Powered Bookcase Speakers Reviews
The built-in amplifiers of the system really pack a punch, ensuring that this is not your average speaker set, but rather a complete audio system that will change the way you enjoy listening to music. The versatile connectivity featured makes it highly versatile, allowing you to wirelessly connect from your tablet, smartphone, or computer to stream YouTube, TIDAL, Spotify, and more. If you opt for optical input connectivity, you can even connect your TV system to it. It is designed to save space, and it is very easy to set up. Additionally, it is covered with a 3-year warranty, and you get a 30-day trial period where you can return the system in case you are not pleased with it.
Design
Both components of the set have the same dimension, more precisely 7.25 inches in width, 11.75 inches in height, and 10 inches in depth. This small footprint ensures finding a spot in the bookshelf for them will be quite easy. The left one weighs 17.5 pounds, while the right one weighs 12.5 pounds, making it a cinch for you to install and set them up wherever you want. They are both made with diecast aluminum, and they feature a 3/4-inch thick MDF construction with a silk dome and neodymium magnets. You also have 3 finish options to pick between, more precisely – satin black pain, cherry wood veneer, and walnut wood veneer.
Performance
Unwanted resonances are a memory of the past as the design of the cabinets eliminates it altogether, being thicker and more stable in order to guarantee quality audio output. The frequency response provided ranges from 50 Hz to 22 kHz, which exceeds industry standard. Another great feature is the Bluetooth connectivity that you can benefit from with a wireless distance of up to 100 feet between the system and the device you are streaming off of.
Mention Worthy Features and Specs
- Low power consumption – 10W on idle, 6W on mute, 4W on Sleep mode.
- Features magnetically shielded drivers for long-lasting durability.
- Features threaded inserts that secure them to the stands.
Environmental Requirements
For the HD6 to provide you with amazing music listening sessions for as long as possible, there is one thing you have to do – ensure it sits in a proper environment at all times. The operating temperature which is appropriate for this set spans from 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, while the non-operating temperature they must be preserved in ranges from -4 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, there is relative humidity to take into consideration as well, and as long as it spans from 5% to 95% non-condensing, you won’t have any problems with it.
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CONS
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- Clear sound provided by the forward mids
- User-friendly design – volume control is located on the front side of the main active speaker
- Remote control allows easy adjustment of the volume and other settings
- RCA sub out connection allows you to add a subwoofer to the system with ease
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- The highs and bass are a bit compromised as a result of the forward mids
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| VERDICT
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Sitting at the top of the market, the HD6 speakers from Audioengine make for the perfect addition to your music listening device collection. Obviously, there is a price to pay for this impressive performance, but seeing how these devices deliver the clearest quality audio possible, you cannot skip on them. Built to impress by one of the best manufacturers at the moment, they are an investment worth making.
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It is clear by now that Audioengine is the best brand on the market, the company not only releasing the HD6 model which ranks as the best out there but producing the Audioengine A5+ as well, the model we consider to be the second best on this highly competitive market. Although they deliver audiophile-quality sound, they do not come at an exaggerated price, the cost being in the price range of most people who want to enjoy the best when listening to their favorite music or watching TV.
What makes the A5+ a popular option, in addition to the impeccable and irreproachable quality of the sound they produce, is the connectivity aspect. Basically, you can connect your computer, TV, smartphone, or any other device to enjoy stereo sound in any room of your house. Versatility is a key point of the A5+ as the product allows you to even charge your iDevice via the USB power port it features. Therefore, there is more than one use for them.
The easy setup ensures even a novice can handle installing and using them without facing any issues. The most important accessory that comes when you purchase the A5+ is the remote control which allows a convenient use of the product. When it comes to energy consumption, you can confidently use them on a daily basis without worrying about any absurd costs. In addition, the Audioengine backs this model during the 3 years after you purchase it.
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CONS
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- High compatibility – can be connected to a wide range of devices
- Great price to quality ratio – affordable considering what it has to offer
- Easy setup – it will not take long to set up, even if you are a novice when it comes to tech
- Impeccable sound quality – listen to music clearer than ever before
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- Some customers have complained they overheated in time
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| VERDICT
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The A5+ set does not only impress through its impeccable design and modern lines, but through the performance it delivers as well. Reasonably priced considering what it has to offer, we consider that any audiophile would love having this audio system. Crip sound, high compatibility, and easy operation are only some of its highlights!
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Just like the models we previously talked about, the Kanto YU3 deliver great sound quality at a fair price. Another highlight is the fact that they are easy to use, not needing to have advanced knowledge about electronics to operate them as the interface features a single knob. What makes the YU3 be of an amazing quality is the fact that the woofers are made with 4-inch Kevlar, while the tweeters are made with 1-inch silk dome, thus ensuring a clean, superior sound experience.
Despite the fact that they boast an impressive 120W total peak power, they consume less than 0.5W on standby. Therefore, big operation costs are not an issue at all. The remote control they come with allows a convenient operation, while the rubber feet ensure safety in use, ensuring they will sit still. The 1.5-inch rear bass port the YU3 features is designed to extend bass response while eliminating port turbulence.
Another highlight of the product is the fact that it offers 5 input choices. Due to the presence of the sub-out port, you can add a subwoofer to the system with ease. The high-quality knurled binding posts allow you to trim the wire to the length you want it to have. In addition, Kanto provides a generous 2-year warranty, during this period of time covering defects in materials and workmanship.
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CONS
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- Kevlar drivers provide perfectly balanced mid-range and bass tones
- Puts 5 input choice at your disposal
- Remote control ensures convenience in use – change the volume without moving from the couch
- Built to last – although this system is reasonably priced, it will hold on perfectly for years on end
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- Not as feature-rich as higher-quality sets
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| VERDICT
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The Kanto YU3 is our favorite set as it does not only perform impeccably, but it comes at an affordable price as well. With integrated Bluetooth that allows wireless streaming and a wide range of other features and capabilities, and coming at a rather affordable price when you think about what the product offers, it is a choice worth making.
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The Klipsch R-15PM powered monitors are the preferred choice of many as they deliver room-filling sound at a reasonable price. Also, the minimalist design makes them the perfect addition to your bookshelf, being a worthy centerpiece regardless of the room’s decor. If you want to enhance low frequencies, even more, it is easy to add a subwoofer whenever you want.
The ultra-low amplifiers featured are designed to maximize the performance of the system, eliminating the need for additional external amplification. The Bluetooth wireless technology featured by the system enhances its versatility in use, making it truly a smart choice to go with as it allows an easy wireless pairing with other devices. The infrared remote control the R-15PM comes with allows easy access to features like track controls and source selection. The 2-way system is of a superior quality as it sounds like a single source rather than separate sources.
The MDF bass-reflex enclosure it boasts helps a lot as it promotes an optimal performance. Due to the fact that it has an 8-ohm impedance, it efficiently conducts power. The RCA phono-level inputs allow you to connect them to your turntable, so if you are interested in DJ-ing at home, they are the perfect choice to go with. In addition, the 62Hz to 24kHz frequency response range it delivers is able to produce crisp highs and smooth mids, thus guaranteeing an unforgettable sound experience.
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CONS
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- Low-noise amplifiers maximize system performance
- Minimalist design is a perfect fit in modern households
- IMG woofer is magnetically shield by copper spun
- Designed to eliminate the need for external amplification due to its performance and design
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- Does not come with many features
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| VERDICT
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Specially designed to make your life easier by not having to stand the clutter of external A/V receivers anymore and delivering crystal clear sounds, the Klipsch set is a must-have for any audiophile. Reasonably priced and built to complement modern decors due to its minimalistic design, it is an investment worth making.
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The fifth entry in our top is the Edifier R2000DB, a product we strongly recommend as it boasts an impeccable performance, all without charging you a fortune to purchase it. The classic design delivers powerful audio. The Bluetooth, dual RCA inputs, and optical digital ensure flexibility in use as they allow you to connect to various audio sources. The MDF wooden enclosure has the role of minimizing acoustic resonance in order to deliver a clean and smooth sound.
The DPS-based dynamic range control has the role of minimizing sound distortion in order to keep the THD under 0.3%. The wireless remote control it comes with allows you to conveniently operate the volume adjustment, to mute them, and to change the audio source selection. Due to the fact that the rear side panel features the bass, treble, and master volume controls, it will be easy for you to change these settings as you like.
The silk dome tweeters it features make even the slightest sound clear so that you can actually enjoy a great experience when listening to music. The standby power consumption is under 1W, so it is highly energy efficient. In addition, the R2000DB is backed up by Edifier during the first two years after you purchase it, so there is no need to worry about repair or replacement costs during this period of time.
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CONS
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- Delivers amazing mids, highs, and lows
- Customers have praised the bass quality
- Bluetooth latency is close to null with it
- Perfect for playing content off the computer or mobile devices
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- Some customers have complained about the quality of the remote control which accompanies this set
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| VERDICT
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Should you buy this system, you will surely be impressed with its quality. Cheap but not sacrificing quality and performance, it delivers crystal clear audio, great mids, lows, and highs, and it perfectly complements any décor. There are few downsides to this set, and considering the price it comes at, it is an option worth taking into consideration.
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A successful product is defined by its durability, quality, and price and the PB42X really knocks it out of the park as it boasts a durable and smooth design which ensures it will work for years on end while boosting the décor of the room you place it in, it delivers clear, quality audio to make your music listening experiences richer, and it comes at a low price that is sure to fit any budget.
It has on tap 15 watts of clean power for each of the two channels it features, so you will hear your music loud and clear every time you use it. It features the 8-element crossover which preserves voicing perfectly. Its ported enclosure ensures you will be delivered an extended bass response with low distortion every time you use it.
The silk dome tweeter delivers accurate imaging and smooth treble, while the typical in-room frequency response it provides ranges from 60Hz to 20000Hz. It weighs only 4 pounds and measures a convenient 6.5 inches by 5.8 inches by 9.5 inches, fitting perfectly in the bookshelf without adding much weight. Additionally, it is covered by a 1-year warranty for defective parts and poor workmanship.
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CONS
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- Extended bass response with low distortion is provided by the ported enclosure it features
- Balanced, dynamic sound is granted by the highly optimized 12 decibels crossover
- Class D amplifier ensures 15Wx2 of clean power
- Silk dome tweeter provides smooth treble for a perfect music-listening experience
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- Accepts RCA input only when the aux input is not plugged in
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| VERDICT
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In the low-budget price range, this is the best product you could opt for as it provides an accurate sound signature and excellent vocal clarity. Furthermore, the clean aesthetics make it perfectly compliment the room it’s placed in, making for a worthy centerpiece as well.
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Seeing how you most likely care about pricing just as much as you care about design and performance, we had to include the Edifier R1280 in our listing. The low price makes them an affordable purchase, one you would be a fool to turn down if you have a limited budget. Undoubtedly, the greatest feature is the fact that when you turn them on, they automatically set the volume to a comfortable level to ensure that no unpleasant incident will occur.
The two sets of RCA inputs featured by them work simultaneously. There is a remote control included which makes using them all the more convenient as you do not have to go all the way next to them each time you want to turn the volume up or down, for example. They feature a 13-millimeter silk dome tweeter which guarantees a soothing, natural sound reproduction for the best listening experience.
The classic wood finish they boast make them a perfect fit for the bookshelf design-wise. Last but not least, the manufacturing company offers a 2-year warranty, meaning that any defect related to assembly or parts will be taken care of free of charge while the agreement is active.
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CONS
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- Digital volume control feature ensures that each time you turn them on, they will be automatically set at a comfortable volume to avoid unpleasant incidents
- It allows you to make minor adjustments to the bass and treble from -6 to 6 decibels
- Manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty
- Comes at a low price – one of the more affordable selections on the market right now
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| VERDICT
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If you are hunting for a bargain, the Edifier is the best choice you could make. Not only does it come at a great price, but it is feature-rich, probably its most prominent upside being the fact that when it is turned on, the digital volume control makes sure the volume is set at a comfortable level.
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What you are sure to first notice is the compact size of the R980T which measures 5.5 inches by 8.9 inches by 7.75 inches. This active model delivers a signal to noise ratio which exceeds 85 decibels. One of its best features, by far, is the enriched bass sound provided by the flared bass reflex port. Even though it is small, it produces a whopping total of 24 watts of sound, which makes it a well-rounded music listening device.
In order to increase sound quality, it features classic wood finish enclosures that are specifically designed to minimize the acoustic resonance, all while ensuring a clean finish when music is played. It can be connected to multiple audio devices through the 2 RCA inputs featured, so simultaneous connection to the TV and PC is possible, the need to switch inputs being eliminated.
For ease of use, it features master volume and bass knobs that you can use to adjust the audio and bass levels as you like, knobs which are located on the back to allow a tailored music listening experience. When it comes to backing, the company that manufactures the R980T offers a 2-year warranty on parts and labor.
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CONS
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- Impressive 24W power output
- Signal to noise ratio exceeds 85 decibels
- Wood enclosures minimize acoustic resonance
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
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| VERDICT
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Cheap yet qualitative, the R980T are a must-have for all music lovers who need to save some space as they are compact but still deliver a clean and loud sound output.
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What makes powered bookshelf speakers be present in many modern households is the fact that they are an integral part of an ideal sound system, adding the bass, mid, and treble sized sounds to your experience when watching a movie, playing a game, or simply listening to music to enhance it. Due to the fact that they have built-in amplifiers, they differ completely when compared to normal speakers, being phenomenal at delivering sounds of excellent quality.
Of course, there is the aspect of their size as well, generally being more compact when compared to other similar products. Therefore, it is easier to find a location for bookshelf models, especially if you intend to integrate them with your pre-existing sound system. Also, this compact size makes them portable, so you can easily take them with you wherever you go if you want to enjoy great sound quality. Know it is not mandatory to integrate them with a sound system. If you do not own one or you just do not want to make this move, you can use them stand alone as well.
Although this is a detail you will surely notice on your own, we must tell you they also have a more trendy design which makes them a better fit with modern decors. Seeing how everyone these days thinks about how well new purchases go with their room decor and design, it is an important aspect to take into consideration as well.
A quality pair of speakers, regardless of their type, is a considerable investment to make, but one worth making if you want to enjoy superior sound quality. If you are wondering what are the advantages that powered bookcase models have to offer and what makes them so great, read this section of the article as we will tell you all about the benefits they come with.
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Superior Two-Way Design
They generally have a two-way design, some models even featuring a three-way design. Most models, just like the ones that appear on our top, boast a two-way design which consists of a tweeter and a driver. The role of this two-way design is to enhance the sound quality, delivering a clean and realistic experience for the listener to be satisfied with the purchase that has been made.
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Compact Size
The word “bookshelf” pops in their name for a good reason, the compact size they boast making them a perfect addition to your bookshelf. Therefore, if you are looking for a space-saving option, they are the perfect choice to go with. It is their size what also makes them a perfect fit next to the TV, for example, even if the table on which the electronic is placed is not that large. Additionally, due to their size, they make for a discrete addition if you do end up placing them on the bookshelf, not distracting from the decor you have already created.
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Enhancement of Sound Quality in Sound Systems
They offer a unique advantage over other types and models, more precisely the fact that they add clearer bass, mid, and treble sized sounds which generally lack in quality when it comes to sound systems. With a quality set by your side, you will experience a realistic and truly enjoyable experience when listening to music, playing, or watching a movie on your TV, so it is surely an investment worth making.
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More Reasonable Pricing
Generally, they tend to be expensive as the components and technologies used in their manufacturing cannot really be compared to anything else, being pricier to produce. This is not the case with bookshelf models necessarily because when they are mass-produced, they become a lot more reasonable in pricing, their components, and amplifiers not being sacrificed when it comes to quality for them to remain accessible and affordable to most people.
Buying new speakers is not an easy task as you have to know what makes them be of a superior quality and what to look for. In the following lines, we will show you what are the elements and specs you must keep your eyes on when making the purchase, thus helping you make a smart investment you surely won’t regret.
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Materials They Are Made With
The materials that they are made with do not only show their durability over time but they show how great the quality of the sound will be as well, the enclosure and other construction elements playing a bigger role than you could ever imagine in the transmission of the sound. MDF wood is the perfect material to go with for the enclosure, Kevlar is ideal for the drivers, while silk dome is the choice to go with for the tweeters.
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What Type of Amplifier is Featured
The relationship between the amplifier and the speakers is a complicated one, most people not being aware of the importance of a high-quality amplifier. Basically, the amplifier has the role in sustaining its output wattage in order to ensure they will not be affected, meaning that the quality of the sounds which they emit will not be lost as time passes. While every type of amplifier comes with its own pros and cons, what we recommend is you go for a dual class A/B monolithic model.
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Power Consumption
Of course, you have to take into consideration power consumption as you surely do not want to end up paying a ton of money just because you like listening to music most of the day. As you can see, all the products featured in our top boast a low power consumption, meaning they are not only of a high quality when it comes to sound emission but that they are energy efficient as well.
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Whether a Remote Control is Included or Not
Convenience is an aspect you must take into consideration when making the purchase as you do not want to end up wasting time changing the settings but rather enjoy the experience, listening to your favorite songs when you are finally at home. With a remote control, this can be made possible, this being the reason why we recommend you make sure the model you do end up buying to come with this accessory.
Brands You Can Trustfully Purchase From
On this market, there are a couple of brands that are renowned for producing and delivering only high-quality products to customers. In the following lines, we will show you what are the brands we are referring to in order to help you make a smart decision when you go shopping, as these brands surely manufacture and deliver only products of a superior quality.
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Audioengine
Audioengine is a brand that designs and builds innovative audio gear, the products released by this company changing the way we all listen to our favorite music, delivering a superior experience that will surely blow your mind. What will astonish you for sure is the fact that this is a relatively new company, manufacturing and selling its first product in 2006. Since the inception of the business, Audioengine has managed to become a household name worldwide, tending to the needs and desires of all people, no matter if we are talking about musicians, DJs, or average Joes.
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Kanto
Being founded in January of 2007, Kanto is another brand which despite its young age has managed to become a household name due to the fact that it emphasizes on designing and manufacturing only high-end electronics which innovate their markets. The company managed to impress everyone with the production of the Kanto YU3 that swept everyone off their feet by delivering an unsurpassable sound quality and performance.
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Klipsch
Klipsch is one of the oldest and most renowned brands on the audio market as it has been around for a long time, more precisely since 1946. What has made this brand become so famous is not only the fact that it has managed to stay above its competitors all the time by producing new and innovative audio gear but the fact that it has always understood pricing is important. Therefore, this is the company to buy from if your budget is not that great.
| Criteria |
Impact/Importance |
Best Product |
| Construction |
The construction affects their durability as well as the quality of the sounds which they produce. Obviously, this is one of the aspects that affected our ranking the most as we wanted to ensure nothing but the best products will appear in this top and they will be put in a fair order. |
Audioengine HD6 |
| Nominal Impedance |
It is important for these devices to boast a high impedance in order to not overheat and to not use too much power when operating. |
Audioengine A5+ |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
The signal-to-noise ratio compares the level of noise power to the level of signal power, and it is expressed in decibels. A higher signal-to-noise ratio shows a superior quality, and we took this aspect into consideration when ranking our picks as well. |
Audioengine HD6, Audioengine A5+ |
| Total Harmonic Distortion |
The total harmonic distortion is used to show linearity. It is important for the total harmonic distortion to be as low as possible for the reproduction of the audio to be accurate. |
Audioengine HD6, Audioengine A5+ |
| Connectivity |
Last but not least, we took into consideration connectivity as it is highly important for them to be as versatile as possible from this point of view. Types of devices to which it can be connected include music player apps, other devices, operating systems, and more, ensuring freedom of use. |
Audioengine HD6, Audioengine A5+, Kanto YU3, Klipsch R-15PM, Edifier R2000DB |
Frequently Asked Questions
?What is the role of the thermal over-temperature feature?
The set should come with thermal over-temperature as this feature ensures in case it overheats it will automatically shut off. Thus, your investment is protected as it is unlikely for any part to “fry”.
?Should I look into what operating systems it is compatible with?
Yes, you should check this specification out prior to making a purchase so that you may ensure it is compatible with devices like your smartphone, tablet, PC, or laptop.
?Is weight important?
Yes, as a matter of fact, this is an important trait as, after all, you are most likely buying them so that you may place them on a bookshelf. Thus, a lighter profile is required so that the music outputting devices do not break the shelf they are placed on. However, this is one of the main traits bookshelf speakers have, so it is unlikely to find a heavy product in this niche.
As the Audioengine HD6 not only received the best reception from customers who have already bought it but surpassed other products during our testing trials, we were compelled to rank them as the best in this niche. What caught our eye the most was the 150-watt total peak power output they boast and the 2-way crossover system featured which enhance your music listening experience. To top all that, they are made with safety and protection in mind, featuring power on/off transient protection and thermal over-temperature protection as well.
While the HD6 might be, by far, the best out there, we can confidently say that the Kanto YU3 were close behind as a top selection for us. They not only impressed us with their design, each of them measuring 5.5 inches in width, 8.6 inches in height, and 7.5 inches in depth, a size that makes them perfect for placement on the bookshelf, but they deliver a signal to noise ratio which exceeds 90 dB, more than the standard provided by this industry.
