Speakers can turn a good space into a great space. There are many great finds at the $500 price point, so if you are looking to amp up your space, read on to compare the best bookshelf speakers under $500!
A bookshelf speaker is generally a loud speaker that is generally small enough to be placed on a bookshelf or table. They are used for small to medium sized spaces and can be bought as a shelf studio pair or as part of a home theater system. Before reviewing the speakers, consider where you will be placing the speakers. Bookshelf speakers are designed to project their sound from an elevated surface. It can steadily sit on a piece of furniture or some speaker stands. The height helps the intended sound project at ear-level. It keeps the overall audio tone balanced.
Some other audio technicalities to consider are the Watts (W), Hertz (Hz), and Drivers. Watts are a unit of power: the higher the number of Watts, the higher the output of power. Hertz is the cycle of a sound wave per second: the lower the Hertz, the lower the bass is going to be. Drivers take the signals from the program and turns them into sound format. There are usually two Drivers in bookshelf speakers: Woofers for bass, and Tweeters for high frequency sounds. Speakers that offer a third mid-range Driver will have full-range well-rounded sound. The sound format from the Drivers process is measured by Speaker Sensitivity which is expressed in decibels (dB). The following bookshelf speakers are all in the $500 range and below!
KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers Review
Amplifier: 10-100W
Frequency: 51Hz-28kHz (±3dB)
Speaker Sensitivity: 86dB
Size (H x W x D): 11.9 x 7 x 10.9
Weight: 12.3 lbs (each)
The KEF Q150 comes as a pair and can be bought in two colors: matte black or white vinyl. It is KEF’s 8th version of the KEF Q speaker line, and it’s main feature is its “Uni-Q Driver Array” technology, which has been improved (from the Q100 series) with crossover networks. The tweeter and midrange drivers in “Uni-Q” are combined, and bass booster is smoother and more accurate than the previous range. It features a new low-distortion conductor to accentuate the lower frequencies. KEF Q150 can be placed upright or on its side, and can also be set on speaker stands. Many use them for computer speakers. The majority of KEF Q150 owners are most impressed with the sound quality and notice a huge difference from the older version.
The speakers are also very popular for its appearance. They are rectangular speakers with the 5.25 inch circular driver in the middle. They also have optional magnetic grilles. The sleek material makes the speakers look clean, simple, and sophisticated. There are hardly any cons aside from a break in period, which the KEF brand is known for, and the bass being reliant on usage. Again, the high and mid-range tones on the KEF Q150 are its most noteworthy feature. Overall, with its price point that is occasionally much cheaper during Black Friday deals, it is an excellent buy.
Check Price on AmazonQ Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speaker review
Amplifier: 50-125W
Frequency: 64Hz – 30kHz
Speaker Sensitivity: 88dB
Size (H x W x D): 11.1in x 6.7in x 11in
Weight: 21.2 lbs
The Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speakers come as a pair of speakers that delivers a large scale sound and deep bass into a listening room. The speakers can be mounted onto a shelf or stand, and the 3020i is 25% taller and deeper than it’s previous model. They have rounded edges, stand upright, and come in a few finishes: English Walnut, Arctic White, Carbon Black, and Graphite Gray. The Q Acoustics 3020i is unique for its “Point to Point” bracing. It has a combined mid/bass driver and tweeters that drastically reduce interference. The bracing has a support structure within the cabinet which offers the acoustic area more accuracy. Q Acoustics 3020i owners are surprised with the amazing crisp sound that the speakers produce. Although the low bass range is ample considering the size of the speaker and price, users who primarily listen to audio with a lot of heavy bass also recommend purchasing an additional subwoofer.
Check Price on AmazonAudioengine A5 Plus Classic Speakers Review
Amplifier: 150W
Frequency: 50Hz-22kHz (±1.5dB)
Signal to Noise Ratio: 95dB
Size (H x W x D): 7.8 in x 7 in x 10.8 in
Weight: 25 lbs
The Audioengine A5 Plus Classic 150W Bookshelf Speakers are very popular and come with a remote control to adjust sound. It has a dual class AB monolithic built-in analog amplifier. The speakers feature custom aramid fiber woofers, silk tweeters, and built in power amps. They come as a pair and can be purchased in three different colors: White, Black, or Bamboo wood grain finish. Audioengine also offers a 3 year warranty with all their products. They work exceptionally well with televisions, computers, phones, tablets, turntables, and any product with a mini-jack or RCA output. A5 Plus users boast about the speakers’ exceptional bass. The deep growls are great for audio genres with low boomy sounds. Although it stays smooth and matches its sound volume, many owners also recommend buying the subwoofer. Overall, the Audioengine A5 Plus Classic is loved for the quality of the speakers’ build. There is also a bluetooth version available for about $100 more. Their performance as a computer speakers does not disappoint.
Check Price on AmazonEdifier R2000DB Bookshelf Speakers Review
Amplifier: RMS 24W × 2 + 36 W × 2
Frequency: 55Hz-20KHz(±3db)
Size (H x W x D): 9.5in x 11.25in x 7.5in
Weight: 21.4 lbs
The Edifier R2000DB Bookshelf Speakers’ foremost feature is the bluetooth connection that can be paired wirelessly to devices such as phones, tablets, and computers. It features 2 AUX inputs for 3.5 mm headphones or dual RCA output, allowing two devices to be connected at the same time via AUX without having to plug in. The Edifier R2000DB also comes with a remote that adjusts volume, switch the input source, and choose digital sound processing modes. Two colors are available for purchase, black on black and wood on black.
Edifier offers a 2 year parts and labor warranty ensuring the speakers’ reliability and high quality. Ease of use and sound quality are both regarded as main reasons to love these speakers. Users agree that the highs and mids are clear while the bass is tight -in the best way. The black finish gives off a classic and professional appearance, and the wood finish is tidy and aesthetically pleasing to look at. Most Edifier R2000DB users agree that the remote doesn’t have too many control options, but the speakers are altogether accurate and the fundamental bass notes!
Check Price on AmazonKlipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speaker Review
Amplifier: 100W/400W
Frequency: 45-25kHz
Speaker Sensitivity: 96dB @ 2.83V / 1m
Size (H x W x D): 12.9 in x 8.8 in x 16.7 in
Weight: 10lbs (each)
The Klipsch RP-160M Bookshelf Speakers come in a pair of two rectangular speakers in either Black, Cherry, Ebony, or Walnut. Klipsch features a 6.5 inch Copper Cerametallic Woofer and a 90 x 90 Hybrid Tractrix Horn for high frequency resolution with a 1” Linear Travel Suspension Tweeter to minimize distortion. The Klipsch RP-160M boasts its bold theater sound from such a little bookshelf speaker. The body cabinet looks sleep from the brushed polymer veneer finish. The speakers also come with a strong yet removable grille that attaches and detaches magnetically. From the RP-160M Bookshelf Speakers, users can add a subwoofer and build an entire home theater system to improve the listening experience. Some owners mentioned unpleasant high crisps that was helped with some calibration. Buyers remark on their ease of use and accuracy of sound, noting that after the break in period the speakers are formidable. The Klipsch manual has been mentioned by some to be very basic and somewhat unspecific. Most users agree that the Klipsch RP-160M is easy to use, with superb sound separation.
Check Price on AmazonEdifier S2000pro Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers Review
Amplifier: RMS 12W+12W RMS, RMS 50W + 50W
Frequency: 48Hz~20KHz
Signal to Noise Ratio: ≥94dB(A)
Size (H x W x D): 3.5 in x 8 in x 10.5 in (WxHxD)
Weight: 43.4 lbs
The Edifier S2000pro Bookshelf Speakers feature 4.0 bluetooth support, flat diaphram tweeters, and 5.5 inch woofers. They stand upright, and black in the front and back panels, and have wood colored panels on the side. Meant for home or studio use, they have toslink or spdif connection for uninterrupted digital audio streaming. The Edifier S2000pro contains AUX inputs via dial XLR or dual RCA ports, coaxial and optical connections. The set comes with a large remote. Edifier offers a 2 year warranty with the entire S2000pro system. The tweeter cones and woofers are made with aluminium, which create clean and crisp sounds. The rear panel has the volume dial, treble, and bass controls, along with XLR inputs allowing connections to more advanced technology such as mixers. The speakers also feature 4 EQ settings: vocal, monitor, classic, and dynamic, which can also be controlled from the remote. These speakers are considerably heavier than the other speakers mentioned. Most Edifier S2000pro owners enjoy the material build of the speaker, and enjoy the surprisingly loud volume that delivers balanced highs, lows and even solid mids. Music lovers comment on being able to listen to all different categories of music with the Edifier S2000pro with much pleasure and high satisfaction.
Check Price on AmazonSVS Prime Bookshelf Speakers Review
Amplifier: 20-150 watts
Frequency: 48 Hz-25 kHz (±3 dB)
Speaker Sensitivity: 87 dB
Size (H x W x D): 9.4 x 8 x 13.2 in
Weight: 15.5 lbs (each)
These come in a pair, and can be purchased in two different blacks: Black Ash or Piano Gloss.They have a minimalistic design and are prized for their proprietary 2-channel settings. They are equally made to thrive in a home theater setting. The SVS Prime Bookshelf speakers utilize a 6.5 inch woofer that delivers a clear midrange and bass output, and a 1inch aluminum dome tweeter for crystal sounding high pitches. As most bookshelf speakers, the SVS Prime could use a subwoofer if using for a home theater system, but is perfect as stand alone speakers for computer hook ups, in the office or the bedroom. AV Tech Reviews affirms that these speakers will “visually and sonically stopping you in your tracks.” SVS Prime owners report that after the break in period, the speakers are very durable and built to last. They produce rich sounds with remarkable, top notch details.
Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitor Review
Amplifier: 50 W per channel
Frequency: 62Hz – 24kHz (±3dB)
Size (H x W x D): 8.2 in x 7 in x 12.5 in
Weight: 10.3 lbs (each)
The Klipsch R-15PM Powered Monitor Speakers come as a pair in black. The rectangular speakers come with RCA phono level inputs, a single RCA line for USB digital audio, digital optical line, 3.5mm jack line, bluetooth connection, and a remote control. They feature Klipsch signature 1” aluminum diaphragm compression drivers within the 90 x 90 square Tractrix Horn, and a copper spun magnetically shielded IMG woofer. While there isn’t as much technical information available regarding the Klipsch R-15PM in comparison to other Klipsch products, these bookshelf speakers have many positive reviews. As for the sound quality of the R-15PM, users report very excellent clear sounds while listening to multiple genres of legendary music. Owners even claim that the speakers do not even need a subwoofer, so the option to add one makes it an even better choice for a speaker. The material quality of Klipsch is certainly a high attribute of the brand that their customers can count on.
Final Verdict: In Conclusion, each of these bookshelf speakers are prices before $500 and are great options if you are looking to add speakers to a larger system or for speakers that are for more compact uses. Comparing these awesome speakers, the Edifier S2000 pro really stands out. While the Edifier S2000 pro is one of the heavier weighing options, the standout feature dual XLR inputs which allow the connection to more advanced audio technology makes it a less dispensable. Plus, it has all the necessary settings and outputs. Combined with the bluetooth facility, it is strikingly an adaptable and versatile bookshelf speaker purchase under $500. if your budget is higher than this then you can read: Best bookshelf speakers under $1000
