Roth OLi20 review

They might look the part, but these bookshelf speakers from Roth Audio just can't compete against the class-leaders at this price point Tested at £150.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

It’s a highly competitive class and the Oli 20s don’t cut the mustard sonically

Pros

  • +

    Affordable

  • +

    stylish design

  • +

    fair amount of bass depth and overall detail

Cons

  • -

    Harsh edge to some treble frequencies

  • -

    lack dynamics, punch and organisation

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

‘Fast, punchy and entertaining' was how we described the original Roth OLi1 speakers when we first laid eyes and ears on them nearly three years ago.

The £99 bookshelf speakers skipped off with a five-star verdict back then, but plenty has happened at this price-point since then.

Do the latest budget bookshelf speakers from Roth Audio have the necessary star quality to maintain the fine record ?

Sound best against a wall
Certainly they look the part. You can only expect so much at this end of the price spectrum, but the OLi 20s have certainly made the effort, cutting a dashing figure thanks to a smart maple cabinet and silver trim around the drivers.

A 13cm mid-woven fibreglass hybrid driver is joined by a 25mm black diamond silk dome tweeter.

Standing just a smidgeon over 31cm tall, the OLi 20 speakers will sound best up against the wall, allowing the bass to fill out a little, balancing out the overall tone.

Because, placed on stands and given plenty of room, they sound a little lightweight, while there's a definite edge to certain treble frequencies as Hans Zimmer's endlessly dynamic Inception soundtrack neatly pinpoints.

Loose bass notes
Staying with soundtracks, Daft Punk's Derezzed from the TRON: Legacy score requires plenty of punch and expert timing, and we find the OLi 20s a little lacking.

Bass notes can sound loose, slowing the pace in the process, while the more orchestral tracks don't reach the same peaks.

Detail levels are decent and they'll certainly add life to a lacklustre system, but it can't be overlooked that there are top-notch speakers around at this price point – we're looking at you, Mission and Q Acoustics – and the Roth OLi 20 speakers are left trailing in their wake.

See all our speaker Best Buys

Follow whathifi.com on Twitter

Join whathifi.com on Facebook

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test