September 2023
Bookshelf Speakers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of bookshelf speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 2 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 88 speakers endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
64 speakers were endorsed in total, only 12 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 2 Sep 2023, Kef LS50 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed speakers with 5 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 speakers' this month.
Brand breakdown
-
KEF: 6 speakers
(#1 is Kef LS50)
-
Elac: 5 speakers
(#1 is Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2)
-
Edifier: 4 speakers
(#1 is Edifier P17)
-
Bowers & Wilkins: 3 speakers
(#1 is Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2)
-
Q Acoustics: 3 speakers
(#1 is Q Acoustics 3020i)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Speakers |
Wirecutter
|
HiConsumption
|
Pitchfork
|
ZD Net
|
SoundGuys
|
T3
|
Gear Patrol
|
Rolling Stone
|
The Master Switch
|
What Hi-Fi
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $1600 |
Kef LS50
The Kef LS50 bookshelf speakers are highly recommended for their exceptional sound quality, versatile frequency response, unique design, and range of connectivity options, making them suitable for a range of music genres and listening environments.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
7
|
2
|
-
|
10
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | Check price |
Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 Anniversary Edition bookshelf speaker delivers excellent sound performance across the frequency range, with punchy and dynamic bass, a wide frequency response, and a purposeful design, making it a great choice for music and home theater use.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
7
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
|
3
|
- | $349 |
Triangle Borea BR03
The Triangle Borea BR03 bookshelf speaker delivers impressive sound quality with a warm and detailed sound, tight bass, and good separation and precision, and offers a wide range of connectivity options, making it versatile and suitable for various use cases.
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
|
4
|
- | $350 |
Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2
The Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 bookshelf speaker offers clear and balanced sound quality with a sleek design and good connectivity options, making it a great choice for home theater and music playback on a modest budget.
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $382 |
Q Acoustics 3020i
The Q Acoustics 3020i bookshelf speakers offer excellent sound quality, versatility, and a modern design, making them a great option for audiophiles who prioritize accuracy and transparency in their sound system.
|
2
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $499 |
Dali Spektor 2
The Dali Spektor 2 bookshelf speakers offer clear and detailed sound quality, good bass performance, and a sleek design, making them a versatile and affordable choice for music listening or home theater use.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
7
|
- | $400 |
Klipsch The Fives
The Klipsch The Fives are versatile and feature-packed computer speakers that offer excellent sound quality, a comprehensive range of connectivity options, and easy-to-use controls.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
17
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $300 |
Fluance AI61
The Fluance AI61 bookshelf speakers offer powerful and balanced sound quality with versatile connectivity options, making them suitable for home or office use.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $60 |
Dayton Audio B652 AIR
The Dayton Audio B652 AIR bookshelf speakers offer clear and balanced sound quality with an AMT tweeter, suitable for those looking for a budget-friendly option for their home theater or music setup.
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | Check price |
Q Acoustics Concept 300
The Q Acoustics Concept 300 is a high-end minimonitor speaker with exceptional sound quality, a unique and modern design, and limited connectivity options, making it best suited for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and are willing to invest in a high-quality amplifier.
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $2800 |
KEF LS50 Wireless II
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is a high-end bookshelf speaker system with exceptional sound quality, a wide range of connectivity options, and a sleek modern design, making it ideal for audiophiles, music enthusiasts, home theaters, and professional studios.
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | $350 |
Kef Q150
The Kef Q150 bookshelf speakers are highly praised for their clear and detailed sound, versatile design, and compact and sleek appearance, making them a great choice for those seeking a midrange price hi-fi sound or for those who want to use them for a cinematic audio experience.
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Kef LS50 #1 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Kef LS50 as #1.
ZD Net
Best bookshelf speaker splurge
|
Deep bass
Excellent clarity
Beautiful design
|
Expensive
Sold in pairs
|
T3
Awesome passive speakers for a high price
|
Exceptionally clear sound
Stunning design
|
Pricey, even without an additional amp
|
Gear Patrol
Best upgrade
|
Gorgeous
Elite sound quality
|
Larger than your average bookshelf speakers
Expensive
|
The Master Switch
|
-A genuine improvement on a classic.
|
-Still massively pricey, outperformed in some areas by more affordable models.
|
What Hi-Fi
Stunning, transparent standmounters that set a high standard.
|
Exceptional sonic transparency
Subtle and precise presentation
Innovative technology
|
Don't place them in a bookshelf or up against a wall
|
We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 606 S2 #2 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
ZD Net
Best premium bookshelf speaker
|
Excellent bass
Improved clarity
Attractive aesthetics
|
Expensive
Sold in pairs
|
T3
The best passive bookshelf speakers for a premium setup
|
Clear sound
Punchy bass
Sleek looks
|
Might be too deep for some shelves
|
Gear Patrol
|
Elite sound quality and clarity
Big and punchy bass
Available in several premium finishes
|
A touch expensive
|
The Master Switch
|
Elegant detail and soundstage, and the light and compact frame make these a joy to use.
|
Unforgiving nature, fussy with positioning.
|
What Hi-Fi
B&W hones its 606 standmounters to great effect.
|
Excellent clarity
Agile and articulate bass
Impressive dynamic punch
|
Minor upgrades over previous model
|
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 September 2023 ranking
Wirecutter
HiConsumption
Pitchfork
ZD Net
SoundGuys
T3
Gear Patrol
Rolling Stone
The Master Switch
What Hi-Fi
We ranked Triangle Borea BR03 #3 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Triangle Borea BR03 as #1.
Gear Patrol
|
Excellent value
Big sound with impressive clarity
|
Design (especially without grille covers) won't be for everybody
|
What Hi-Fi
Offering impressive scale and sophistication, these speakers are serious alternative contenders.
|
Sophisticated, detailed sound
Impressive sense of scale
High-quality, agile bass
|
Aesthetic won’t be for everyone
Slight peakiness to treble
|
We ranked Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 #4 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 as #1.
The Master Switch
Best Overall Bookshelf Speakers
|
Almost everything you could want out of a bookshelf speaker
|
The design and looks are a little dull compared to other models.
|
We ranked Q Acoustics 3020i #5 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Gear Patrol
|
Fantastic value
Excellent sound quality
Easy to drive
|
Sometimes difficult to find
|
The Master Switch
Best Bookshelf Speakers for Vinyl
|
Great looks
excellent treble
compact build.
|
Sound quality can be fatiguing at high volumes.
|
We ranked Dali Spektor 2 #6 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
T3
The best passive bookshelf speakers for most people
|
Affordable
Detailed and expressive sound
Compact size
|
Not available in white
No wireless or smart features
|
Gear Patrol
|
Excellent value
Compact design
Surprisingly detailed sound
|
Design might not be for everybody
|
What Hi-Fi
Fine build,great sound and a bargain price.
|
Agile, articulate and expressive sound
Good detail resolution
Unfussy nature
|
Low rated sensitivity, so needs care with amplifier pairing
|
We ranked Klipsch The Fives #7 in September 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
|
One of the simplest ways to create a combined TV/hi-fi system.
|
Uncontrolled bass and hit-and-miss mids.
|
We ranked Fluance AI61 #8 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
ZD Net
Best Bluetooth bookshelf speaker
|
Fantastic audio performance
Both wired and wireless options
Sleek design
|
Lackluster bass
No app
|
The Master Switch
Best Wireless/Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
|
Full and engaging sounds matched with a versatile set of inputs.
|
Irritating interface, narrow soundstage.
|
We ranked Dayton Audio B652 AIR #9 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
The Master Switch
Best Budget Bookshelf Speakers
|
Excellent detail and clarity for a sub-$100 speaker
|
Slightly weak bass, and the binding posts are irritating to use
|
We ranked Q Acoustics Concept 300 #10 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Gear Patrol
|
Epic sound
They are a statement piece
|
Incredibly pricey
Larger than your average bookshelf speakers
Tripod stands add an extra cost
|
We ranked KEF LS50 Wireless II #11 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
T3
Incredible, premium wireless bookshelf speakers
|
Great design
Lots of connectivity, including HDMI for TVs
Wonderful sound quality
|
Existing KEF owners might prefer a newer design
|
We ranked Kef Q150 #12 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best bookshelf speakers” rankings.
Gear Patrol
|
Big sound with wide soundstage
Bespoke and unique design
|
Doesn't come with speaker grilles
|