Recent Floorstanding Speaker Reviews

Definitive Technology announced the launch of the BP9000 series loudspeakers—its 4th generation of Bipolar tower speakers, matching center channels, surrounds, and a height speaker module, designed to offer true, full-range performance for listeners seeking the highest quality audio reproduction. The A90 represents a true transcendence in design from its ho-hum A60 model it replaces. Definitive Technology has stepped up its game both in performance and aesthetics. Just take a look at the full BP9000 speaker setup in the lifestyle photo. Who wouldn't want this speaker system in their living room? The added Atmos support is just icing on this very tasty looking cake.

Audiophiles at AXPONA would have been remiss not to be present when one of the decades-long leaders of the British manufacturing industry brought in their new flagship speaker. The Monitor Audio Platinum PL500 II Tower speaker system is a true statement piece of engineering excellence. This flagship 220lbs 3-way 7-driver speaker system is packed with the very latest in drive technology and materials to make it their highest performance production loudspeaker to date. Check out our experience with them but be warned as some audiophiles may experience side effects of salivation or repeated dreams of ownership.

The AudioKinesis Bienville Main Modules speaker system is a balance between three important design goals: high sound quality, enormous dynamic range, and an agreeable appearance. Our demo at the 2016 AXPONA show proved these speakers met these goals in spades, especially with their effortless ability to produce lifelike dynamics. You can tweak that sound till your hearts content by shelving the high frequency response, plugging ports or operating the system in bipole or dipole mode. The AudioKinesis speaker system was truly a unique gem at the show.

Electrostatic speakers have never been the most popular speaker design in high-fidelity audio, because they have traditionally had many disadvantages such as anemic bass output, poor reliability, difficult load to drive, and limited dynamic range. But, the Sanders Sound Model 10e ESL speakers claims to solve these issues by deploying a stout 10" aluminum bass driver in a transmission line enclosure, an improved "Ultrastat" panel that comes with a lifetime warranty, robust amplification by Magtech and DSP for room correction to optimize the sound. We like what we heard at AXPONA 2016 so check these out.

The brand new Endeavor Audio E-3 Mk2 speakers do not have as flashy appearance or exotic design as many of the other high-end speakers at the 2016 AXPONA show. What they do have is a simple form factor and great sound. The E-3 MK2 are a 4 driver, 3-way design employing a coherent Linkwitz-Riley crossover for the best integration and phase coherence. We loved this speaker based on our demo and suggest you check them out for yourself too.

A beautifully crafted 3-way tower with 33Hz extension from Salk Sound, the Song 3 looks to be quite a bargain. A papyrus fiber cone woofer, bamboo mid and RAAL tweeter all come together in the Song 3 for a sound which could match the quality of other speakers at AXPONA that were many times more expensive. Check out these beauties if you dare!

The Engineers at Paradigm and Anthem were told to build a cost-no-object speaker, and what emerged is the Paradigm Concept 4F. Featuring pure beryllium drivers, built in amplification with ARC Room Correction, and refined looks in a compact enclosure, the Paradigm 4F will be part of a speaker line featuring multiple towers, bookshelves, and a center channel. Check out our YouTube video for a design overview and listening impressions.

In a short amount of time Goldenear Technology has created some of the most dynamic new speakers on the market so we are extremely excited about their new an improved Triton Two+ and Triton Three+ floorstanding speakers unveiled at the 2016 CES Show in Las Vegas. Will they be as good as the amazing Triton One for which they are based on? Read on to find out and be sure to watch our YouTube Video interview with Sandy Gross to get all of the details.

JBL has released the JBL 4367 Studio Monitors to bring master reference quality into the home. We've come to admire the engineering and design of the new JBL M2 Master Reference studio speakers but their size and price tag is out of the reach of most audiophiles. The new JBL 4367 promises much of the same M2 technology, in a slightly more compact package (still 135lb each), along with a built-in crossover allowing the use of conventional home amplifiers. Basically, if you’ve been wanting the lauded JBL M2 sound in your current system, the JBL 4367 is your best bet.

With their Signature Series, Fluance has added new models to the top of their speaker line. With amazing high-end looks and features at unbelievably low prices, these are already on our list for "speakers we must hear this year." From Premium drivers to well braced cabinets, read on to see why we believe the Fluance Signature Series has the potential to be something really special.

Revel revealed their Concerta2 update to their value speaker line at CEDIA 2015. These speakers and subwoofer feature technology inspired by the top of the line Performa3 series, but at a price that is very competitive. The Concerta2 series present a very interesting option for folks looking to dip their toe into high fidelity sound based on products engineered with science instead of pseudoscience wrapped in a fancy package. We were impressed with our first listening session and can't wait to dive in deeper with this product line.

It’s not every day that Bowers and Wilkins hosts an exclusive event for a new product announcement. It’s rarer still that the venue for such an event will be a legendary recording studio. But that’s exactly what the venerable British speaker maker did to announce their updated flagship line of loudspeakers, the 800 Series Diamond version D3. We give you an in-depth analysis of the refinements and take some of the new models for a first-hand audition. See what we think about the results of the new D3 800 Series Diamond from the flagship 802 to the potent 805 bookshelf speaker. Impressive? Most Impressive.

Italy's Sonus Faber has been crafting finely sculpted speakers near Vicenza for over 30 years. Today, we take a comparison look at the range of tower speakers Sonus Faber offers, from the merely expensive to the truly high end price range, to find out what you get when you mortgage your house for a sweet new set of speakers. We explore their marketing claims to see if they have any merit and take a close look at design details behind each of the speakers.

As a Monitor Audio Enthusiast, when we heard that they were coming out with a new version of their “Gold” series of speakers we were ecstatic. Using its GX Gold speakers as a model, Monitor Audio refined its high-end speaker line with this new series. Equipped with optimized drivers and empowered by the production quality of their Platinum flagship range, their Gold series speakers turn another page in the story of Monitor Audio's audiophile speaker family.