Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers in Canada | Comparison | 2022 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

What are the best powered bookshelf speakers? First, make sure that they are made by a trustworthy manufacturer as much depends on the quality of the components and materials used.

The most trusted brands include Audioengine, Edifier, Klipsch, Polk, and Swans Speakers. A reliable pair of speakers should be made with decent drivers and have a robust construction to reduce vibration. Note that there are 2 types of powered bookshelf speakers: the 2.0 option like the Edifier R1280T and the 2.1 models like the Swans Speakers M80W. The difference is that the latter ones also include a subwoofer for more powerful bass. Apart from that, bookshelf speakers can be wired or wireless. For example, the Audioengine A5+ has both options to choose from.

Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers | Comparison

Types of Powered Bookshelf Speakers: 2.0 and 2.1

Powered bookshelf speakers can be of 2 types: 2.0 and 2.1. The first type is a system that includes 2 speakers, one of which is a master speaker with an incorporated amplifier and the other one is a passive (non-powered) speaker. Such models are widely used for HiFi audio and computers. As a rule, such speakers deliver a stereo sound of excellent quality. A good example is the Edifier R1280T that has a nice design, wireless remote control, a 4” bass driver, and a silk dome tweeter.

The other type is 2.1 powered speakers like the Swans Speakers M80W with an 8-inch long-throw active subwoofer and an adjustment knob. Such systems include not only 2 speakers but also a subwoofer delivering more powerful bass. This option is particularly recommended for gamers.

Additionally, powered bookshelf speakers can be categorized into wireless and wired models. Wireless speakers are more convenient to use and require fewer cables, but they are not as good as wired when it comes to sound quality. Moreover, there might be connection dropouts and interferences. That said, many wireless speakers can be used as wired, too, which is an obvious advantage. Wireless speakers are often pricier. For example, the Audioengine A5+ model has both options: wireless and wired, with the former being $100 more expensive.

What’s the Difference: High-End vs. Budget Bookshelf Speakers

Bookshelf speakers may cost as little as $80 like the Polk T15 and as much as $1,200 like the Swans Speakers M3A. Pricier models use more expensive materials and components of higher quality. In other words, you pay extra money for the level of engineering. And as a result, there is a huge difference in the sound you get. So what are the distinctive features of high-end models and how to choose the best sounding bookshelf speakers?

• Sturdy Enclosure. Basically, it is a box that holds all components together. You might be surprised but this factor is crucial for sound quality. If the enclosure is not sufficiently rigid, the speaker will vibrate depending on the frequencies it emits. According to researchers, an ideal enclosure should be air‐tight and made with dense material. Unlike cheap models, the high-end ones typically use a more sophisticated internal bracing structure.

• Drivers. These components are located on the front or sides of the box. It is drivers that emit the sound you hear and, therefore, much depends on their quality. The better the drivers, the louder the sound is. A woofer is a driver designed to produce low-frequency sounds, a tweeter is for high frequencies, while a midrange driver handles middle frequencies. In this respect, the size of the driver does not actually matter so much. What is important is the quality of materials and technologies used in the production.

• Size. And yet, other things being equal, the size is an essential factor, too. The trick is that a larger box will give you more bass. That is why you can rarely find small high-end speakers. Meanwhile, the panels of a bigger box are more likely to vibrate. For this reason, reliable manufacturers use internal bracing to keep larger speakers from vibrating, which inevitably affects the price.

• Finish. Since bookshelf speakers will become part of your home’s decor, aesthetics can also matter. More expensive models tend to have nice vinyl covering or natural wood finish.

Trusted Brands

Since much depends on the quality of components, materials, and technologies used, it is highly important to buy a product from a trusted brand. While there are many manufacturers in the market, we would like to highlight the three most trustworthy ones.

First and foremost, it is Klipsch with its broad range of bookshelf speakers. As far back as 1948, the first factory manufacturing Klipschorn speakers was set up in Arkansas by Paul W. Klipsch, “an American audio pioneer”.

With more than 70 years of experience in the production of speakers, the company makes premium speakers based on 4 principles: high efficiency, controlled directivity, a wide dynamic range, and flat frequency response. For example, you may pick an advanced Fives Powered Speaker System that is created to work with TV or a more affordable Klipsch B-100 that is ideal for smaller rooms.

Another trusted brand is Swans Speakers. Founded in Maine, the company then merged with HiVi Acoustics, a world’s leading producer of speakers that has been producing audio components for more than two decades. The Swan Speaker assortment includes home theaters, high-fidelity stereo, smart speakers, car audio, and many more. The company offers powered speakers in different price brackets, from the M10B model for $80 to the high-end M3A Active 3-Way Bookshelf Speakers for $1,200.

If you are looking for speakers with exotic designs or models that do not take up much space, consider the Edifier brand. Established by a team of audio enthusiasts in Beijing more than 20 years ago, today, Edifier sells its products in 70 countries. High-quality yet affordable, Edifier speakers have gained popularity all over the world. The company’s award-winning designers have developed unusual designs of speakers like the Edifier e10BT Exclaim Bluetooth Speakers.

Powered Bookshelf Speakers | Reviews

Below, you will find a review of the most popular brands of powered bookshelf speakers: Klipsch, Edifier, Audioengine, Polk, and Pioneer. They offer different assortments at different price brackets. In this review, we have covered models that come at a price ranging from $80 to $800.

Klipsch R-51PM Powered Bluetooth Speaker | Best Trusted under $500

This brand offers a variety of products, from budget to high-end models. The Klipsch Reference series bookshelf speakers boast improved features and create realistic acoustics. These models are equipped with spun-copper IMG woofers and exclusive horn technology that helps to reduce artificial reverb. The Klipsch R-51PM is one of the models from the Reference series.

Made with a built-in amplifier, this high-end powered speaker measures just 8.5” x 7” x 13.3” and does not take up much space. The device is packed with acoustics and uses Bluetooth wireless technology. Apart from that, the speaker has an integrated phono pre-amp, digital optical, and analog RCA. With a sound clarity of 21 kHz and a max output of 120W, this high-performance speaker will suit the needs of everyone. It works with everything, including a computer, a smartphone, and a TV.

The Heritage series includes the Fives Powered Speaker System. Marketed as the world’s most versatile speakers, The Fives offer superior stereo sound and the HDMI-ARC feature that provides a two-way flow of sound between your TV and the device. The speakers connect directly to a TV, significantly improving your TV’s sound. The system seamlessly reproduces high-res audio tracks thanks to 192kHz/24-bit decoding.

If you are looking for less inexpensive models, you may want a bookshelf speaker from the Synergy Black Label series like the Klipsch B-100. Perfect for small rooms, these speakers produce more output while consuming less energy. The unit is equipped with a .75-inch tweeter and single 4-inch woofers. The device minimizes distortion and creates tight musical bass. On top of that, the Klipsch B-100 has a stylish design with a nice black ash vinyl finish.

For those obsessed with loud sound and robust bass, we recommend the Reference Premiere series. You may go for the Klipsch RP-600M Bookshelf Speakers crafted with 6.5-inch spun copper cerametallic woofers and a one-inch titanium LTS vented tweeter. With dimensions of 15.7” x 7.9” x 11.8”, the device will fill your home with a flawless, powerful sound. The flexible magnetic grille can be easily removed if needed.

And finally, there are extraordinary THX® Ultra2™ bookshelf speakers that are capable of creating real cinema sound. Based on professional-grade technology, the THX-6000-LCR and THX-5000-LCR models have dual cerametallic woofers, a sealed enclosure, and a Tractrix® horn.

Edifier Powered Bookshelf Speakers | Best Budget with Subwoofer

The Edifier has a wide choice of powered bookshelf speakers ranging from stylish models with an exotic design to sophisticated and multifunctional speakers delivering an authentic listening experience.

You may try a high-end model from the Edifier brand — the S2000MKIII bookshelf speakers. This powerful device is equipped with planar diaphragm tweeters and 5.5” woofers. It uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology to wirelessly stream audio with less latency and more stability. The purchase includes the convenient wireless remote that will allow you not only to adjust the volume but also switch between sound sources, select modes, and power the unit off and on.

Another interesting option is the subwoofer supported Edifier R1850DB Active Bookshelf Speakers. This product combines old-school design with the latest technologies. Made with a 10-degree angle and an MDF wooden enclosure, the speakers minimize acoustic resonance and direct sound right at you.

The Edifier R1280T is a budget option under $100 made with a classic wood finish. It comes with wireless remote control allowing you to comfortably adjust the volume. The device is equipped with a 4-inch bass driver and a 13mm silk dome tweeter. It can connect to 2 devices via AUX simultaneously.

If you are looking for a fancy design, you may like the Edifier e10BT Exclaim Bluetooth Speakers. Recommended for PC or laptop audio, the device will be a great accessory for your desktop. Each speaker comes with a 3” woofer, two 3” radiators, and is driven by its own internal amplifier. The device uses DSP technology for excellent tonal balance and DRC technology to minimize distortion.

Audioengine A5+ (Plus) Powered Speaker | Best under $600

The Audioengine brand is known for its powered bookshelf speakers that are built only with class A/B discreet amplifiers. They feature proprietary drivers as well as braced and damped enclosures, delivering an impressive audio experience. The premium Audioengine A5+ model is made with silk tweeters, aramid fiber woofers, gold-plated connectors, and built-in power amps. Designed with handmade wood cabinets, the speakers provide rich full-stereo sound and will fill any room. They work with any device and come with remote control.

The Audioengine HD3 Wireless Speaker offers a coverage range of 100 feet. It supports both wired or wireless connections, which includes USB audio from your PC or laptop and wireless aptX-HD Bluetooth from your smartphone. The device is designed with built-in analog power amplifiers, USB audio input, dual analog audio inputs, and a subwoofer output. The product is meant for use in smaller rooms and ensures great audio quality at low to medium volumes.

For those traveling with a laptop, there is a nice and lightweight Audioengine 512 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. Of course, you should not expect superb audio quality, but this is the price you pay for mobility. With a weight of just 2.5 pounds, this battery-powered wireless speaker allows you to stream music from any device. The product boasts impressive battery life, reaching up to 12 hours of playtime. It comes with a 2.6-foot charging cable and a wireless range of up to 100 feet. Note that it sounds great indoors but may be lacking in volume when used outdoors.

Polk Audio Bookshelf Speakers | Best trusted under $100

The Polk bookshelf speakers use proprietary design, premium components such as silk dome tweeters, and have an elegant style with furniture-grade finishes. The S15 Bookshelf Speakers have a 5.25-inch driver and a one-inch Terylene tweeter. Whether you are watching TV or listening to music, the device will give you rich full-range sound. Note that these are passive speakers and, therefore, require an amplifier.

As for powered bookshelf speakers, consider the Polk Audio 5.1 Channel Home Theater System, which will cost you around $550. The purchase includes a powered subwoofer, 2 T15 bookshelf, one T30 center channel, and two T50 tower speakers.

Or you can buy just the T15 bookshelf speakers alone for less than $80. Each speaker comes with a 5.25-inch driver, a 0.75-inch tweeter, and a bass radiator producing an excellent balanced sound. The product features magnetic, shielded enclosures and 89dB sensitivity. The keyhole hanger allows for easy mounting to the wall.

Pioneer Pro DJ, Black (DM40) | Best bookshelf speakers with bass

The Pioneer brand has both affordable speakers for under $100 and pricer models for $200-$300. The Pioneer Pro DJ features Class AB amplifiers, soft dome tweeters, and woofers, which are aligned well enough to ensure a balanced sound. The main perk is a front-loaded bass reflex system and Deco technology providing rich bass and wider reach. The tweeters are equipped with Deco convex diffusers that direct high frequencies to different parts of the room so that you could take advantage of superb 3D stereo sound. With a weight of 14 pounds, the device measures approximately 16 x 13 inches.

A more expensive but non-powered option is the Pioneer SP-BS22A-LR. The speakers are Dolby Atmos-enabled, producing a more spacious professional-quality sound. The woofer has large magnets and delivers enhanced bass response.

Powered Bookshelf Speakers vs. Passive Speakers

There are two types of bookshelf speakers: active (powered) and passive. Powered models are becoming increasingly popular among users as this is a more modern and advanced type. These systems have an internal power supply, built-in power amps, and do not need to be connected to an external amplifier. One amp is intended for the woofer, while the other one is for the tweeter. You just need to connect your speaker to the line out or through a mini-jack.

Passive bookshelf speakers are a more traditional option. They require an external amplifier or a stereo receiver to be powered. So if you already have one of these devices, you can safely buy a passive speaker without the need for extra costs. The major advantage is that you can get the most out of a bookshelf speaker, given it is powered by the right amp. A good example is the Sony SSCS5 3-Way 3-Driver Bookshelf Speaker System. Made from premium components, it delivers high-resolution audio and deep bass. The system is equipped with a rigid 5.12” MRC woofer, a 1” polyester main tweeter, and a 0.75” Sony super tweeter.

Best-Selling Powered Bookshelf Speakers in Canada | Comparison Table