A bookshelf loudspeaker is a compact loudspeaker, generally sold for domestic / household applications as part of a stereo audio system or home theatre system. As the name suggest, its compact size allows it to be placed on a bookshelf, or speaker stand etc.
Once upon a time, the majority of quality loudspeakers were large in size and floor-standing. Smaller loudspeakers, such as bookshelf speakers, were of low audio quality and low price. In 1981, Wharfedale began work in a product that was to change the loudspeaker industry forever. Derived from research undertaken for the high-end TSR102, the Wharfedale Diamond was born. The unassuming small box took the industry by storm and became a best seller. Industry perceptions on bookshelf speakers were changed forever and audio enthusiasts started embracing the bookshelf speaker.
Bookshelf speakers are generally used in a small two-channel or stereo system, or used as rear, surround, or centre speakers in home theatre setups. They are usually “two-way”, one tweeter and one mid/bass driver, like the Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 or Quad 11L2; although some more high-end models may be “three-way”, like the Wharfedale Opus² M2 etc