The RBH 61-SF/R bookshelf speakers are likely to hold their value well due to their appeal in home theater setups, American manufacturing, and RBH’s strong reputation among audiophiles. While some other audiophile speaker brands (such as Bowers & Wilkins, KEF, and MartinLogan) may have a larger dealer presence or wider distribution, investing in forward-thinking speakers like the RBH 61-SF/R seems a relatively safe bet.
Who are the RBH 61-SF/R Bookshelf Speakers’ Competitors?
In the 61-SF/R’s price range, the first competitor that comes to mind is the Mobile Fidelity (MoFi) SourcePoint 8 bookshelf speaker. This speaker garnered significant attention at the 2023 Axpona show, partly due to the influence of renowned speaker designer Andrew Jones. Priced slightly higher than the 61-SF/R at $2,750 per pair, the MoFi SourcePoint 8 offers comparable performance and quality, albeit with a very different design philosophy. They feature a custom-designed 8-inch concentric driver and a 1.25-inch soft dome tweeter, available in black, white, or natural wood finishes. Slightly larger than the RBHs, they extend down to 47Hz, but lack the tonal brilliance of the RBH’s excellent AMT tweeter. However, the concentric design has a unique ability to transform the entire woofer into a waveguide, producing exceptional imaging and accuracy while increasing efficiency. Either speaker is a fantastic choice for a mid-to-high-end system with very few compromises.
Another comparable option in a similar price bracket is the recently released Wharfedale Aura 2 bookshelf speaker, retailing for $2,499. The Aura 2 is a traditional three-way bookshelf speaker featuring a 6.5-inch woven glass fiber matrix woofer, a 4-inch woven glass fiber matrix midrange driver, and Wharfedale’s own Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter. At 22 inches tall, the Aura 2 towers over both the RBH and MoFi speakers, appearing rather large and likely requiring stands in mixed-use entertainment spaces. This increased volume translates to enhanced low-frequency extension and reach, dipping into the low 40Hz range, which is quite impressive for a bookshelf speaker and may even negate the need for a subwoofer for some listeners—a boon for audiophiles who prefer traditional 2.0 stereo configurations.
Also worth mentioning are the KEF R3 Meta bookshelf speakers, priced at $2,199. These are KEF’s latest three-way bookshelf speakers, featuring their renowned 12th generation Uni-Q driver array, proprietary Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), and a 1-inch vented aluminum dome tweeter with MAT absorption. They are the smallest and lightest of the bunch, measuring less than 8 inches wide, 16 inches tall, and 13 inches deep, so they may not compete with the other speakers in terms of bass response. They are also slightly harder to drive due to their 4-ohm impedance and 87 dB sensitivity. As a brand that consistently innovates in speaker design, KEF remains a wise choice for those seeking a smaller footprint, but be prepared to purchase a subwoofer for optimal performance.
Final Thoughts on the RBH 61-SF/R Bookshelf Speakers
Having reviewed two pairs of RBH Sound speakers over the past year, I’ve been consistently impressed by RBH’s combined design, unparalleled quality, excellent customer service and support, and, most importantly, industry-leading sound quality. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile looking to add bookshelf speakers to a secondary system or a novice or budget-conscious listener looking to buy or upgrade to your first pair of foundational speakers, there are few competitors in this price range that can rival RBH. At $2,400 per pair, RBH has packed exceptional value into the 61-SF/R, a rare achievement in today’s challenging audiophile speaker market.
This translation aims for a sophisticated and engaging tone suitable for an English-speaking audience interested in high-end audio. I have focused on conveying the key technical details while also capturing the comparative aspects of the original text. I’ve also used more natural phrasing and sentence structures to avoid a “translated” feel.
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