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Speaker Reviews

Updated: Mar 18, 2024 17:44
Brand
alaScore
#1
alaScore 100

Sonos Era 100

When the Sonos One debuted in 2017, there was nothing else like it apart from some tentative smart speakers which quickly disappeared. Certainly nothing as well-formed and enduring as the One. (Yes, technically, Apple's HomePod was announced before the...

28 expert reviews

#2
alaScore 99

Sonos Era 300

The Dolby Atmos-compatible Era 300 delivers room-filling spatial audio on its own, or it can be easily integrated with other Sonos speakers for a truly theater-like experience.

33 expert reviews

#3
alaScore 99

Sonos Move 2

“Whether indoors or outside, the Sonos Move 2 is a highly versatile smart speaker.”

19 expert reviews

#4
alaScore 99

JBL Authentics 500

In terms of design, the JBL Authentics 500 serves up a cheeky and appealing flirtation with the past. Functionally, it has everything you need for a smooth user experience, and sonically, there’s nothing to complain about. Drawbacks include a bulky...

7 expert reviews

#5
alaScore 98

Q Acoustics M40 HD

The Q Acoustics M40 is another fun and thoroughly engaging speaker system that plays nicely with a range of sources. This micro tower is easy to accommodate, less conspicuously hi-fi in its looks, and packs a rich, warm performance. However, it’s not...

2 expert reviews

#6
alaScore 98

Samsung HW-Q800C

Excellent sound quality and features make this midrange bar a top pick.

9 expert reviews

#7
alaScore 98

Amazon Echo Dot (5th gen, 2022)

The fifth-generation Amazon Echo Dot adds tap gestures and mesh networking, but is otherwise nearly identical to the previous version.

21 expert reviews

#8
alaScore 98

Sonus faber Duetto

The Sonus faber Duetto are an impressive pair of active bookshelf speakers. At 4K/pair they deliver truly amazing sound but the prototypes I reviewed were buggy.

3 expert reviews

#9
alaScore 98

Sony SRS-XB100

This Bluetooth-enabled cylinder brings the bass with you everywhere.

6 expert reviews

#10
alaScore 98

Samsung HW-Q600C

In many respects, the HW-Q600C is just what the market is asking for. Reasonably priced, well-equipped and with some real positives where performance is concerned, it’s a fairly robust alternative to the default Sony and Sonos alternatives. But it...

5 expert reviews

#11
alaScore 97

KEF LSX II

The small, wireless KEF LSX II is the new reference among stereo speakers in this class. Nowhere else do you get such great sound in such a great package. All the upgrades from the four-year-old LSX have not only made the II edition even better,...

6 expert reviews

#12
alaScore 97

Kef LS50 Wireless II

KEF’s revisions have paid off: these sequels are among the most thrilling speaker systems we’ve heard

1 expert reviews | 9 user reviews

#13
alaScore 97

LG S95QR

For the price, there is no single soundbar system-in-a-box that offers as much bang for the buck as the LG S95QR.

20 expert reviews

#14
alaScore 97

Sony SRS-XG300

“Big sound, fun extras, in a portable, expandable party speaker.”

18 expert reviews

#15
alaScore 97

JBL Authentics 300

“JBL's Authentics 300 packs 100 watts and extreme smarts to go.”

6 expert reviews

#16
alaScore 97

JBL Bar 1300

The JBL Bar 1300 comes packed with so many speaker units that it’s easy to lose track. The big question, of course, is whether this translates into good sound – and it does! The JBL soundbar delivers a large and convincing surround sound image, with...

7 expert reviews

#17
alaScore 97

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

Strong Surround From a Single Soundbar The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is an excellent speaker for your TV that delivers pretty much everything you could want from a single speaker without a separate subwoofer and satellites (though you can always add...

3 expert reviews

#18
alaScore 97

Samsung HW-Q700C

Another impressive soundbar from Samsung, the HW-Q700C delivers a dynamic, cinematic performance that will have your walls shaking. It’s also good with music, while owners of recent Samsung TVs get a boost from Samsung-specific features. It could...

2 expert reviews

#19
alaScore 97

Triangle Magellan Duetto 40th

Partner the Triangle Magellan Duetto 40th well and they are capable of a thrilling presentation

4 expert reviews

#20
alaScore 97

Sonos Sub Mini

The Sub Mini isn’t technically or acoustically as powerful as the standard Sub, but it succeeds in providing an immersive, full-bodied audio experience that’s only possible with a “complete” Sonos home theater system. And it deals less damage to your...

25 expert reviews

#21
alaScore 97

Ultimate Ears Epicboom

Ultimate Ears Epicboom delivers a giant sound via Bluetooth connection -- without forgetting about environmental impact and portability.

6 expert reviews

#22
alaScore 97

Sony SRS-XV800

Sony’s SRS-XV800 is a hefty speaker that’s guaranteed to fill your garden or home with pumping loud music when you have a party. But loud isn’t necessarily synonymous with high fidelity.

7 expert reviews

#23
alaScore 97

Sony HT-S2000

Sony's HT-S2000 soundbar could really use a subwoofer, but it otherwise generates big sound with surprisingly good Dolby Atmos imaging for its 3.1-channel design.

4 expert reviews

#24
alaScore 96

Audio Physic Spark

Spark hasn’t lost much in the transition from floorstanding to compact bookshelf speaker. None of the Spark versions have been kings of deep bass, but they have always delivered quality bass. The new version certainly does that, and it’s better at...

2 expert reviews | 5 user reviews

#25
alaScore 96

DALI Kore

The huge Dali speakers can be accused of being priced to match their size, and I agree that it’s a lot of money, but not that it’s expensive. The alternatives in this price range are few and far between, even if they are very good. What especially...

2 expert reviews

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    Buying Guide

    Buying Guide - Speakers

    Speakers determine the overall sound quality of your system, so it's worth the time to listen to several models before making a decision. There are a number of reasons why speakers are a popular purchase when people are looking to upgrade their home entertainment or computer systems. For home entertainment purposes, good speakers can make all the difference in creating a compelling and immersive viewing experience. For computer gaming, good speakers can add an entirely new component to gameplay. If you have been looking for a way to inject some new life into your entertainment options, see what a new speaker system can do for you.



    Contents

    What to Look for in a Speaker System

    Sound Quality – Sound quality is a very personal judgment, like music, food or wine. Everyone’s tastes are different. There is no “best” speaker, only the one that is best for you. When you shop for speakers, listen to several models with favorite music and different type of music. Your experience in listening to live music is a good gauge to evaluate speakers. The speaker should sound natural to your ears, have balanced tone quality and should be easy to listen to for long periods. Don't feel rushed, listen to a speaker several times before making a final decision.

    Configuration – The shorthand for a speaker system's configuration appears as two numbers separated by a period, i.e. 2.0, 4.1, 6.1, etc. The first number is the number of speakers that are included in the set, and the second number is the number of subwoofers. Two speakers are plenty for most needs; if you are building a home entertainment system and want a surround sound experience, you will want additional speakers. Subwoofers are important for playing the deep bass frequencies that most ordinary speakers cannot reproduce.

    Sensitivity – Measured in decibels (dB), sensitivity determines whether the speakers can produce high-volume sound with no distortion. Speakers with sensitivity above 92dB will be fine by themselves; speakers with less than 88dB will generally require an amplifier.

    Frequency Response – Measured in Hertz and kiloHertz, frequency response is a measure of a speaker's ability to reproduce various frequencies of sound. Most speakers do not cover the full range of frequencies that can be detected by the human ear (20Hz at the low end, and 20kHz at the high end), but dedicated music enthusiasts and professionals will want speakers that come as close as possible to reproducing the entire range.

    Watts – Many novices talk of speaker wattage and the danger of 'blowing' speakers from an overload, but the reality is that it is difficult to blow out your speakers simply with an amplifier that is too big. Keep the wattage within the limit recommended for your amp, and especially keep an ear out for any volume-based distortion, and you should never have a problem with your speakers.

    Additional Speaker Features

    Connectivity – This differs between brands, and particularly at different price points. Some speakers are versatile enough to be connected directly to your television or computer, others will need to go through a receiver or amplifier. Make sure you know which kind you are getting.

    Size – High-performance speakers may be large and require special installation. Smaller speakers can be placed anywhere. Make sure you know which you are looking for.

    Wireless – Some speaker systems offer the convenience of wireless set-up, eliminating the clutter of speaker cables. This is a great feature particularly for surround sound systems with numerous speakers.

    Popular Speaker Brands

    Bose is an industry leader – for a little extra money, you get the confidence of knowing you have a quality product. Definitive Technology and Klipsch offer speakers across a range of styles, and have been well-reviewed by consumers. Bargain brand Insignia offers decent performance at outstanding prices, as do Polk Audio speakers.

    Popular Speaker products

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    Speakers on alaTest

    alaTest.com has collected and analyzed millions of reviews from 2688 sources to help you choose the best Speaker from top brands like Sony, Sonos, Samsung, Jbl, Kef Audio and more.

    Buying Tips Read our Buying Guide
    before you make your purchase