 Site Links |
 |
|
|
 Buyer's Guide: Speakers
| What to Buy: Floorstanding Speaker Systems |
PSB Synchrony One Speaker System
$10,000- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
From the moment we saw the demo of the PSB Synchrony speakers, we were hooked. The speakers look nice, are built well, and sound awesome. They're warm but not muddy; clear but not brittle or harsh. Yet another excellent speaker from a company, and designer, that really knows what they're doing. |
|
Specs/Features:
Synchrony One: $4,500/pr., five-way transitional tower with three 6.5 fiber cone woofers, one 4 fiber cone midrange, and one 1 titanium dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 43 x 8.75 x 12.75
Synchrony One C: $2,000/ea., three-way with two 6.5 fiber cone woofers, one 4 fiber cone midrange, and one 1 titanium dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 8.75 x 24.25 x 12.75
Synchrony S: $2,000/pr., two-way with two 5.25 fiber cone woofers and two 1 titanium dome tweeters
H x W x D (in.): 13.25 x 11 x 8
SubSeries HD10: $1,500/ea., 750-watt powered subwoofer with one 10 fiber cone woofer and two 10 passive radiators
H x W x D (in.): 12 x 12 x 12
|
|
Tannoy Arena Highline 500 Speaker System
$5,060- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed (without optional stands)
|
|
Why We Like It:
Tannoy goes over the top with extended treble response in the Arena Highline 500 tower and satellite speakers. Once you've heard this well-organized and revealing top end, with its abundant detail and imaging, it may be hard to enjoy anything else. Its elegant profile enhances but wont dominate the room and the sub minimizes cabinet width while still delivering great bass. |
|
Specs/Features:
Highline 500 Tower: $900/ea., two-way with two 4 multifiber paper cone mid-woofers and one 0.75 titanium dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 45.69 x 8.23 x 7.76 (with base)
Highline 500 Centre and Satellite: $720/ea., two-way with two 4 multifiber paper cone mid-woofers and one 0.75 titanium dome tweeter, stands are $189/ea.
H x W x D (in.): 23.34 x 5.98 x 4.88 (height and width reversed for centre)
TS 500: $1,100/ea., 500-watt powered subwoofer with one 12 paper cone woofer
H x W x D (in.): 18.9 x 8.7 x 14.9
|
|
Definitive Technology Mythos ST Speaker System
$4,995- 5-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
The Mythos towers exude style, with an aluminum monocoque cabinet that's as gorgeous as it is inert (a good thing for speaker cabinets). It's extremely rare to find a system that offers performance for both music and movies in a package that looks and sounds this stunning. And it's even more rare to find it at this price, with powered subs built-in. |
|
Specs/Features:
Mythos ST L/R: $1,799/ea., three-way with one active and two passive 6" x 10" woofers, two 5.25" midrange, one 1" aluminum tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 51.5 x 6.75 x 9.5
Mythos Eight Center: $699, three-way with two 5.25" passive woofers, two 5.25" midrange, and one 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 6.1 x 28.5 x 4.375
Mythos Gem XL Surrounds: $349/ea., two-way with two 4.5" mid/woofers and one 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 12.625 x 4.5 x 4.5
|
|
PSB G-Design Speaker System
$4,696- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
PSB's G-Design series delivers finesse and impact that completely engulfs the room, elevating your listening experience to theater level. The G-Design series does require room, but if you've got that you'll hear an impressive soundstage across entire front of the room with a remarkable ability to simulate height in soundstage. World class sound, to be sure! |
|
Specs/Features:
GT1 L/R: $1,999/pr., 2.5-way with two 6.5" woven fiberglass woofers and one 1" titanium dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 36 x 8.5 x 14.375
GC1 Center: $849/ea., two-way with two 5.25" woven fiberglass woofers and one 1" titanium dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 7 x 23.75 x 11
GB1 Surrounds: $1,099/pr., two-way with one 6.5" woven fiberglass woofer and one 1" titanium dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 15.375 x 8.5 x 11.5
SubSeries 6i Subwoofer: $749/ea., 225-watt vented powered sub with 12" poly cone woofer
H x W x D (in.): 15 x 19.875 x 19.25
|
|
Revel F52 Speaker System
$17,583- 7.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
Headed by Kevin Voecks, Revel speakers are part of Harman International's "race car" division, charged with the task delivering state-of-the- performance and given all the resources to accomplish it. And the F52system fires on all cylinders- dramatic aesthetics, superb workmanship and construction quality and, of course, a rich, natural sonic presentation with tremendous detail, monstrous dynamic contrast and focused imaging. This system demands to be driven by the finest electronics, but the rewards are an audiophile grade system that offers effortless drama with movies and music alike. |
|
Specs/Features:
Performa F52 L/R: $6,498/pr., ported three-way with two 6.5" ceramic woofers, one ceramic 5.25" midrange and one 1" titanium dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 44 x 9.5 x 17.5
Performa C52 Center: $2,499/ea., three-way sealed box with two 5" ceramic woofers surrounding a vertically arrayed 3.5" ceramic midrange and 1" titanium dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 10.8 x 24.6 x 10.5
Performa M22 Surrounds: $2,200/pr., ported two-way with one 6.5" mid/woofer and one 1" titanium dome tweeter (used as rear surrounds in 7.1-channel system for review)
H x W x D (in.): 14.5 x 8.6 x 11.8
Performa S30 Surrounds: $2,295/pr., three-way with one 6.5" mid/woofer and one 1" titanium dome tweeter on front panel and two 4" drivers on either side, configurable for bipole or dipole operation (used as side surrounds in 7.1-channel system for review)
H x W x D (in.): 12.5 x 14.1 x 8.3
Performa B15a Subwoofer: $3,295/ea., 1,000-watt sealed box powered sub with 15" Kevlar/pulp/alloy composite driver
H x W x D (in.): 20.06 x 17.75 x 18.31
|
| | | | |
| What to Buy: Compact Speaker Systems |
Era Design 4 Speaker System
$2,500- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
These arent just among the best weve heard for the size and price point. The Era Design 4 speaker system is some of the best sound weve heard come from any speaker system at any price. The small form factor and sleek lines gives an unobtrusive, classy option without sacrificing the sound from midrange down through the bass. |
|
Specs/Features:
Design 4 Satellite: $600/pr., two-way with one 4 fiber-Kevlar composite cone woofer and one 1 silk dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 9.6 x 5.8 x 6.8
Design 4 LCR: $500/ea., two-way with two 4 fiber-Kevlar composite cone mid-woofers and one 1 silk dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 5.8 x 15.8 x 6.8
Sub 10: $1,000/ea., 300-watt powered subwoofer with one active 10 mineral-filled copolymer cone woofer, 2.5 voice coil
H x W x D (in.): 18.75 x 14.2 x 12.5
|
|
Meridian DSP3100 Speaker System
$16,430- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
Top-of-the-heap performance is the result of Meridian's long and patient pursuit of digital nirvana. These speakers are small but deliver enough punch to make a sub unnecessary in some cases. The soundfield they create is almost scary. This system is an unqualified triumph, a challenge to the industry, and a feast for the senses. |
|
Specs/Features:
DSP3100: $4,795/pr., two-way with one 6.5 doped carbon-fibre cone woofer and one 1 doped fabric dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 15.2 x 7.65 x 10
DSP3100HC: $2,895/ea., two-way with two 5.25 doped carbon-fibre cone mid-woofers and one 1 doped fabric dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 6.8 x 18.5 x 10
SW1600: $3,945/ea., 150-watt powered subwoofer with one 12 composite cone woofer
H x W x D (in.): 16.5 x 16.4 x 16.3
|
|
Dynaudio Focus 110 Speaker System
$4,500- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
Dynaudio delivers one of the strongest high-end sub/sat systems in the Focus 110 and SUB 250. Gorgeous looking and well built, these speakers are highly trnasparent and neutral, with a confident, robust low end. If you have a large music library, you'll be surprised what treasures these speakers will unearth. A strong performer by high-end (or any other) standards. |
|
Specs/Features:
Focus 110 L/R/C/LS/RS: $700/ea., two-way with one 5.9" magnesium polymer woofer and one 1.1" silk dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 12 x 6.81 x 11.22
SUB 250 Subwoofer: $1,000/ea., 200-watt sealed powered subwoofer with one active 10" magnesium polymer woofer
H x W x D (in.): 11.57 x 11.38 x 12.52
|
|
HSU Research HB-1
$1,124- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
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 copycats. It sounds that good. And HSU's top-line (but still affordable) VTF-2 MK 3 subwoofer adds true, deep bass. |
|
Specs/Features:
HB-1 L/C/R/LS/RS: $125/ea., stand-mounted two-way with one 6.5" treated paper woofer and one 1" aluminum dome with constant directivity horn
H x W x D (in.): 15 x 8 x 8
VTF-2 MK3 Subwoofer: $499, 250-watt vented subwoofer with 12" carbon fiber impregnated paper cone, speaker- and line-level inputs
H x W x D (in.): 22 x 15 x 23
|
|
Mordaunt-Short Alumni Speaker System
$1,470- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
Elegant and original are not bad words for the Mordaunt-Short Alumni. They have a voluptuous tonal balance that errs on the side of richness, taking the abrasive edge off action-movie soundtracks and bringing out the best in music of all eras and genres. The white finish satellites are among the most beautiful weve ever seen. Forty years of tradition can produce an outstanding surround speaker system. |
|
Specs/Features:
Alumni 2: $320/pr., two-way with one 3.5 CPC aluminum cone mid-woofer and one 1 aluminum dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 6.8 x 4.2 x 5.7
Alumni 5: $280/ea., two-way with two 3.5 CPC aluminum cone mid-woofers and one 1 aluminum dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 4.2 x 10.7 x 5.7
Alumni 9: $550/ea., 120-watt vented powered subwoofer with one 8 aluminum Continuous Profile cone woofer
H x W x D (in.): 14.8 x 10.2 x 13.9
|
|
Onix x-Series xIs Speaker System
$776- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
Onix has created a speaker line with more than just superbly well-crafted enclosures. They look beautiful. They sound marvelous, with a smooth, gentle and warm voice. And the cost is more than reasonable. Onix's new budget speakers should keep most other manufacturers awake at night. |
|
Specs/Features:
xIs L/R/LS/RS: $219/pr., two-way stand-mounted design with one 6.5" treated paper cone and one 1" fabric dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 13.5 x 8.5 x 11.5
x-cs Center: $139/ea., two-way with two 6.5" treated paper cones and one 1" fabric dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 8.5 x 20 x 15.5
x-sub Subwoofer: $199/ea., 150-watt vented powered subwoofer with one 8" treated paper cone woofer
H x W x D (in.): 17.75 x 9 x 12.88
|
|
Paradigm Reference Studio 20
$2,250- Five-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
Some manufacturers simply turn over their model lines just for the sake of doing so. Paradigm makes theirs better. This fourth-generation, v.4 rethink of MF's reference speaker uses better materials and deploys them more creatively. Recommended for the discerning listener with a limited budget. |
|
Specs/Features:
Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v.4: $450/ea., two-way with one 7" pure aluminum cone woofer and one 1" aluminum tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 15 x 8.25 x 12.75
|
| | | | |
| What to Buy: In-Wall/On-Wall Speakers |
Atlantic Technology IWCB-626 In-Wall
$950 Each
|
|
Why We Like It:
The Atlantic IWCB-626 offers good sound for movies and music with excellent vocal clarity, an open midrange and strong midbass. It's very versatile and makes a thoughtful choice for whole-house or home theater speaker systems. |
|
Specs/Features:
IWCB-626: $950/ea., two-way with one 6.5" poly cone woofer, one 6.5" passive radiator and one 1" soft dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 21.6 x 12.3 x 3.875
|
|
BG Radia R-17i On-Wall
$2,999- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
This is an on-wall home theater system that's more than just a plasma-TV accessory. It satisfies both the need for good aesthetics and the desire for great sound in a package that's easy to install and has lots of flexibility in speaker placement. |
|
Specs/Features:
Radia R-17i L/C/R: $500/ea., two-way with two 4" poly cone woofers, two 4" passive radiators and one ribbon tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 26.4 x 8.4 x 4.6
Radia R-18i Surrounds: $500/ea., two-way with one 4" poly cone woofers, one 4" passive radiator and one ribbon tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 26.4 x 8.4 x 4.6
Radia 210i Subwoofer: $1,499, 500-watt sealed box sub with two 10" Kevlar woofers, line-level inputs
H x W x D (in.): 14.7 x 16.3 x 17.5
|
|
BG Radia R-800 In-Wall
$12,000/pr. including BGA-2500 Amplifier
|
|
Why We Like It:
Telling your spouse you want big speakers in your living room probably isn't going to keep your approval rating very high. Unless they disappear into the wall like BG's Radia R-800 of course! BG's Radia is clearly in the high-end of in-wall speakers at $12K/pr. But these full-range speakers are nearly seven feet tall, includes built-in amps for the woofers to reduce the strain on your main amps, and the drivers are fast, transparent planar ribbons. You should have them professionally installed but once you do you'll hear powerful and well-defined bass and a remarkably clean and open midrange. BG's Radia R-800s are a giant step forward in architectural speakers. |
|
Specs/Features:
Three-way with sixteen 3" x 2.5" Neo3PDR planar-ribbon panels, six 10" x 5" Neo10 planar-ribbon panels, two 8" long throw woofers, two line level inputs on RCA, two pairs of speaker level outputs
H x W x D (in.): 81.5 x 11.58 x 3.7
|
|
Morel VARIO On-Wall
$5,994- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
Although on-wall speaker systems are sounding better every day, high-performance systems that are as versatile as Morel's Vario system are few and far between. Even if Morel isn't a speaker company that you've heard of, these are still speakers you need to listen to. |
|
Specs/Features:
VARIO L/C/R/LS/RS: $999/ea., two-way with two 5.25" damped polymer composite and one 1.1" soft dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 23.75-40.3 x 10.875 x 4.75
VARIOSUB Subwoofer: $999, 200-watt vented sub with one 10" poly cone woofer, speaker- and line-level inputs
H x W x D (in.): 17.75 x 23.75 x 8.5
|
|
Paradigm Millenia On-Wall Speaker System
$4,095 -5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
Generally, speakers don't sound good close to the wall, but many people want them there, and the Paradigm Millenia Series makes the best of the situation without undue sonic compromise. The midrange is truly something special, and overall performance is excellent. And they look great.
|
|
Specs/Features:
Millenia 20 L/C/R: $499/ea., three-way dipole surround with one 6" mineral-filled polypropylene woofer, two 4" mineral-filled polypropylene midranges and two 1" aluminum tweeters
H x W x D (in.): 26 x 5.13 x 4.5
Millenia ADP Surrounds: $599/ea., two-way with two 4.5" mineral-filled polypropylene woofers, two 4.5" mineral-filled polypropylene mid/woofers and one 1" aluminum tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 26 x 5.13 x 4.5
Reference Seismic 10 Subwoofer: $1,400, 1,500-watt sub with one active 10" mineral-filled polypropylene woofer and dual passive radiators
H x W x D (in.): 13 x 12.75 x 12.75
|
|
Polk Audio LC265i In-Wall
$650/ea.
|
|
Why We Like It:
Polk's LC265i are living proof that in-walls have come a long way. Descended from Polk's LSi standalone speaker series these in-walls are solidly built with a rigid enclosure for reduced resonances and an adjustable tweeter angle for improved performance. The low-end isn't as full-bodied as we've heard, but the imaging is excellent and overall the LC265i simply does everything we'd want an in-wall to do with respect to disappearing in its environment, and everything we want a conventional speaker to do in terms of faithfully rendering music and movie soundtracks. The LC265i is an in-wall with detail, dynamic power and an overall consistency that's rare. |
|
Specs/Features:
2.5-way with one 6.5" polypropylene woofer, one 6.5" polypropylene midrange and one 1" ring radiator tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 20.9 x 8.5 x 2.75
|
|
PSB VisionSound On-Wall
$4,244- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
The flat panel revolution has bred a new category of thin speakers designed to hang flush on the wall with your plasma or LCD. PSB's VisionSound system might be thin front to back, but the sound we heard from these matched speakers certainly wasn't. These speakers' balance is full and rich, with a sweet sound that even digs the best out of your less than stellar discs. The sub here is a fine performer, but maybe a little under-sized and would be our first upgrade for this system. Beyond that, PSB leaves the on-wall competition sounding, flat, washed out and thin. |
|
Specs/Features:
VS300 L/C/R/LS/RS: $749/ea., 2 1/2-way with two polypropylene woofers and one 1" tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 26.3 x 6.3 x 5.3
Subseries 5i Subwoofer: $499, 150-watt bass reflex sub with 10" polypropylene woofer, speaker- and line-level inputs
H x W x D (in.): 16.5 x 12.3 x 14.8
|
|
SpeakerCraft TIME Five In-Ceiling
$4,000- Five-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
Why We Like It: There is no doubt that these are some of the coolest, most functional in-ceiling speakers on the planet. And they sound great, too. |
|
Specs/Features:
TIME Five L/C/R/LS/RS: $750/ea., two-way with one 8" Kevlar woofer and one 1" aluminum tweeter
Diameter x Depth (in.): 11.8 x 11
TIME Controller: $250, controls up to eight TIME speakers in up to four zones, CAT-5 and speaker-level inputs
|
|
Totem Acoustic Tribe On-Wall
$4,950- 5.1-Channel System Price As Reviewed
|
|
Why We Like It:
In Totem's handcrafted Tribe we found an on-wall speaker that sounds like an away-from-the-wall speaker. The speaker is a svelte job intended to mount one the wall next to a flat panel with crossover parts are of the variety that's usually seen in higher-end and more expensive speakers. The Tribes are rare in being a highly musical speaker that also happens to kick butt with home theater sound, thanks in no small part to the Storm subwoofer, which has impressive grunt for an 8" sub. In a category filled with many uninspiring entries, these on-walls stand out from the pack with undeniable grace and finesse. |
|
Specs/Features:
Tribe 1 L/R/LS/RS Speakers: $750/ea., two-way with two 4" woofers and one 1" soft-dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 26 x 5.9 x 3.75
Tribe II Center: $950/ea., two-way with two 4" woofers and one 1" soft-dome tweeter
H x W x D (in.): 26 x 5.9 x 3.75
Storm Subwoofer: $1,000/ea., 300-watt powered sub with one 8" woofer and two 8" passive radiators, speaker and line level inputs
H x W x D (in.): 12 x 11 x 14
|
| | | | |
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsored Technology Center
