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.

Additional Resources
• Read more high end bookshelf speaker reviews from the likes of Polk, Bowers & Wilkins, PSB, Paradigm, Infinity, JBL and many more on this HomeTheaterReview.com resource page.
• Read a review of the Infinity P142 bookshelf speaker from HomeTheaterReview.com.

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.