Updated: 03.02.2019 15:54:56

Expert: David Weinberg

* Review of the best according to the editors of the site. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Floor standing speakers are a way to transform your living room into a place of relaxation and rest. The surround sound of music will take you to a concert of your favorite artist, and while watching a movie, you seem to go on an adventure with the heroes. No other audio is as immersive as a quality 5.1 or 7.1 floorstanding speaker system.

For fans of high-quality and surround sound, we have compiled a rating of the 8 best floor-standing speakers - for any budget and use case.

How to choose floor acoustics

When choosing a floor-standing speaker system, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Type - bass reflex, closed, passive radiator, horn, bandpass and others;
2. Number of bands;
3. Power;
4. Built-in amplifier;
5. Range of reproducible frequencies;
6. Sensitivity.

Speaker type is considered the most important parameter, but in fact - only a previously trained audiophile pedant with a test recording is able to distinguish the sound of a bass reflex speaker from any other. However, if you want to find the perfect device for playing your favorite genre of your favorite music, you should consider the following key differences between each audio option:

1. Closed type differs in high fidelity and low level of distortion, however, the sensitivity (in fact, analogous to loudness) and the depth of the bass leave much to be desired;
2. Phase inverter Is the most common type. It features high sensitivity and excellent bass depth, but sound detail is not the best;
3. Passive emitter in terms of acoustic characteristics, it is similar to a bass reflex, but at the same time it provides even deeper and more detailed bass, not "spoiled" by the noise of the resonator tube;
4. Open columns provide directional sound to create an acoustic zone in a room. But deep, "tangible" bass from them can not be expected. A variety of open speakers are horn-type audio systems;
5. Bandpass, or strip enclosure, provides high speaker sensitivity - it sounds louder than a bass reflex or closed type.

But it is worth noting that almost all floor-standing speaker systems are now performed in a bass-reflex type. It shows the most optimal sound characteristics. Most of the systems in the rating are of the bass-reflex type.

Number of stripes in general terms, you can think of it as simply the number of speakers in a device. However, if you delve deeper, it turns out that this parameter determines the detail of the sound. So, single-sided acoustics is used only for reproducing a single frequency segment - for example, it can be a tweeter ("tweeter") or a subwoofer.

The "golden mean" is two-way audio systems, in which one speaker reproduces the low and part of the midrange, and the second - the high and the second part of the midrange. This configuration will be sufficient for most not very demanding users.

Three-way systems are the ideal solution for floorstanding acoustics from one device. In them, one speaker reproduces the high frequencies, the second - the middle, and the third - the lower. Good detail can also be achieved from 2.5- and 3.5-way speakers.

Power and sensitivity- two similar parameters that show approximately the same value: volume.

Here are just the sensitivity unambiguously shows the loudness of the speaker system. If the value of this parameter is specified - for example, 84.5 dB - this means that the maximum from the speaker will be able to "squeeze" exactly the same 84.5 decibels.

Power- a slightly more vague meaning. It indicates not only the actual volume of the music, but the sound pressure - which is achieved, for example, when playing low or ultra-high frequencies. So for bass lovers who have no neighbors below, speakers with high power - from 70 watts are suitable.

Built-in amplifier important for owners of middle or low-end audio equipment. Very often, classic tape recorders, digital players or even vinyl pickups provide extremely low power, which is enough to drive only headphones with low impedance. Therefore, such devices require an external amplifier.

If you already have an external amplifier, then a built-in speaker is simply not needed. And in some cases, it can also interfere.

Frequency Response Range it is worth noting only for the reason that this parameter is often used by marketers. Floor-standing acoustics, which are not exclusively a subwoofer, are not capable of reproducing frequencies below 35-40 Hz. So if the characteristics of the speaker indicate that it easily emits sounds in the range of 20-20000 Hz (the range that a person can hear), then we are talking either about dust in the eyes, or about a too good device, or about a subwoofer.

Rating of the best outdoor speaker systems

Nomination	place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best outdoor speaker systems	1		63 990 ₽
	2		174 990 ₽
	3		169 900 ₽
	4		40 490 ₽
	5		44 900 ₽
	6		29 990 ₽
	7		25 990 ₽
	8		9 290 ₽

Why it is: High power, low impedance 3-way speaker system.

Floorstanding speaker system Canton GLE 496 is one of the best solutions for home use. Thanks to the three-band structure, it provides detailed, rich sound, and the high power of 150 watts guarantees not only loudness, but also tangible bass.

The maximum power of the audio system is 320 W, so it can be used with good amplifiers too. However, with a sensitivity of 90.5 dB and an impedance of 8 ohms, the speaker will be compatible with almost any reproduction equipment.

It should be noted that the column is equipped with two low-frequency dynamic radiators. Thanks to this, it can easily be used without a subwoofer. The lower threshold for reproducible frequencies is 20 Hz. The bass is rich and tangible. Two dynamic emitters are responsible for the middle and high frequencies, respectively.

Gold-plated connectors are a nice addition.

Dignity

• Excellent stage construction;
• Powerful, tangible bass;
• High-quality body assembly, acoustically isolated.

Flaws

• The appearance of "rustle" of high frequencies at high volume;
• There is no possibility to connect via bi-wiring;
• The mid and high frequencies are slightly overestimated, but this increases the sound detail.

Why her: 2.5-way bi-wiring floorstanding speaker.

The main advantage of this speaker system is that it is suitable for use with high-end amplifiers that output high and low frequencies separately. It maintains a discrete connection of these channels thanks to bi-wiring technology. However, it is also compatible with the classic connection method - a high-quality crossover is built into the device.

The 2.5-way architecture includes three dynamic radiators. The woofer consists of two 150mm devices, and the tweeter has a ribbon configuration. The total power of the device is 120 W, but if necessary, it can swing up to 160 W. The acoustic design provides a reproducible frequency range of 30-50000 Hz.

Additional advantages are the low impedance of 3.4-8 ohms and gold-plated connectors.

Dignity

• High detail sound, suitable for both music and movies;
• Rich equipment;
• High-quality, reliable assembly.

Flaws

• The case is very easy to scratch;
• Not suitable for use with receivers, only with amplifiers;
• High price.

Why her: Flagship floorstanding speaker, perfect sound tuning.

This floor-standing speaker system is suitable for the most demanding high-quality sound lovers. Thanks to a special configuration, sophisticated emitters and body materials, it provides high detail and no frequency overload. The music sounds exactly as it was intended.

Acoustic configuration - three-way. In this case, the low-frequency radiator consists of two 165 mm speakers. The sensitivity of the speaker is 91.5 dB, but it is recommended to use the device only with amplifiers - power from 40 to 250 watts. The presence of four speakers provides a wide range of reproducible frequencies - 45-28000 Hz, and thanks to high-quality electronics, the impedance is low - from 2.9 to 8 ohms.

The set of delivery of the speaker system includes an additional set of removable grilles for dynamic radiators, which are able to change the sound characteristics.

Dignity

• Excellent configuration of bass reflexes;
• Excellent resolution across the entire spectrum;
• Attractive design.

Flaws

• Does not support bi-wiring connection;
• Very long "warm-up", which takes up to several months;
• They need a powerful amplifier, it is advisable to use models from 100 watts.

Why her: Excellent combination of price and performance.

Despite the fact that this floor-standing speaker system is practically in no way inferior in characteristics to the previous models in the rating, it costs much less. This makes it a good solution for people who want to enjoy high quality sound, but are not ready to spend large sums of money.

The speaker system is three-way, and the low-frequency radiator consists of two speakers, 203.2 mm each. The high-frequency "buzzer" is small, 25 mm, but the same is installed in other models. The stock power of the speakers is 100 watts, but when used with a good amplifier, they can swing up to 250 watts. Other specifications include a sensitivity of 89 dB, an average impedance of 6 ohms, and a relatively wide frequency response from 30 Hz to 35 kHz.

The speaker system supports bi-wiring.

Dignity

• Excellent bass sound, able to surpass even some models of subwoofers in it - especially if installed without legs;
• Maintaining sound quality at high volume;
• Attractive design.

Flaws

• The rear location of the bass reflex does not allow the speakers to be installed close to the wall;
• The use of a good amplifier or receiver is required, and preferably also Yamaha;
• Scratch-prone case.

Why it: Sounds good for a relatively low price.

One of the best budget options. The set includes two front speakers, each of which has a two-way acoustic configuration. This provides surround sound with a realistic scene.

As shown in the more expensive models in the ranking, each of the loudspeakers is equipped with three speakers. The low frequency one is represented by two 177.8 mm domes, and the high frequency one is represented by a 25 mm dome. Thanks to this configuration, the reproducible frequency range is from 40 Hz to 26500 kHz.

The speaker system is powerful enough - its sensitivity is 90 decibels. Recommended for use with 30-150W amplifiers. Thanks to sophisticated electronics, the speaker impedance is only 5 ohms.

Gold-plated connectors are a nice addition.

Dignity

• Good treble sound, excellent detail;
• Divide stripes perfectly;
• Attractive appearance.

Flaws

• No bi-wiring support (but this is compensated by the excellent band separation of the loudspeakers themselves);
• Prolonged "warm-up", about a month;
• A soiled coating that easily "collects" scratches.

Why her: One of the cheapest options with bi-wiring support.

Despite the fact that technically these speakers are relatively budgetary, they provide good sound and still support bi-wiring. Thanks to this, the speaker system can be used with amplifiers in the mid and high end segments.

Acoustic configuration - three-channel. Each speaker has four speakers, two 170mm speakers are responsible for the lower frequencies. The power is 170 W, but if desired and using a good amplifier, it can be increased to 300 W. Speaker sensitivity is 91 dB, and thanks to good conductors, impedance is only 4-8 ohms. Finally, the range of reproducible frequencies is from 25 Hz to 40 kHz (however, up to 25 Hz requires warming up, "out of the box" the acoustics can only reproduce about 40 Hz).

Why it is: Attractive laconic design, good technical characteristics.

Thanks to its attractive design, this floor-standing speaker system will delight not only quality music lovers, but also beautiful interiors. And at the same time, the device is inexpensive.

The speaker system is two-channel. At the same time, the low-frequency radiator, like many other models in the rating, is represented by two speakers with a diameter of 165 mm. The high-frequency "buzzer" has a standard size of 25 mm.

A nice feature of this floorstanding speaker system is its high sensitivity, which is 89 dB. However, it is still better to use the device together with an amplifier, the recommended power of which is from 15 to 250 watts. Other acoustics specifications include an average impedance of 8 ohms and a relatively wide range of reproducible frequencies - from 46 Hz to 25 kHz.

Despite the fact that this floor-standing speaker is the cheapest in the rating, it provides quite good sound quality. Especially when installed in small rooms and for listening to music in digital, non-wireless formats.

The acoustic configuration is two-way, with the woofer classically consisting of two 165 mm speakers. The power of the device is 50 W, but when used with a good amplifier, the system can operate for a short time at 180 W. The sensitivity of the acoustics is quite good for its price and amounts to 88 dB. The special configuration of the "filling" provides a low impedance of 6 ohms.

Also, the speaker system boasts a wide range of reproducible frequencies - from 37 Hz to 30 kHz. Moreover, in many cases, even warming up is not required - the entire spectrum is available "out of the box". Like the older models, there are gold-plated connectors here.

Dignity

• Signature soft sound without overdrive at any frequencies;
• High power, support for quality amplifiers;
• Nice, neat build.

Flaws

• Thin back wall, not the best bass reflex;
• Sensitive to installation, it is recommended to be placed 40-50 cm from the wall;
• Poor tweeter performance at high volume.

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The world's most powerful music reproduction loudspeakers were built by Bose. The most surprising thing is that this company was not a world famous brand, before this product the company remained in the shadows. These speakers were designed to perform a special task - sounding large open areas like stadiums. The customer for such an unusual device was Sir Paul McCartney, who needed powerful acoustics in order to organize the most massive festival in honor of the Beatles.

If we add up the power of all the acoustics and amplifiers, it turns out that it had the following parameters: power 4900 W and a maximum volume of 139/145 decibels.

It should be noted that the development company stated that 4900 watts is not the maximum power of the speakers, they could even reach 11000 watts, but this is already too huge a figure. According to the press and the media, at least 70 people suffered from too loud sound at this festival. Most of the victims are people who were near the speakers. For a week after the festival, all of these people had headaches and tinnitus. This unpleasant behavior of the nervous system was caused by a powerful sonic boom.

In spite of everything, all these people again arrived at the next event a month later. This event took place with the participation of Sir Paul McCartney himself. The event also exhibited this powerful speaker system... In fact, there is information that there are more powerful columns. The fact is that they were made by an illegal Japanese company, and their power can even reach 7800 watts. Nevertheless, the most powerful sound system in the world is considered just Ultra-Slim ARRAY from Bose because the Japanese product has not been registered and put into production through legal means.

At the Sir Paul McCartney Festival, a large stage was set up with an oversized Bose speaker set. The acoustic systems consisted of three long columns in the center of the podium, as well as two awnings above the stage. There were also two bundles of small columns at the edges of the stage. That's not all - two large amplifiers were exposed right below the bundles. It is not known how those people who happened to be right on stage felt after the performance.

Bose itself liked its invention so much that for 2011 a new improved version of this speaker system was announced. According to the developers, the frequency range and harmonic distortion have been improved in the new speakers. This time the company did not increase the power of the speakers. First, the higher power is unlikely to be used anywhere. The current figures are already excessively high. Secondly, the company is worried about possible various injuries and injuries to people when listening to music through this system.

Each person has their own characteristics, tastes, outlook on life and hobbies. In the world of music, trends continue. Someone set out to collect the entire collection of records of the legendary quartet The beatles, for someone a real elixir, calming the nerves and pleasing the soul, was the modding of acoustic systems of the USSR era. There is also a category of people who perceive the quality of music according to the established price tag for reproducing equipment. In today's article, we'll take a look at the audiophile millionaire world. A world inaccessible to the average admirer of good sound.

Of course, in the world of marketing, you can clearly define the concept of "price from". Its upper limit, as a rule, does not exist. You can choose a decent speaker system for $ 1000, and a buyer will come after you who wants "the same, but with golden legs."

Due to the fluctuation of the ruble exchange rate, the prices for the devices described in this article will be indicated exclusively in international currency: dollars or euros. Check the relevance of all price tags at the time of purchase with an authorized supplier or representative office of the company.

Acoustic system

For more than a century of history, loudspeakers have turned from primitive devices capable of reproducing exclusively speech with significant distortions into real works of art. The development of technology, hundreds of laboratory studies and design experiments have made it possible to create not only speakers belonging to the proud Hi-End class, but also loudspeakers, the price tag of which can be equal to the annual turnover of a small company.

In the 21st century, one of the controversial marketing decisions is the category of so-called "organic products". Company Shape Audio decided that not only milk, potatoes and household chemicals can be organic, but also sound. In 2007, an acoustic pair enters the market Organic harmony- a system whose main engine of popularity was the incredible price in €5 000 000 ... No, these are not just speakers. Organic Harmony is a musical sculpture, crafted in 18K gold, equipped with a kilowatt Class D amplifier, USB, Ethernet, S / PDIF and XLR ports. The weight of a five-way system is 215 kilograms.

Having decided to take care of admirers of other precious metals, the company has planned to release Organic Harmony in silver at a price of €300 000 and the "budget version" in bronze with a price tag of €63 000 .

The manufacturer did not give any comments on sales success. The production of speaker systems is strictly limited: 99 pairs of speakers in bronze, 5 in silver, and only a single version in gold.

The "more affordable" model includes a pair of horn speakers Magico Ultimate Loudspeakers, created not only for true lovers of high-quality sound, but also for those who appreciate history. Indeed, the mechanical sound reproduction was based on the horn.

Magico Ultimate Loudspeakers cost $ 1.2 million... Perhaps a very decent amount to arouse admiration from every chord. The weight of one column is 430 kilograms... If you are thinking about purchasing them, keep in mind that the manufacturer takes 18 months from the time of pre-order to the release of a ready-made pair.

Headphones

Headphones have become as familiar an accessory as a ballpoint pen or a watch. Today everyone has them: closed or open, in-channel or overhead, reinforcing or dynamic, wired or wireless. But there is another unspoken criterion for dividing headphones. Expensive and ... very expensive.

The average cost of headphones capable of providing a decent sound level (with an appropriate playback device) fluctuates around 200-400 dollars... This is the so-called golden price mean. Headphones with wooden inserts, a gold-plated jack and a minimum level of acoustic distortion take their "price start" from the mark in $1200 .

Until 2012, the most expensive headphones remained Sennheiser Orpheus HE90, released in a limited edition of 300 units. Gold-plated contacts, completely handcrafted and just as valuable as the headphones themselves, the included tube amp companion. Kit cost - $40 845 .

Among the models approved for mass production, it is worth noting the orthodynamic Abyss AB-1266 made from a single piece of aluminum. “When you close your eyes and turn on the music, you can feel like a whole orchestra is in the same room with you,” - this is how professionals evaluate the sound of these headphones.

The cost of the Abyss AB-1266 is impressive $5495 .

About the sound quality of the company's main brainchild Beats- headphone series Dr. Dre, you can argue indefinitely. Deciding to focus not on revolutionary sound, but on luxurious design, the engineers covered the headphones with diamonds, the total weight of which is 114 ct.

It is unlikely that the sound of these expensive accessories should be taken seriously in terms of the canons of ideal sound. Rather, it is simply a sophisticated investment in precious stones. Most popular model owners Graff diamonds beats are American rapper Lil Wayne and one of the members of the dance hip-hop duo LMFAO.

Amplifier

Getting a decent sound requires an integrated approach to the selection of each component of the entire Hi-End system. However, the heart of any sound reproduction system is the amplifier. You can spend thousands of dollars buying speakers, headphones, and a turntable, but with a mediocre amplifier, the investment is hardly worthwhile. The overall picture of the sound, the "richness" of the sound, the most accurate transmission of harmonics depend on its quality.

World renowned industrial designer Andrea Pivetta he considers his excessive love for sound to be his weakness. That is why, in mid-2010, he introduced the amplifier Pivetta Opera One with extremely accurate sound reproduction. The weight of this "acoustic monster" exceeded 500 kilograms, and the cost is $650 000 .

Deciding that the power in 20 kilowatts it may not be enough, Andrea took up the development of the second generation of his creation. At the end of 2013, an elite electronic amplifier was introduced Opera Only, significantly superior to its predecessor in almost all respects.

Inside this one and a half ton monster there are 6 toroidal transformers, the total power of which is 30 kW. 12 coolers are used as a cooling system. Pivetta Opera Only Power Output - 80,000 watts per channel with the possibility of two- and six-channel connection. The use of aircraft-grade aluminum, several kilograms of gold, and hand-made assembly were valued at $ 2.2 million... If the area of ​​your country house is measured by several football pitches, the Pivetta Opera Only might be a really good buy.

Vinyl player

At the end of the 19th century, at the time of the birth of the history of recording, the proposed Emil Berliner the gramophone became a real breakthrough on the way to popularizing music among the population. In the 21st century, despite the dominance of digital audio, analog media continues to receive a lot of attention from engineers. The vinyl record player is not only alive. He is one of the main attributes of a true audiophile.

By purchasing Design Haus Dereneville VPM 2010 per $650 000 , you will not only get the reference sound, but also a lot of pleasure from interacting with this 60 kg engineering marvel.

In the Dereneville VPM 2010 model, not only are the generally accepted audio interfaces installed, but also a convenient capacitive screen for more comfortable control (remote adjustment is provided).

MP3 player

An audiophile is not only a person who likes to sit comfortably by the fireplace, create an intimate atmosphere, turn on an expensive turntable and, with trembling hands, take out a rare recording from a plastic case. A true audiophile is a person who thinks about being surrounded by quality music everywhere and everywhere. And that's when portable MP3 players come to the rescue.

Company iRiver in the world of portable players takes its rightful place in the leaderboard. Having decided that the already decent sounding of their products would not be enough for the user, the administrative elite decided to create a brand Astell & Kern... The image branch of iRiver has been on the market for only a few years, but Astell & Kern's products have already managed to get the title of “the most expensive mp3-player” of mass production.

Any user, if he is no longer satisfied with the sound of the TV programs being watched, thinks about changing the audio system (media system). And if the bulk of the audience is content with a more modern model, then there are those who are always not enough and constantly want something even better. Such people are not satisfied with the device produced in large quantities. What should you call them? Are they aesthetes or pragmatists after all? Let's try to figure it out, starting with the most expensive models of audio systems.

Kipnis' Outer Limits Theater

The prohibitive cost of this home (!) Cinema by manufacturers is explained by the fact that the 8.8-channel KSS audio system is improved by Snell's subwoofers. They are housed together with top quality components in excellent quality cases. Such an acquisition is not even affordable for any large cinema. It is even difficult to imagine how your favorite blockbuster will look at the Kipnis Theater, going beyond the imagination. The cost is $ 6,000,000.

Moon Audio's Dark Star Opulence

A striking power of 31,000 W is capable of overriding the sound of a heavy airliner taking off. Ten meters of speakers, coupled with subwoofers assembled in a frame of very high quality, are able to "demolish the tower" of anyone. Figuratively, of course. And all this beautiful power is backed by a ten-year warranty. The cost is $ 2,000,000.

Kharma's Grand Enigma

In the manufacture of a unique audio system, an individual design was used, ordered from a Dutch manufacturer specializing in exclusive audio equipment. Unfortunately, this is all the information that we managed to get about this miracle. The cost is $ 1,000,000.

Goldmund Epilogue Signature Audio System

And this system is valued at one million dollars. There are only 25 sets of such systems with a capacity of 3 600 W worldwide. It is impossible to find in it the flaws that most mass-produced high-power audio equipment suffers from. This equipment can rightfully be called a work of art. The cost is $ 1,000,000.

Higherfi Audio Opulence

The complete set of this system in assembled form weighs one ton! Only ten of these kits have been produced. Very high quality equipment for sound reproduction forced true music lovers to line up behind them - they were so impressed by the enthralling sound of the speakers. The cost is $ 925,000.

Wisdom Audio's Infinite Wisdom Grand

This audio system was developed exclusively for royal palaces. The height of the columns reaches four meters and it can handle not only a large house or pool, but also a whole castle. Its weight is 2000 kg, and the waterfall of sound is so powerful that it must be handled with care. The cost is $ 700,000.

Backes Müller BM 100

The unusual shape of this audio system is due to the introduction of technology that allows the system to draw the perfect boundary between high, mid and low tones. It may well be mistaken for fanciful furniture, which is the very place in the bedroom of a beautiful woman. As its creators assure, the system is capable of filling a room of almost any size with sound. And he will choose the most optimal option. The cost is $ 500,000.

California Audio Technology (CAT) MBX

The fame of the manufacturer of the presented audio system was brought by projects striking in their grandeur. In the most impressive samples produced by CAT, hundreds of subwoofers alone are used, and moreover, more than a dozen channels. Wealthy connoisseurs are ready to pay more than one million dollars for such monsters. But there is also an option suitable for home use, for which you will have to pay only $ 500,000.

Acapella Audio Arts' Sphäron "Excalibur"

For a full understanding of the 3D effect of a sounding audio system, it is recommended to choose a room measuring 40 square meters or more. Sounds are emitted by twelve square meters - this is exactly the surface area of ​​the speakers. And it feels like the sound is coming from everywhere. The cost is 380,000 dollars.

Dynamikks Ultima!

An extremely powerful speaker produces sound whose range ranges from 150.0 Hz to 23.0 kHz. To accommodate the musical heart of the system, an expensive 1m X 1m cover is used. Impressive! The price of this miracle is 380,000 dollars.