(2014) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999
- Details
- Parent Category: 2014 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
- Category: (2014) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999
Price: $995 per pair
Website: www.audience-av.com
Ian said: If you’re looking for a pair of high-resolution loudspeakers for a desktop, credenza, or wall unit in the den, the Audience ClairAudient One offers great sound and excellent build quality, and it unassumingly vanishes into its surroundings.
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The gist: Add one more computer-oriented mini to the crowded field.
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- Parent Category: 2014 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
- Category: (2014) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999
Price: $2790-$4167.60 per pair
Website: www.axiomaudio.com
Oliver said: Axiom deserves a gold medal -- or, better still, a Reviewers’ Choice award -- for how much sonic goodness they’ve packed into the wonderful M100. That they’re able to do so for a starting price of only $2790/pair is wondrous indeed. The Axiom M100 stands as one of the best-balanced reasonably priced speakers I’ve heard.
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The gist: Driver-packed large floorstander that costs less than you’d think.
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- Parent Category: 2014 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
- Category: (2014) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999
Price: $1150 per pair
Website: www.bowers-wilkins.com
Doug said: All told, B&W offers high value with the 684 S2 -- the reason shoppers have long gravitated toward the company’s various 600 series. But I recommend that prospective buyers first listen to this new model with familiar music, to determine if it’s the right speaker for them.
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The gist: Pretty good, just not great like you would hope.
- Details
- Parent Category: 2014 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
- Category: (2014) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999
Price: $2695 per pair
Website: www.bryston.com
Philip said: While the Mini T’s appearance is so-so, its sound is anything but. The Mini Ts’ unerring neutrality, great soundstaging, and ability to play ridiculously loudly without breaking up and distorting will tick all the right boxes for many music lovers, and will likely attract new customers to the brand.
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The gist: Plays loud and clean -- the perfect rock speaker.
- Details
- Parent Category: 2014 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
- Category: (2014) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999
Price: $549 per pair
Website: www.cambridgeaudio.com
Doug said: I highly recommend Cambridge Audio’s Aero 2. For its combination of high performance and value, it’s a frontrunner for one of our Product of the Year awards, to be announced at the end of this year.
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The gist: Innovative driver design delivers in this perky little speaker.
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- Parent Category: 2014 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
- Category: (2014) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999
Price: $399 per pair
Website: www.definitivetech.com
Vince said: I have no hesitation in recommending the Inclines to anyone who wants a high-quality computer speaker system, or as the main system for a small bedroom or apartment. You won’t be disappointed.
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The gist: Bipolar sound for your desktop.
- Details
- Parent Category: 2014 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
- Category: (2014) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999
Price: $4999.90 per pair
Website: www.definitivetech.com
Roger said: Definitive Technology’s Mythos ST-L SuperTower elevates “lifestyle” speaker design to a new level of performance with its high resolution, clear and neutral midrange, and incredible dynamics. A true high-end design in every respect, it should hold its own against any speaker near its price, and even against some that cost considerably more.
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The gist: What a looker, with great sound to match.
- Details
- Parent Category: 2014 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide
- Category: (2014) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999
Price: $1500 per pair
Website: www.focal.com
Vince said: The Aria 906 is packed with Focal’s latest driver technology, and the results are fantastic. I was smitten by the Arias’ huge soundstage, neutral midrange, and beautifully rendered highs. This bookshelf punches above its weight, and compares favorably with other well-regarded speakers, even above its price range.
Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.
The gist: Flax is good for you -- in more ways than one.