The Infinity Primus P162 bookshelf loudspeaker battles in one of the most competitive markets in the entire loudspeaker world: the sub-$300 price point. The Infinity brand name needs no introduction, yet what gets someone to pick Infinity over the likes of B&W, Polk, PSB, Paradigm and others is a hot topic these days. The two-way Primus P162 measures 14.75 inches high by 8.25 inches wide by 11 inches deep, and employs a three-quarter-inch tweeter and 6.5-inch woofer, both constructed using Infinity's proprietary Metal Matrix Diaphragm (MMD) driver technology. MMD driver cones are made from aluminum that is anodized on both sides, a design that combines light weight with high rigidity. The P162's stated frequency response is 49Hz to 20kHz. Thanks to its 90dB sensitivity, eight ohms nominal impedance and front-ported bass reflex design, the P162 is easy to drive and a good match for lower-powered receivers and amplifiers. The speaker has five-way binding posts and is available in a black ash finish with black grille cloth.

Don't let its modest price fool you. The P162 delivers true high-performance sound quality, with excellent clarity and resolution, and outstanding imaging and transient response. Its tonal balance is smooth and natural and, although it doesn't provide the extended low-frequency response you'll get from larger drivers and speakers, it doesn't have the exaggerated midbass hump that some smaller speakers might employ in order to give the impression of deeper bass at the expense of tonal accuracy. The high frequencies lose a bit of delicacy and refinement compared to other higher-end speakers, but they do not sound grainy or harsh. The P162 retains its dynamic composure even at surprisingly loud volume levels, and can deliver an expansive soundstage that belies its small size.

High Points
• The Primus P162 delivers high-performance sound that's good enough to satisfy even demanding audiophiles.
• It's ideal for use in a compact home theater system along with other Primus Series loudspeakers and a subwoofer, as well as for stereo listening.
• The P162 offers a well-balanced combination of tonal accuracy, outstanding resolution, realistic imaging and dynamic capability that makes it sound "bigger" than you'd expect from a speaker of its modest size.
• The P162's front-ported design enables the speaker to be placed close to a wall, on a shelf or in a cabinet, as well as mounted on a stand.
• The P162 is truly one of the best speaker values on the market today.

Low Points
• The P162 has limited low-frequency extension and starts rolling off at 49Hz, so if you're looking for deep, room-shaking bass, you'll need to use it with a subwoofer and or invest in a pair of larger floor-standing speakers. Of course, Infinity has a full line of speakers that fit the bill, but cost more than the P162s.
• While its performance in this area is outstanding, the P162 does not deliver the last word in high-frequency resolution or extension.
• The P162 is not as compact as some bookshelf speakers (and most satellite speakers in satellite/subwoofer home theater systems), so this might be a consideration if space is at a premium.
• You can get it in any color you like - as long as it's black.

Conclusion
The Infinity Primus P162 offers an exceptional level of performance for its price, and provides an affordable way for listeners to step up to true high-end sound. It has remarkably few sonic compromises for a "budget" loudspeaker, and delivers well-balanced, musically natural sound that makes it an ideal candidate for anyone who wants to put together a value-priced yet high-performance home theater or stereo audio system.