STEREO SPEAKERS

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

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 2020 ★★★★★

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

Elac Debut B5.2 £250

Best standmount speaker £200-£400, Awards 2020 ★★★★★ ELAC’S latest budget standmounter is talented enough to worry the established competition.

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

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

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 S2 Anniversary £599

Best standmount speaker £400-£750, Awards 2020 ★★★★★ The original 606s are fine speakers, but this new version is obviously better across the board.

Size (hwd) 35 x 19 x 30cm Bi-wire

Revel Concerta2 M16 £999

Finishes

Best standmount speaker £750-£1000, Awards 2019 ★★★★★

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) 56.5 x 30 x 33cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

KEF LS50 Meta £1000

Best standmount speaker £750-£1500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

KEF has taken a terrific speaker and made it even better with its innovative Metamaterial tech. The LS50 Metas are now the class leader at this level. Size (hwd) 31 x 20 x 28cm Bi-wire No Finishes 4

Wharfedale Linton £1000

May 2020 ★★★★★

You could listen to these speakers for days and still not get tired. Effortless weight, spot-on stereo imaging and layer upon layer of marvellous detail. Size (hwd) 30 x 19 x 25cm Bi-wire No Finishes 3 Active Yes

KEF R3 £1299

Best standmount speaker £1000-£2000, Awards 2019 ★★★★★

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

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

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 that’s the case with the SCM19S. Size (hwd) 44 x 27 x 30cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Dynaudio Special Forty £2500

Best standmount speaker £2000+, Awards 2019 ★★★★★

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

Proac Response D2R £3295

Best standmount speaker over £1500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★ Wonderfully transparent, yet never overly analytical, these Proacs excel at giving the music the limelight. We can’t ask for any more than that. Size (hwd) 43 x 21 x 26cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 6

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

Dynaudio Contour 20i £3999

October 2020 ★★★★★

These Dynaudios hold their own against formidable opposition, proving to be a supremely rhythmic and musically cohesive option. Size (hwd) 44 x 21.5 x 36cm Bi-wire No Finishes 3

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

Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 £329

Best desktop speaker, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

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 2020 ★★★★★

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

Elac Debut 2.0 F5.2 £599

September 2019 ★★★★★

A mature, honest presentation, neither sucking the life out of a piece, nor exaggerating it. Elac is one of the few companies to do this with such aplomb Size (hwd) 100 x 18 x 23cm Bi-wire No Finishes 1

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 2020 ★★★★★

A great option for floorstanders under £1000, 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

Acoustic Energy AE309 £999

August 2019 ★★★★★

These are simply a fun, well-rounded pair of floorstanders that are as likeable as anything we’ve heard for less than a grand. Size (hwd) 90 x 17.5 x 28cm Bi-wire No 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

Wharfedale Evo 4.4 £1199

Best floorstanding speaker £1000-£1500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★ The Evo 4.4s are entertaining and detailed, with enough in the way of refinement to make them an excellent long-term choice. Size (hwd) 106 x 25 x 35cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3

B&W 603 £1249

June 2019 ★★★★★

The B&W 603s are floorstanding speakers that are up there with the best at this price. You should give them a whirl… Size (hwd) 98.5 x 19 x 34cm 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

Revel Concerta2 F35 £1899

May 2019 ★★★★★

There aren’t many speakers at this price that make listening to music as enjoyable as the Revel Concerta2 F35s

Size (hwd) 102 x 21 x 31cm Bi-wire No Finishes 2

Proac Response DT8 £1999

Best floorstander £1500-£2000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

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)

Fyne Audio F501SP £2799

January 2021 ★★★★★

The difference in price between the standard F501 and the SP version is massive, but then so is the jump in performance. Size (hwd) 98 x 29 x 32cm Bi-wire Yes Finishes 3

Spendor A7 £3200

Best floorstanders over £2000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

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

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

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

Arcam SA30 £1999

May 2020 ★★★★★

A fine example of how well music streaming can be implemented into traditional hi-fi – and how discreetly. Just add a control device and speakers. Inputs Line-in x3, coaxial x2, opt x2, USB, MM and MC phono

Naim Uniti Atom £1999

Best hi-fi system over £1000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

Rarely does a product look and sound this good. A triumph of design, the Atom boasts class-leading levels of insight and clarity.

Inputs Line-in, coaxial, opt x2, USB, BT, wi-fi Outputs Line-out, headphone

KEF LS50 Wireless II £2250

Best all-in-one system over £1000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

The LS50 Wireless IIS arrive with a world of expectation on their shoulders – and they well and truly meet them. This is a sequel of rare quality.

Inputs Line-in, optical, 3.5mm, HDMI (EARC), BT, wi-fi Outputs Subwoofer

Naim Uniti Star £3499

November 2018 ★★★★★

The Uniti Star is a great addition to Naim’s streaming system range – and if you need CD replay, it’s the obvious choice.

Inputs Line-in x2, DIN, coax x3, opt x2, USB, BT, wi-fi Outputs Line-out, DIN

Dali Rubicon 2 C £3840

May 2020 ★★★★★

Dali draws on its past achievements in passive and active speaker design to create this convenient and entertaining all-in-one speaker system. Inputs Line-in, optical and coaxial digital, 3.5mm, aptx HD Bluetooth

Naim Uniti Nova £4199

January 2018 ★★★★★

It’s a lot of money to pay for a system, but the Nova is as complete and convincing an argument for one-box convenience you’re likely to hear. Inputs CD, DIN, coaxial x2, optical x2, HDMI, BT, wi-fi Outputs Line-out

Audio Pro System from £650

Best multi-room system under £1000, Awards 2018 ★★★★★ Audio Pro’s multi-room system is not the most advanced, but no other system makes more sound-per-pound sense than this one. Res 16-bit/44.1khz App IOS, Android Formats MP3, FLAC, WMA

Sonos System from £1047

Best multi-room system £1000+, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

If you don’t need hi-res, Sonos is an obvious choice for multi-room. A great user experience alongside a full-bodied, insightful sound. Res 16-bit/44.1khz App IOS, Android Formats MP3, FLAC, WMA

Audio Technica AT-LP3 £199

Best turntable under £200, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

A fully automatic turntable that doesn’t scrimp on performance, this is the ideal entry-level deck for those looking to dip their ‘vinyl toes’ in. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 44 x 35cm

Sony PS-LX310BT £200

August 2019 ★★★★★

A no-nonsense, fully automatic turntable with built-in phono stage and Bluetooth, offering a surprisingly musical sound. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 43 x 37cm

Rega Planar 1 £249

Best turntable £200-£500, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

This revamped entry-level deck from Rega doesn’t sound anything like an entry-level deck. Pleasingly solid, accurate and agile – it’s a lovely listen. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm

Sony PS-HX500 £249

Best USB turntable, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

A turntable with the ability to rip vinyl into hi-res files, but it’s also an entertaining deck with a big, open sound. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 43 x 36cm

Pro-ject Essential III £259

October 2017 ★★★★★

Another excellent turntable from Pro-ject. The Essential III is easy to set up and offers a detailed and musical performance. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 11 x 42 x 33cm

Audio Technica AT-LP5 £299

Awards 2016 ★★★★★

A pleasure to use and listen to, the LP5 boasts both ease of use and the added bonus of a USB ouput. At this price there’s none better. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 16 x 45 x 35cm

Pro-ject Debut III S Audiophile £325

June 2018 ★★★★★

Its solid design, smart finish and natural treble reinforce the Debut range’s knack for delivering great, affordable sound. Speed 33⅓ & 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 42 x 32cm

Rega Planar 1 Plus £329

July 2018 ★★★★★

All the sonic talents of the Planar 1 with an equally talented phono stage built in. The Plus is a winning combination of convenience and excellent quality. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm

Rega Planar 3/Elys 2 £649

Best turntable £500-£1000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

Rega builds on the 3’s predecessor by adding extra servings of clarity, precision and insight. The result is the best RP3 yet. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 36cm

Technics SL-1500C £899

Best turntable £750-£1000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

With a really good built-in phono stage and an auto-lift function, this Technics is a beautifully made, fuss-free record player that sounds great Speed 33⅓, 45, 78rpm Size (hwd) 23 x 16 x 12cm

Clearaudio Concept £1195

Best turntable £800-£1200+, Awards 2017 ★★★★★

A thoroughly sorted, easy-to-own package with tremendous sound, combining punch, extension and tonal variation in equal measure. Speed 33⅓, 45, 78rpm Size (hwd) 14 x 42 x 35cm

EAT B-sharp Super Pack £1368

July 2018 ★★★★★

EAT’S entry-level deck is a fine one that can count among its talents a sense of control, sure composure and a well judged sonic balance. Speed 33⅓, 45, 78rpm Size (hwd) 14 x 46 x 35cm

Rega Planar 6/Ania £1469

Best turntable £1000-£2000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

A refined, articulate and precise turntable that’s lovely to listen to. It requires good system-matching to get the best out of it though. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 12 x 45 x 37cm

Vertere DG-1 Dynamic Groove £2850

Best turntable over £2000, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

The Vertere DG-1 is up against some mighty competition, but given what we’ve heard it can go into any such comparisons with confidence. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 38 x 37cm

Rega Planar 8/Apheta 2 £2439

Best turntable over £1000, Awards 2019 ★★★★★

Clever engineering and sky-high standards make this Rega’s most ambitious and boundary-pushing turntable yet. It’s gorgeous in sound and design. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 13 x 42 x 32cm

VPI Prime £4200

Awards 2015 ★★★★★

A confident-sounding package that can organise with the best and maintain composure even when faced with the most challenging music. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 18 x 54 x 40cm

VPI Prime Signature £6000

February 2018 ★★★★★

This upgraded version of the standard Prime builds on that model’s strengths, with more insight, stronger dynamics and a lovely stability. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 18 x 54 x 40cm

Vertere Acoustics MG-1 Mkii/mystic £9300

Online ★★★★★

Renders sound with a combination of precision, agility and dynamic dexterity that we haven’t heard bettered by any rival near this price. Speed 33⅓, 45rpm Size (hwd) 18 x 54 x 40cm

Clearaudio Innovation Wood/davinci V2 £15,900

2010 ★★★★★

This gorgeous, mind-blowingly expensive turntable is so good, we’ve been using it as our reference deck for years now. Extravagant, but it’s worth it. Speed 33⅓, 45, 78rpm Size (hwd) 14 x 47 x 39cm

Linn Klimax LP12 £18,670

July 2017 ★★★★★

A mightily expensive deck that has the unmistakable feel of real quality. It’s startlingly better than previous LP12 turntables. Speed 33⅓, 45, 78rpm Size (hwd) 14 x 45 x 36cm

“Given the modest nature of the changes we weren’t expecting much of a difference in the sound. We were wrong”

“They pound out crescendos with relish, refusing to harden or compress, even at high volume”

“Tonally, these are nicely judged and have a smooth treble that still has plenty of bite”

“These new Debuts should be considered one of the company’s finest efforts”

“The Q350s display a level of clarity and subtlety unheard of at this price”

“These boxes are fun, with a lovely energetic character that takes a grip of the listener and refuses to let go”

“Their energy and enthusiasm is ceaseless, their aim only to make us happy, as long as we keep feeding them”

“If you’re looking really small budget speakers, buy these”

“The way these speakers handle dynamics is impressive”

“For small speakers, they sure belt out a large and spacious soundstage.”

“We’re soon marvelling at the Metas’ delicacy and precision. They sound so much more transparent than before”

“If you want speakers that get to the heart of the music rather than just play the right notes, these should be high on your shortlist”

“The moment we start listening, we get a brilliant sense of scale and space from the Lintons”

“The Response D2RS are wonderfully expressive speakers, even at low volumes”

“They sound far bigger and more authoritative than a 36cm-high speaker has any right to”

“The KEFS capture the natural acoustic of the recording superbly”

“Simply put, these AE1S do everything they do with a flourish”

“We like the SCM19S’ ability to render a large soundstage and populate it with well focused instruments”

“We can’t think of a better all-round alternative at this price level”

“Rather than excel in a few specific areas, they perform well across the board”

“These Elacs can go low, but there is a bass clarity beyond the grasp of most floorstanders at this price”

“The Dali’s sound simply flows in an organic and convincing manner”

“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”

“Tying everything together is a fine sense of timing that results in surefooted rhythms”

“A very mature performance, marked by rhythmic and instrumental organisation as well as balance.”

“A speaker that belies its reasonable price tag at every turn”

“It’s in the way everything hangs together; each piece of music is effortlessly whole”

“The F501s are an extremely confident calling-card”

“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”

“They are blessed with a wow factor that other speakers at this price can only dream of, especially with voices”

“If you’re looking for excitement and energy, we can’t think of an alternative that betters these at the price”

“It’s impressive how effortless the Revels sound. They dispatch any genre you throw their way with minimal fuss”

“The DT8S paint on an expansive sonic canvas, and locate instruments with precision and stability”

“If you’re looking for top-class floorstanders, we can’t think of a better alternative”

“If it’s all about the music for you, as opposed to absolute sonic transparency, give these Neats a serious listen”

“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”

“Capable of a performance that strongly challenges alternatives up to twice the price”

“Importantly, they’re subtle, conveying nuances with skill”