Best bookshelf speakers 2024: top standmounts for every budget tested

There are plenty of places to start when buying or upgrading a hi-fi system, but the one component you'll always need is a pair of stereo speakers. And bookshelf speakers (or standmount speakers, as they're also known) are the easiest, most versatile ways to begin your journey.

Why are they called 'bookshelf speakers'? Because many of them are compact enough to fit on a bookshelf, in a corner, or even on your desk. Mind you, a bookshelf isn't necessarily where you should put them; we would always recommend placing them on dedicated speaker stands to ensure they sound their best.

Big speakers might give you the meatiest sound, but not everyone has the space, budget or inclination for a set of floorstanders. Thankfully, a smaller set of bookshelf speakers can give you an amazing listening experience too while fitting into most spaces – as evidenced by the fantastic five-star speakers below from Bowers & Wilkins, Elac, KEF, PMC and more. 

Our expert team of reviewers has tested every corner of the bookshelf speaker market in our dedicated listening rooms (you can read more about how we test below), allowing us to compile this buying guide to help hi-fi fans like you get the best sound-per-pound performance for your listening needs and budget.

Whether you have hundreds or thousands to spend, our recommended picks below demonstrate just how good the standard of speakers are these days, at any price.

Written by
Kashfia Kabir
Written by
Kashfia Kabir

I'm the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? and first joined the brand over 10 years ago. In that time, I have reviewed countless stereo speakers, from budget bookshelves to upmarket floorstanders, and had the privilege of seeing the market continually push the envelope to produce better-sounding models. Below are the current What Hi-Fi? Award-winning, class-leading crop of bookshelf speakers across a wide range of prices, each representing the pinnacle of sound quality and design available at their respective levels.

The quick list

Best bookshelf speakers overall

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. Entertaining and innovative, these are the best stereo speakers overall.

Specifications

Drive units: Uni-Q (25mm tweeter and 13cm mid/bass)
Ported: Yes (rear)
Bi-wire: No
Impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: 85db
Dimensions (hwd): 30.2 x 20 x 28cm
Weight: 7.8kg
Finishes: 4 (carbon black, titanium grey, mineral white, royal blue)

Reasons to buy

+
Exceptional sonic transparency
+
Subtle and precise presentation
+
Innovative technology

Reasons to avoid

-
Don't place them inside a bookshelf or up against a wall – they sound better on stands

The KEF LS50 Meta don’t look any different from the LS50, and in many ways they aren’t. The company considered revising that beautifully made enclosure but concluded that little could be improved.

The one area ripe for improvement was the LS50’s Uni-Q driver array, where the tweeter sits in the throat of the mid/bass unit. This has been thoroughly reworked, taking in all the refinements that KEF has developed over the past eight years and adding something new in the form of Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) – KEF’s way of coping with the sound that comes off the back of the 25mm aluminium tweeter dome.

It doesn’t take long to realise that the LS50 have improved significantly. While the basic sonic character is instantly familiar, the new ones have gained a level of clarity and finesse the originals only hinted at. Which makes them superb all-rounders.

Read the full KEF LS50 Meta review

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KEF LS50 Meta scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
SoundEven better clarity and finesse than their predecessors★★★★★
CompatibilityNot particularly sensitive, so add an amp with some grunt★★★★★
BuildBeautiful to behold, and very rigid★★★★★

Best cheap bookshelf speakers

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. The most capable budget standmounters you'll find.

Specifications

Drive units: 25mm tweeter, 13cm mid/bass
Ported: Yes (front)
Bi-wire: No
Impedance: 6 ohms
Sensitivity: 86dB/W/m
Dimensions (hwd): 34.1 x 18 x 23.4cm
Weight: 5.9kg
Finishes: 1 (black ash)

Reasons to buy

+
Detailed and organised sound
+
Solid build
+
Unfussy nature

Reasons to avoid

-
Some might prefer the richer midrange tone of the Dali speakers

Elac has been in the speaker business since the 1980s and has made many fine products in that time. It’s fair to say that these new Debut B5.2 speakers should be considered one of the company’s finest efforts.

The Elac Debut B5.2 are brilliant performers for the money. The speakers feel solid, they're unfussy about placement, and they take any music you throw at them in their stride. They have the dynamic expression, detail resolution and tonal sophistication to handle it all, and enough stretch in their abilities to get even better with a system above their natural price range. For this sort of money, they're exceptional.

If you're not sold, you could also consider the Dali Spektor 2. They cost about the same, they offer an agile, articulate, expressive sound and are similarly unfussy over where they're placed. They also have a slightly richer midrange, which some might prefer.

Read the full Elac Debut B5.2 review

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Elac Debut B5.2 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
SoundBeautifully expressive and cohesive★★★★★
CompatibilityNot super forgiving, but shine when partnered with quality kit★★★★★
BuildA modern, solid build, but only comes in one finish★★★★★

Best bookshelf speakers for small rooms

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. B&W’s newest, smallest, entry-level speakers are a delight.

Specifications

Drive units: 25mm tweeter, 13cm mid/bass
Ported: Yes (rear)
Bi-wire: Yes
Impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: 84dB
Dimensions (hwd): 30 x 16.5 x 20.7cm
Weight: 4.65kg
Finishes: 3 (black, white, oak)

Reasons to buy

+
Improved clarity, refinement and openness
+
Punchy, dynamic and lively sound
+
Knows how to have fun
+
Classy build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Sweet treble can sound a touch forward
-
Needs care with system matching
-
Price rise over predecessors

Now in its eighth generation and going 20+ years strong, Bowers & Wilkins' 600 series of speakers has more often than not provided some superb speakers. 

And that story continues with its latest entry-level 607 S3 speakers. The smallest and most affordable stereo speaker that B&W makes (even if that 'budget' price has increased in the last couple of years), the new 607 S3 replaces the previous Award-winning 607 S2 Anniversary Edition speakers and delivers a significantly improved performance.

The 607 S3 has been updated throughout, with a brand new 25mm titanium decoupled double dome tweeter, a new elongated tube loading system, a revised motor assembly for the 13cm Continuum mid/bass driver, higher-quality components used in the crossover, and sturdier cabinet bracing. The two drivers overlap to improve integration, while the use of titanium means more refined and detailed high frequencies. 

The footprint remains the same and they're ideal for smaller spaces. Partner them carefully to balance out a somewhat forward, excitable treble performance, and you'll be rewarded with a terrifically detailed, rhythmically cohesive, agile, and energetic sound. The overall presentation is more open-sounding than before, while the treble performance is so much sweeter and more refined. For their size and price level, each note lands with precision and they even hold dynamic interest at low volume. Basslines are pulled taut and while they don’t go as bone-shatteringly deep as bigger speakers (or as big as the bigger 606 S3, below), they do land with impact. Overall, they're just incredibly fun to listen to.

You should also consider the Triangle Borea BR03. For their size, they pack an immense sense of scale, making them ideal for filling smaller rooms. But their slightly peaky treble and divisive aesthetic means we prefer the B&Ws.

Read the full Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 review

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Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
SoundIncredibly fun, with bags of clarity and refinement★★★★★
CompatibilityVersatile, but quite forward-sounding, so partner with care★★★★☆
BuildExcellent, with elegant styling★★★★★
Top Tip
Kashfia Kabir
Top Tip
Kashfia Kabir

Both these and their larger 606 S3 siblings (below) are class leaders in their fields, but I find the 607 S3 represent the true sweet spot of the 600 Series, hence their Product of the Year gong in the What Hi-Fi? Awards standmount speaker category. I've come to expect great things from this entry-level 600 range due to its storied history, and the latest iteration hasn't let me down. I can't remember the last time I had as much fun testing compact speakers at this modest level. Just be aware that the B&W's enthusiastic character leads to a rather forward presentation, so you'll want to pair it with a more balanced-sounding amplifier for optimum results.

Best mid-price bookshelf speakers

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. Step-up speakers with bigger scale, greater clarity and openness, and more bass.

Specifications

Drive units: 25mm tweeter, 16.5cm mid/bass
Ported: Yes (rear)
Bi-wire: Yes
Impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: 88dB
Dimensions (hwd): 34.4 x 18.9 x 30cm
Weight: 7.05kg
Finishes: 3 (black, white, oak)

Reasons to buy

+
Bigger, punchier, more open sound
+
Stunning clarity, detail and refinement
+
Easy to listen to
+
Good build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Take care with partnering equipment
-
Could sound a bit more fun

The 606 S3 are the bigger standmounters in B&W's latest 600 S3 range of speakers, and they're bigger, bolder and pricier than the younger sibling, the 607 S3 speakers (above).

The 606 S3 takes on from the previous generation's 606 S2 Anniversary Edition (also Award winners) with improvements and updates throughout. They're furnished with the same upgrades as the 607, from the new titanium tweeter to the revised speaker terminal layout around the back. The two-way configuration, the same well-made build quality and finishes and the same dimensions return, but the 606 S3 are yet another step up in sound quality.

Unlike the peppy, fun character of the 607 S3, the 606 S3 offer a more mature presentation. There are newfound levels of refinement and openness compared with the older S2 model, with a spacious-sounding presentation and ample headroom for that cleaner treble to soar. Meanwhile, that bigger 16.5cm mid/bass driver and deeper cabinet result in added weight, punch and authority.

This extra bass power means the 606 S3 speakers aren’t quite as prone to the slightly excitable and forward treble of its lively 607 S3 sibling, but the older siblings' more level-headed, staid character comes at the expense of that charming and immediately entertaining sound we like so much in the new 607 S3.

While the 606 aren’t slouches when it comes to attack and agility, we find they don’t hold songs together as cohesively as when played through the enthusiastic 607. However, we find the bigger 606 speakers to be an easy listen. If you can afford and accommodate a step up above the compact 607 S3 speakers, want a larger scale of sound and need more oomph to your bass, the B&W 606 S3 will be to your liking.

Read the full Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 review

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Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
SoundEven more clarity and dynamism than their predecessors★★★★★
CompatibilityLess forward-sounding than the 607, but still partner with care★★★★☆
BuildThe gold standard at this level★★★★★

Best bookshelf speakers for audiophiles

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. Prodigies indeed, these standmounts have what it takes to trouble the class leaders.

Specifications

Drive units: 27mm tweeter; 13cm mid/bass
Ported: Yes (front)
Bi-wire: No
Impedance: 6 ohms
Sensitivity: 87.5dB
Dimensions (hwd): 32cm x 16.2cm x 23.7cm
Weight: 4.5kg
Finishes: 1 (silk black)

Reasons to buy

+
Hugely impressive clarity and resolution
+
Precise and organised
+
Decent bass depth and punch

Reasons to avoid

-
Relatively low perceived value
-
Only one colour option

These might be PMC's entry-level standmounts, but they sound anything but (and they're not exactly cheap, either). That's hardly surprising – they're measured and listened to alongside the firm's reference models, and feature the same 27mm soft dome tweeter and 13cm mid/bass driver taken from models further up the company’s line.

They also feature Laminair – the aerodynamic port which was first developed for the flagship QB-1 studio monitors. This smooths the passage of air exiting the speaker to minimise airflow noise and improve bass definition.

The design is pleasingly minimalist, though it lacks some of the high-end polish of PMC's pricier models. But sonically, they're stunning, boasting excellent detail, clarity and charisma. The midrange is full of dynamic expression and solidity, and the bass digs deep without losing definition. Low frequencies have pace and punch to complement that impressive presence and depth, too.

While the Prodigy 1’s precision and organisation warrant the label ‘analytical’, the speakers aren’t informative at the expense of entertainment. Systematic, yes, but anything but soulless.

Read the full PMC Prodigy 1 review

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PMC Prodigy 1 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
SoundBursting with scale, transparency and authority★★★★★
CompatibilityUse an amp with warmth to complement the 1's analytical nature★★★★★
BuildLess striking and stylish than rivals★★★★☆
Top Tip
About Us
Top Tip
Becky Roberts

When I first laid eyes on the Prodigy 1, I wasn't exactly blown away; they looked pretty plain and much cheaper than the similarly priced KEF LS50 Meta (above). But this is a classic case of how looks can be deceiving as within just a few songs of testing I could tell they were something special. Indeed, they set the standards in detail and precision at this price, and certainly aren't slouches in the bass or musicality departments either. If you can afford these PMCs and are able to position them fairly near a rear wall, I'd recommend you audition them pronto.

Best premium bookshelf speakers

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. Stunning transparency and balance with a good dose of fun – a great premium choice.

Specifications

Drive units: Uni-Q driver array (25mm tweeter, 12.5cm midrange), 16.5cm bass
Ported: Yes (rear)
Bi-wire: No
Impedance: 4 ohms
Sensitivity: 87db
Dimensions (hwd): 42.2 x 20 x 33.6cm
Weight: 12.4kg
Finishes: 4 (black gloss, white gloss, walnut, indigo gloss special edition)

Reasons to buy

+
Transparent, refined, expressive sound
+
Even tonal balance
+
Heaps of fun, too
+
Innovative technology
+
Excellent build and finish

Reasons to avoid

-
Sounds best when positioned away from a wall and paired with equally talented kit

KEF's MAT (Meta Material Absorption Technology) innovation has been elevating the performance of its most recent speakers (the Award-winning LS50 Meta above is a prime example), so it was only a matter of time before the tech was integrated into its 2023 R Series of speakers. Sure enough, the R3 Meta standmounter features both MAT and KEF's Uni-Q driver array to great success. 

These are gorgeous-looking speakers, with impeccable finish and build quality. KEF's 12th-generation Uni-Q driver array has been tweaked to accommodate the puck-sized MAT contraption (which absorbs 99 per cent of unwanted back radiation from the tweeter), and the resulting sound is astonishingly clear and insightful. The KEFs have a graceful nature to them that hides just how accomplished they are. They’re wonderfully transparent, at ease with any genre thrown at them: heavy metal, ’90s pop and classical works are all played over the testing period and the KEFs take it all in stride, simply relaying the music as faithfully as possible.

It's a huge step up from the MAT-less R3 (a previous five-star model) in terms of refinement, crystal-clear vocals and dynamism. These R3 Metas are spacious, dig deep, perform admirably both at loud and low volumes (a rare talent), and are delivered with a precision and accuracy that seems to come oh-so-easily to them. 

Best of all, they're also hugely fun to listen to. You'll be drawn into emotive vocals, punchy bass and tactile guitar plucks and everything in between with whatever song you throw at them. Pair them with equally talented partnering kit, and these KEF R3 Meta speakers will soar and shine. Highly recommended.

Read the full KEF R3 Meta review

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KEF R3 Meta scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
SoundThey flow with any type of music★★★★★
CompatibilityWide dispersion means no need to fuss over toe-in angles★★★★★
BuildImpeccably made and built to a high standard★★★★★

Best bookshelf speakers for large rooms

What Hi-Fi? Awards winner. Classic design meets superior sound with these insightful and organised speakers.

Specifications

Drive units: 28mm tweeter, 20cm mid/bass
Ported: Yes (front)
Bi-wire: No
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Sensitivity: 88dB
Dimensions (hwd): 59 x 30 x 30cm (with stands)
Weight: 19.2kg
Finishes: 2 (black, walnut)

Reasons to buy

+
Articulate and insightful performance
+
Impressive bass clarity
+
Dedicated stands included in price

Reasons to avoid

-
Big and wide by current standards

We think these new Mission 770 are right up there with the very best at this price, and one of the best ways to fill a large room with sound. Mission takes design inspiration from the original 770 speakers launched in the 1970s, but has improved and modernised every other element: from the cabinet design to the drivers and even new dedicated stands.

While the retro link will be the main attraction for some, for us that’s put in the shade by the speakers' excellent all-round performance. The 770 have a range of sonic talents that sets them apart from most rivals and earns them a warm recommendation.

They have so much finesse when it comes to delivering extended bass. They sound taut and agile, but also delicate in the way they paint bass textures and resolve low-level information. There's plenty of punch and power, too. The speakers have a slightly forward balance, especially with the clear and expressive midrange, that sounds lively and engaging – but thankfully never too aggressive.

Songs are delivered with wide-ranging dynamics, impressive authority and scale. It’s a musically cohesive presentation that’s controlled and nicely organised. If you have the budget – and space – for these speakers, they're worth an audition.

Read the full Mission 770 review

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Mission 770 scores in depth
AttributesNotesRating
SoundBig bass with plenty of finesse★★★★★
CompatibilityThey will suit a large range of amplifiers★★★★★
BuildA modern twist on a classic design★★★★★

How to choose the best bookshelf speakers

Some speakers demand a bit more space in order to perform at their best, so you need to decide what size and set-up you plan to have them in. Make sure you check the manufacturer's recommendations and speaker dimensions before buying, to ensure they will fit in the space you've marked out for them. 

Our recommendation is that all of these speakers will benefit from being placed on a dedicated pair of speaker stands.

Budget and size are the biggest considerations. Whether your stereo speakers will be in your living room, home office or bedroom, it's crucial to see what fits your space – and what you can afford. Are you after a small, affordable pair that can go into the corner of your room? Are you after a large pair of speakers, or have an extensive budget for premium standmounters? Whatever the case, remember to also factor in speaker cables and the demands of the rest of your hi-fi system.

As far as audio quality goes, it's definitely important to find a great-sounding pair of speakers, but how your speakers sound is naturally tied to what you're using to drive them. Building a hi-fi setup can quickly become complicated when there are thousands of different products out there, so if that's what you're doing, check out our ultimate guide to building the perfect hi-fi system.

How we test at What Hi-Fi?

At What Hi-Fi? we have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading where, as a team of audio experts, we review hundreds of products every year, including one of the most prolific hi-fi products of all – bookshelf speakers.

We judge products on a performance-per-pound basis, so during our testing we always compare products to similarly priced class leaders to help us settle on a star rating for the review and the order for these five-star performers in these buying guides. So when, for example, a new pair of £1000/$1000 standmounter arrives in our test rooms, we listen to it against the similarly priced KEF LS50 Meta and PMC Prodigy 1 on this list to see how it fares against those class leaders.

We often review bookshelf speakers by using them in at least two systems – our high-end reference system, to reveal the best they can sound when fed the most accurate signals, and a more price-comparable one to see how they perform in real-world scenarios with realistic partnering equipment. Our choice of test music is varied, too, to see how pairs sound when playing a variety of different genres and styles of music. 

Whether we're reviewing a set of bookshelf speakers that cost a few hundred pounds or a fair few thousand, our review philosophy doesn't change, and you can be sure that any five-star speakers (and particularly What Hi-Fi? Award-winning ones) will offer up a fantastic performance for the price.

As a rule, no input from PR companies or sales teams is taken into account during reviews, maintaining What Hi-Fi?'s decades-long reputation for delivering honest, unbiased critical feedback.

You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.

F.A.Q

Where should bookshelf speakers be placed?

Despite their name and size, bookshelf speakers shouldn't be placed on a bookshelf. And certainly not on the floor. Their performance depends hugely on the quality of their support, and this is an area you shouldn’t compromise on. Ideally you should place them on dedicated speaker stands – especially if you've spent more than a few hundred on them – though if that isn't an option for you, try to put them on the most solid, rigid support possible. You should also consider how close to a wall they will work optimally at, or if they would benefit from being angled inwards at all. 

You can read our how to set up and position your speakers in 4 simple steps for more guidance.


Are bookshelf speakers better than a soundbar? Are they good for a TV?

Stereo speakers can work just as well for TVs and movies as they can for music. You'll just need to connect your speakers to an amplifier that has the right connections to hook up a TV, which in most cases will be an optical or HDMI port, and position them flanking your television. Here's how to connect your speakers to your TV in more detail.

Their physical width will likely produce a more convincing stereo effect and room-filling sound than a soundbar, while the larger size of their drivers will typically deliver superior dynamic expression too. That said, soundbars often come with subwoofers that will invariably dig deeper in the bass than bookshelf speakers, and many of them nowadays are Dolby Atmos soundbars that can produce surround and height effects for greater immersion.

Are bookshelf speakers better than floorstanders?

This is where we'd point you to our bookshelf / standmounts vs floorstanders article, but the short answer is: it depends. If you're going to be using your speakers for movies as well as music, or are simply a fan of ample, deep bass, the larger cabinet is typically the way to go. That said, floorstanders don't always produce better quality bass, and engineers of bookshelf speakers are finding ways to offer more bass from a smaller cabinet.

Floorstanders generally require more space to breathe in, and you'll want to think about the size of the room your speakers will sit in, as well as your preferred loudness levels. If your living room is the size of a football pitch, are those compact bookshelf speakers really going to be able to fill it with high-volume sound?

Recent updates

  • January 2024: FAQ section added to help buyers in their decision to buy bookshelf speakers.
  • December 2023: 'Also consider' suggestions added to entries where relevant to offer buyers more choice.
  • November 2023: What Hi-Fi? Award winners labelled following the announcement of the 2023 What Hi-Fi? Awards Best Buys and Product of the Years.

MORE:

Looking for a bargain? Here are the best speaker deals around

Prefer floorstanders? Check out our guide to the best floorstanding speakers for all budgets

The 30 best hi-fi speakers of What Hi-Fi?'s lifetime

Kashfia Kabir
Hi-Fi and Audio Editor

Kashfia is the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? and first joined the brand over 10 years ago. During her time in the consumer tech industry, she has reviewed hundreds of products (including speakers, amplifiers and headphones), been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her. In her spare time, Kash can be found tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and hanging out with her cat Jolene.

With contributions from
  • James Robinson
    This is a nice collection of small speakers, but it would be good to see a review of actual bookshelf/wall-mounted speakers, particularly at the higher end of this price bracket. Here many of the higher end speakers actually require stands and the reviews suggest that their performance would be significantly compromised if they were positioned close to/on a wall (or on a bookshelf!).
    Reply
  • scene
    I know what you mean. I was recently looking for some (albeit cheaper) bookshelf speakers - to actually go on Billy bookshelves. I wish that (WHF) reviews differentiated more clearly between "stand-mounters" and "bookshelf" speakers - or at least indicated whether a speaker was suitable for Bookshelf/Desk-standing/Wall-mounting/Stand-mounting. There are probably few small speakers that wouldn't sound better on a stand - but some are designed for it. Others are very much designed to be placed well away from walls...

    And a lot of people want speakers to go on walls/shelves as it's the only practical place to put them.
    Reply
  • James Robinson
    I currently have a pair of Dali Mentor Menuets that are designed to go on the wall, which I've been very pleased with; I also have some on the bookshelves in another room, where they also sound good - they were quite pricey, but worth looking out for secondhand. It would be nice to have some upgrade options, though...
    Reply
  • scene
    Due to budget constraints, my (new) bookshelves are the Q3020i - which are excellent for their price (in my opinion :))
    The Menuets look great - and I'd love to try some... if I had the cash.
    Reply
  • jjmcubed
    I to would love to know which speakers need to be stand mounted. Was about to pull the trigger on Revel M105's, but then I saw the rear ports. I only have approx 8 inches behind the speakers and they have to be on top of a dresser. Have a feeling the Revels will need more room.
    Reply
  • nick12
    If you have the cash, the Focal Aria 906 is definitely worth a demo. I have a pair that sit on shelves very close to a wall and I really couldn't be happier with them - a very detailed and spacious sound with a great sense of scale and authority (and Richer Sounds currently have an excellent deal on these speakers in the walnut finish: £749 compared to £899 in black). I agree though with posters above - an article on *true* bookshelf/close-to-wall speakers would be immensely helpful.
    Reply