Do you want to equip your living room with a discreet and efficient audio system, without making concessions on the richness of the connections (wired or wireless)?
We have selected 6 pairs of two-way speakers, called
“
bookcase
”
speakers, which can perfectly meet your expectations.
They are all equipped with a speaker for low frequencies (boomer) and a second for treble (tweeter).
On each pair, the speaker connected to the mains (active) integrates the electronics, amplifiers and connections.
The second, passive, connects to the first.
It is thus possible to place them on either side of a sideboard or a shelf.
Be careful not to stick them too much to the wall!
The bass reflex port, the device improving bass reproduction located at the rear, would be obstructed and the sound would appear muffled, too heavy in the bass.
Very complete connectivity
The Bluetooth connection is more or less advanced depending on the model.
All are compatible with the basic transmission codecs SBC and AAC.
Some add AptX or AptX HD (better sound definition).
aptX LL (Low Latency) eliminates the delay between sound and image when watching a film or video.
How we tested them
Each month, we make a selection of products that we take in hand to try and compare. Our ranking takes into account their ease of daily use and their effectiveness.
With the Bluetooth speakers, we listened to tracks of several musical styles, at different volumes, and also played TV programs, extracts from films and series.
In addition to the richness of the connections and the performances (bass, dynamics, acoustic power, definition), we have paid attention to the balance and naturalness of the sound reproduction.
Hi-fi speakers, which are relatively bulky, require a stereo arrangement at ear height.
They can have a significant impact on interior decor.
We therefore took into account the aesthetics and the choice of finishes offered.
Each pair of speakers has at least one analog
“
line
”
(RCA sockets) or
“
auxiliary
”
(mini-jack socket) input, as well as an optical digital input.
The “
line
”
input is often doubled or switchable to a
“
phono
”
input
, to connect a vinyl turntable.
The presence of a USB port is used to connect a computer or a smartphone, that of an HDMI socket is ideal for connecting to a television.
The
“
subwoofer
”
output , present on all references, allows you to add a subwoofer (optional).
Source selection and volume adjustment are generally done from the remote control.
Only the M20 HD offered by Q Acoustics also have controls accessible on the front.
Know how to evaluate performance
In theory, the acoustic power of a speaker is proportional to its volume and the emissive surface of its woofer.
The quality of speakers and cabinets also affect performance.
The width of the frequency response (the lower the first number, the more the speaker goes into the bass; the higher the second number, the more it goes into the treble), as well as the power of the integrated amplifiers, are additional indications of the care taken in the design.
Our tests
1st place - TRIANGLE Borea BR02 Connect: elegant and efficient
Recommended price (as of 03/05/2024): €549 trianglehifi.fr
They have the most complete connectivity, their sound performance is of a good level, their design is sought after and they are available in numerous finishes (six versions).
WE love
The rotary pressure dial placed on the back of the right speaker is used to select the source and adjust the volume when you can no longer find the remote control.
The latter is particularly ergonomic.
It offers a specific button for each source, tone settings (bass and treble), and even a “bass boost” mode.
The sound is full and warm, with deep bass.
The HDMI input is the most convenient for connecting to a TV.
It allows you to switch on and adjust the volume of the speakers from the speaker's remote control.
We don't like
Some finishing details need improvement.
The automatic management of “bass boost” mode depending on the volume is not optimal, particularly from a Bluetooth source.
TRIANGLE Borea BR02 Connect speakers
Service
This article was written completely independently by the editorial staff of Le Figaro.
When you purchase a product, work or service via our sales links, we may receive a commission.
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2nd place - ADVANCE Paris Air 65: classic, but competitive
Recommended price (as of 03/05/2024): €399 advanceparis.com
WE
love
They are the least expensive and it is not uncommon to find them on sale.
Their design is classic, but neat.
They are relatively compact and available in three finishes.
The right speaker has a wheel on its back to select the source and adjust the volume.
The remote control has tone adjustments (bass and treble).
The sound performance is decent.
We don't like
The connectivity is limited to the essentials.
The timbres lack definition and the bass is a little messy.
ADVANCE Paris Air 65 speakers
Service
This article was written completely independently by the editorial staff of Le Figaro.
When you purchase a product, work or service via our sales links, we may receive a commission.
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3rd place - Q ACOUSTICS M20 HD: The most audiophile
Recommended price (as of 03/05/2024): €549 qacoustics.com
WE love
They offer the best sound performance: the bass is clean and punchy, the midrange and high end of the spectrum have excellent definition.
Three buttons, on the top of one of the speakers, are used to select the source and adjust the volume.
We don't like
The matte vinyl finish of the black and white versions (there is also a “wood” color) is not very attractive.
The speaker covers are not removable.
The connection does not include an HDMI port.
Q ACOUSTICS M20 HD speakers
Service
This article was written completely independently by the editorial staff of Le Figaro.
When you purchase a product, work or service via our sales links, we may receive a commission.
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AND ALSO
Compact, but quality: ARGON Forte A4 Mk2
Recommended price (as of 5.3.2024): €499 argonaudio.com
Space-saving and discreet thanks to their very beautiful finish available in three versions (black, white and wood look).
The sound is of limited scale and acoustic power, but of excellent quality, with particularly firm bass.
They have an HDMI port.
Low price, big sound: STUDIO LAB SLB 102A
Recommended price (as of 5.3.2024): €399 av-industry.com
The sound of these large speakers, with their basic design, is not of great definition, nor very precise for that matter.
But the large volume of their boxes and the presence of large woofers give them a lot of scale and power.
STUDIO LAB SLB 102A speakers
Service
This article was written completely independently by the editorial staff of Le Figaro.
When you purchase a product, work or service via our sales links, we may receive a commission.
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A little too basic: KLIPSCH R-40PM
Recommended price (as of 5.3.2024): €499 fr.klipsch.com
If their horn tweeters provide well-spatialized highs, their small woofers are a little too tight.
The bass, as well as the acoustic power, are logically limited.
These speakers are only available in a black wood-effect vinyl covering.
KLIPSCH RE-40PM speakers
Service
This article was written completely independently by the editorial staff of Le Figaro.
When you purchase a product, work or service via our sales links, we may receive a commission.
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