was designed for two-channel purists and home theater fans alike. When used in a 2-channel setting, these compact loudspeakers deliver a full and rich stand-alone audio experience with a 6.25” woofer for deep and articulate bass and a 1” aluminum dome tweeter for air presentation and unrivaled highs – true to the legacy of high-end, 2-way monitors.

Stereo purists will rejoice at the amazing imaging, soundstage and fidelity delivered by the Prime Bookshelf.

Specs for SVS Prime Bookshelf:

Frequency Response/Acoustic Data:

• Rated bandwidth: 48 Hz-25 kHz (± 3 dB)
• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
• Sensitivity: 87 dB (2.83V @ 1 meter full-space, 300-3kHz)
• Recommended amplifier power: 20-150 watts

Speaker:

• Bookshelf Loudspeaker
• Black ash and piano gloss black finish options
• 5-way binding posts
• 1.7” wide-flared rear-firing port
• Cloth grille with pin/cup retention system
• Elastomer stick-on bumper feet (adds 3mm to height)
• Cabinet Dimensions: 13.2″ (H) X 8″ (W) X 9.7″ (D)
• Overall Dimensions: 13.3″ (H) X 8″ (W) X 10.3″ (D) (includes grille and bumper feet)
• Shipped Dimensions-2 Pack: 17.6″ (H) X 22.4″ (W) X 14.4” (D)
• Weight: 15.5 pounds
• Shipped Weight-2 Pack: 34.7 pounds

Drivers:

• 1” Aluminum Dome Tweeter:
• FEA-optimized diffuser for airy and unveiled presentation
• Aluminum dome for exceptional transient response
• 6.5” Woofers:
• Long stroke motor and suspension for high output
• Polypropylene cone for excellent stiffness/mass ratio and piston behavior
• Aluminum shorting ring to reduce gap inductance, lower distortion, and enhance high-frequency response
• Cast ABS-fiberglass composite basket ensures precision component alignment and excellent thermal transfer
• Vented voice coil former minimizes air compression artifacts

Crossover:

• 2-way crossover with premium-grade capacitors, air-core inductors and heavy-trace printed circuit boards
• Crossover network delivers outstanding phase coherency and time domain behavior
• Tweeter-to-woofer crossover: 2.3 kHz (12 dB/octave slopes)
• Cabinet Specs
• Acoustically transparent and FEA-optimized grilles minimize diffraction
• FEA-optimized cabinet and bracing eliminate resonances
• Chamfered front baffle and flush-mounted drivers reduce edge diffraction and improved on-axis high-frequency response

Website: svssound.com

M&K Sound

Model: M-7 ($499.00) Each

M&K Sound has a long-standing tradition of producing some of the finest professional audio speakers in the industry. Their engineering excellence has trickled down to their home audio products which deliver nothing short of exemplary sound quality.

The M-7 is a high-performance two-way, bookshelf size loudspeaker utilizing a 1″ coated silk soft-dome, ferrofluid cooled neodymium magnet tweeter and dual 4″ polymer coated pulp cone, magnetically shielded cast basket woofers. Featuring M&K Sound’s proprietary Phase-FocusedTM Crossover, the M-7 provides extraordinarily even dispersion of sound throughout a broad listening area with superior imaging and sound quality.

Designed for music and theater systems in small to large size rooms, the M-7 delivers delicate sonic transparency combined with tremendous dynamic capability resulting in minimal coloration and effortless handling of voices, percussive effects, and musical instruments with life-like impact.

Specs for M-7:

• Dimensions: 13” x 4.9” x 6.4” – 33 x 12.5 x 16.3 cm
• Frequency Response: 80 Hz – 20 kHz ±2dB
• Impedance: 4 Ohms
• Power Handling: 125 Watts RMS
• Sensitivity: 88.5dB
• Weight: 8.0 lbs/3.6 kg

Website: www.mksound.com

Buy from Amazon.com

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Updated on 2/10/2016