4 Good Bookshelf Speaker Values in 2016

Considerations in purchasing a bookshelf speaker 

Here is a list of common sense things to keep in mind when purchasing a bookshelf speaker.

1. Where am I putting it? Will it fit? Too many times I've eyeballed something and thought, yeah that will fit. Then, ah, no. Make sure it will fit.
2. Front port, back port, no port. No matter where the port is on your bookshelf speaker, or even if there is none you'll want to leave at least an inch behind it free. Don't put a speaker flush against a wall or back of a bookshelf.
3. What type of music do you listen too? If it's bass heavy, then consider a 6" woofer. If not you can get a 5 1/4" or even 4". Yes, the 3/4 of an inch can make a difference as well as where you place your speaker to get more bass.

OK those are just the basics. For more on choosing a good bookshelf see the link at the end of the article.

Enough already, here are my choices for best value bookshelf speakers in 2016.

Polk Audio RTI A1 Bookshelf Speakers

I've always been partial to Polk and Boston Acoustics speakers. They offer a smooth, evenly balanced sound without any harsh highs and reasonable amounts of even, non-boomy bass. There is a reason these get 5 Stars on Amazon. They really do rock. Sold as a Pair. $199

See them here. 

NHT SuperOne 2.1 Bookshelf Speaker

Full disclosure. A friend of mine was once involved with NHT but that does not color my recommendation. These speakers are wonderful. With a kick-ass 6.5-inch long throw pulp cone woofer and a 1" silk dome tweeter housed in a tight, nicely fashioned cabinet that screams quality. Oh, and they sound sweet. Another 5 Star choice but with a slightly higher price at $350 per pair.

See them here.

Fluance SX6-BK High Definition

This is my "value" pick. If you don't have a lot of cash, the Fluance is a great choice. Despite what the name might suggest, these are really 5" woofers. Not that this stops these speakers from an online only retailer from sounding great. They are easily worth 3X what you're paying. We purchased these to test against TSC speakers and they really sounded great. Only 4.5 starts (only!) but you can't go wrong at $129.00 a pair

See them here.

Pioneer SP-BS22A-LR Andrew Jones Designed 

Even without the fancy Dolby Atmos top facing drivers these bookshelf speakers sport, they may be the cream of this crop. They allow fit nicely in afull surround sound system or will sound spectacular all on their own. Honestly, you could pay more for an Atmos bookshelf speaker but 4.5 star reviews will tell it all. $299 a pair. See them here.

That's all for these four but other considerations for top selling bookshelf speakers would be Boston Acoustics, Klipsch and JBL. Also read How to Choose a Bookshelf Speaker.

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