There’s something undeniably exhilarating about bass-heavy music. Whether you’re a fan of electronic beats that thump in your chest or the deep resonance of a groovy bassline in your favourite rock tune, strong bass adds a whole new dimension to your listening experience.

In 2024, the world of audio technology has come a long way, and bookshelf speakers are no exception when it comes to delivering impressive bass. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes a speaker excel in the low-end department and present the best bookshelf speakers with good bass that will take your bass-heavy music sessions to the next level.

What makes speakers good for bass?

Large drive units

The secret to outstanding bass reproduction lies in the size of the speaker’s drive units. For a solid bass output, look for speakers equipped with drivers that are six inches or larger, ideally falling within the six- to eight-inch range. Remember, bass frequencies are substantial and require a significant amount of air movement to create. Larger drivers can move more air, resulting in richer and more impactful bass frequencies.

Large speaker cabinets

The size of the speaker cabinet matters. A bigger internal cabinet volume means a larger resonant chamber, which contributes to generating more bass frequencies. These larger enclosures resonate at low frequencies, enhancing the audio produced by the driver movement. The synergy between driver size and cabinet volume yields a deeper and more pronounced low-end experience.

Frequency response 

Human hearing spans from 20Hz to 20,000Hz, with bass sounds occupying frequencies below 120Hz. The frequency response of a speaker, specified in its specifications, indicates its ability to reproduce different frequencies. The lower the speaker’s frequency response, the more bass frequencies it can accurately reproduce. This deep dive into the frequency spectrum not only lets you hear the music but also feel it.

Time alignment and speaker placement

Accurate time alignment of the drive units is crucial to ensure that all frequencies are in phase. Phasing issues can result in the cancellation of certain waveforms, leading to a loss of audio quality. Optimal speaker placement, equidistant from each other and your primary listening position, further enhances this alignment for a rock-solid low-end experience.

The best bookshelf speakers with good bass

1. Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 Bookshelf Speakers

Key features

• 50–24,000 Hz frequency response
• 86dB sensitivity
• Five-inch (130mm) Kevlar bass/midrange cones

Pros

• Clear, neutral response
• Bi-wire compatible
• An icon at this price point

Cons

• If we had to choose a con, it would be that the vinyl finish might not be to everyone’s taste

The Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 speakers boast a gold-plated bi-wire connection (something usually found in speakers at a higher price range) separates high and low frequencies remarkably well, giving you excellent clarity across the whole frequency range.

But more importantly, the five-inch Kevlar mid/bass driver delivers full, rich lows, while dual reflex ports enhance the overall bass response.

For a more comprehensive run-down, check out our Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 review.

2. Q Acoustics Q 3030c

Key features

• C3 Continuous Curved Cone mid/bass driver
• Low distortion floating tweeter
• P2P bracing 

Pros

• An excellent, punchy response across the whole frequency range
• Premium construction 
• Good price for the level of quality on offer

Cons

• The bass response isn’t as low as other options on this list

These speakers boast an unconventional cabinet design, offering increased internal volume. With a C3 Continuous Curved Cone mid/bass driver, the Q Acoustics Q 3030c delivers rich, powerful bass and a smooth crossover with the tweeter, allowing you to not just hear, but also feel the music. A remarkable performer at an attractive price point.

3. DALI Oberon 3

Key features

• 7-inch SMC mid-bass driver
• 47 Hz – 26 kHz frequency response
• High-density CNC machined MDF cabinet

Pros

• Extremely full sound with good clarity
• Wide dispersion system
• A high-end, beautifully constructed speaker

Cons

• Requires careful positioning

Renowned for delivering silky low-end experiences, DALI’s Oberon 3 shines with detail and articulation. Perfect for those who crave a captivating low-end. Get ready to enjoy the rich sounds of artists like Prince and Michael Jackson.

4. Klipsch RP-600M MKII

Key features

• 1-inch Titanium LTS tweeter with Tractrix Horn
• Upgraded 6.5-inch Cerametallic woofers
• Bi-wire/bi-amping compatible binding posts

Pros

• Bass is powerful yet undistorted thanks to Cerametallic woofers
• Fantastic frequency control
• Scratch-resistant materials

Cons

• Not necessarily a con, but these speakers are quite weighty (8.2kg) – something to consider before setting up

Klipsch takes a bold approach to bass delivery, with bombastic and energetic sound thanks to their unique driver design. The efficient Klipsch RP-600M speakers can achieve loudness levels that’ll have you rocking out without breaking the bank.

5. Monitor Audio Silver 100

Key features

• 1 x 1” (25mm) C-CAM Gold Dome tweeter with Uniform Dispersion (UD) Waveguide II
• 1 x 8” (203mm) C-CAM mid-bass driver with Rigid Surface Technology (RST) II
• Choice of real wood veneers

Pros

• Fantastic bass response – reach lows of 35 Hz
• Clear, detailed sound
• C-CAM technology means the speakers can be driven loudly for long periods of time

Cons

• Although they’re compact, they might be overpowering for small rooms

Building on the success of the Bronze 100, the Silver 100s offer an even more refined listening experience. With eight-inch drivers and premium engineering, they strike a perfect balance between hifi sound and exciting low-end response.

FAQs

What are bookshelf speakers best for?

Bookshelf speakers are best used as a stereo pair of speakers in a hi-fi setup or home cinema. They typically have two drivers and are great for small to mid-sized rooms.

Why do audiophiles prefer bookshelf speakers?

Audiophiles prefer bookshelf speakers because they’re more manageable due to their compact size and deliver a good, articulated bass response. Modern technological advancements have meant that bookshelf speakers are edging closer to the sound dispersion and driver arrays found in floorstanding speakers. Albeit, they don’t have the same projection, but with their smaller design and high-quality sound, the benefits of bookshelf speakers can outweigh other types of speakers for many audiophiles.

Do I need an amp for bookshelf speakers?

You will need an amp to power your bookshelf speaker if it is a passive model, as this means it does not have an amp built in. However, active speakers do have an amp built-in, so if you have a pair of these, you won’t need to purchase an external one.

Final thoughts

When looking for the best bookshelf speakers with good bass, keep in mind the factors that contribute to a robust low-end experience. While bass can elevate your listening sessions, remember that finding the right balance is key.

Placing speakers optimally and ensuring they are at a proper distance from the back wall can prevent overwhelming bass that affects mid and high frequencies. And if you’re truly after a thunderous bass experience, consider integrating a subwoofer into your audio setup. It’s all about achieving the perfect harmony of sound that resonates with you.

While bass might be a major driving force, it’s important to remember that the overall quality of the audio matters most. With these top bookshelf speakers from 2024, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing music in a whole new dimension. So, crank up the volume and let the bass move you! And if you’re looking to further enhance your audio setup, check out our blog post on the best subwoofers under £500 for a well-rounded and immersive listening experience.