Price: $699 per pair

Website: www.bowers-wilkins.com

Al said: Anyone looking for an easy entry into the audiophile world would be well served by the Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2. For a $699/pair speaker, it hits most of the high-end high points: precise imaging, refined detail, ample dynamics. And for the speaker’s modest size, its bass extension is impressive.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Get that B&W marquee in your room for under 700 bucks.