May 2023
Bookshelf Speakers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 2 May 2023 and 2 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 92 Speakers endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
66 Bookshelf Speakers were endorsed in total, only 14 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 2 May 2023, Q Acoustics 3020i takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed speakers with 5 expert endorsements. 2 experts out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 speakers' this month. It is followed by Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 and Kef LS50 , with 5 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
KEF:
5 Speakers
(#1 is KEF LS50 Mini Monitor )
-
Edifier:
5 Speakers
(#1 is Edifier R1280T )
-
Q Acoustics:
4 Speakers
(#1 is Q Acoustics 3030i )
-
Elac:
4 Speakers
(#1 is Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 )
-
Klipsch:
4 Speakers
(#1 is Klipsch R-51PM )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Speakers |
Wirecutter
|
HiConsumption
|
Pitchfork
|
Max Your Home Time
|
SoundGuys
|
T3
|
Gear Patrol
|
Rolling Stone
|
The Master Switch
|
What Hi-Fi
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $449 |
Q Acoustics 3020i
|
1
|
-
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $329 |
Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
5
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
8
|
|
3
|
- | $1600 |
Kef LS50
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
10
|
1
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
6
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
|
5
|
- | Check price |
Dali Spektor 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
Triangle Borea BR03
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
7
|
- | $455 |
Klipsch The Fives
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
17
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $60 |
Dayton Audio B652 AIR
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | Check price |
Bose 301
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | Check price |
Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
16
|
- | $800 |
Kanto TUK
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | Check price |
Q Acoustics Concept 300
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | Check price |
KEF LS50 Wireless II
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $588 |
Kef Q150
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| #13 | $59.98 | Dayton Audio B652 AIR [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $274.12 | Triangle Borea BR03 [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $328.98 | Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $449 | Q Acoustics 3020i [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $455 | Klipsch The Fives [buy] [more info] |
| #14 | $468 | Bose 301 [buy] [more info] |
| #19 | $587.98 | Kef Q150 [buy] [more info] |
| #16 | $799.99 | Kanto TUK [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $907.09 | Dali Spektor 2 [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $1599.98 | Kef LS50 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Q Acoustics 3020i #1 in May 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Q Acoustics 3020i as #1.
Max Your Home Time
Best Overall and Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 300
|
Pros
The Q Acoustic 3020i delivers incredible sound across a remarkably broad range.
While not cheap, they are affordable.
Well designed and attractive, especially minus the grilles.
They are compact.
|
Cons
Not much.
|
Gear Patrol
|
Pros
Fantastic value
Excellent sound quality
Easy to drive
|
Cons
Sometimes difficult to find
|
The Master Switch
Best Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl
|
Pros
Great looks
excellent treble
compact build.
|
Cons
Sound quality can be fatiguing at high volumes.
|
We ranked Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 #2 in May 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 as #1.
Max Your Home Time
Runner-Up Bookshelf Speakers Under 300
|
Pros
Moving the bass port at the front of the speakers is a smart move, and one, other designers should note.
The pair offers excellent bass performance for bookshelf speakers.
The price is great for the quality of the sound offered.
The speakers are constructed very well.
|
Cons
The retro design of these speakers might impress someone else, but not me.
|
SoundGuys
Best design
|
Pros
Minimal, all-black design
Sound quality
|
Cons
Requires an app
|
The Master Switch
Best Overall Bookshelf Speakers
|
Pros
Almost everything you could want out of a bookshelf speaker
|
Cons
The design and looks are a little dull compared to other models.
|
What Hi-Fi
A mature and understated pair of speakers.
|
Pros
Hugely transparent
Don’t force their own character
Rhythmic and dynamic
|
Cons
Unforgiving of poor sources
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Bookshelf Speakers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Bookshelf Speakers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2023 ranking
Wirecutter
HiConsumption
Pitchfork
Max Your Home Time
SoundGuys
T3
Gear Patrol
Rolling Stone
The Master Switch
What Hi-Fi
We ranked Kef LS50 #3 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Kef LS50 as #1.
T3
Awesome passive speakers for a high price
|
Pros
Exceptionally clear sound
Stunning design
|
Cons
Pricey, even without an additional amp
|
Gear Patrol
Best upgrade
|
Pros
Gorgeous
Elite sound quality
|
Cons
Larger than your average bookshelf speakers
Expensive
|
The Master Switch
|
Pros
-A genuine improvement on a classic.
|
Cons
-Still massively pricey, outperformed in some areas by more affordable models.
|
What Hi-Fi
These bookshelf speakers set new standards at the price.
|
Pros
Exceptional sonic transparency
Subtle and precise presentation
Innovative technology
|
Cons
Don't place them in a bookshelf or up against a wall
|
We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 #4 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
T3
The best passive bookshelf speakers for a premium setup
|
Pros
Clear sound
Punchy bass
Sleek looks
|
Cons
Might be too deep for some shelves
|
Gear Patrol
|
Pros
Elite sound quality and clarity
Big and punchy bass
Available in several premium finishes
|
Cons
A touch expensive
|
The Master Switch
|
Pros
Elegant detail and soundstage, and the light and compact frame make these a joy to use.
|
Cons
Unforgiving nature, fussy with positioning.
|
What Hi-Fi
B&W hones its 606 standmounters to great effect.
|
Pros
Excellent clarity
Agile and articulate bass
Impressive dynamic punch
|
Cons
Minor upgrades over previous model
|
We ranked Dali Spektor 2 #5 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
T3
The best passive bookshelf speakers for most people
|
Pros
Affordable
Detailed and expressive sound
Compact size
|
Cons
Not available in white
No wireless or smart features
|
Gear Patrol
|
Pros
Excellent value
Compact design
Surprisingly detailed sound
|
Cons
Design might not be for everybody
|
What Hi-Fi
Fine build,great sound and a bargain price.
|
Pros
Agile, articulate and expressive
Small
Unfussy
|
Cons
Low rated sensitivity, so needs care with amplifier pairing
|
We ranked Triangle Borea BR03 #6 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
Gear Patrol
|
Pros
Excellent value
Big sound with impressive clarity
|
Cons
Design (especially without grille covers) won't be for everybody
|
What Hi-Fi
These bookshelf speakers are serious contenders.
|
Pros
Sophisticated, detailed sound
Impressive sense of scale
High-quality, agile bass
|
Cons
Aesthetic won’t be for everyone
Slight peakiness to treble
|
We ranked Klipsch The Fives #7 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Klipsch The Fives as #1.
The Master Switch
|
Pros
One of the simplest ways to create a combined TV/hi-fi system.
|
Cons
Uncontrolled bass and hit-and-miss mids.
|
We ranked Dayton Audio B652 AIR #8 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
The Master Switch
Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers
|
Pros
Excellent detail and clarity for a sub-$100 speaker
|
Cons
Slightly weak bass, and the binding posts are irritating to use
|
We ranked Bose 301 #9 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
Max Your Home Time
|
Pros
These speakers feature a fresh horizontal design and small size.
I like the idea of automatic protection of my drivers.
|
Cons
I am not a fan of the rear-facing driver and muddy sound.
Also, for its price, you do not expect a cheap finish.
|
We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 607 S2 #10 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
What Hi-Fi
A happy anniversary for these upgraded B&W 607 S2 speakers
|
Pros
Improved clarity and detail
More expressive than predecessors
Tighter, more agile bass
|
Cons
Small updates over previous model
|
We ranked Kanto TUK #11 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
Max Your Home Time
Best Bookshelf Speakers Under 1000
|
Pros
Best looking speakers
Performance at high frequencies is simply extraordinary due to the use of the AMT tweeter.
|
Cons
These speakers aren’t exactly affordable, but as mentioned, I do believe the price is justified.
The Bluetooth version used is outdated.
Volume control could be easier to use and offer extra precision.
|
The Master Switch
|
Pros
A genuine evolution for Bluetooth speakers.
|
Cons
Volume issues
Bluetooth 4.2 only.
|
We ranked Q Acoustics Concept 300 #12 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
Gear Patrol
|
Pros
Epic sound
They are a statement piece
|
Cons
Incredibly pricey
Larger than your average bookshelf speakers
Tripod stands add an extra cost
|
We ranked KEF LS50 Wireless II #13 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
T3
Incredible, premium wireless bookshelf speakers
|
Pros
Great design
Lots of connectivity, including HDMI for TVs
Wonderful sound quality
|
Cons
Existing KEF owners might prefer a newer design
|
We ranked Kef Q150 #14 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Bookshelf Speakers” rankings.
Gear Patrol
|
Pros
Big sound with wide soundstage
Bespoke and unique design
|
Cons
Doesn't come with speaker grilles
|