Bookshelf Speakers - Elipson

Bookshelf speakers, or standmount speakers, are an excellent alternative to floorstanding speakers for smaller rooms or those wanting something smaller. In many cases, they are an excellent choice for accurate sound and many studios use bookshelf sized speakers for monitoring.

We prefer to call them "stand mount" rather than "bookshelf" as they generally sound better on dedicated speaker stands which prevent a "boomy" sound in smaller spaces. You can control bass response by choice of stands. All speakers here are passive and require a suitable hi-fi amplifier. While we usually recommend this type of system (hi-fi separates and passive speakers) for the very best sound quality, we also sell excellent wireless and active speakers. Prices include free mainland UK delivery and full 30 day money back guarantee if you change your mind, so buy with confidence.

With more than 50 years in the speaker industry, Elipson offers a range of hi-fi products and stylish spherical speakers, including the Elipson Planet speakers, which take inspiration from the highly regarded BS30 vintage design (circa 1960).

Founder Joseph Leon, born in Bordeaux 1908, was an engineer from the School of Arts and Crafts and passionate in acoustic research. Elipson began in 1938 as a company called Multi-Engine which manufactured toy engines of miniature electric trains. The company's current director and engineer Henry Bazin Maurice Latour made a decision to move towards the development of speakers consisting of a sphere and an ellipsoidal reflector in 1940.

Joseph Leon aimed to concentrate all of the loudspeaker's acoustic energy through the reflector to enhance sound in an ultra-modern design that hadn't been seen before. In developing the system of the conch, Elipson allows sound to use a large space with precision and quality. Each model was worked for a place with a specific commitment; a vent, a specific speaker, a special reflector ellipsoid.

In 1948 Joseph became CEO of the company, going on to change its name to Elipson and instilling research on all-round reflectors and resonators etc. By 1960 the company began the search channel speaker with numerous patents.

Joint research resulted in a first series of around twenty models oriented at 30 degrees with an elliptical princeps, a shift in medium (HP Cabasse), a micro Melodium as a tweeter and positioned mechanical shift to optimize the phase response with other speakers. This model is legendary for its technical advances and aesthetic helping Leon become medallist of the Order of Merit for research and invention.

This collaboration also delivered another legendary model 4050 as well as the accompanying series including the 4240, 502, 402. This assured the public of the success of smaller models like the BS40 and 4040 which were sized for apartments.

In 2009, the company returned to the sources of expertise, with a series of spherical enclosures, L planet that were a modern evolution of the 4050 and the 4260. To meet the needs of both communities and individuals, Elipson offers a range of integrated speakers. High definition and very versatile, these can be used for many applications including conference rooms, shopping centres, amphitheatres, restaurants, shops, hotels, business premises, private dedicated rooms, schools.

Elipson's range will please your eyes as much as your ears and also includes a range of speaker packages, from simple 2.1 desktop solutions, to 5.1 speaker packages for home cinema, through to the highly impressive Sound Tree.

Traditionally, floorstanding loudspeakers are considered the ultimate to Hi-Fi with bookshelf speakers being largely perceived as too lightweight or compact to compete with their larger counterparts. However, the past 20 years has seen a drastic improvement in manufacturing and miniaturisation techniques so these standmount speakers can compete with floorstanders adding their own advantages as well.

Bookshelf speakers typically have more attack and rhythm than floorstanding models so they are more suited to complex tracks and rhythmic music. This is often viewed as a compromise between the weight and dynamics of a floorstanding speaker and the musicality possible with a bookshelf speaker.

Driver design and material is crucial when selecting a bookshelf speaker. There are various driver materials from Kevlar to paper – the top distinction being metallic or non-metallic drivers. A metal driver, typically aluminium, benefits from accuracy and precision. However, some listeners may describe this as "bright" or "analytical". Non-metallic drivers generally feature more engaging musicality and warmth at the expense of the absolute precision of a metal driver.

Tweeter design also hugely impacts the sound signature. Typically, entry-level and mid-range models incorporate a dome-shaped tweeter while higher-end speakers use a ribbon tweeter incorporating a diaphragm of stretched metallic ribbon. This delivers more lucid and broadly-dispersed highs, for better imaging and soundstage.

Most configurations employ a main bass/mid frequency driver paired with a separate tweeter handling high frequencies. However, some manufacturers choose to house the tweeter in the centre of the main driver to improve dispersion and imaging and make positioning easier and more versatile.

Dedicated speaker stand are ideal to position bookshelf speakers at the optimal listening height with the tweeters at ear level from the usual seating position. This achieves best imaging and ensures coherency and integration between the woofer and tweeter. They also add weight and authority to enhance bass extension. Many stands are fillable, letting you add weight and mass to further tweak the bass performance of your speakers. Base spikes ensure isolation from the floor and stop unwanted resonance from degrading the sound of your speakers.

Don't forget to buy a suitable pair of speaker stands and a good speaker cable as well! Call or e-mail us if you need any further help in choosing your new pair of speakers.