Music is a genuine feeling that relaxes you and makes you feel comfortable while you’re sitting in your small apartments or rooms or anything. If you’re, however, residing in a place that is not so big then bookshelf speakers is the best choice for you.
They will be able to be connected to the right receiver and also they won’t cost you a lot of cash and in return, they will provide you the same great quality of sound.
We have compiled a list of top ten bookshelf speakers that you can buy under $500. Some of them have built-in receivers and they are known as the active speakers. However, the ones without the built-in receiver are called passive speakers and you’re going to need a receiver to drive them smoothly.
If you starting for the best bookshelf speakers under $500 then, you will find an indefinite list and it may confuse you a bit. However, we have made sure that the list we provide you covers all the necessary aspects of good sound speakers and they should also vary in their price points. Should we go on with our list now?
Top 10 Best Bookshelf Speakers to buy under $500
Edifier R2000DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
Price: $249.99
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The Edifier R2000DB Powered Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers are a fantastic option as they cover some of the major features of the best bookshelf speakers. They measure around 9.5” x 11.25” x 7.5” and weigh 22lbs. You’d get the RMS of about 60 watts per speaker and the response from the frequencies is between 55Hz-20,000Hz.
It features a woofer with a five-inch alloy and a tweeter with a single inch silk dome. You’d also find coaxial along with two RCA and an optical link input towards the rear of the active speaker. Also, you’d find two more auxiliary inputs along with volume, treble and bass controls as well.
There is no question that there is plenty of modern connectivity on these speakers. Wired connections are available to allow you to plug into your favorite electronic device, or to use Bluetooth as a wireless option. They have a remote control, as well and the two-year guarantee is also super satisfying.
In our list of top ten bookshelf speakers to buy under $500 these are active speakers, so they don’t need a separate receiver. They are manufactured in China, and are beautifully designed and completed.
In fact, these wood-finish speakers are made of MDF with a wood stain finish. You must behave consciously as they are not made of solid wood and you must be aware of that fact.
They have a pair of good removable standard grills that we’d be willing to use. The drivers that are exposed and the speaker fronts are together not so stylish and attractive so the best way is to just keep them enclosed.
When we talk about its woofer then we see that is not massively built and it is not entirely large in size. However, with the same size, it still produced a lot of low end. Also, the output from the bass felt really tight and well poised. Just like its adjustable treble, it’s a pretty cool feature as well.
The mids are also even but with limited coloration and the vocals are also pretty. The instruments were presented quite precisely through its clean sound quality and the high-end was being operated clearly by the 1-silk domed tweeter. It helped us in getting some neat and crisp highs even at low volumes.
With fairly uncolored sound, the speakers of the Edifier R2000DB are a good choice for use in a small-sized room, given their power output.
KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers
Price: $299.98
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With a supposed impedance of almost 8 ohms, these bookshelf speakers named as KEF Q150 measure around 21” x 16” x 17” and weigh 25lbs. Also, they’re coming with a peak power of 100 watts per speaker along with a frequency response rate of between 55Hz and 28,000Hz.
There is a Uni-Q woofer of 5.25 “aluminum and a tweeter of the one-inch aluminum dome. You’re going to need a receiver for them because they’re coming under the category of passive speakers. They will also give you an unbelievable guarantee of five years.
KEF continues developing, studying, and producing its core products from its original English location. Their other goods are now produced in China, as is the KEF Q150. And their KEF Q150 speakers are pretty well made. This is another great option in the list of top ten bookshelf speakers to buy under $500.
You can call them true HI-FI speakers installed within quality vinyl-covered cabinets with extremely high-quality materials. The Uni-Q drivers resemble jet engines. They look kind of stealthy, intense, and even a little austere. They don’t have grill overlays to cover up these little creatures.
The KEF has certainly brought some interesting design and creative freedom to the table while making this design. These are undoubtedly one of the best pairs of bookshelf speakers available on the market right now.
The recently updated 5.25 “Uni-Q driver Array now has a new, improved suspension with an expanded size surround. This has helped produce greater amounts of cleaner bass. In addition, a new cone structure has improved mid-range visibility, and improved enhancement of the Auxiliary Bass Radiator has strengthened bass precision and efficiency.
Their improved architecture contributed to significantly smoother trebles combined with a more detailed reproduction of sound across all frequencies. Moreover, the addition of new tweeter conductivity has further improved the efficiency of the lower elevations.
Increased internal stickiness and the maneuvering of the reflex to the speaker’s rear have also helped minimize vibration, particularly common with aluminum drivers, and enhanced transparency. These bookshelf speakers are matched to the right amplifier and will deliver true HI-FI quality sound.
Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System
Price: $118.01
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The bookshelf speakers from Sony known as the SSCS5 3-Way measure 7 1/8′′ x 13 1/4′′ x 8 3/4′′ and weigh 9lbs and 4ozs. They have a 30-watt RMS and a 100-watt peak power per speaker. Although, the response frequency is about 55Hz-50,000Hz and it is pretty fine, to be honest.
These speakers are three-way, and they have a woofer, a midrange driver and a tweeter. The woofer is a Mica Reinforced Cellular 5.25 “built-in. The driver is 1 “in the midrange and made of polyester. The 3⁄4 “tweeter is a soft-dome feature, or super tweeter, as Sony prefers to call it.
These are passive speakers, so you’ll need a receiver to power them through. And they have regular rear-speaker binding posts to connect with the receiver. With a nominal impedance of 6 ohms, they offer up to five years of warranty and that is absolutely phenomenal.
You would call these SSCS5 as reasonably cheap speakers and we can confirm that by looking at the overall design and structure. The cabinets are MDF coated with vinyl. It is a widely used material, and the consistency and finish is good but not at the same standard as you can find in more expensive speakers.
Examples of Sony’s additional cost management are items such as the 1 “polyester midrange driver and the soft dome tweeter. However, if we look at the negative side then these speakers are not going to give you the same level of feel when it comes to sound quality. The Company has been thinking a lot about cutting the price and you can see the results with this item.
At higher volumes, they struggle to deliver precise sound. They are perfectly fine though at lower volumes.
The overall sound quality is satisfactory. The midrange is fairly well-specified, and some good, smooth trebles are present. The bass is appropriate at lower volumes but can boom and rebound at higher volumes. They are not too much noise with just 30 watts of RMS power.
Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Home Audio Bookshelf Loudspeakers
Price: $117.98
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Bookshelf Speakers from Pioneer SP-BS22-LR measure around 12 9/16′′ x 7 1/8′′ x 8 7/16′′ and weigh 9lbs 2ozs. The peak power is, however, just 80 watts per speaker. You’d get a frequency response of about 55Hz-20,000Hz.
They have a woofer of 4 “formed base and a soft tweeter of 1” cap. These bookshelf speakers also come with standard 6 ohms impedance and a 3,000Hz crossover frequency. One of the drawbacks is perhaps the small warranty of just twelve months.
You’d find the overall quality of the cabinets to be a little frustrating but they’re not bad either. Before anything else, you must remember that these are cheap bookshelf speakers listed under the price of $500.
When we talk about design then they have got the traditional MDF wood-stained finish and if you believe us, they don’t look very appealing. Grills do nothing to improve things; they make it worse, something that we thought was not possible.
There are items that must be burned. In reality, it is not just hideous, but its thick plastic labyrinth interferes seriously with the tweeter’s attempt to punch through with some high-frequency sound in return.
The only thing that matters a lot in any kind of speakers is the quality of the sound. However, we feel that these speakers known as the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Home Audio Bookshelf Loudspeakers will do better when it comes to producing sound. This is the reason that you are finding these in the list of top ten bookshelf speakers to buy under $500.
Also, we were told that Andrew Jones that is a legendary designer of speakers also designed this pair. If it is true, then we don’t even need to listen to it to confirm its sound quality.
Certainly here there is some positive news. The Bookshelf Speakers from the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR may not be the most exciting to see, but their sound will be hard to beat at this cost.
First, the dynamic intersection of six components between trebles, mids and bass is excellent. It is super smooth and you don’t usually expect anything that speakers will charge almost nothing. It contributes to the production of a strong and comprehensive sound at all frequencies.
It is also interesting to select a 4 “bass driver. The low bass sounds, formally labeled at 55Hz, can still be less sweeping than those with larger speakers. It is also quite impressive the way sound can be slightly distorted, and no audible mid-bass hump is present. You got to credit the manufacturer for making this genius, compact, supportive and affordable design.
Micca PB42X Powered Bookshelf Speakers
Price: $119.95
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The lightweight 6.5 “x 5.8” x 9.5 “Micca PB42X powered bookshelf speakers have a weight of just 4 lbs. These are perhaps one of the most compact and steady speakers we have ever reviewed.
The sound quality is pretty great but these little creatures from Micca perhaps carry the smallest and the lightest design we have ever witnessed. You also get RMS of 15 watts per speaker and the rated peak power of 75 watts. You’d also get a frequency response rate between 60Hz and 20,000Hz.
The Micca has a small 4-inch carbon fiber speaker or woofer as you may call it and a 3/4 “silk-cap tweeter with a rubber top.
These speakers are effective and provide RCA, supplementary feedback and speaker-binding messages. Bluetooth or other networking types are not available. It’s all a bit low, but at this kind of price, it is pretty much to be expected. The nominal impedance of 4 ohms is currently available in this device.
The device is manufactured in China and it comes with minimalist design along with detachable magnetic grills. However, for us, everything seems okay for the cabinets at this cost. There is nothing great or too bad about these bookshelf speakers that are sitting at no.5 on our list top ten bookshelf speakers to buy under $500.
Interestingly well reflected in the lower tier. The well-designed bass port case is greatly improved, all of which help to extend notes in the lower section and preserve deformation.
The crossover layout is well designed and gives these speakers a sound signature that is free, balanced and versatile. In short, although the Micca PB42X speakers are not particularly loud, the sound quality is much better than a small, lightweight and extremely better against something you’d expect from a cheap product.
Polk Audio S20 Signature Series Bookshelf Speaker
Price: $253.00
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With a measurement of 8-9/16” x14-3/4” x 13-13/16” the Polk Audio S20 Signature Series Bookshelf Speakers also weigh around 17 lbs. Also, you’d be amazed to see as they can bear up to 125 watts of peak power per speaker.
From 39Hz to 40,000Hz, this is amazing frequency response. We don’t know why they have built them to reach 40,000 Hz all the way. Perhaps they are intended for people that like their dogs to listen to some Pink Floyd as well.
A mica-enhanced polypropylene woofer with 6-1/2 “dynamic balance ® is available and a bit of a bulking up and a large driver to fit into a small package. Whilst a 1′′ Terylene dome tweeter is used for the low frequencies. And there are incredibly amazing gold-plated binding posts on the back of the speakers.
These passive speakers are coming in with a guarantee of five years and you must get your receiver ready before putting them to use. Polk has always impressed with its devices giving the same amount of warranty on all its devices.
Polk’s reputation for building fantastic, inexpensive and sounding speakers is strong. Therefore, it is fair to demand a large package from this American corporation with over 50 years of experience in the manufacture of electronics.
As far as drawbacks are concerned then we believe there are not so many loopholes in this Polk device. It is because this American Corporation clearly shows us how to make nice speaker cabinets with the help of simple components.
They’re extremely well designed and possess a great finishing touch along with curved corners. The speakers are silver-colored bronzed and they look incredible. The single-pieced reverse arched mounting plate on the front of the cabinet is also pretty amazing in its look while giving black shade.
Other companies in this list that are in competition with the Polk should see how they have managed to build cabinets for their speakers. You’d also find some quality removable grills but we advise not to use it at all.
The bass driver has a lot of air and a reflex port that is well designed to strengthen the lower size and to guarantee optimum output with minimal distortion. You can sound lovely punchy bass. The echo is larger than it is.
There is a lot of energy in the middle with great clarification at the peak. They have a good sound distinction between frequencies. They have a versatile and fairly large sound stage for this compact collection of speakers.
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers
Price: $244.98
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These Bookshelf Speakers are 7-3/4′′ x 14-4′′ x 11-5/16′′ and weigh 16,3lbs in the ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf speaker series. The average power is 120 watts per speaker, with an interval between 44Hz and 35,000Hz.
A 6 1/2′′ woofer in conjunction with an aluminum dome of the one-inch tweeter is available. We have five-way regular linking posts and are passive speakers. They have an impedance nominal of eight ohms. You must be ready with a receiver to take the best sound out of these creatures. They also come with a three-year warranty.
These Bookshelf Speakers known as ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 are designed by MDF. The cabinets have a lovely, high-quality vinyl handle. These have a very decent design and are superior to previous versions. They’re really decent.
The standard of the cabinets is perfectly good for the price, but the style and look are not too exciting. Perhaps they should call Polk to take an inspiring cabinet design with their help? Look at it, when it comes to what is important, it is obviously sound quality and they’re extremely good at it.
Yet again, the mentor of the Speaker nation, Mr. Andrew Jones is engaged and you can expect great things from him.
However, the woofers have been completely revamped with an Aramid fiber that is less common. The effect is an outstanding degree of upper bass detail with enough bass punch but not overdone to become fuzzy or distorted.
You must be wondering how they have achieved this level for detail. Well, it is being taken down through the mids and with great instrument separation as well. You’d also find the vocal clarity and projection to be extremely efficient. Also, for such a small kind of cheap speakers, you’d find a realistic and full sound stage as well.
There is positive news at the top because the Elac creates crisp and sweet peaks, which are composure-free, even at a very high level. They are great sound speakers since their prices are low to medium.
Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers
Price: $328.00
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These mind-blowing bookshelf speakers known as the Bose 301-V Stereo Loudspeakers measure around 14-3/8″W x 9-13/16″H x 9-15/16″ and weigh 12.6lbs on either side. They’re also coming with an incredible peak power of 150 watts. The frequency response is also unstated in this device.
There is an 8-inch woofer and two tweeters lined with paper. The tweeter is facing up, and the other face backward. The speakers should be mounted on a wall at least 18 “due to the location of the rear-facing tweeter.
It is also worth noting that they do not have magnetic protection, so they must be mounted from a TV or computer monitor at a minimum of 24”. All of this can be a little painful.
The speakers are passive and a nominal impedance of 4 to 8 ohms, which is assured for five years warranty and you must have your receiver in place.
You must appreciate this Company Bose for not being afraid of doing things in a different manner. You can’t doubt this quality of theirs and they have simply shown it in the latest Bose bookshelf speakers.
We are also not quite sure about the design and the looks they have given to this device but we feel that is the least important part in these speakers. They’re incredibly good at producing quality sound and that is what matters the most.
Compared to the standard box designs that were churned out a couple of months back, these speakers from Bose are certainly far better in terms of design. The build quality and the finishing touch is extremely commendable as well and it is good to see them living up to the expectations of Bose devices.
The Bose 301-V is coming along with two 2” tweeters. One of them is front-facing whilst the other one is rear-facing. It will also help in creating some real clarity in the higher frequencies. They certainly have a lot of things to do in the higher range frequencies because of the two tweeters. If we talk about the woofer then its 8” woofer gives you a striking, strong and punchy bass along with the brilliant articulation of the mid-range as well.
There is no doubt that you will get the sound of the highest quality. However, it might feel scattered around with no real focus on the main sound. These speakers have the ability to disperse the sound waves over a larger area. But the confusing sound-stage that is created in the middle is somewhat really frustrating and annoying.
Their theory is that the higher frequency sounds shift more strongly than the bass sounds by having a rear-facing tweeter. Therefore, behind the speaker a rear tweeter reflects, adjusting the sound dynamic to avoid hearing from a single spot.
We think it might have been a bit too good and comparatively, the mission was accomplished by the company as we thought.
Edifier S1000DB Audiophile Active Bookshelf Speakers
Price: $349.99
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These speakers from Edifier are simply fantastic and are a good choice for any regular and genuine music lover. The Audiophile bookshelf speakers of Edifier S1000DB measure 11 inches x 8 inches x 13.5 inches and weigh 18 lbs.
The RMS per speaker is 60 watts, and the frequency response between 48Hz and 20,000Hz. They have a 5.5 woofer of aluminum alloy and a silk dome tweeter of one inch.
Such speakers are responsive and have all the sensors, buttons and connections on the back of the speaker. It has two RCA X, coaxial and optical connections, which are similar for Edifier S2000DB. In addition, there are two speed, treble and bass secondary controls and functions.
With the addition of a two-year warranty, these speakers also come along with a modern connectivity system of getting touch with your favorite electronic device such as Bluetooth. You can also connect to it wirelessly by pairing with the button on the rear of the speaker. Remote control access just makes them super attractive.
These are a group of speakers well-assembled. They are produced in China with MDF finishing in high-quality wood polish. They also have a nice pair of grills that we would suggest to use. The ungrilled speakers aren’t just as pleasant, not as bad as a few others on the list.
The Edifier R1000DB is bigger than the R2000DB and thus generates a more powerful bass with a lower end that is even more powerful and striking. The bass is small and well balanced. Moreover, the level on the back of the active speaker can be changed to your preference.
They will also produce some smooth sound while being at high range, but it goes right to the edge of its frequency and also at low or high volumes without losing focus.
Audio quality with great output and clarity at every frequency is given by the Edifier R1000BD speakers. In contrast to the R2000DB, we assume that the slightly larger and better performance in those speakers explains their higher prices. These are worth trying once in your lifetime if you’re genuinely into listening to music.
Klipsch RP-500M Bookshelf Speakers
Price: $359.00
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Bookshelf Speakers that are known as Klipsch RP-500 M is 6-13/16 “x 13-1/2” “x 9-1/2,” and weigh 12lbs each. You would also get the RMS of 75 watts per speaker along with a high power of 300 watts per speaker. The frequency response is also pretty much satisfactory with 48Hz-25,000Hz.
You’d also find a 5-1/4” Cerametallic” cone woofer along with a 1” titanium tweeter paired with a Hybrid Tractrix Horn. You’d also find an additional newly made bass-reflex Tractrix port.
There are detachable grills for the speakers. We consider it to be a total waste of time. Put them away. Throw them away. How do you want to cover up a couple of speakers that look good?
They are passive speakers with a nominal impedance of eight ohms, which is guaranteed for five years. These are the priciest speakers that we have seen in our study of best bookshelf speakers under $500. And, ultimately the problem is: did we save the best to the end? Perhaps we have.
We can certainly claim that these are the best. The Klipsch Bookshelf Speakers RP-500 M are wide in size and can also be heard in large spaces. With a quick look at design and construction efficiency, the Klipsch R-500Ms are both well built and well-made.
The spun woofers are made up of Copper, and the cone in horn form looks fantastic. We offer these beauty points for looks instantly identifiable as the Klipsch speakers for 20 meters.
Perhaps you’d know that the Klipsch are long term fans of horn technology. In order to channel high range frequencies directly to the one hearing the sound, they have been extremely cleverly used in the R500M.
They also do a fantastic job in reducing reflections that might create disturbance and unduly color the sound. The Tractrix ® horn also increases performance and stability, transmitting accurate and precise sounds at all volumes and we’re sure that you’d love it. The higher centers are well-defined, while lower centers are not so precise and harder to discern in the blend.
RP-500 M Klipsch Bookshelf Speakers generate strong, thumping bass at low distortion rates and higher volumes. This is largely achieved by using the rear horn-shaped port Tractrix which efficiently directs the airflow into and out of the speakers for high efficiency.
It is worth noting that its rear-port configuration makes it more suitable for them to be located directly away from floors, walls, ceilings and other buildings, etc. Overall these speakers are excellent sound-producing machines and authentic, high-quality HI-FI speakers.