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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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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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| 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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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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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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Era Design 4 Speaker System
$2,800 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 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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| What to Buy: Loudspeaker High End Picks |
Vandersteen Audio 1C Speaker System
$6,885 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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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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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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Sonus faber Domus Series Speaker System
$9,080 as reviewed
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Why We Like It:
We could gush about these speakers for ages. If you're like us and find the Domus speakers' elegant proportions, sumptuous leatherette, and exquisite finish downright irresistible, just close your eyes and listen. Sure, their bravura sonics will take you in, but the Domus speakers may cross over from guilty pleasures to the realm of downright sinful abandon. |
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Specs/Features:
Grand Piano Domus Speaker: $4,795/pr., WxHxD (in.): 8.25x11.75x12.25
Center Domus Speaker: $1,295, WxHxD (in.): 24.25x17.25x12.6
Concertino Domus Speaker: $1,495/pr., WxHxD (in.): 15x25.6x12.6
Wall Domus Speaker: $1,495/pr., WxHxD (in.): 7.25x7.1x19
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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
$21,295 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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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 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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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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