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The 12 Best Bookshelf Speakers for Your Bachelor Pad
You might not believe it, but bookshelf speakers are still relevant. Despite the many more advanced larger speaker systems on the market, there is still a place for bookshelf speakers in your home. Unlike other speaker systems, bookshelf speakers emit stereo sound, and music recorded in stereo deserves to be heard on stereo speakers.
Contrary to popular belief, stereo speakers do a superb job recreating the soundstage. When you listen to bookshelf speakers, you feel like you’re in the concert hall, studio, or garage of your favorite musician or band.
In addition to emitting incredible stereo sound, bookshelf speakers also convincingly reproduce the scale of a recording much better than many other smart speaker systems. Essentially, suppose you want to elevate your listening experience to a new level without the sound taking over the room you are in. In that case, you need to consider utilizing bookshelf speakers for your pad.
We’re going to be having a look at 12 of the best bookshelf speakers available on the market currently. Each of these speaker systems has its own unique qualities and attributes that make them attractive.
Best Buy
1. Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level Speaker
Are you seeking a bookshelf speaker for your home or office that features dynamic bass and excellent audio quality? If so, you might find yourself interested in the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Level speaker.
This powerful Wi-Fi speaker is one of the best portable Wi-Fi bookshelf speakers you can purchase. It has a dB range of 96, comes with Google Assistant, and is easy to charge. This innovative speaker can deliver 16 hours of listening enjoyment per single charge.
It is tuned by the acclaimed sound engineers Bang & Olufsen and features a compact Scandinavian design. Interestingly the premium quality aluminum frame is created in Denmark, and it comes with a replaceable battery.
The sound delivery automatically adjusts with this speaker based on the room and speakers’ position within it. It has a variety of streaming formats that include Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth 5.0 audio streaming.
2. Sony Core Series 5 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers
If you’re looking for affordable bookshelf speakers manufactured by a trusted brand, you might be interested in the Sony Core Series 5 3-Way bookshelf speakers. Since this speaker utilizes a 3-way sound technology, it sounds like one source instead of several.
The Sony Core Series 5 3-way bookshelf speakers feature ¾ inch and one-inch tweeters and five-inch woofers to deliver precise and clear vocal reproduction and instrumentation. They also allow for dynamic acoustic depth while ensuring robust and controlled audio.
These bookshelf speakers can ensure a wide range of correctly emitted sounds thanks to their frequency range of 53Hz to 50kHz. They have a dB rating of 87 and a 100w maximum power handling.
3. Audio Pro G10 Multi-Room Speaker
One of the best bookshelf speakers in terms of elegant design and versatility is the Audio Pro G10 Multi-Room speaker. This speaker is wireless and can thus be used anywhere indoors or outdoors. It emits clear high notes and mid notes and has an impressive bass performance.
The Audio Pro G10 features a Google Assistant feature with voice control, allowing you to use this bookshelf speaker to ask questions and get help with various tasks. In addition to this nifty feature, it also comes with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. With these two features, you can easily connect this speaker to other speakers that also have these features.
Some of the other notable features this speaker possesses are a woofer, a dual passive radiator, and two driver tweeters. There is also a playback feature via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AUX jack.
4. KEF LS50 Meta Speakers
Do you want a bookshelf speaker that emits a pure and more natural sound than other speakers? The KEF LS50 Meta speakers can deliver on this. These bookshelf speakers are designed and manufactured with metamaterial exorbitant technology.
This revolutionary speaker technology can be seen with the speaker’s highly complex maze-like structure. This design allows these speakers to absorb 99% of unwanted sounds picked up from the driver’s rear.
In addition to this technology, the KEF LS50 Meta speakers have a two-way bass reflex, a crossover frequency of 2.1KHz, an impressive maximum dB output of 106, and a sensitivity rating of 85 dB.
These speakers have also been redesigned to provide a recessed and softened aesthetic appeal. They won’t stand out but rather blend into a room to not disrupt the theme of a room. Moreover, there are also flexible port walls that prohibit resonances from coloring the midrange.
This ensures you can play music with increased clarity alongside incredible depth and detail. However, you should note that they do cost a pretty penny. You should expect to have to budget around $1,6000 for these speakers.
5. SONOS Five Home Speaker
Are you searching for a bookshelf speaker that can be utilized for music streaming, vinyl, and more? The SONOS Five Home speaker is perfect for these tasks. With this speaker, you can easily connect to your projector, CD Player, or turntable and start listening to your favorite songs.
The SONOS Five Home speaker features smart stereo sound. When positioned horizontally, it separates the left from the right channels, allowing it to emit superb stereo sound quality.
Other features that make the SONOS Five Home speaker worth considering include a quad-core 1.3 GHz processor, Apple AirPlay 2, an ethernet port, Wi-Fi capabilities, and a 512MB ram and NAND flash memory.
6. Definitive Technology D9 Mid-Sized Bookshelf Speakers
When you need a technologically advanced speaker system, you should turn your attention to the Definitive Technology D9 Mid-Sized bookshelf speakers. These speakers have a range of unique technologies incorporated into their designs.
For example, the Definitive Technology D9 bookshelf speakers feature a balanced double surround system, laterally offset tweeter assembly, and a linear responsive waveguide. These technologies allow the speakers to emit a balanced sound throughout a room without sacrificing quality.
Besides providing an incredible music listening experience, these speakers also provide flawless home theater audio. The Definitive Technology D9 bookshelf speakers also have a superior low-end extension, precise stereo imaging, and a natural midrange with smooth treble. These speakers are perfect if you’re after a high-frequency performance and smoother bass.
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7. Bose Surround Speakers
Who hasn’t heard of the Bose speaker brand? This brand name is synonymous with excellence. They have been manufacturing incredibly superior surround speaker systems for years. Although Bose Surround speakers are commonly seen in high-end vehicles, they also function as excellent bookshelf speakers.
The Bose Surround speakers might be small, but they sure are mighty. These speakers are designed to be unobtrusive while providing crystal clear sweeping sounds. Yet, perhaps what makes the Bose Surround speakers most attractive is that they are uniquely engineered to pair with the Bose Soundbars to elevate your listening experience further.
The Bose Surround speakers feature a simple setup process, unlike other bookshelf speakers. You can also add numerous accessories to these speakers besides the additional soundbar. For example, this speaker set is compatible with ceiling brackets, table stands, floor stands, and wall brackets.
8. Kanto TUK Bookshelf Speakers
If you want bookshelf speakers that provide a remarkable soundstage, you might want to consider the Kanto TUK bookshelf speakers. Although these speakers cost approximately $900, they are worth the somewhat exorbitant price tag.
The Kanto TUK bookshelf speakers deliver on their promise to provide crystal clear sound at any volume. These speakers have enough bass to challenge a standalone speaker, and they can operate at optimal efficiency because of their aluminum drivers. With the Kanto TUK bookshelf speakers, you will have no sound distortion even when listening to music at high volumes.
Additionally, with these speakers, you will have superb stereo imaging capabilities that you would be hard-pressed to find in another bookshelf speaker set. This is because these Kanto TUK speakers use high-performance AMT tweeters. These tweeters deliver brighter sound that is more accurate at highs which is why you can experience an enjoyable soundstage experience from the comfort of your home.
9. Dali Spektor 2 Bookshelf Speaker
Not everyone has an exhaustive budget for bookshelf speakers, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. Fortunately, a few brands realize this and offer quality bookshelf speakers at more affordable rates. Although the Dali Spektor 2 speakers cost less than $300, they don’t compromise quality.
These bookshelf speakers have impressive bass performance capabilities because of their 5.25-inch wood fiber woofer. In addition to this, they can be configured as a stereo main or a rear channel surround without sacrificing sound quality.
Since the Dali Spektor 2 bookshelf speakers have wood fiber cones, they exhibit optimal airflow, superb rigidity, and diminished resonance. Additionally, the one-inch extra light tweeter plays sound without breaking up and can handle crucial transitions without falling short.
Moreover, the Dali Spektor 2 bookshelf speakers are engineered to work with almost any amplifier in the world. They also have advanced technological features that ensure there is no need for frequency correction in the crossover.
10. Klipsch R-41M Bookshelf Home Speaker
If you want a nice set of versatile bookshelf speakers, you might want to consider the Klipsch R-4M bookshelf speakers. These speakers work well with DVD players, televisions, and computers. They have a 200 watts power handling and a sensitivity rating of 90 dB.
These speakers also have a sleek and modern look, with low-profile magnetic grilles, textured wood, and scratch-resistant vinyl. Interestingly, you shouldn’t expect to pay overly much for these premium quality speakers.
The Klipsch R-41M bookshelf speakers feature Tractrix Horn technology, unlike many other speakers. This technology ensures that the speaker’s high frequencies are aimed at listeners while reducing artificial reverb. Additionally, you will enjoy an incredibly clear sound from movies and music with this technology.
11. Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo Speakers
Are you a tech-savvy person who enjoys speakers that are modern, convenient, and easy to use? If so, the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo speakers might be the ideal set for you. These wireless bookshelf speakers are popular because of the cutting-edge technologies they exhibit.
For example, with these speakers, you can look forward to a carbon dome tweeter on top and continuum drivers which deliver exceptional audio quality. The carbon dome tweezers always deliver natural treble and crisp, clean notes, no matter the volume setting.
Additionally, you will have complete control with the Bowers & Wilkins Formation Duo bookshelf speakers. You can easily control this speaker system via the company’s music app that is available on Android and IOS. With the app, you will be able to organize your speakers into groups and integrate your favorite streaming services like Spotify. However, you should note that all this convenience comes at a price. You can expect to pay approximately $4,000 for this speaker system.
12. Ruark Audio MR1 MKII Speakers
Sometimes all you need is a reliable pair of simple premium quality bookshelf speakers that are functional, versatile, and affordable. The Ruark Audio MR1 MKII bookshelf spears are all this and more. At an estimated retail price of $415, you’re unlikely to regret your decision.
The Ruark Audio MR1 MKII speakers have a sophisticated mid-century inspired style design while maintaining modern high-tech features. These speakers offer users Bluetooth audio streaming and a sleep mode function.
Additionally, the Ruark Audio MR1 MKII speaker is not only stylish. They emit a superb audio sound that is balanced, crisp, and clear. Thanks to the speaker’s Class A-B linear amplifier, the sound is propelled throughout a room.
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Bookshelf Speaker FAQs
Simply put, a bookshelf speaker is a speaker that is designed to specifically rest on a table, shelf, or other elevated surfaces. Bookshelf spears are not made to sit on the floor. These speakers are uniquely engineered to maximize the sound output in a small to medium-sized space, allowing for an immersive and enjoyable audio experience.
There are a few ways that bookshelf speakers are different from regular speakers. For example, bookshelf speakers tend to be smaller at approximately one foot tall, have fewer drivers, are often wireless, possess Wi-Fi capabilities, and can sometimes be used indoors and outdoors.
There are a few bookshelf speaker brands that stand out from the rest. It’s imperative you choose a reputable, reliable, and respected brand if you want to receive a product that will emit superb sound quality. Below we have listed a few of the best bookshelf speaker brands.
- Klipsch
- Bose.
- Definitive Technology
- Bowers & Wilkins
- Sony
How much you should pay for a bookshelf speaker depends on the brand and the features you want it to possess. For a decent quality speaker that doesn’t have many features, you can expect to pay between $120 and $500. If you want a bookshelf speaker that has many features, you should look to pay between $500 and $4,000.
