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 Buyer's Guide: Speakers
| What to Buy: Loudspeaker Entry Level Picks |
DCM Cinema2 Speaker System
$399
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Why We Like It:
DCM proves that a good ear matters more than fancy materials when you're designing a budget speaker set. These speakers have a pleasant and versatile midrange with modest bass and high-frequency extension. |
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Specs/Features:
Cinema2 Satellite Speaker: $50, WxHxD (in.): 4.5x7.38x5.75
Cinema2 Center: Not sold separately, WxHxD (in.): 12.63x4.5x5.75
Cinema2 Subwoofer: Not sold separately. WxHxD (in.): 14x15.88x15.13
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Hsu Research HB-1 Speaker System
$1,124 as reviewed
(HB-1 replaced with HB-1 Mk2, $1,124)
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Why We Like It:
Dr. Hsu, master of the budget sub, moves into budget-speaker territory with the HB-1. The sheer clarity he gets out of his horn-loaded tweeter should inspire other manufacturers. |
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Specs/Features:
HB-1 Speaker: $125, WxHxD (in.): 8x15x8
VTF-2 MK3 Subwoofer: $499, WxHxD (in.): 15x22x23
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PSB Alpha B1 Speaker System
$1,336 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The Alpha B1 offers greater detail than the older Alpha monitor. But it still retains the original's generous and musically adept soundstage. It's a classic champagne-performance, beer-budget speaker system. |
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Specs/Features:
Alpha B1 Speaker: $279/pr., WxHxD (in.): 7x11.9x9.5
Alpha C1 Center: $229, WxHxD (in.): 17.8x7x9.5
SubSeries 5i Subwoofer: $549, WxHxD (in.): 12.4x16.5x14.8
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Mordaunt-Short Alumni Speaker System
$1,470 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
Mordaunt-Short puts its 40 years of longevity to good use in this modestly priced sat/sub set. This company knows what music lovers want, and it delivers with these beautiful, well-made, and terrific-sounding speakers. |
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Specs/Features:
Alumni 2 Speaker: $320/pr., WxHxD (in.): 4.2x6.8x5.7
Alumni 5 Center: $280, WxHxD (in.): 10.7x4.2x5.7
Alumni 9 Subwoofer: $550, WxHxD (in.): 10.2x14.8x13.9
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JBL ES20 Speaker System
$1,746 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The JBL ES20 system is a champion by budget-speaker standards. It provides great off-axis response and a center speaker that reproduces natural-sounding dialogue. Plus, the system offers refined top-end performance that's nearly impossible to find elsewhere at this price point. |
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Specs/Features:
ES20 Speaker: $399/pr., WxHxD (in.): 6.88x12.5x8
ES25C Center: $349, WxHxD (in.): 18.75x7x10
ES250P Subwoofer: $599, WxHxD (in.): 15.75x19.75x16.88
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| What to Buy: Loudspeaker Midrange Picks |
Paradigm Reference Studio 20 V.4 Speaker System
$2,495 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
Paradigm's fourth-generation revamp of its reference speaker uses better materials and deploys them more creatively than in the past. This system is recommended for the discerning listener with a limited budget. |
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Specs/Features:
Reference Studio 20 V.4 Speaker: $450, WxHxD (in.): 8.25x15x12.75
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Dynaudio Excite X12 Speaker System
$4,900 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
You don't need to be a golden-eared audiophile with years of critical listening skills to "get" Dynaudio speakers. They appeal to anyone who knows what a human voice sounds like, how musical instruments sound, and even what it should feel like when a car runs off a cliff and explodes. We could easily live with these speakers for a long time. |
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Specs/Features:
Excite X12 Speaker: $1,200/pr., WxHxD (in.): 6.69x11.22x10.04
Excite X22 Center: $850, WxHxD (in.): 19.69x5.12x8.27
SUB300 Subwoofer: $1,650, WxHxD (in.): 12.6x13.3x18.35
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Era Design 4 Speaker System
$3,000 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The beautiful Design 4 speaker system rebels against problems that plague smaller speakers. The velvety midrange and treble pair with genuine midbass response that is rare in small speakers. These will stun you. |
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Specs/Features:
Design 4 Speaker: $600/pr., WxHxD (in.): 5.8x9.6x6.8
Design 4 LCR Speaker: $500, WxHxD (in.): 15.8x5.8x6.8
Sub 10 Subwoofer: $1,000, WxHxD (in.): 14.2x18.75x12.5
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PSB G-Design Speaker System
$4,696 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The G-Design series delivers finesse and impact that completely engulfs the room and elevates your listening experience. It's no wonder PSB wins so many awards. |
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Specs/Features:
GT1 Tower: $1,999/pr., WxHxD (in.): 8.5x36x14.38
GC1 Center: $849, WxHxD (in.): 23.75x7x11
GB1 Speaker: $1,099/pr., WxHxD (in.): 8.5x15.38x11.5
SubSeries 6i Subwoofer: $749, WxHxD (in.): 19.88x15x19.25
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Dynaudio Focus 110 Speaker System
$4,750 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
Dynaudio delivers one of the strongest compact systems in the Focus 110. If you have a large music library, you'll be surprised what treasures these speakers will unearth. |
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Specs/Features:
FOCUS 110 Speaker: $700/ea., WxHxD (in.): 6.81x12x11.22
SUB 250 Subwoofer: $1,000, WxHxD (in.): 11.38x11.57x12.52
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Definitive Technology Mythos ST Supertower Speaker System
$5,445 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
It's rare to find a system that offers performance for both music and movies in a package that looks this stunning. And it's even more rare to find it at this price. |
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Specs/Features:
Mythos ST Supertower Tower: $1,799, WxHxD (in.): 6.75x51.5x9.5
Mythos Eight Center: $699, WxHxD (in.): 28.5x6.1x4.38
Mythos Gem XL Speaker: $349, WxHxD (in.): 4.5x12.63x5.5
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| What to Buy: Loudspeaker High End Picks |
Vandersteen Audio 1C Speaker System
$6,319 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
This Vandersteen 5.2-channel system lists for $6,319. That's an astonishing value for an American-built, no-holds-barred music/home theater system. For that kind of money, you'd be hard pressed to find another set of musical, dynamically alive, spatially coherent speakers or subs that include this system's "feel it in your gut" bass slam. |
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Specs/Features:
1C Tower: $785/pr., WxHxD (in.): 12x36x10
VCC-5 Center: $1,995, WxHxD (in.): 9.75x24x18
VSM-1 Surround: $949/pr., WxHxD (in.): 12.25x23.5x5
V2W Subwoofer: $1,295, WxHxD (in.): 18x18.5x17
2Wq Subwoofer: $1,295, WxHxD (in.): 18x18.5x17
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Usher Be-718 Speaker System
$6,988 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The Usher Be-718 earns its high-end price point with its beauty, pleasure, and unerring competence. This is a brilliant product that we warmly and enthusiastically recommend. |
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Specs/Features:
Be-718 Speaker: $2,795/pr., WxHxD (in.): 10.2x15.2x16.9
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Thiel SCS4 Speaker System
$7,850 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The SCS4 produces spacious soundstaging with supurb depth, width, and height independent of the speakers themselves. The Thiels sound so natural, it's as if the speakers aren't there at all. |
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Specs/Features:
SCS4 Speaker: $990, WxHxD (in.): 8.4x17.6x10.8
SS1 Subwoofer: $2,900, WxHxD (in.): 10.5x20x15
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PSB Synchrony One Speaker System
$10,000 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
These speakers sound warm but not muddy, and clear but not brittle or harsh. The Synchrony One is yet another excellent speaker system from a company and designer that really knows what it's doing. |
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Specs/Features:
Synchrony One Tower: $4,500/pr., WxHxD (in.): 8.75x43x12.75
Synchrony One C Center: $2,000, WxHxD (in.): 24.25x8.75x12.75
Synchrony S Surround: $2,000/pr., WxHxD (in.): 11x13.25x8
SubSeries HD10 Subwoofer: $1,500, WxHxD (in.): 12x12x12
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Revel Performa F52 Speaker System
$16,492 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The Performa F52 speaker system benefits from first-rate components and painstaking attention to detail in its construction. While you can certainly spend more for a system, the difference would most likely be marginal. |
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Specs/Features:
Performa F52 Tower: $6,998/pr., WxHxD (in.): 9.5x44x17.5
Performa C52 Center: $2,499, WxHxD (in.): 24.6x10.8x10.5
Performa M22 Surround (side): $1,998/pr., WxHxD (in.): 8.6x14.5x11.8
Performa S30 Surround (back): $1,998/pr., WxHxD (in.): 14.1x12.5x8.3
Performa B15a Subwoofer: $2,999, WxHxD (in.): 17.75x20.06x18.31
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Pioneer S-2EX Speaker System
$17,500 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
Pioneer ranks among the top of speaker manufacturers with its EX speakers. They earn their stripes with smoothness, spatial definition, and an ease of listening that is both comforting and addictive. |
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Specs/Features:
S-2EX Speaker: $6,000/pr., WxHxD (in.): 11.44x22.25x16.75
S-7EX Center: $3,800, WxHxD (in.): 32.31x11.44x16.75
S-W1EX Subwoofer: $1,700, WxHxD (in.): 16.94x18.88x16.94
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Meridian DSP3100 Speaker System
$17,980 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
Meridian's long and patient pursuit of digital nirvana led to this speaker system's top-of-the-heap performance. This system is an unqualified triumph, a challenge to the industry, and a feast for the senses. |
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Specs/Features:
DSP3100 Speakers: $4,795/pr., WxHxD (in.): 7.65x15.2x10
DSP3100HC Center: $2,895, WxHxD (in.): 18.5x6.8x10
SW1600 Subwoofer: $3,945, WxHxD (in.): 16.4x16.5x16.3
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| What to Buy: In-Wall/On-Wall Loudspeaker Picks |
Atlantic Technology IWCB-626 In-Wall
$875/each
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Why We Like It:
The Atlantic Technology IWCB-626 ranks high on our in-wall list of favorites. It reproduces stereo and multichannel music with a sound quality that's more comparable to a freestanding model than a typical open-back in-wall speaker. |
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Specs/Features:
IWCB-626: $875, WxHxD (in.): 12.3x21.6x3.88
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Sonance VP89 In-wall Speakers
$2,700/pair
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Why We Like It:
Sonance's Visual Performance series in-walls are a good choice for a multiroom audio system or as a complement to a flat-screen display. They have a rated 30-Hz low-frequency response. Our reviewer loved their crisp, clean, detailed sound with both music and movies. The included clamps and tabs make them a breeze to install. |
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Specs/Features:
VP89 Speaker: $2,700/pr., WxHxD (in.): 9.88x15.94x3.88
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Paradigm Millenia Speaker System
$4,344 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
With the Millenia 20, Paradigm shows just how good a slim tower can sound. The midrange is truly something special, and the overall performance is excellent. Plus, they look great. |
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Specs/Features:
Millenia 20 Speaker: $499, WxHxD (in.): 5.13x26x4.5
Millenia ADP Surround: $599, WxHxD (in.): 5.13x26x4.5
Reference Seismic 10 Subwoofer: $1,400, WxHxD (in.): 12.75x13x12.75
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BG Radia R-800 In-Wall Speakers
$12,000/pair including BGA-2500 Amplifier
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Why We Like It:
If you want outstanding audio performance in your large room or theater, look no further than the Radia R-800. They are one giant step forward in architectural loudspeakers. |
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Specs/Features:
BG Radia R-800: $12,000/pr., WxHxD (in.): 11.58x81.5x3.7
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| What to Buy: Soundbar Loudspeaker Picks |
ZVOX 425
$700
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Why We Like It:
If you're looking for something simple and automatic to hang on the wall with a flat-panel TV, the ZVOX 425 should be on your short list. |
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Specs/Features:
425 Speaker: $700, WxHxD (in.): 36.5x7.5x5.5
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Definitive Technology Mythos SSA-50
$1,099
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Why We Like It:
This is one of the best-sounding single-cabinet systems we've heard to date. It sounds just as good while you watch action-packed Hollywood blockbusters as it does with more intimate two-channel music. If you can't deal with a full speaker setup, this is the soundbar for you. |
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Specs/Features:
Mythos SSA-50 Speaker: $1,099, WxHxD (in.): 46.25x5.4x4.25
ProSub 800: $399, WxHxD (in.): 10.3x12.9x15.8
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Polk SurroundBar 50
$1,100
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Why We Like It:
The slender profile makes the SurroundBar 50 one of the most attractive soundbars we've seen. While the need for an AVR and sub increases the overall price, it also increases your flexibility of options. |
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Specs/Features:
SurroundBar 50 Speaker: $1,100, WxHxD (in.): 51x4.5x5.1
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Denon DHT-FS3
$1,199
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Why We Like It:
When you consider the whole package of price, aesthetics, setup, and features, the DHT-FS3 strikes a nice balance among all of he elements that the general consumer will appreciate. |
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Specs/Features:
SC-FS3 Speaker: $1,199 for system, WxHxD (in.): 33.47x3.78x4.92
DSW-FS3 Subwoofer: $1,199 for system, WxHxD (in.): 4.17x14.95x14.2
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Yamaha YSP-4000
$1,800
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Why We Like It:
With its auto calibration, manual adjustments, and Beam modes, the YSP-4000 offers plenty of adjustability for fine-tuning your system. You are sure to find a sound palette that best suits your source just by playing with the three Beam modes. |
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Specs/Features:
YSP-4000 Speaker: $1,800, WxHxD (in.): 40x8x6
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| What To Buy: Tips For Choosing |
| Speakers are available in a bewildering variety of styles, sizes, and technologies. HT's Editors help you sort through the options.
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| How to Buy: Shopping Tips & Strategies |
| Even if you know which speakers are the best fit for you, the salesroom floor can be unforgiving terrain. We'll help you become a smart shopper.
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| How to Use: Connections & Calibration |
| Now that you've unboxed your new speakers, how do you set them up and get all the performance you've paid for? Want to know how to configure your surround receiver settings to match the type of speakers you have? Start Here.
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