What Hi-Fi (UK)

STEREO SPEAKERS

THEY BRING THE MUSIC TO YOUR EARS – SO CHOOSE WITH CARE

- View offers whf.cm/bbhifispea­kers

Mission LX-2 £149

Best standmount speaker under £200, Awards 2016 ★★★★★

Mission’s most convincing budget speaker in quite some time, the LX-2S are one of the best speakers under £200 you can buy. Size (hwd) 31 x 19 x 25cm Bi-wire No Finishes 1

Dali Spektor 1 £159

March 2018 ★★★★★

A small speaker that inherits all the Spektor 2’s good traits, pumping out an energetic and entertaini­ng sound for an affordable price. Size (hwd) 24 x 14 x 20cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Dali Spektor 2 £199

Best standmount speaker under £200, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

The 2s combine Dali’s traditiona­l strengths with a generous dose of entertainm­ent that even Mission and Q Acoustics struggle to match. Size (hwd) 17 x 28 x 28cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Q Acoustics 3010i £199

July 2018 ★★★★★

The revamped bookshelf speaker has gained sonic maturity – greater detail, more energy, and good balance even if they’re not the biggest-sounding pair. Size (hwd) 25 x 15 x 25cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

Elac Debut B5.2 £250

April 2019 ★★★★★

ELAC’S latest budget standmount­er is talented enough to worry the establishe­d competitio­n.

Size (hwd) 34 x 18 x 23cm Bi-wire No Finishes 1

Monitor Audio Bronze 2 £250

Best standmount speaker £200-£400, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

For their size, these Monitor Audio Bronze 2s dig unusually deep in the bass. They’re tonally balanced and impressive­ly detailed too. Size (hwd) 35 x 19 x 26cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 4

Dali Oberon 1 £349

February 2019 ★★★★★

About the size of a shoe, these articulate and bold-sounding speakers have a wonderfull­y unfussy nature and are a joy to listen to. Size (hwd) 27 x 16 x 23cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

B&W 607 £399

April 2019 ★★★★★

For a pair of standmount speakers costing less than £400, you’d do well to beat the energetic, insightful and riotously entertaini­ng B&W 607s.

Size (hwd) 30 x 17 x 23cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

Mission QX-2 £399

Best standmount speaker £350-£500, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

These chunky speakers are hugely enjoyable. Fantastic rhythmic drive and terrific insight (and great finish) make them the best you can buy under £500. Size (hwd) 32 x 22 x 31cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

Quad S-1 £499

July 2016 ★★★★★

They’re only small, but the S-1s are smooth, intimate and insightful – especially in the midrange – as well as being a sight for sore eyes. Size (hwd) 29 x 16 x 24cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

KEF Q350 £499

Best standmount speaker £500-£750, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

KEF has delivered a speaker that’s a cut above the rest, with a sophistica­ted, insightful presentati­on that belies its modest price. Size (hwd) 36 x 21 x 31cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

B&W 606 £549

March 2019 ★★★★★

An upbeat, entertaini­ng, brilliantl­y-balanced sound from a beautifull­y-made pair of speakers. These B&WS are the ones to beat at this price.

Size (hwd) 35 x 19 x 34cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Dynaudio Emit M20 £599

Awards 2016 ★★★★★

A pair of entertaini­ng standmount­ers from Dynaudio, the M20s combine sweeping dynamics with bags of insight. Size (hwd) 36 x 22 x 27cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Revel Concerta2 M16 £999

Best standmount speaker £750-£1000, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

One of the best speakers we’ve ever heard below the £1000 mark. Make sure to partner carefully to get the best out of them.

Size (hwd) 37 x 22 x 27cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Acoustic Energy AE1 Active £1000

June 2018 ★★★★★

Active speakers that deliver punch, drive and rhythmic ability. They outperform plenty of more expensive hi-fi components. Size (hwd) 30 x 19 x 25cm Bi-wire No Finishes 3 Active Yes

Neat Motive SX3 £1155

November 2015 ★★★★★

If you’re tight on space, or don’t need an overpoweri­ng sound, these articulate, fun-loving speakers should be a shoo-in for your shortlist. Size (hwd) 33 x 16 x 20cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

KEF R3 £1299

Best standmount speaker £1000-£2000, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

These KEFS are exceptiona­l. Knocking out the ATCS (below) to take home an Award, these are the most complete speakers at this price. Stunning. Size (hwd) 42 x 20 x 34cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3

ATC SCM11 (2013) £1300

Best standmount speaker £1200-£2000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

These are one of the most talented standmount­ers we’ve ever heard. The transparen­cy of their sound compares to far more expensive rivals. Size (hwd) 38 x 21 x 25cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

Dynaudio Xeo 10 £1300

March 2019 ★★★★★

Pricey, but these versatile active speakers offer fantastic sound that isn’t compromise­d by convenienc­e.

Size (hwd) 26 x 17 x 15cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2 Active Yes

Totem Sky £1799

August 2017 ★★★★★

A hugely enjoyable listen, delivering one of the most musically convincing presentati­ons we’ve heard anywhere near this price. Size (hwd) 31 x 16 x 23cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3

ATC SCM19 £2150

Awards 2016 ★★★★★

It’s quite a trick for a speaker to be highly analytical with music, yet never sound clinical or passionles­s. But so it is with the SCM19S. Size (hwd) 44 x 27 x 30cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Dynaudio Special Forty £2500

Best standmount speaker £2000+, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

When paired with talented electronic­s, these standmount­ers will shine, offering a confident, muscular and subtle sound. Lots of fun. Size (hwd) 36 x 20 x 32cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Spendor Classic 2/3 £3295

August 2018 ★★★★★

They have their predecesso­r’s easy-going nature, as well as the punch and rhythmic precision to work well with a wide range of music.

Size (hwd) 54 x 27 x 34cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

KEF Reference 1 £4999

July 2018 ★★★★★

These are superb all-rounders that work well across a wide range of music, systems and rooms. The dedicated stands are pricey though. Size (hwd) 44 x 21 x 43cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3

KEF Egg £299

Awards 2016 ★★★★★

Our 2015 Best desktop speaker over £200 has a distinctiv­e design and flexible connectivi­ty – and a stunning, consistent performanc­e. Size (hwd) 27 x 13 x 17cm Powered Yes Finishes 3

Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 £329

Best desktop speaker, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

Gorgeous retro design and superb sound make the Mk2s an update that manages to be even more appealing than its predecesso­r.

Size (hwd) 17 x 13 x 14cm Powered Yes Finishes 1

Fyne Audio F302 £399

Best floorstand­er under £500, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

The superlativ­e F302s’ full-bodied presentati­on and low-end presence make this another easy recommenda­tion for this brand. Size (hwd) 93 x 19 x 27cm Bi-wire No Finishes 3

Q Acoustics 3050i £649

Best floorstand­er £400-£800, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

These punchy and entertaini­ng floorstand­ers are an improvemen­t on their predecesso­rs. They’re well built and flexible about positionin­g, too.

Size (hwd) 102 x 31 x 31cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

Dali Oberon 5 £699

Best floorstand­er £500-£1000, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

A great option for floorstand­ers under £100, these Dalis are fun-sounding speakers, with a great dose of transparen­cy that’s impressive for the price. Size (hwd) 83 x 16 x 28cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

Dali Zensor 5 AX £799

April 2017 ★★★★★

An excellent, convenient ‘simply-add-source’ pair of speakers. You’ll need to be careful with partnering to get the best from them though. Size (hwd) 83 x 16 x 28cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3

Monitor Audio Silver 200 £999

Best floorstand­er £800-£1200, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

The latest generation of Silver speakers bring a sense of fun that was lacking in previous efforts. They are great all-round performers. Size (hwd) 88 x 16 x 24cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 6

Fyne Audio F501 £1199

Best floorstand­er £1000-£1500, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

Another thrillingl­y accomplish­ed effort from Fyne. Partner them well and they’ll deliver a detailed, revealing and confident sound.

Size (hwd) 98 x 20 x 32cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

Neat Iota Alpha £1470

Best floorstand­er £1200-£2000, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

If you want fuss-free floorstand­ers that don’t dominate the room, there are few better alternativ­es than this entertaini­ng effort from Neat.

Size (hwd) 45 x 20 x 16cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

Proac Response DT8 £1999

Best floorstand­er £1500-£2000, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

The DT8S deliver such an entertaini­ng sound, we can’t help but recommend them. Take a bit of care with system-matching and they will impress.

Size (hwd) 98 x 20 x 23cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 5 (plus 2 specials)

Spendor A4 £2195

Best floorstand­er £2000+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

The A4s combine Spendor’s traditiona­l strengths with a generous dose of entertainm­ent. At this price, they’re one of the few we’d recommend. Size (hwd) 83 x 17 x 28cm Bi-wire No Finishes 3

Spendor A7 £2995

Best floorstand­ers £2000+, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

The A7s continue Spendor’s knack for combining precision, clarity and subtlety with hugely enjoyable dynamics and rhythm. Size (hwd) 94 x 18 x 31cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

PMC Twenty5.23 £3295

Awards 2016 ★★★★★

PMC has created a terrific pair of floorstand­ing speakers. Match them with a suitably talented system and they will sing. Size (hwd) 91 x 16 x 33cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

Neat Iota Xplorer £3495

September 2018 ★★★★★

The Xplorers are another odd-looking pair of speakers from Neat, but they have a way of delivering music that’s truly spellbindi­ng. Size (hwd) 74 x 30 x 22cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

Q Acoustics Concept 500 £3999

January 2018 ★★★★★

One of the most impressive high-end speakers we’ve heard in recent years, these offer insight, great bass and wide-ranging dynamics. Size (hwd) 115 x 40 x 35cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

Sonus Faber Venere S £4998

March 2017 ★★★★★

There are more analytical alternativ­es available, but there are few deliver music in such an appealing manner. Impressive­ly musical. Size (hwd) 124 x 39 x 48cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3

Audiovecto­r SR3 Avantgarde £6320

January 2019 ★★★★★

These floorstand­ers match their impressive price with impressive sound. They demonstrat­e a good deal of organisati­on, stunning clarity and real punch. Size (hwd) 103 x 19 x 33cm Bi-wire Tri-wire Finishes 8

ATC SCM40A £6800

April 2014 ★★★★★

The price looks steep but factor in built-in amplificat­ion and exceptiona­l sound, and the SCM40AS emerge as something of a high-end bargain. Size (hwd) 98 x 37 x 34cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2 Active Yes

Tannoy Kensington GR £11,149

August 2015 ★★★★★

Along with that traditiona­l appearance comes real substance. These are gentle giants, balancing finesse with force in a mighty appealing way. Size (hwd) 110 x 41 x 34cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

JBL K2 S9900 £44,000

Best Temptation, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

A fantastic pair of speakers that deliver a spellbindi­ng mix of dynamics, insight and finesse. Among the best speakers money can buy.

Size (hwd) 120 x 56 x 35cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 2

?? ?? “Tonally, these are nicely judged and have a smooth treble that still has plenty of bite”
“Tonally, these are nicely judged and have a smooth treble that still has plenty of bite”
?? ?? “Partner these Missions with care and they’re as entertaini­ng a budget box as we’ve heard in years”
“Partner these Missions with care and they’re as entertaini­ng a budget box as we’ve heard in years”
?? ?? “Hugely talented performers, but it takes a little while to appreciate how good they are”
“Hugely talented performers, but it takes a little while to appreciate how good they are”
?? ?? “These new Debuts should be considered one of the company’s finest efforts”
“These new Debuts should be considered one of the company’s finest efforts”
?? ?? “This measured-yetfun approach is enough to inspire fervent foottappin­g”
“This measured-yetfun approach is enough to inspire fervent foottappin­g”
?? ?? “These boxes are fun, with a lovely energetic character that takes a grip of the listener and refuses to let go”
“These boxes are fun, with a lovely energetic character that takes a grip of the listener and refuses to let go”
?? ?? “If you’re looking for really small budget speakers, buy these”
“If you’re looking for really small budget speakers, buy these”
?? ?? “The way these speakers handle dynamics is impressive”
“The way these speakers handle dynamics is impressive”
?? ?? “Their energy and enthusiasm is ceaseless, their aim only to make us happy, as long as we keep feeding them”
“Their energy and enthusiasm is ceaseless, their aim only to make us happy, as long as we keep feeding them”
?? ?? “For small speakers, they sure belt out a large and spacious soundstage.”
“For small speakers, they sure belt out a large and spacious soundstage.”
?? ?? “They pound out crescendos with relish, refusing to harden or compress, even at high volume”
“They pound out crescendos with relish, refusing to harden or compress, even at high volume”
?? ?? “Unlike some speakers that favour certain music genres, the Emit 20s are game for everything”
“Unlike some speakers that favour certain music genres, the Emit 20s are game for everything”
?? ?? “The KEFS capture the natural acoustic of the recording superbly”
“The KEFS capture the natural acoustic of the recording superbly”
?? ?? “Simply put, these AE1S do everything they do with a flourish”
“Simply put, these AE1S do everything they do with a flourish”
?? ?? “The Q350s display a level of clarity and subtlety unheard of at this price”
“The Q350s display a level of clarity and subtlety unheard of at this price”
?? ?? “Tonal balance is good, with no part of the frequency range sticking out to distract”
“Tonal balance is good, with no part of the frequency range sticking out to distract”
?? ?? “The real pinnacle of the Motive SX3S’ talents is their true devotion to having a good time”
“The real pinnacle of the Motive SX3S’ talents is their true devotion to having a good time”
?? ?? “Notes stop and start with snappy precision, which only helps keep our toes tapping”
“Notes stop and start with snappy precision, which only helps keep our toes tapping”
?? ?? “When it comes to speakers, there are few better ways to spend your money”
“When it comes to speakers, there are few better ways to spend your money”
?? ??
?? ?? “These Totems excel at communicat­ing the changing momentum of a song”
“These Totems excel at communicat­ing the changing momentum of a song”
?? ?? “We can’t think of a better all-round alternativ­e at this price level”
“We can’t think of a better all-round alternativ­e at this price level”
?? ?? “Thankfully, sound quality is good whether you listen to them up close or from across the room”
“Thankfully, sound quality is good whether you listen to them up close or from across the room”
?? ?? “A speaker that belies its reasonable price tag at every turn”
“A speaker that belies its reasonable price tag at every turn”
?? ?? “Rather than excel in a few specific areas, they perform well across the board”
“Rather than excel in a few specific areas, they perform well across the board”
?? ?? “They sound far bigger and more authoritat­ive than a 36cm-high speaker has any right to”
“They sound far bigger and more authoritat­ive than a 36cm-high speaker has any right to”
?? ?? “We like the SCM19S’ ability to render a large soundstage and populate it with well focused instrument­s”
“We like the SCM19S’ ability to render a large soundstage and populate it with well focused instrument­s”
?? ?? “The Dali’s sound simply flows in an organic and convincing manner”
“The Dali’s sound simply flows in an organic and convincing manner”
?? ?? “Quite simply, these are superb speakers of their type”
“Quite simply, these are superb speakers of their type”
?? ?? “The Q Acoustics have the subtlety to pick out textures and discern dynamics without combing over intricacie­s”
“The Q Acoustics have the subtlety to pick out textures and discern dynamics without combing over intricacie­s”
?? ?? “If it’s all about the music for you, as opposed to absolute sonic transparen­cy, give these Neats a serious listen”
“If it’s all about the music for you, as opposed to absolute sonic transparen­cy, give these Neats a serious listen”
?? ?? “A surprising­ly spacious presentati­on that wouldn’t be out of place in rivals twice the height”
“A surprising­ly spacious presentati­on that wouldn’t be out of place in rivals twice the height”
?? ?? “The sound is terrifical­ly clean and organised. The A7s also pack in bags of punch to keep things sounding lively”
“The sound is terrifical­ly clean and organised. The A7s also pack in bags of punch to keep things sounding lively”
?? ?? “We liked the Zensors at first, but by the end of our time with them, we loved them”
“We liked the Zensors at first, but by the end of our time with them, we loved them”
?? ?? “A very mature performanc­e, marked by rhythmic and instrument­al organisati­on as well as balance.”
“A very mature performanc­e, marked by rhythmic and instrument­al organisati­on as well as balance.”
?? ?? “Voices come through with impressive clarity, pleasing projection and a class-leading level of subtlety”
“Voices come through with impressive clarity, pleasing projection and a class-leading level of subtlety”
?? ?? “The DT8S paint on an expansive sonic canvas, and locate instrument­s with precision and stability”
“The DT8S paint on an expansive sonic canvas, and locate instrument­s with precision and stability”
?? ?? “Capable of a performanc­e that strongly challenges alternativ­es up to twice the price”
“Capable of a performanc­e that strongly challenges alternativ­es up to twice the price”
?? ?? “If you’re looking for top-class floorstand­ers, we can’t think of a better alternativ­e”
“If you’re looking for top-class floorstand­ers, we can’t think of a better alternativ­e”
?? ?? “The F501s are an extremely confident calling-card”
“The F501s are an extremely confident calling-card”
?? ?? “They charm and thrill. They make us happy or sad as the music demands. We can’t get enough of them”
“They charm and thrill. They make us happy or sad as the music demands. We can’t get enough of them”
?? ?? “Once up and running, these ATCS are deeply impressive speakers”
“Once up and running, these ATCS are deeply impressive speakers”
?? ?? “There are few speakers that manage to deliver music in such an appealing manner”
“There are few speakers that manage to deliver music in such an appealing manner”
?? ?? “Importantl­y, they’re subtle, conveying nuances with skill”
“Importantl­y, they’re subtle, conveying nuances with skill”
?? ?? “There’s enough sonic quality to place them on the top rung of speakers at this price”
“There’s enough sonic quality to place them on the top rung of speakers at this price”
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