The bookshelf speaker is an evergreen accessory for conventional hi-fi systems and turntables as well as computer systems. These five new smaller-sized speakers bring power, punch and precision, from a pair costing barely more than a gatefold double LP to a handcrafted set that should last generations.
Fyne Audio Cubitt 5
Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 bookshelf speakers
First up, the Cubitt 5 from Fyne Audio, a pair of active speakers that come with onboard digital sound processing. Measuring 165mm (width) x 215mm (depth) x 260mm (height), these speakers keep their compact kudos by incorporating an amplifier, meaning there’s no need for any additional kit when streaming from a hi-fi system, turntable or TV.
The Cubitt 5 comes in five different finishes – Arctic White, Midnight Black, Olive Green, Pearl Titanium, and Pebble Grey – and features 240W of amplification. Fyne Audio is especially proud of the five-inch IsoFlare driver, which has been designed to fill a room without depending on a particular sweet spot for the best all-round listening experience. Connections include Bluetooth 5.0 and HDMI, with a separate output for a subwoofer, should you want to bulk up the home cinema experience.
Cubitt 5 in Pearl Titanium, Pebble Grey and Olive Green
Fyne Audio Cubitt 5, £549/pair, FyneAudio.com, @FyneAudio
Wharfedale Denton 1S
Wharfedale Denton 1S
The Denton 1S is one of Wharfedale’s Heritage models, a contemporary upgrade of the compact home speakers that made the British company’s name back in the 1960s and 1970s.
The original Denton 1 was launched in 1974, and the new product revisits the curved cabinet design along with a special speaker configuration that incorporates the tweeter within the mid-woofer, giving the impression that there’s only a single driver.
Available in black, blue and white and measuring 236mm (width) x 229mm (depth) x 330mm (height), the Denton 1S is not an active speaker – a separate amplifier rated between 30 and 100W is required.
Wharfedale Denton 1S, £649/pair, Wharfedale.co.uk, @Wharfedale_hifi
Majority D50X
Majority D50X bookshelf speakers
At the absolutely entry-level end of the scale are the D50X Bluetooth bookshelf speakers from Majority. The D50X is a cut-price Bluetooth-enabled bookshelf speaker that offers multiple inputs and plenty of flexibility – Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI, optical, USB and Aux, as well as a dedicated headphone socket when you don’t want to use the onboard carbon-fibre drivers.
The speakers are available in black, white, green, maroon and pink, and are an ultra-compact 130mm (width) x 150mm (depth) x 18mm (height). The size makes them suitable for desktop use with laptops, etc, but don’t expect ear-cossetting quality.
Majority D50X Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers, £69.95, MajorityAudio.com, @MajorityAudio, Amazon.co.uk
Sonus faber Concertino G4
Sonus Faber Concertino G4 bookshelf speakers
Audiophile excellence is the baseline for Sonus Faber products, and the Italian company’s Concertino G4 aims to bring that excellence to the smaller-sized speaker. The G4’s dimensions are 214mm (width) x 297mm (depth) x 314mm (height), ensuring the speakers will fit onto good-sized shelves (a separate stand is also available). These are traditional handmade speakers with traditional wired connectivity – no Bluetooth or onboard amplification to be found.
The enclosure uses solid walnut, while black leather or a vegan alternative from Ohoskin is paired with brass detailing. Cork is used in the internal chassis for its sound-dampening qualities. The speakers accept amplifiers from 30W to 150W.
Sonus faber Concertino G4, £4,625/pair, SonusFaber.com, @Sonusfaberofficial
Cambridge Audio L/R M
Cambridge Audio L/R M bookshelf speakers
The sister product to Cambridge’s excellent ultra-compact L/R S speakers, the fully active L/R M model is, as you’d expect, a step up in size and power. Measuring 158 mm (width) x 190mm (depth) mm x 263mm (height), the L/R M comes with Bluetooth and physical connectivity and has a total power output of 300W.
The simple fascia design follows on from the L/R S, with bronze detailing on the tweeters, and the speaker cabinets themselves are available in a wide range of colours, including green, orange, black, white, blue and natural walnut.
Cambridge Audio L/R M, from £1,299/pair, CambridgeAudio.com, @CambridgeAudio