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Shelf Speaker Test 2.0: Stereo will never die

In our little group test we will cover six models of shelf talkers, and two more will appear as guests in the column. By tradition almost all the speakers in the review have 2-way configuration of the drivers, except for JBL LS40, which is equipped with three speakers. However, in these models too, the 3rd lane is not dedicated to a separate bass driver, but to a hypertweeter. The price range of the speakers in the review is from 30 to 52 thousand roubles, and most of the speakers cost about 40 thousand. We have deliberately moved up a little bit from the conventional price point of about one thousand conventional units, which is the starting point of “refined” Hi-Fi, in order to include in our review several models from the top ranges of their manufacturers.

cupboard shelves

In times of volatile markets, price hikes and currency wars, people tend to spend money carefully, looking for economy-class products, whether it’s apartments, cars, clothing or vacations. This law is general and also applies to the Hi-Fi speaker market.

And the title of the sought-after economy class in hi-fi can safely claim acoustic systems of the shelf type. Indeed, they are compact, easier than floor-standing speakers in installation and setup, and when properly implemented have a winning quality-price ratio.

Besides economic advantages, the bookshelf speakers also have technical advantages: it is easier to match a pair of loudspeakers in the bookshelf speaker systems 2-band configuration is most often used , it is easier to make good separation filters and qualitative cabinet.

It is not for nothing that small 2-way speakers are called “monitors”, that is a device with maximum linear characteristics, used to control the quality of sound. Although, of course, not all shelf speakers can boast sound parameters similar to true studio monitors, but the similarity in design has predetermined their nickname. Therefore, the bookshelf speakers were and are in fashion, regardless of the situation on the market.

Some comments on the results. We’ve decided that the winner of our test was the German Elac BS243 loudspeaker. Although they have their own features that distinguish their sound from the strict neutrality, these speakers have high potential and good genre versatility, playing rock and classical with equal success.

The second place we gave to the Finnish PENADIO Rebel 3 speakers, which enthusiastically sound acoustic music, jazz, classical and vocal. It was not easy to make a decision about the bronze medalist, because there were several speakers at the same time

The speakers left a close impression. But we decided to give the third place to the Canadian PSB Synchrony Two B, the advantage of which was brought by the excellent design of the monitors. However, in the test there were no outsiders, each speaker had its merits.

Even inexpensive Monitor Audio Silver RX2 speakers amazed us not only with their chic finish, but also with their groovy, dynamic sound in modern musical genres.

We would like to thank Audiomania and TRIA International, Ltd. for their help in making these tests.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 4
  1. Ember

    Is the Shelf Speaker Test 2.0 specifically designed to prove that stereo sound will always remain relevant despite technological advancements?

    Reply
  2. Isla

    What specific features does the Shelf Speaker Test 2.0 offer that ensure the longevity and quality of stereo sound?

    Reply
  3. Cambria

    This statement seems to imply that stereo systems are timeless, but I’m curious to learn more about the Shelf Speaker Test 2.0. Does it offer any new features or improvements compared to the previous version? How does it compare to other speakers on the market?

    Reply
  4. Harper Sullivan

    What are the key features and improvements in the Shelf Speaker Test 2.0? How does it enhance the stereo experience? Do you think this version will outperform previous versions?

    Reply
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