Bookshelf Speakers - JBL

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.

JBL breathes life into music in a way that can be felt which is why it is chosen to power some of the world’s greatest musicians, athletes and venues. The greater the quality of a JBL sound system, the nearer you find yourself to your favoured artist.

In the youth of founder James B Lansing, movies were the primary way to consume sound and music. Before JBL was full incorporated, James B Lansing helped innovate sound technology for movie theatres. Today, JBL remains the loudspeaker of choice at an overwhelming percentage of cinemas worldwide.

The high fidelity market entered a golden age in the 1950s with JBL as a major contributor with the introduction of legendary products, such as the Hartsfield and the Paragon.

The dawn of rock festivals during this time period provided JBL with an opportunity to become part of major cultural movements in the United States. JBL famously has sound equipment featured at the Woodstock music festival in 1969 including the renowned 4310 Studio Monitor which was adapted for consumers as the famous Century L100 in the 1970s.

The 1980s and 1990s brought about an explosion of home theater audio systems where people could have the experience of “going to the movies” from the comfort of home. JBL developed products such as the L212 and the Everest and JBL Synthesis ultimate-performance complete home theatre audio systems.

The past two decades brought tremendous change in sound technology and music consumption. The advent of the Sony Walkman and the iPod proved the popularity of portable music; but JBL took the listening experience to the next level by creating a variety of headphones and portable speakers. .

Today, JBL is well-reverred master of their art as evidenced by their partnerships with other master such as NBA to Coachella to deliver an even better sound experience.

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.