Bookshelf speakers are the most versatile for a small room or desktop setup. They can also become a part of your home theater system and can sit on bookshelves to avoid taking space. Bookshelf speakers tend to be smaller in size, allowing them to blend into any environment. However, that acts against them from delivering the best possible bass experience.
However, you can pair an additional subwoofer with bookshelf speakers to fix that. But if you’ve limited space and budget, here are the six best bookshelf speakers with good bass performance.
Before we start, here’re some more articles that may interest you:
- Here are the 5 best passive bookshelf speakers for under $500 for your home theater setup.
- Check out these top Computer speakers for a PC work desk setup.
- For a compact working space, here are the 6 best USB speakers for laptops.
- Here are the best optical audio cables for the best sound output from your TV.
Now let’s get to our list of the best bookshelf speakers for bass lovers.
1. Sony SSCS5 3-Driver Bookshelf Speakers
- Speaker Type: Passive | Subwoofer Included: No
- Peak Power Handling (RMS): 100W | Weight: 19.9 lbs
If you’re working on a tight budget, the Sony SSCS5 bookshelf speakers are just what you need. You can configure them from a base 2-speaker setup all the way up to a full-blown 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup. They do not come with support for wireless connectivity and require an external amplifier or central receiver to work.
You don’t necessarily need a Sony-only setup to use them, as they can also pair with other brands’ receivers. Their compact size and 19.9 lbs of weight make them fit easily into tight spaces. But remember that you must also make space for the external amp that these speakers need.
These bookshelf speakers by Sony can handle peak power of 100W and that’s it limit. The pair has a 1-inch done tweeter and 0.75-inch dome super tweeter to accurately reproduce high-frequency sounds. The 5.12-inch woofer can handle the bass and mid frequencies. While the pair has a potential for incredible details and clarity, you’ll need pair them with a good-quality amplifier to shine them.
2. ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 Bookshelf Speakers
- Speaker Type: Passive | Subwoofer Included: No
- Peak Power Handling (RMS): 120W | Weight: 16.3 lbs
ELAC Debut B6.2 can work either as part of a home-theater setup or as a standalone stereo system. Their low-profile design fits neatly in bookshelves or TV cabinets, and the wooden ‘Black Ash’ colorway adds a classy aesthetic. These speakers feature a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter and a 6.5-inch woofer on each unit.
The folks at CNET praised these speakers for their instrument separation and wide soundstage. While they won’t be able to match a dedicated sub-woofer in terms of bass, they are one of the best 2.0 bookshelf speakers with good bass response. Although, they offer you the option of connecting an external sub-woofer for the ultimate multimedia experience.
If you are planning to buy these for your desk setup, you’ll also have to buy an amplifier or a receiver to power these speakers. This makes them more suited for being part of a TV system or home theater setup rather than a PC work desk.
3. Logitech Z623 2.1 Speaker System
- Speaker Type: Active | Subwoofer Included: Yes
- Peak Power Handling (RMS): 200W | Weight: 18.08 lbs
Logitech Z623 are traditional 2.1 PC speakers, and these are possibly the best bookshelf speakers with deep bass. They have two satellite speakers that can fit even on the most compact desk setups. The sub-woofer is a behemoth, but it justifies its size as soon as you turn them on. These speakers pump out an exhilarating 200W output for a larger than life that’ll make you question whether you need to spend $1000+ on speakers.
Logitech Z623 2.1 Speaker System doesn’t have the latest wireless connectivity options like Bluetooth, WiFi, or Dolby Atmos support. Plus, they can’t be paired with an expanded home theater setup. Still, the sheer bass on offer makes them entirely worth the price.
These speakers only support wired connectivity using a 3.5mm aux input or RCA cables and don’t need any external amp or receivers to function. If you are looking for a standalone set of speakers for your music/movie needs and don’t want to spend a lot on getting an amplifier or other home theater equipment, these are the best bang for the buck you can get.
4. Edifier M601DB 2.1 Bookshelf Speakers
- Speaker Type: Active | Subwoofer Included: Yes
- Peak Power Handling (RMS): 110W | Weight: 30.8 lbs
The Edifier M601DB offer a dedicated sub-woofer that can deliver unmatched low-end thump compared to any 2.0 bookshelf speaker system. The subwoofer pairs wirelessly to the speakers, so you have the flexibility to position them as you like. These speakers support AUX, Optical, and Coaxial inputs along with wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1. The 110W peak power handling makes them suitable for movie-watching and house parties.
These speakers feature a wooden enclosure design, giving them a minimal, understated look and helping minimize acoustic resonance. They are known for their warm sound signature, with a built-in Class D amplifier and Edifier’s DSP technology working in tandem to deliver great sound across volume levels.
The sub-woofer here can reproduce frequencies as low as 50Hz, which is apt for playing music, movies, and more. They also come with an IR remote to control essential functions such as volume, input mode, etc.
Notably, you can’t pair these speakers with any pre-existing home-theater setups. The sub-woofer can be placed away from the speakers but still needs a wall plug for its power input.
5. Edifier S1000W Wi-Fi Bookshelf Speakers
- Speaker Type: Active | Subwoofer Included: No
- Peak Power Handling (RMS): 120W | Weight: 36.3 lbs
Edifier S1000W are the loudest retro vintage-looking speakers from Edifier. They are active speakers, meaning you can directly use them with your PC, TV, or smartphone without needing external amplifiers. Along with supporting wired inputs through coaxial or optical cables, they can also be used wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Edifier S1000W Wi-Fi Bookshelf Speakers are also compatible with Alexa and Airplay 2 and can stream music directly over Wi-Fi from apps like Spotify. These Edifier speakers are known for delivering detailed sound with a good soundstage. While they don’t come with a dedicated sub-woofer, the 5.5-inch aluminum bass drivers combine with Titanium dome tweeters to deliver powerful sound. Their retro wooden aesthetic is an added incentive, instantly adding a vintage charm to the room.
One thing to remember is that these speakers don’t have support for connecting to external sub-woofers or other speakers, so they can’t work as part of a home theater system. Additionally, these are big, heavy speakers and might be challenging to accommodate onto a work desk. Regardless, these are our picks for the most versatile bookshelf speakers with good bass.
6. Polk Legend L200 Bookshelf Speakers
- Speaker Type: Passive | Subwoofer Included: No
- Peak Power Handling (RMS): 200W | Weight: 48.1 lbs
For the ardent audiophiles, Polk’s Legend L200 speakers are just what the doctor ordered. They support Hi-res audio, offering incredible details across frequencies. The Legend L200s also introduce Polk’s innovative 6.5-inch turbine cone woofer design. Combined with the new high-resolution 1-inch tweeter, these speakers deliver ultra-clear, crisp sound without any distortion.
Polk is an industry leader in audiophile-grade sound equipment, and the Legend series only cements that legacy. These are passive speakers, so you need an external amp to connect them to your setup. Polk recommends bi-amping these speakers with for best possible performance. With the right setup, these speakers have the potential to be the best bass bookshelf speakers that’ll suffice all-round usage.
These are substantially sized speakers, so you’ll have to ensure enough space for their placement. Plus, they don’t come with support for any sort of wireless connectivity options. If you don’t mind shelling out a little extra on the speakers, these are the best heavy bookshelf speakers you can buy.
FAQs About Bookshelf Speakers
Generally, speakers with a dedicated sub-woofer will almost always deliver much better bass performance. For 2.0 speakers without a sub-woofer, it’s best to look for speakers that promise at least 100W of peak output; otherwise, the bass might feel lacking.
Before deciding how much money to spend on bookshelf speakers, you must be sure how and where you will use them. Expensive speakers can offer features like wireless connectivity, HiFi audio support, or a more refined sound signature. If you plan on using your speakers only for casual purposes, these features might not feel worth spending extra on.
Passive bookshelf speakers require an external amplifier or receiver to work. They can’t be plugged directly into your TV or PC and generally work better as part of a home theater setup. On the other hand, Active speakers don’t need any additional equipment to work. They can work directly using an Aux cable, Bluetooth, or optical input. Although, you can’t connect them to existing speaker setups or home theater systems.
Choosing the Best Speakers
Ultimately, your desired usage will define the best bookshelf speakers with good bass for you. Regular 2.1 PC speakers make a better case for desk setups due to their compact size and independent nature. For expansive home theater setups, the central receivers or amplifiers greatly dictate how the speakers perform. Most passive bookshelf speakers are compatible with products of other brands, so you can always mix and match.
Additionally, you can also check out some of the best budget soundbars for more versatility in playback and connectivity options.
Last updated on 15 December, 2022
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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The Elac bookshelf I owned, quickly trading them in on a pair of warm buttery insanely good sounding Epos 22’s which are floorstanding speakers that take up almost no room. The best bookshelf speakers I ever owned and still own are the Tannoy fusion 2’s. Also a very three-dimensional warm buttery sound balanced by crystal clear highs solid mid range.