Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Subwoofer: XB6
Connections: Stereo speaker-level inputs, stereo RCA line-level inputs
Enclosure Type: Vented
Woofer (size in inches, type): 12, cone
Power Rating (watts): 200 (FTC), 625 (dynamic power)
Crossover Bypass: Yes
Available Finishes: Black Ash
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 13.75 x 15.5 x 13.9
Weight (pounds): 28
Price: $479

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Speaker: E70
Type: Two-way, L/C/R
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, aluminum dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 5.25, cone (2)
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 50–300
Available Finishes: Real Ebony Walnut, High-Gloss Real, Cherry Wood
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 23.25 x 7 x 9
Weight (pounds): 27
Price: $800/each

Speaker: E60
Type: Two-way, monitor
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, aluminum dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 5.25, cone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): 8
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 50–250
Available Finishes: Real Ebony Walnut, High-Gloss Real, Cherry Wood
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 12.25 x 7.25 x 9
Weight (pounds): 16
Price: $600/each

Ratings: Boston Acoustics Reference E Series e70 Speaker System

Build Quality: 94
• Boston's vaultlike cabinets exude a sense of quality that most svelte metal and plastic models can't match
• All-metal, biwire speaker connectors

Value: 93
• Snazzy, furniture-grade, real-wood finishes
• Downright affordable yet seriously potent subwoofer

Features: 92
• Slim cabinet design is lifestyle-friendly
• Boston's best tweeter and woofer designs

Performance: 93
• Handles hard-hitting dynamics with grace
• Compact subwoofer delves deep

Ergonomics: 93
• The integrated cable-management slots hide speaker wires
• The sub's top-panel-mounted volume control is a plus

Overall Rating: 93
Boston's reference-quality E Series lineup starts at an affordable $400 and reaches up to the high-end price range. The amazing thing is that the speakers all share similar superb build quality and impressive sound.

General Information
E70 L/C/R Speaker, $800/each
E60 Monitor Speaker, $600/each
XB6 Subwoofer, $479
Boston Acoustics
(978) 538-5000
www.bostonacoustics.com