(2018) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999

Details

Parent Category: 2018 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2018) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999

• Reviewers Choice

Price: $968-$1474 per pair, depending on finish

Website: www.axiomaudio.com

Philip said: A speaker like Axiom’s M5HP is proof that you can get incredible sound, superb engineering, and fantastic build quality at a reasonable price.

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: Re-evaluate what you think great speakers cost.

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Parent Category: 2018 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2018) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999

Price: $2500 per pair

Website: www.bowers-wilkins.com

Hans said: No, the smallest tower model in B&W’s new 700 Series is a beautiful, well-built loudspeaker that sounded sensational with the right material, and never failed to keep me engaged, whether as reviewer or as listener. It’s not for everyone, but I suspect that for certain listeners it will be enduringly satisfying.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Not flat, but good-sounding speaker if you like what it offers.

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Parent Category: 2018 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2018) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999

Price: AU$1795

Website: www.definitivetechnology.com

Edgar said: In fact, Definitive Technology’s engineering chops have produced somewhat of a rare freak: a truly affordable, high performing, beautifully finished, constructed and styled speaker that possesses the indisputable inherent cachet a sizable speaker-producing concern can provide.

Read the SoundStage! Australia review.

The gist: Edgar was super impressed with the sound, especially for the price.

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Parent Category: 2018 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2018) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999

• Reviewers Choice

Price: $2999 per pair

Website: www.dynaudio.com

Doug said: I had a bit of a rough start with the Special Forty, but it wound up being one of the most transparent-sounding two-way speakers I’ve ever heard.

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: If anyone can make a great stand-mounted two-way, it’s Dynaudio.

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Parent Category: 2018 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2018) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999

Price: $199.95

Website: www.harmankardon.com

Brent said: When and if Microsoft decides to get serious about making Cortana a digital assistant for the home, the Invoke could be a compelling product.

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: Sound was good, but needs better software to truly compete.

Details

Parent Category: 2018 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2018) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999

• Reviewers Choice

Price: $1499.98 per pair

Website: www.kef.com

Hans said: It’s one of the most neutral transducers I’ve ever heard, and for the money offers staggeringly transparent sound. I fed it a steady diet of male and female singer-songwriters, and was always satisfied with the authenticity of what I heard. It’s not exactly a looker, but it’s well engineered, and sounds far more expensive than its price suggests.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: What Hans would buy with 1500 bucks in his pocket for speakers.

Details

Parent Category: 2018 SoundStage! Network Equipment Buying Guide

Category: (2018) Stereo Loudspeakers Up to $4,999

Price: $2000 per pair

Website: www.monitoraudiousa.com

Hans said: It’s a loudspeaker for the listener who values dynamics more than sterling neutrality, and who wants to move rather than sit and listen with stern solemnity. While it may be impossible for any $2000/pair speaker to “do it all,” the Silver 300 comes admirably close, and looks damn good doing it.

Read the SoundStage! Access review.

The gist: Speaker for everyman.