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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
(Replaced with HB-1 Mk 2 Speaker System, $1,124)
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Why We Like It:
We don't want to overrate even the best budget speaker. Manufacturers who know what they're doing can achieve greater transparency by using pricier materials and more elaborately constructed enclosures. But the HB-1's sheer clarity, and the well-organized manner in which it communicates, make nearly all similarly priced - and quite a few higher-priced - products look like underachievers. |
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Specs/Features:
HB-1 Speaker: $125, WxHxD (in.): 8x15x8
VTF-2 MK 3 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 and crew are champions by budget-speaker standards. They deliver a refined top end that is nearly impossible to find elsewhere in this price range. How much of that is attributable to the super-tweeter may remain one of life's mysteries. In any case, this is an excellent way to get a starter system started. |
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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 |
JBL Control NOW AW Speaker System
$2,144 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The JBL Control NOW is an inspired response to marketing imperatives for a go-anywhere speaker. The system has an uncanny way of knitting the soundfield into a seamless whole without any speaker calling attention to itself. We think these speakers will fulfill their destiny in an awesome variety of multizone audio applications. |
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Specs/Features:
Control NOW AW Speaker: $279, WxHxD (in.): 5x14.31x9.88
ES250PW Subwoofer: $749, WxHxD (in.): 15.75x19.75x17.88
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Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v.4 Speaker System
$2,495 as reviewed
(Replaced with Reference Studio 20 v.5 Speaker System, $2,495)
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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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Boston Acoustics VS 240 Speaker System
$3,695 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The past few years have been transitional for Boston Acoustics since joining the D&M family of brands. With the Vision and Sound Series, Boston Acoustics reclaims its reputation as one of the world's best speaker makers for a new generation. The sheer originality that went into shaping this product makes us a little dizzy. You will want to hear what these speakers can do. |
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Specs/Features:
VS 240 Speaker: $399, WxHxD (in.): 5.88x9.44x6.38
VPS 210 Subwoofer: $1,700, WxHxD (in.): 13.88x15x21.25
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Acoustic Energy Radiance 1 Speaker System
$4,200 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
With the Radiance line, Acoustic Energy lives up to its 20-year reputation for making fabulous loudspeakers. If you find your current speakers harsh, but you don't want to give up extended frequency response, you may love the Radiance 1. Try them, and you may fall in love. |
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Specs/Features:
Radiance 1 Speaker: $1,200/pr., WxHxD (in.): 7.28x12.6x9.84
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Definitive Technology Mythos STS Supertower Speaker System
$4,355 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
With the Mythos STS SuperTower, Definitive has given new life to a product genre that deserves it. The towers are well made, cunningly engineered, and elegant. When you combine them with the Mythos Nine, they are excellent storytellers, especially with the parts of a story that require credible reproduction of the human voice. |
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Specs/Features:
Mythos STS Supertower Tower: $1,499, WxHxD (in.): 6.75x46x9.5
Mythos Nine Center: $799, WxHxD (in.): 28x5.4x4.13
Mythos Gem Speaker: $279, WxHxD (in.): 4.13x10.25x4.25
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Infinity Classia C336 Speaker System
$4,494 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
On the whole, we couldn't ask more from any set of speakers than we got from the Infinity Classia. The well-balanced performance of these great-looking and well-made speakers will provide standout performance in all cinematic and musical applications. Infinity also deserves special commendation for the equalized R.A.B.O.S. sub, which will mitigate the bass irregularities that plague most rooms. |
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Specs/Features:
C336 Tower: $899, WxHxD (in.): 8.5x48.5x10.5
CC225 Center: $499, WxHxD (in.): 31.75x6.86x5
C255ES Surround: $499, WxHxD (in.): 13.25x11.75x6.5
PSW310W Subwoofer: $1,199, WxHxD (in.): 14x17.5x14.75
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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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PSB Imagine T Speaker System
$4,749 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
This PSB system is sweet and clean with music, capable of surprisingly forceful impact and wide dynamic range with film, and includes a subwoofer that is far more impressive than its price would suggest. The Imagines satisfied our audiophile itch and provided plenty of home theater thrills. There are a lot of fine surround speaker systems in this price range, but you'll be missing out if you don't put this one on your must-audition list. |
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Specs/Features:
Imagine T Tower: $2,000/pr., WxHxD (in.): 8.25x37.2x13.7
Imagine C Center: $800, WxHxD (in.): 20.5x7.5x13.7
Imagine S Surround: $1,200/pr., WxHxD (in.): 10.75x12.7x6.9
SubSeries 6i Subwoofer: $749, WxHxD (in.): 16.4x20.75x21.25
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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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| What to Buy: Loudspeaker High End Picks |
Sonus faber Toy/REL T1 Speaker System
$6,044 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The Sonus faber Toy speakers and REL T1 subwoofer are a relatively small, attractive, unobtrusive-looking, and well-balanced system. While it's not inexpensive at $6,044, it won't break the bank, either. It delivers nuance and delicacy with musical sources and head- and gut-throbbing punishment with effects-heavy movies. It's a highly recommended system that proved difficult to return. |
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Specs/Features:
Toy Tower: $2,750/pr., WxHxD (in.): 10.6x37x11.6
Toy Center: $998, WxHxD (in.): 21x6.5x8.9
Toy Surround: $1,298/pr., WxHxD (in.): 7.2x11.3x10.6
REL T1 Subwoofer: $998, WxHxD (in.): 15.75x14.25x16.5
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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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Atlantic Technology 8200e Speaker System
$7,530 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
Sure, the big system plays the loud stuff like gangbusters, but the biggest surprise is the way the 8200e communicates weight and scale at hushed, late-night volume levels. That sort of sonic dexterity is what we always want but don't always get. This time, we have the best of both for an MSRP of less than $8,000 for the complete 5.1-channel speaker system. |
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Specs/Features:
8200e LR Tower: $1,660, WxHxD (in.): 10.6x31.1x11.9
8200e C Center: $1,750, WxHxD (in.): 28.5x16x11
8200e SR Surround: $1,400/pr., WxHxD (in.): 10.8x15.3x7.8
642e SB Subwoofer: $1,000, WxHxD (in.): 19x21x18.5
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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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Paradigm Reference Signature S8 Speaker System
$15,195 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The Reference Signature S8 system renders the most demanding 5.1 mixes with no signs of fatigue at all. They deliver dynamics with aplomb, and the seamless imaging from speaker to speaker is a testament to their design. The Signature series is the real deal. It sounds effortless at any playback level and provides breathtaking imaging and incredible dynamics. We've found our new reference system. |
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Specs/Features:
S8 Tower: $7,798/pr., WxHxD (in.): 8.25x48.5x20.5
C5 Center: $3,799, WxHxD (in.): 37.5x9.5x17.5
ADP3 Surround: $1,799, WxHxD (in.): 14.13x13.25x7.5
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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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Monitor Audio Platinum PL300 Speaker System
$25,650 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
We'd never recommend that anyone buy speakers sound unheard. But we do recommend a serious audition of the Platinums if you're shopping for the best. Even if you're only able to audition the PL300s alone in a two-channel setup and like what you hear as much as we did, you'll be in heaven with the full surround package. |
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Specs/Features:
PL300 Speaker: $10,000/pr., WxHxD (in.): 16.2x43.9x18.5
PLC350 Center: $4,800, WxHxD (in.): 31.5x11.4x14.5
PL100 Surround: $4,800/pr., WxHxD (in.): 8.9x14.6x11.25
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Revel Ultima2 Salon2 Speaker System
$45,993 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The Revel Ultima2 system proved itself to be the easiest-to-love system to grace our home theater. The sound is warm, extended, and vibrant, but lacking any false shimmer. It reveals the complexity of the human voice as perfectly as the mechanical gyrations of a grand piano. Whether listening to vinyl in stereo, or watching the latest action movie on Blu-ray, the experience is always rewarding. |
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Specs/Features:
Salon2 Tower: $21,998/pr., WxHxD (in.): 53.25x14x23
Voice2 Center: $7,999 (Pedestal: $599), WxHxD (in.): 25.5x14.7x14
Gem2 Speaker: $9,998/pr. (Pedestal: $1,398/pr.), WxHxD (in.): 24.2x12x5.4
Performa B15a Subwoofer: $2,999, WxHxD (in.): 17.75x18.75x18.32
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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
$4,444 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
With the Millenia 20, Paradigm shows just how good slim a tower can sound. The parts and build quality alone are more than worth the cost. This speaker is at its best right where it counts, in the musically sensitive midrange, and the sub takes up the slack in the bass department. These are among the few wall-huggers that sound not just good but great. |
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Specs/Features:
Millenia 20 Speaker: $499, WxHxD (in.): 5.13x26x4.5 (includes spikes/cones)
Millenia ADP Surround: $599, WxHxD (in.): 12x5x7
Reference seismic 10 Subwoofer: $1,400, WxHxD (in.): 12.75x13x12.75
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Pioneer Elite EX Series S-IW691L In-Wall Speaker System
$10,197 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
The Pioneer Elite EX S-IW691L speaker achieves uncommon results. You can cram all of the available technology into a speaker, but the real test is listening in real-world conditions. In this case, the Pioneer in-wall speakers aced the exam. |
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Specs/Features:
S-IW691L Speaker: $1,999, WxHxD (in.): 11.56x26.63x4
S-4EX Speaker: $2,100, WxHxD (in.): 10.38x19.31x15.25
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| What to Buy: Soundbar Loudspeaker Picks |
VIZIO VSB210WS High Definition Sound Bar Speaker System
$350
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Why We Like It:
If you want to spend $350 to improve over built-in TV speakers and you don't want to buy an A/V receiver, this soundbar and sub combo gets a lot of mileage out of that modest investment. It may be the ideal solution for a bedroom - or a bunch of bedrooms. |
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Specs/Features:
VSB210WS Speaker: $350 (soundbar and sub), WxHxD (in.): 39.95x4.82x4.33
VSB210WS Subwoofer: $350 (soundbar and sub), WxHxD (in.): 11.18x12.3x11.87
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ZVOX Z-Base 550 Single-Cabinet Surround System
$500
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Why We Like It:
All in all, we were impressed by this system. If you're tired of your TV speakers and want the simplest possible solution with the best sound we've heard under those circumstances, this is your ticket. |
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Specs/Features:
Z-Base 550 Speaker: $500, WxHxD (in.): 28x3.5x14.5
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ZVOX 425 Soundbar
$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 Soundbar
$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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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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Polk SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater
$1,200
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Why We Like It:
It's safe to say that Polk Audio's SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater is the most original and effective approach to one-speaker bar systems we've experienced. It boldly goes where no bar speaker has gone before. |
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Specs/Features:
SurroundBar 360 Speaker: $1,200, WxHxD (in.): 44.5x4.25x4.75
SurroundBar 360 DVD-Processor Console: WxHxD (in.): 16.5x3.25x11.5
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Phase Technology Teatro PC-3.0 L-C-R Speaker System
$2,400 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
It impressed us that the Teatro can produce a front soundstage as refined, intelligible, and just plain great-sounding as any other bar out there, and it even competes effectively with high-quality conventional speaker packages in that respect. Here's what happens when a manufacturer with a formidable pedigree approaches the soundbar genre. This is one bar a guy could like walking into. |
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Specs/Features:
Teatro PC-3.0 L-C-R Speaker: $1,200, WxHxD (in.): 40x7x4.5
Velocity V-Surround Speaker: $650/pr., WxHxD (in.): 10.75x9x4.75
FL-10 Subwoofer: $550, WxHxD (in.): 12.5x16.38x18
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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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