Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $1000 Reviews

High-quality bookshelf speakers with perfect sound characteristics are always mentioned among the most desired items for audiophiles. However, these items are very expensive, so finding the best bookshelf speakers under 1000 is not an easy task at all.

In fact, you can find some models, but there is no guarantee that you will be fully satisfied with the way they sound. Therefore, I tried to make the choice easier for the readers by gathering all the worthy models in one place. This article offers detailed and informative descriptions of eight great models that could be affordable to the majority of customers. In my opinion, each model out of these 8 best bookshelf speakers under $1000 offers great value at an acceptable price with no compromise on quality. Moreover, this article will also teach you how to distinguish loud models from those that work quietly as well as inform you about the importance of size and drivers. Overall, let’s dig into details and get acquainted with the most popular models under $1000.

Bookshelf Speakers Under $1000 Reviews

Audioengine A5

These Bluetooth bookshelf speakers can become a great addition to your home theater system. Despite the fact that these speakers are not that expensive, they are able to provide superb audio quality with excellent sound amplification. In my opinion, the model has a very attractive design with traditional Audioengine components, such as aramid fiber woofers, silk tweeters, hi-fi Bluetooth aptX-HD, built-in power amps, and cute hand-crafted cabinets. It is necessary to point out that the Audioengine A5 can be connected either advanced Bluetooth with aptX HD at the extended range or use RCA or 3.5mm audio inputs to achieve direct wired connection.
I had an opportunity to test and can confirm that both wireless and cable connections work perfectly. One of the greatest upsides of these best sounding bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars is that they are compatible with a wide range of devices (Mac, PC, laptops, tablets, and smartphones) and all popular operating systems that are widely used today (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS). When speaking about what you get in the box when receiving the order, you will get one pair of Audioengine A5+, aluminum remote control, 6.5ft 3.5mm cable, 6.5ft RCA-RCA cable, microfiber speaker cable bags, as well as a brochure and setup guide. The speakers themselves are pretty compact (12 x 16 x 22 inches) with a weight of 3 pounds for each one. Overall, I would like to say that this product is a perfect investment for the money but keep in mind that this is an outdated model.

Video Audioengine A5

KEF Q150

I think this model has a pretty awesome design that is supplemented with high clarity sound. This pair of bookshelf speakers looks very up-to-date with a new cabinet and sleek new finishes that were not present on the previous KEF’s Q Series speakers. The most significant highlight of this model is the Uni-Q driver array implemented. The main idea lies in the fact that the tweeter is placed in the acoustic center of the midrange cone, so the item has a very accurate three-dimensional sound image that can be dispersed evenly throughout the room. While the Uni-Q driver is located in the center of the cabinet, this helps reduce any undesired internal resonance, which also positively impacts the clarity of the sound. Thanks to a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) port located in the rear part of the speaker, the midrange leakage through the port was reduced considerably.
By the way, these bookshelf speakers can easily fit any interior (even those rooms with limited space) as they are compact enough (11.92 x 7.08 x 10.94 inches) with the total weight for both speakers as much as 25 pounds. My final word for this model is that is one of the best bookshelf speakers under $1000, as it offers amazing sound quality and perfect design. At the same time, they are not that good in terms of connectivity, as they do not work wirelessly.

Video KEF Q150

Klipsch RP-600M

Testing these bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars was associated with many positive moments, as this particular model is a good one to own and enjoy its magnificent sound. This product features a 1-inch titanium LTS vented tweeter that comes with a hybrid tractrix horn. The bookshelf speakers of these series have a compression molded silicone face that is closely matted to the tractrix horn to ensure excellent frequency response and reduce horn resonance significantly. Moreover, the special design of the vented tweeter prevents standing waves behind its diaphragm to deliver even better performance. I also like the fact of how the setup is process is built here, as you can easily adjust these bookshelf speakers to your preferences. Additionally, this model is equipped with dual input terminals allowing the users to bi-wire or bi-amp these bookshelf speakers. The product is designed in such a way that the sound is evenly distributed throughout the room, so adding this pair to your home theater system can be a wise solution for you. By the way, these bookshelf speakers are 5.69 x 7.95 x 11.85 inches and have a total weight of 16 pounds for both. In conclusion, this pair of bookshelf speakers offer big value for the price and can fit almost any interior, though they cannot compete with ultra-modern models featuring cutting-edge technological solutions.

Video Klipsch RP-600M

Elac Uni-FI UB5

If you want to purchase a high-quality pair of top bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars, then this custom-designed pair should be one of the first to be considered by you. The Elac Uni-Fi UB5 speakers have a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter that forms a perfect duo with a rigid aluminum 4-inch midrange cone to ensure extra-class performance. The successful position of the tweeter within the midrange voice coil creates a uniform directivity pattern to deliver a clear and loud sound. In my opinion, this model deserves special attention due to the fact that these are three-way audio speakers that deliver sound from three separate devices called the woofer, tweeter, and mid-range drivers. It is necessary to emphasize that each of these three drivers has its greatest efficiency in a certain range of frequencies. Additionally, the use of aluminum woofer is a very smart decision as it significantly outperforms paper cones in terms of efficiency and sound performance. Furthermore, the use of extended size magnet with vented pole piece considerably boosts power handling and ensures a more accurate reproduction of low frequencies, so basses are very clean and powerful. Overall, these bookshelf speakers are of medium size (11.6 x 7 x 13.4 inches) but they are really heavy weighing 35.8 pounds in total. They work flawlessly in terms of sound, but you should find enough space to place them comfortably.

Video Elac Uni-FI UB5

Klipsch RP-160M

If you are looking for the best bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars, the Klipsch RP-160M has every chance to upgrade your home theatre system and boost its audio. This 12.9 x 8.9 x 16.7 bookshelf speakers provide deep and earth-shaking sound that remains flawless and mess-free within the entire frequency range. The 6.5- inch spun copper cerametallic cone woofer delivers a rich bass response, whereas the 1-inch linear travel suspension titanium tweeter allows for the ideal production of clear high-notes. The build quality is good and combines both aesthetics and high shock resistance. The Klipsch design is also remarkable for a removable grille that keeps the speaker safe from dust and grime and allows you to easily clean the speaker when necessary. The Klipsch RP-160M is versatile in application. It can be installed on a stand or table as well as placed on the floor if you like the sound below your ear level. The item comes in four colors, including classic black and three types of wood (ebony, cherry, and walnut). All of them will perfectly fit into your home interior as they are tastefully styled to match any furniture and decor. The Klipsch RP-160M is good for any style of music, including electronic and acoustic music.

Video Klipsch RP-160M

Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73

Let’s take a look at a globally renowned manufacturer that offers a superb production line of decent bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars. The Pioneer Elite SP-EBS73 is a smart option for every audiophile that values the quality of sound and strives to create an immersive listening experience at home. The Pioneer design is largely focused on delivering extremely detailed and reflected sound. The Pioneer Elite is a professional speaker that still can become a good upgrade of your home stereo system. This 3-way speaker has a separate driver for each frequency band. As a result, you hear true-to-life and immersive sound with extreme precision. The coherent source transducer, in turn, helps make the sound free from background noise. The Elite SP-EBS73 also features a complex crossover that mixes highs and lows in a way that delivers ideal and balanced sound. The Pioneer Elite has the support for Dolby Atmos and for this reason, can be an amazing addition to your gaming or movie experience. The box is sturdy and durable. The dimensions are 10 x 7 x 15 inches at 31.4 lbs. It boasts the built-in CST driver that eliminates pressure waves during the performance. The speaker comes in one standard black color. The curvy shape allows installing it on a shelf as well as behind a sofa. Its medium size makes it fit for any place in a room.

Audioengine HD6

This appealing Audioengine HD6 is ranked among the top bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars. With amazing wireless connectivity and support for digital sound, the Audioengine HD6 is a desirable option for buyers with extreme demands for sound. The cabinet is made of wood and requires no receiver to fill your room with crystal clear and deep sound. The bass response seems defined and nuanced because of 5.5-inch woofers with die-cast aluminum woofer baskets. The crossover blends low and high notes making the sound more balanced. The design allows for the wireless connection with a multitude of devices, including PCs, laptops, TV, and any other app that works via Bluetooth. The Audioengine HD6 can also work through optical inputs, mini-jack, and RCA, which makes it a versatile speaker. The setup process is easy because the user has a detailed and step-by-step guide to rely on. Keep in mind that the speakers should be located between 18 and 24 inches from the back wall. But bear in mind the dimensions of the speakers (15 x 20 x 17 inches). You can also put them in sleep mode when you are in no need to play music for a while. The Audioengine set includes a number of additional accessories that will help you enjoy music and movies to the fullest extent. Some of them are remote control, power supply, cord, and cables. The grills are removable in case you need to clean the speakers from dust.

Video Audioengine HD6

KEF Q350

In my opinion, this model is the worthy representative of the KEF award-winning Q Series. Despite the fact that this pair is not expensive at all, it does not mean that it lacks sound quality or smart design solutions. The manufacturers claim that the KEF Q350 was meant to deliver a super detailed natural sound that boasts tight bass and spectacular clarity. Again, the use of the company’s well-recognized Uni-Q driver array is what makes these one of the best bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars just perfect in creating a deep three-dimensional sound image. Amazing sound dispersions if further improved by special tangerine waveguide over the tweeter dome. At the same time, the model also features a Computational Fluid Dynamics port design that is responsible for delivering rich and deep sound at midrange frequencies. However, I’m not very satisfied with the large size of these speakers (14.25 x 8.26 x 12.04) and their total weight of 34 pounds. Overall, the price for this product is great as well as the clarity of sound produced by this pair of bookshelf speakers.

Video KEF Q350

Buyer’s Guide

Bookshelf Speaker Sound Quality

Actually, bookshelf speakers are meant to rest on a bookshelf, table, or some elevated surface, if you want them to produce a close-to-life sound that will keep you thrilled and enchanted. In other words, you should place them wherever you want but not on the floor. It should be mentioned that these speakers show their best in small to medium-sized rooms where their sound will be loud, rich, and clear. It is not a common point for all bookshelf speakers to be equally good for home theater fans and those folks who cannot imagine their life without music. Each model has its own features and characteristics, so let’s try to discover what you should expect from the best bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars.

Limited number of drivers

With the rapid development in sound equipment, the standards of quality required from modern companies making bookshelf speakers are very high. Today, every customer wants their new bookshelf speakers to be very effective in different parameters. However, it is worth mentioning that this kind of speakers may have some limitations in terms of their performance. These limitations are directly associated with the traditionally small size of bookshelf speakers that are meant to be located on the surface above the floor. This means that their small size does not allow manufacturers to put many drivers in bookshelf speakers. Basically, good bookshelf speakers normally have no more than two drivers (a tweeter that is used for high frequencies and a driver for both basses and mids). However, some great models may have three drivers, but their basses are not that powerful at all compared to big floor-standing speakers.

Speaker size

There is a common misconception that bigger speakers tend to have a better sound quality than their smaller counterparts. However, this statement has no logic behind it, as larger speakers do not necessarily have perfect sound quality. At the same time, larger bookshelf speakers may have more volume as they can give more space for amplification circuitry and have larger drivers (or more drivers). Maybe, they can also ensure better lower frequencies (if they have three drivers), but this is not for all models. From this point of view, large bookshelf speakers can provide more volume, but you cannot be sure that they will bring better sound quality on the table.

Volume and Sensitivity

No matter what speakers you’re looking for, whether they are the best sounding bookshelf speakers under 1000 dollars or not, you should pay your attention to such an essential characteristic as sensitivity. To say it simpler, sensitivity shows how many decibels will be produced by the speakers when one milliwatt is put through speakers. For example, those models having a sensitivity of just 86 dB and lower are considered very low in terms of volume. At the same time, those models working within a range of 87 – 95 dB are expected to show medium performance in terms of volume. Consequently, bookshelf speakers that have a sensitivity of 96 dB and higher would produce very impressive volume. However, bookshelf speakers are rarely designed in such a way that their sensitivity exceeds 102 dB. Therefore, just try to make sure that your new bookshelf speakers have at least 87 dB to meet most of your needs.

Guitarzan

Hi everyone! I’m Thomas Moody, also known as Guitarzan.