1528 Bookshelf 8

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The 1528 Bookshelf 8 brings high-end audio into a form but maintains the impressive accuracy of its larger siblings. Custom-made drivers deliver crystal-clear highs, detailed mids, and rich bass. Its considered design and adjustable settings make it ideal for spaces over 20 square meters, providing full-range sound without the need for a subwoofer. Try them for yourself with a risk-free 60-day audition.

Tech Specs | 1528 Series

Based on 19 reviews
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“…one of those speakers that makes it fun… and will certainly make you spend more time in front of your stereo.”

Håvard Holmedal – Stereo+

SMALLER BUT STILL MIGHTY

The 1528 Bookshelf 8 delivers the essence of the RØST Reference Acoustic Core in its most compact form. 

Engineered as a true 3-way system, it offers a level of control, clarity, and dynamic capability rarely found in speakers of this size. The sound is focused and articulate, with a natural midrange presence and bass performance that feels confident and composed rather than forced. 

With its wide listening window and seamless integration across the frequency range, the Bookshelf 8 proves that reference-level performance is not defined by cabinet size — but by acoustic design. 

PRECISION TIMING.

FLAWLESS REPRODUCTION

The 1528 Bookshelf 8’s precision-engineered, 85mm thick, time-aligned driver baffle delivers every note with remarkable accuracy, creating a coherent and dynamic listening experience. The curved baffle design aligns each driver to the listening position effortlessly, reducing crossover design complexity and preserving sound purity. This innovative approach ensures every musical detail reaches the listener in-phase and with minimal interference.

“The speakers are surprisingly not brash or aggressive… they are surprisingly homogeneous and well-balanced.”

Håvard Holmedal – Stereo+

CRAFTED WITH PRECISION.

BUILT TO LAST

1528 Series are serious statement pieces with a solid multi-layered HDF (high density fiberboard) cabinet construction and high-quality, satin paint finish — there’s striking metal flake detail in the Basalt version, and pearl in the baffle of the Polar. The time-consuming care and attention to detail we put into the development of every speaker in the 1528 Series line-up are reflected in our industry-leading 10-year warranty.

The new definition of excellence

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  • CUSTOM BASS RESPONSE

    Ported and sealed modes

    CUSTOM BASS RESPONSE

    Ported and sealed modes

    The 1528 Series offers both ported and sealed modes, allowing you to customize the bass response depending on your individual room acoustics and personal preference. Choose an open port for maximum output and the lowest bass extension when the speaker is free standing. Or go sealed for a tighter bass response when the speaker is close to a wall or corner.

  • UNCOMPROMISED CONNECTIVITY

    Superior conductivity and durability

    UNCOMPROMISED CONNECTIVITY

    Superior conductivity and durability

    1528 Series speakers feature custom-designed, rhodium-plated copper bi-wire binding posts, offering both flexibility of connection and distortion-free performance. These binding posts ensure superior conductivity and durability, delivering clear, high-fidelity audio signals. Bi-wire and bi-amp compatible, we’ve got you covered. Designed for those who appreciate uncompromised quality.

  • ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT

    Personalized fine-tuning

    ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT

    Personalized fine-tuning

    1528 Series speakers allow for personalized fine-tuning of the mid and high frequency outputs. Depending on your room response, you can adjust both by +/- 2db. Simply place the level adjusters in the desired position to enjoy your customized audio experience.

  • HIGH-QUALITY CROSSOVER

    Pure sonic clarity

    HIGH-QUALITY CROSSOVER

    Pure sonic clarity

    The 1528 Series crossover is crafted for pure sonic clarity, using heavy-gauge air-core inductors to reduce distortion and enhance dynamics. High-quality polypropylene and polyester capacitors ensure smooth transitions across frequencies, while non-ferrous parts keep the signal pristine. This meticulously designed crossover preserves every detail, delivering balanced, transparent sound across all listening levels.

  • CABINET

    AHEAD OF THE CURVE

    CABINET

    AHEAD OF THE CURVE

    Every speaker in the 1528 Series line-up features a stiff, 25mm thick HDF (high-density fiberboard) cabinet construction designed to eliminate resonance. The curved, 85mm hand-crafted, front baffle ensures that each driver is perfectly directed to the listening position, eliminating phase discrepancies. The result? Outstanding transparency, dynamics and soundstage.

  • Tweeter & waveguide

    ON A HIGH NOTE

    Tweeter & waveguide

    ON A HIGH NOTE

    At the top of the RØST Reference Acoustic Core is a custom 28mm lithium-magnesium tweeter, engineered for speed, precision, and low distortion. 

    Integrated into a large-format controlled-directivity waveguide, the tweeter is shaped and positioned as part of a unified acoustic system. The waveguide controls dispersion, minimizes room interaction, and aligns the high frequencies precisely with the drivers below — creating a wide, stable listening window with exceptional clarity and focus. 

    This is where detail begins, without edge or fatigue. 

  • Midrange

    LIFELIKE CLARITY

    Midrange

    LIFELIKE CLARITY

    As frequencies move from precision to presence, the RØST Reference midrange takes over. 

    The custom 5” carbon-graphene midrange driver is optimized for accuracy, speed, and tonal neutrality, forming the critical link between the waveguide-loaded tweeter and the bass system. Its light, stiff construction minimizes distortion while preserving the natural body and texture of voices and instruments. 

    The result is seamless integration through the most sensitive part of the sound spectrum — where dialogue feels real, music feels alive, and nothing draws attention to itself. 

  • Woofer

    DEEP, DYNAMIC BASS

    Woofer

    DEEP, DYNAMIC BASS

    Our new, custom-designed 8″ aluminum long-throw bass drivers feature a prism structure for added stiffness and have inverted surrounds for a sleek, integrated design. They give a dynamic performance with deep, impactful bass that you feel as much as you hear. A stylish, rubber-backed, magnetically attached, steel grille will keep sticky little fingers away from the action.

“The Bookshelf 8 does a lot right, to the point that it stands as a good alternative to far more expensive speakers.”

Håvard Holmedal – Stereo+

dimensions and tech specs

Design

3-way

Dimensions (H/W/D)

55.5 x 29.0 x 36.8 cm
(21.9 x 11.4 x 14.5 in)

Weight

30kg
(66 lbs)

Enclosure

Sealed/Ported

Enclosure material

High Density Fiberboard (HDF)

Ports

71.5mm inner diameter

Break-in for optimal performance

50 hours

Recommended amplifier

Up to 500W

Included

Port Plug, Grille

handbook

Download
Tweeter

28 mm

Midrange

5”

Woofer

8”

Frequency response
Frequency Response -6dB (anechoic):
28Hz-20kHz
Typical In-Room Bass Response: 16Hz
Frequency Linearity: 42Hz-20kHz +-2dB
F3: 37Hz
F6: 28Hz
F10: 19Hz
Impedance

4-ohms nominal

Crossover frequency

420Hz / 2800Hz

Sensitivity

84dB / 2.83V / 1m

handbook

Download

Frequency

Frequency response does not reflect maximum output but shows its true response in a anechoic chamber. Typically you will see an elevated response in the bass response below 40Hz in room due to room gain, which can add around 6dB pr. octave under 40Hz depending on the size of your room.

Impendence

The impedance charts are electrical measurements of the loudspeaker’s resistance vs frequency.

“Whatever you imagined or expected for the new 1528 Series, it exceeds them all by 10x in both build and sound quality”

Jay Lee – Jay’s Iyagi

This speaker is for you if

high-end-tower

High-end sound in stand mount form factor.

floor-plan

You have a smaller room and you are limited in placement options.

subwoofer-icon

You want true-full range sound without a subwoofer.

You want Neutral, Powerful, and Precise Sound

Our speakers have no “house sound”—we prioritize detail, natural tonality, and lifelike dynamics.
They deliver clean, balanced sound even at extreme volumes, with no audible distortion or compression.

BUY DIRECT

We’re audio enthusiasts, just like you. Your concerns are ours, and we’re here to assist every step of the way. 

Buying directly from Arendal Sound ensures you get the utmost value for your investment. You communicate directly with our industry-leading customer experience specialists for a fast, smooth, and accurate response. 

No middlemen, minimal shipping. 

And with a built-in 60-day audition period, we promise you a risk-free purchasing experience with no hidden catches. Experience it for yourself. 

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