Best Bookshelf Speaker Under $2000

Managed to save $2000 and thinking about whether you can get a decent pair of bookshelf speakers. The answer is yes. You can get pretty decent speakers for under $2000. I own a few speakers, out of which these are the worth-considering options.

Best Bookshelf Speaker Under $2000

• Best Overall – KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers
• Clear – KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers
• Sturdy – ELAC ARB51-GB Navis Bookshelf Speaker
• Incredible bass – Polk Audio Dolby Atmos Speaker Bundle
• Well-trusted – Edifier S3000 Pro Audiophile Speaker
• Versatile – KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers
• Easy to setup – Audioengine HD6 150W Bookshelf Speakers

1. KEF LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers

The KEF LS50 is a sequel to the LS50. It is not only economical but much improved than the previous version and most of the speakers on this list. Therefore, I gave this position to these speakers.

Unique appearance

These speakers are my love at first sight as I fell in love with these speakers immediately after taking them out of the cardboard box.

They have a curved front, contrasting colors, a pretty fine matt finish, and well-rounded edges. This makes the speaker look finer than most speakers under $2000.

Sound quality

The sound produced by the KEF LS50 Meta is transparent, warm, clean, plump, and juicy.

The sound lacks a little depth, however, it is not an issue for fans of digital speakers. If I have to compare the KEF LS50 with the KEF LS50 Meta, the sound of these speakers is much finer and improved.

Compatibility

When I bought these speakers, my need was limited to computers. It later got upgraded, and I was quite happy to know that these speakers can also be connected to the surround system, DVD player, gaming console, and music player as well.

Pros

• Highly precise and emotionally engaging
• Produce incredibly immersive sound
• Reduced coloration and less distortion
• Available in Carbon Black, Mineral White, Titanium Grey, and Royal Blue matt finish

Cons

• The speakers lack depth

2. KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers

KEF is a reliable name in the speaker’s world. It has brought some highly worth-considering options. One of them is this Q350 Bookshelf speaker.

Blends into every environment beautifully

What I love the most about owning these walnut Q350 speakers is that I never have to think much about where these speakers would look better. Wherever I take or shift these speakers, they blend into the environment beautifully and effortlessly.

Improved version of the KEF Q150

The KEF Q350 is an improved version of the Q150. Q150 is the speaker that kept ruling our hearts for a good amount of time. I have noticed these speakers have better appearance, sound, and lifespan as compared to Q150 KEF speakers.

Sound quality

It did not take me much time to fall in love with the sound quality of these speakers. These KEF Q350 speakers sound warmer, clearer, cleaner, and a bit punchy.

The bass is incredible and the mids and highs are also detailed. This makes these speakers worth every penny spent.

Pros

• Improve audio clarity
• Warm, clean, and clear
• Available in black, white, and walnut colors
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Not waterproof

3. ELAC ARB51-GB Navis Bookshelf Speaker

ELac was founded with a vision to make the best sound. To this date, the company is standing true to its promise. These speakers are being recommended because of the exceptional sound and attractive price.

Amazing sound

Got these speakers on a friend’s recommendation. To be honest, I was not a fan of this speaker’s appearance and did not want to purchase this pair. However, I later realized these speakers might not have a very impressive appearance but a great sound.

The sound of these speakers is clear, crisp, and loud. However, to get extraordinary results, you have to add a subwoofer. Since I already had a subwoofer, therefore, I had no complaints about the speakers.

Dust-resistant cover

The speakers’ cabinets are shiny, they do not catch dust that easily. Or even if they do get dirty, the dirt can be wiped off with a clean microfiber cloth easily. I own a lot of speakers, however, nothing is as easy to clean as this one.

Sturdy

The speakers are super sturdily built. No matter how roughly you use them, the speakers are still tough enough to last ages.

Pros

• Shelf mountable
• Clean, crisp, and loud
• Minimalist setup
• Has a huge 3-dimensional sound-field

Cons

• Boxy

4. Polk Audio Dolby Atmos Home Speaker Bundle

Polka Audio is a trusted source of sound bars, floor-standing speakers, bookshelf speakers, home speakers, and subwoofers. I own a few Polka Audio speakers, however, my favorite is this Dolby atmos home speaker bundle.

Lifelike sound

I have still been keeping and using these speakers for a variety of reasons. Lifelike sound is one of these reasons.

The lifelike sound makes the music sound so much better. By lifelike sound, I mean the sound that is the same sound that we hear in movies and games, etc.

Incredible bass

All Polk Audio speakers have one thing in common. It’s an incredible bass. These speakers have incredible bass as well. You do not have to connect it to anything to get responsive and punchy bass.

Usability

The speakers are designed to be used for various purposes. However, I have tried these speakers for movies, games, and music. These speakers have served me quite well.

Pros

• Rich, clean, and clear audio
• Comes with an immersive sound stage
• Ensures dramatic multidimensional listening experience
• Have responsive impactful bass

Cons

• Poor low and mid-range response

5. Edifier S3000 Pro Audiophile Speaker

No speaker brand can take the place that Edifier owns in my heart. Therefore, there has to be an Edifier bookshelf speaker on this list. I found this Edifier S3000 pro audiophile wireless active speaker worthy enough to be included in the list.

Unique appearance

Undoubtedly, the Edifier speakers not only have great sound, but they also have a very unique design as well.

These speakers are no exception. To be honest, the speakers blew me away with their sound later.

I bought these speakers mainly because they look super cool. I was and I still am a fan of their design and appearance.

Remote controlled

These speakers are remote-controlled. The remote control has all the controls. I love not having to stand up and walk up to the speaker to play with the settings. Everything is done from the couch with the help of the remote.

Wireless

Though, I have tried multiple wireless speakers. However, nothing has served me as these Edifier speakers have done. They are truly wireless, you do not need a wire of any sort to establish a connection.

Pros

• Perfect for computers, smartphones, and tablets
• Bright, vibrant, and room-filling sound
• No distortion
• Comes from a reliable brand

Cons

• Does not come with speaker stands

6. KEF Q350 Bookshelf Speakers

The other KEF bookshelf speaker that is under $2000 is this Q350. It is not just economical but super good and durable as well. The few reasons that brought these speakers here are given below.

Improved audio clarity

As stated above, I own and have tried a lot of speakers. A few of them were KEF bookshelf speakers.

All of the KEF speakers were great, however, I have noticed these speakers have more audio clarity than the other speakers. Therefore, they have my blessings.

Usability

These speakers are truly versatile. I use them for many purposes, you can do the same. However, if you want me to tell you what they work best for? I would say home theater, gaming, and music.

Boxy

Since I have been highlighting the strengths, it would not be fair to conceal the weakness.

The sound quality of the speaker is great but the build is slightly cheap and boxy. It requires extra care to keep serving for decades.

Pros

• Very decent mids and highs
• Wide soundstage
• Produces neutral and balanced sound
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Has sharp edges

7. Audioengine HD6 150W Bookshelf Speakers

The Audioengine produces bonafide audiophile-grade speakers at the most affordable prices. This bookshelf speaker is also no exception. Therefore, my list would have been incomplete without the Audioengine speakers in it.

Wireless

Fortunately, these speakers belong to the category of speakers that do not need a wire to establish a connection. They support Bluetooth and can be connected to the devices wirelessly.

Easy to set up

What I did not expect and you might also not have is the speaker’s setup to be that easy. Everything you need to set these speakers up comes in the package the user manual contains a detailed guide as well. You would not have much to figure out and do.

Well-build

These bookshelf speakers are built using some heavy-duty material. I have mishandled the speaker twice or maybe thrice, but they are still serving pretty well.

Pros

• Highly compatible with Mac, PC, smartphones, and tablets
• Sturdy
• Produces clear, full, and powerful room-filling sounds
• Wireless

Cons

• A bit unsatisfactory midbass

How to Pick the Right Bookshelf Speakers Under 2000$?

While bookshelf speakers are a go-to choice for home audio setup, most aspiring buyers are not aware of the key steps involved in choosing the right speakers. There are tons of bookshelf speakers available, therefore, it is only natural to be confused about buying the right one.

To give you more clarity, here are some factors to buy a worthwhile set of bookshelf speakers

Price

Since you are specifically looking for the best bookshelf speakers under $2000, check the price of the shortlisted speakers.

Luckily, an audiophile can get a high-end bookshelf speaker within this price range. Inexpensive and mid-range bookshelf speaker models are available within the range of $100 to $500.

Contrarily, high-end speakers start as low as $500 and go up to thousands of dollars. These premium bookshelf speakers are built with durable materials and newer technologies.

Moreover, expensive bookshelf speakers are designed to be aesthetically pleasing, sleek, and compact.

Sound Quality

Generally, it is the primary consideration when buying any audio device, not just bookshelf speakers.

The sound quality of these speakers is quite impressive. In fact, it is hard to find a bookshelf speaker with average audio, however, be aware of their limitations.

Many bookshelf speakers over $1000 boast innovative technology for excellent bass production. If you like bass-rich music, add a subwoofer to produce a low-frequency response range.

Wired vs Wireless

Choosing between wired and wireless bookshelf speakers is a real dilemma. Wired speakers are conventional, clumsier, and less convenient. If you do not mind dealing with cables or lack a WiFi connection, go for the wired speaker.

On the contrary, wireless speakers provide unparalleled convenience and easy setup with a Bluetooth and WiFi connection. A wired or wireless connection does not necessarily have any impact on the sound quality.

Features

Internal components, construction materials, several drivers, and other specifications are important considerations.

• Hertz Rating – In general, choose a speaker with a lower hertz rating. These speakers can produce better bass.
• Power – Usually, it is best to buy a speaker with maximum wattage. Choose minimum wattage if you intend on connecting the speaker to the amplifier.
• Drivers – Mainly, bookshelf speakers are designed with two drivers: a tweeter and a woofer. Some expensive, quality sets of speakers have a third driver to offer better sound quality.

Size

Size usually does not have any impact on the sound quality. Despite their compact size, bookshelf speakers pack a punch.

Plus, these speakers come in a variety of sizes, some speakers are large and cumbersome. Choose the speaker with the right size depending on where you want to place it.

Sensitivity Rating

If the audiophile wants to produce a louder sound, check the sensitivity rating to assess its volume levels.

Speakers with 86dB produce low sound. 87-95dB sensitivity rating promises average volume. Audio devices with more than 95dB ratings produce louder volume.

Do not just rely on sensitivity rating as different brands have different ways of measuring sensitivity. It is not advisable to compare speakers based on sensitivity rating. It will just give you a general idea of how loud the speaker is.