Rating of good speaker systems for home by sound quality

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They say happiness has no price - but if we had all the money in the world and the ability to spend it on a hi-fi system, we would find it.

We decided to do a little detective work and find the most expensive speakers ever made - and some of the price tags were literally eye-popping. Most of the items on this list won't be affordable to many buyers, but there's nothing wrong with looking at giant shiny cases with crazy technology inside them.

Narcissistic? Maybe. Extravagant? Without a doubt. Expensive? Still would. Here is the complete list in ascending order of price.

Final Audio Opus 204 – $450,000

We first saw these stunning speakers weighing 800 kilograms at an exhibition in Munich in 2013. Final Audio is a Japanese company founded, owned and operated by Kanemori Takai from 1972 until his death. Unfortunately, he died just a year after the release of Opus 204.

Takai believed that it was possible to get the best sound from these speakers by installing them in the house before it was completed, and then building walls around them. This is what maximum attention to hi-fi means.

The speakers use ultra-thin aluminum cones filled with sand, each of which weighs like a feather - 8 grams.

Best Inexpensive 2-in-1 Portable Speakers (with Subwoofer)

Mobidick Supertooth Disco 2

Rating: 4.8

The portable speaker differs from its analogues in the presence of an active subwoofer, the power of which is 12 W. It complements a pair of regular speakers with a power of 8 W each. The sound is quite bassy, ​​but not so much that the neighbors start to hate you. Basically, these acoustics are intended for the office, where there is no need for much noise. Interestingly, the product has magnetic shielding, so none of the devices surrounding the speaker will definitely cause interference in the sound.

The device can be powered either from the mains or from a battery. Judging by the light weight, you can understand that the manufacturer saved money on the battery. The user can count on a maximum of 10 hours of sound. But if you listen to music at medium or even maximum volume, the battery life is reduced to four hours.

Advantages

• There is a linear input and a Bluetooth module;
• There is magnetic shielding;
• Good sound, full of bass;
• The product belongs to the 2.1 acoustic format;
• Can be operated from mains or battery;
• The weight of the column does not exceed 1.14 kg;
• The set includes a carrying bag;

Flaws

• It is becoming less and less common on sale;
• No NFC;
• Bright LEDs can be annoying;
• Bass boost cannot be adjusted;

Microlab MD310BT

Rating: 4.7

One of the most inexpensive portable speakers among those belonging to the 2.1 acoustic standard. It can also be considered the least powerful. The fact is that, first of all, the device is intended to serve as a table clock, and only then to entertain friends somewhere in nature. Under the front panel of the device are hidden two speakers with a power of 1 W and a subwoofer with a power of 1.6 W. Unlike most of the speakers reviewed by Expertology, Microlab MD310BT has an SD card slot and a connector for a USB flash drive. That is, the product can play music from removable storage devices on its own, without necessarily relying on a smartphone. However, the Bluetooth module and line input are not forgotten here either.

Advantages

• The weight of the device does not exceed 1 kg;
• Built-in FM radio;
• Two speakers are complemented by a subwoofer;
• The cost is no more than 3 thousand rubles;
• There is a linear input and a Bluetooth module;
• Powered by both battery and USB;
• There is a time display;
• It is possible to install a memory card and flash drive;

Flaws

• Minimum power;
• There is no alarm clock;
• After switching on, the volume is reset to average;
• Not the most convenient controls;

CAT MBX Powered Speakers – $500,000

CAT claims its MBX systems have sold for more than $16 million! The custom-built 3.6-metre speakers, weighing five tonnes each, feature 55cm subwoofers, 23cm woofers, 14cm midrange drivers and 3cm tweeters. The walls of the cases, which are more than 20 centimeters thick, are made using a proprietary lamination process, the technology of which is kept secret by CAT.

If you decide to buy yourself a couple of MBXs, head over to the California Audio Technology office and pick your configuration. The list of materials includes HDF, Corian, Avonite, MBX105, marble, granite, concrete, aluminum, stainless steel and titanium. You can install up to 10 speakers per channel. Expect to shell out between $500,000 and $16 million, and be sure to tell the company you're from What Hi-Fi?

Goldmund Apologue Anniversary

A limited edition of these speakers was released in honor of the 25th anniversary of their predecessors, who saw the world in 1987. The design remains the same, but the technical parameters reflect all the experience accumulated by the company during this period.

The signal is transmitted via wi-fi, so no cable is required. The exception is the AC jack, which can be optionally installed under the speaker.

Externally, the system consists of 5 metal blocks of different sizes, fixed by a black frame with reliable fastenings. The height of the structure is 2 m. The system has 2 speakers with a diameter of 31 cm. The parameters are adjusted individually. The total power of the system is 3.6 kW. In addition to wireless communication, the package includes a preamplifier and Proteus correction.

The cost of Goldmund Apologue Anniversary is $550,000.

Backes & Muller BM 100 – $550,000

What is this - a column or a refrigerator? We're still in the $500-something thousand dollar range. With a height of 230 centimeters, this Backes & Müller BM 100 model needs a spacious room. One of the most impressive design features is the large midrange horn, extending 2.3 meters in height and with a frontal area of ​​1.75 square meters.

The woofers frame the speakers and form a wall of sound, in which acoustic waves up to 10 meters long propagate across the entire height of the cabinet. The sound is appropriate.

Portable acoustics Ross&Moor Thunder

Photo: https://market.yandex.ru
Ross & Moor Thunder is a compact portable speaker system compatible with most audio devices. Small size and built-in battery allow you to use the speakers in mobile mode, anywhere where there is no electricity. The modest-looking speakers provide a fairly serious volume and can easily sound a small room or a place for a picnic or relaxation. To connect, you can use a standard 3.5mm audio jack or Bluetooth connection.

Portable acoustics Ross&Moor Thunder

Advantages:

• high quality sound
• clear low frequencies
• build quality
• beautiful appearance
• compactness
• ease of use
• price

Moon Audio Signature Titan II – $550,000

With a list price of $520,000 per pair, the limited-edition Signature Titan II speakers are the first in a series of “ultra-limited editions of functional acoustic art,” according to Moon Audio. Each pair is signed by the developer, and the "limited edition" sticker isn't something to be taken lightly: one of these is rumored to have sold for $2 million.

The speakers are, of course, handmade. With a height of 1.83 meters, each weighs more than 1.2 tons. The body is made primarily of aircraft-grade aluminum and white steel, and houses two subwoofers, two midrange drivers and one tweeter capable of operating at ultrasonic frequencies up to 90 kHz. And if you are interested in compatibility, we inform you that they support a two-cable connection.

Criteria for choosing good home acoustics

When choosing modern Hi-Fi acoustics, the following parameters are taken into account:

1. Device location. First of all, they decide on the place where the acoustics will be installed. Today, 2 types dominate the market: floor-mounted and shelf (or wall-mounted). Floor-standing acoustics, as a rule, have a massive body and large drivers that produce powerful sound with fat bass. Bookshelf speakers are compact and do not take up much space in the room. They are inferior to floor-standing models in terms of power, but they reproduce detailed sound.
2. Acoustics type. Speakers can be active or passive. The former have an amplifier inside, so they are ready to work immediately after switching on. Savings follow from this. But due to the fact that the developer places both speakers and electronics in one housing, the sound quality often suffers. For passive acoustics, you need to additionally buy an external amplifier. Even if it is expensive, this way the user gets more opportunities to upgrade the audio system.
3. Number of lanes. In theory, the greater the number of “highly specialized” speakers, the better. However, crossovers distribute the signal between them, and in many ways their quality and tuning accuracy affect the purity of the reproduced audio. Therefore, two-way or three-way acoustics are optimal.
4. Smooth frequency response. The smoother the amplitude-frequency response, the clearer the music sounds across the entire frequency range. It’s unlikely that anyone wants to buy a speaker whose highs are swamped and the lows are raised. The frequency response is indicated by manufacturers or in publications conducting similar tests.
5. Speaker power. The power of the acoustics should not be lower than the power of the amplifier. Otherwise, when you try to raise the volume to maximum, the speakers will begin to wheeze. In addition, when choosing power, the installation location of the speaker is also taken into account. For example, if you need to pump up the hall with music at a concert or organize a disco, you need a powerful model. Conversely, there is no point in buying 400-watt speakers for a small apartment.

Wisdom Audio Infinite Wisdom Grande – $700,000

This model begins a serious climb up the price ladder. According to Wisdom Audio, these mighty speakers, with a total weight of almost two tons, are intended, no less, for “multi-level rooms in the most spacious houses and palaces, great halls and ballrooms.”

Each speaker consists of separate blocks for mid- and high-frequency drivers, as well as for woofers. The latter, 243 centimeters high, includes a battery of as many as twenty-four 30-centimeter woofers. Six quasi-ribbon/planar magnetic drivers measuring 7.5 x 190 centimeters are built into a four-meter frame of the midrange/high-frequency unit. Together, they create sound pressure exceeding 120 dB.

Avalon SAGA

avalon saga speaker system expensive
The frequency range is presented from 20 to 45,000 Hz with a passive form. The resistance turns out to be 4 ohms with a sensitivity factor of 92 dB. The speaker system with 3-way sound design has a strong impact on the listener. HF speaker and carbon membrane with fiberglass in its composition. This is a 7-inch frequency located in a ceramic device, allowing you to achieve high sound levels. Low frequency and 13-inch Nomex, Kevlar cones allow you to hear beautiful sound. The neodymium composition of the magnetic system will allow you to freely listen to sound at any time of the day or night, without interference in playback. This is a patented product that dampens vibrational movements of the body.

The panel thickness at the front is 90 mm, which ensures the use of inert surface energy. The floor structure looks like a broken figure made of a light shade of black material. Interior decoration will delight the viewer's eye.

Magico Ultimate III – $600,000

For a pair of Magico Ultimate III they ask for 600 thousand dollars, and five-way systems with horn design are hidden in aluminum cases with a height of 230 centimeters. They reportedly require 10 amplifiers, and in terms of technical innovation, it's worth noting that each horn houses a high-sensitivity compression driver at the throat.

In addition to the CNC-milled horns, each speaker is equipped with six ALE compression drivers and four custom mid/bass and low-frequency drivers, the signal for which is prepared by an active crossover with DSP control. They weigh approximately half a ton each and take 18 months to complete. Please consider both of these factors when placing your order.

How to choose speakers for the street

The technical characteristics of all-weather devices are not too different from other types of acoustics. When choosing, you should take into account power indicators, sound design, sensitivity, availability of necessary fasteners for installation, type of system, dimensions and much more. Here are some recommendations to help you purchase a durable and powerful device:

1. Power. Most people think that the more powerful the speaker, the louder the sound. But in reality, power is solely responsible for the technical component of the device. The main thing is to choose an amplifier with the same power level as the speakers. This way the equipment will last longer and will not overheat.
2. Sound design. There are two types of enclosures: bass reflex and closed. The bass reflex sounds better due to less resonance.
3. Sensitivity. The volume of the reproduced sound directly depends on sensitivity. Optimal performance is considered to be a sensitivity of 88 dB. Anything lower is too quiet.
4. Fastenings. All-weather speakers must be supplied with the mounting hardware needed to mount the device on walls or roofs. If you plan to move the device, there is no need for mounts.
5. Active or passive. Active systems are more expensive than passive systems and require grounded outlets. If you are choosing a device for home use, it is better to opt for passive acoustics.
6. Dimensions. The larger the size of the speakers, the larger the diameter of the emitters. It is better for professional audiophiles to choose large speakers, because... they have higher sound quality.
7. Number of bands in acoustics. The more bands, the more detailed and clear the sound. Good systems have two to four playback lanes.

Also, you should not buy expensive acoustics from little-known manufacturers, otherwise you will deprive yourself of the warranty and good service. Be sure to check if there is a customer support center in your city.

Wilson Audio WAMM Master Chronosonic – $850,000

WAMM stands for Wilson Audio Modular Monitor - and, as you might have guessed, Master Chronosonic speakers are made up of several modules. Their synchronization can be adjusted in steps of five microseconds. Precisely position the speakers according to your listening position and, according to Wilson Audio, the result will be much more realistic sound.

Measuring over 210 centimeters in height, each speaker's cabinet is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum, and the open speaker architecture is designed to minimize stored energy. Each pair takes about 10 weeks to make, so it's no surprise that Wilson Audio only produces 70 pairs per year. Looking for something more affordable? Try Chronosonic XVX for 330 thousand.

Summing up

Portable speakers are convenient, mobile and, in most cases, produce high-quality sound. Some users like compact models with a minimalist design, while others like an aggressive design with bulky handles and a massive finish. But in order for the speaker to please not only with its appearance, you need to choose it based on the following parameters:

• number of speakers;
• presence of a subwoofer;
• power;
• presence and sensitivity of a built-in microphone;
• sound quality across the entire reproduced spectrum;
• availability and number of additional functions;
• backlight

And finally, even if according to the characteristics in the description of the speaker you like everything and it suits you, it would be a good idea to play your favorite music (several different tracks) on the speaker before purchasing and listen to how it will sound.

Cessaro Horn Acoustics Omega I – $1,000,000

The top model from horn specialist Cessaro Horn Acoustics stands 2.8 meters tall and weighs 4.5 tonnes. According to the company's website, the Omega I system is not intended for ordinary living rooms. Haven't had time to buy it for yourself yet?

Six 40cm woofers are loaded onto front horns, which can be ordered in any color of your choice. A wide range of veneer options are also available for cabinets and side panels. How about Pterocarpus gabonis?

Which portable speaker is better to choose?

When choosing a portable speaker, you need to decide on the purpose of its purchase and the budget. The price range for such devices is quite large and ranges from 1,500 to 35,000 rubles.

The JBL Flip 5 and Harman/Kardon Esquire Mini 2 get the most positive reviews from budget portable speakers, as they have the best combination of sound quality and price. If you purchase a device for walking, traveling or playing sports, it is better to pay attention to the most compact models. For example, Bose SoundLink Micro, with its weight of only 290 g, produces excellent and high-quality sound. For use at home or in the office, you can opt for a larger and more stable speaker

Larger sizes usually give better and louder sound. For this purpose, the Harman/Kardon Go + Play Mini acoustics are popular, which have stable legs and an ergonomic design. The most popular portable speakers in the premium segment include the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay P6, which is loved for its combination of powerful sound and compact size, and the JBL Boombox 2, which has pronounced, clear bass. Regardless of the Bluetooth speaker model you choose, the main thing is that it brings joy from the music around you.

Enjoy the shopping!

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Kharma Grand Enigma – $1,000,000

The Dutch high-end audio manufacturer's Exquisite Extreme Grand Limited Edition 25 may seem quite expensive with a list price of £318k per pair, but the Grand Enigma aims higher. Worked only once, the system is rumored to have been created in a huge cellar in Belgium, and its price in dollars ends with six zeros.

For this reason, there is no other information about her; From the moment this photo was taken, it continues to be shrouded in secrecy.

Which Bluetooth speakers are best to buy?

Price/quality ratio in columns up to $50, $100 and above - what is worth overpaying for?

Wireless (BT) audio speakers can now be purchased in several price categories. From very inexpensive to models costing hundreds of dollars and more. Let's briefly go over the general distinctive features of the three main price segments.

Wireless speakers under 50$

Pros (Why you shouldn’t overpay more than $50)

• These are basically small speakers for background listening.
• Many models have several connection options: BT, wire, flash drives, microSD and radio.
• There are many well-built options with decent sound.

Cons (What do manufacturers sacrifice for the sake of a price of up to $50)

• Balanced and really high-quality sound is already available in more expensive models.
• Since there are almost no large speakers in this category, the volume will most likely not be enough for home discos.
• There is a great chance of running into Chinese junk that will fall apart in a week.

Is it worth choosing Bluetooth speakers under $100?

Pros (Why you shouldn’t overpay more than $100)

• In this price segment you can find models with an excellent combination of price, quality and functionality. Lots of options from A-brands.
• For most uses of portable speakers, models priced at $50-$100 have “sufficient” sound quality.
• There are both large and small models. Both for background listening and for parties.
• There are additional features, such as charging external devices, complete waterproofness, and so on.

Cons (What do manufacturers sacrifice for the sake of a price of up to $100)

• The loudest speakers are more expensive.
• Speakers with maximum sound quality and support for high-resolution codecs are more expensive.
• The design is more or less “uniform”; models that are truly original in appearance are more expensive.
• There are some additional functions missing: very long autonomy, interesting lighting, and so on.

Is it worth choosing wireless BT speakers over $100?

In this price category there are models with the best sound, the largest and loudest drivers and additional features. By and large, within $100 you can find a universal portable speaker: with really high-quality sound, reliable assembly, sufficient volume and autonomy, and a large number of connection options and additional “chips.”

Moon Audio Opulence – $1,100,000

The second Moon Audio model on this list seems even more pretentious than the first. It was limited to just 10 pieces, priced at $1.1 million per pair, and features spooky Dark Star technology.

According to the company, it provides "a second way to listen to music that is independent of the speakers of the speaker system and allows music to be transmitted directly to the listener's brain, bypassing the ears." We don’t know how it works – but we are sure that ears will not become obsolete for a long time.

Genesis Prime

This is the latest addition to the company's flagship loudspeaker system, reflecting the company's decades of experience. Dynamic range is virtually unlimited, as is frequency response and soundstage performance.

The system is represented by 4 towers. The bass amplifier is servo controlled. There are only 6 channels per side, the power of each is 1 kW. Weight on each side is 545 kg.

The frequency range is from 16 Hz to 40 kHz. System sensitivity – 91 dB.

The cost of Genesis Prime is $300,000.

Transmission Audio Ultimate – $2,000,000

Transmission Audio is proud of its Ultimate model. According to her, comparing the AC to sports cars, one could say that it “combines the characteristics of Ferrari, Mazerati and Koenigsegg in one package.”

A complete set with amplifiers is not cheap, since this two-channel system is not short of components: four dipole subwoofers, each equipped with ten copies of 38-centimeter Ultra Class elements; two dipole woofers (one per channel) with 24 pieces of 20-centimeter full-range woofers with ultra-low distortion; four MF/HF dipole tape panels (two per channel), each containing 14 meters of five-centimeter tape; two dipole high-frequency panels (one per channel), with two meters of 2.5 cm tape.

It is not surprising that housing of 2.1 meters in height was required to accommodate all this wealth.

The most powerful speakers in the world

Of course, options that are average in terms of power are quite capable of providing the required sound volume level. But for large events with large crowds of people, this may not be enough. Therefore, there are models whose power goes beyond the average.

For example, the Bose company has developed its own version of speakers designed specifically for sound accompaniment of events in stadiums and open areas. Their model turned out to be the most powerful in history and had the following sound characteristics: power 4900 W and volume 139/145 dB.

But, according to representatives of the Ultra-Slim Array company, this figure is not the limit. The output power can reach 11,000 W when using high-quality amplifiers. It is difficult to imagine such a powerful sound, because even during a concert where Bose speakers were used, among the listeners there were recorded victims of the sound wave.