Introduction to Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

“Bookshelf” is a colloquial phrase used to describe small speakers as might befit placement on a bookshelf, though in any high fidelity implementation they will be placed on dedicated stands. While some may be designed as mid/high frequency models, often called “satellites”, which require a separate sub-woofer, most bookshelf speakers fall into the full-range category. While there are many excellent examples of bookshelf speakers which produce satisfying bass, most benefit from the accompaniment of a subwoofer.

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Bookshelf Speakers

ARE Audio Light Roast Speakers

Jared Rachwalski

ARE Audio consists of two East Coast Canadian childhood friends who have created interesting speakers with a twist. They currently produce two models, the bookshelf Light Roasts and a floor stander called the Grinder. These guys do more than just build speakers; they also customize the speakers to your taste.

Bookshelf Speakers

Dynaudio X16 Bookshelf Speakers

Tyler Stripko

The Excite is Danish manufacturer Dynaudio's second least expensive speaker line, comprised of five different models: two towers, two bookshelves, and one center channel. The X16 is the larger of the two bookshelf speakers, with a 1" hand-coated silk dome tweeter and a single 6.5" mid/woofer configured in a classic two-way ported design.

Bookshelf Speakers

Sunfire Cinema Ribbon CRM-2 Bookshelf Speakers

Greg Mahoney

When I first heard about the Sunfire Cinema Ribbons, I was very intrigued with the product, as I own the 6' tall Carver Amazing Platinum IVs that are the acoustic benchmark the diminutive 8" tall Sunfire Cinema Ribbons are supposed to mimic. I have kept the Amazing Platinum IVs these last 19 years because I have not found a pair of stereo speakers under $10K that will outperform them in the areas of resolution, sound staging, bandwidth, and the ability to play at elevated levels with an extremely low level of distortion. The Cinema Ribbons use the same ribbon length as found in the Carver Amazings, and fold it so that it fits into a bookshelf size. How do they compare? Read Greg Mahoney's review and be enlightened.

Bookshelf Speakers

Zu Audio Druid Mk 4/08 Speakers

Chris Groppi

High sensitivity speakers have had a following amongst the proponents of low power single ended tube amplifiers for a long time. Many of these speakers work well with these low power amps, but not necessarily with more typical amplification. Not so with these Zu audio Druids. While I am sure they still are wonderful with low power tube amps, they also deliver with more typical solid-state amplification. The Druid, made by cable and speaker manufacturer Zu Audio in Ogden, Utah, has had a cult following among many audiophiles. I was able to test the latest Mk. 4/08 version, released earlier this year.

Bookshelf Speakers

Jaton Lyra HD-661 DX Monitor Speakers

Rick Schmidt

The drivers in the HD 661 DX are where the expense lies. Costs are kept down by using plastic enclosures. Resonances are addressed with internal damping as well as the shape. I found that the overall effect is a success as long as the speakers are carefully placed – as it was in my home theater system where the left and right fronts are essentially contained on all sides except the front.

Bookshelf Speakers
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