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Following on from my previous post covering budget amplifiers for the PC that can drive passive speakers. Let’s look at the various passive speaker options out there.
The beauty of passive speakers is that the range of options is extensive. They cover all price points and physical dimensions. Used speakers are also a viable option too, passive speakers have fewer things to go wrong with them, and speaker technology itself doesn’t move at the same pace as other technology. So used speakers in good condition should perform to a similar level as newer models and offer excellent value for money.
Under £100 Passive Speakers
JBL Control One
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These affordable speakers offer 200W peak power with a frequency response of 80Hz – 20kHz. They are well-reviewed and the go-to option for many people wanting to keep prices as low as possible.
Cambridge Audio Minx Min22
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Audio Minx Min 22 - Compact Wired Satellite... |
£99.00 | Buy on Amazon |
These tiny speakers weigh just 0.75kg with a frequency response of 120Hz-20kHz. The Minx range receives glowing reviews from both users and critics alike. There is also a subwoofer should you wish to upgrade the system to add a bit more depth.
Polk Audio T15
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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| Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers, Speaker System for Home... |
£124.36 | Buy on Amazon |
Polk Audio has long been fan favourites for anyone wanting value for money with their audio. The Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers are a little less desktop-friendly than the previous speakers. However, if you can accommodate larger speakers, you will normally be rewarded with superior sound (especially bass) compared to their compact counterparts.
£100 – £200 Passive Speakers
Wharfedale Diamond 9.1
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| Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 | £139.00 | Buy on Amazon |
These have been out for many years, they are so good Wharefdale still make them, and they have always been a very popular pair of speakers at a very affordable price. They are quite deep at 278mm.
Q Acoustics 3010i
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| Q ACOUSTICS 3010i Compact Bookshelf Speakers Pair Graphite... |
£159.00 | Buy on Amazon |
These have been a popular choice of speakers, both desktops and affordable 5.1 systems. They are quite deep at 252mm, which is about the same as the height. These newer models have a ported design allowing them to achieve an extended low-frequency response.
£200 + Passive Speakers
It is worth noting; once you start spending a bit more on speakers, you probably don’t want to be driving them with a cheap desktop amplifier.
KEF Q150
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speaker, Passive, Satin Black (Pair) |
£449.00 | Buy on Amazon |
These are about as affordable as you get with Kef, and these were designed as a sort of budget LS50. The LS50 has been regarded as the best bookshelf speakers on the market at their price point for many years, with various newer models launched over the years.
When looking for opinions of these, one Reddit user states “If you need a desktop setup, get these. I can’t think of a better desktop speaker besides the LS50. The coaxial makes these perfect for a desktop.”
And, to make things better, these offer improved bass over the LS50, so there is less need to pair them with a sub.
Similar to all the other bookshelf speakers, as you move up in price, the physical size is quite large. These are again 278mm deep then 303mm wide.
Elac DBR62
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELAC Debut Reference DBR62 Pair of Bookshelf Speakers... | £479.00 | Buy on Amazon |
These are quite new speakers but appear to be getting rave reviews from users, and at £499 they are surprisingly affordable (in the world of audio). During my research, the users over at audiosciencereview.com adore these and strongly disagree with the What HiFi review of them. According to that website, these are the best thing you can buy up to around the £1k mark. While they are quite deep, they are front-ported, so a little more forgivable if your desk is against a wall.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
