Tests of budget floor-standing acoustics. Floorstanding Speakers Review: Standing Your Ground. The purest sound

We have long planned to create a rating of the most popular floor-standing acoustics to help you understand the huge number of models and not make a mistake with your choice. Today we are focusing on budget “floor-standing” speakers costing up to 50 thousand rubles, designed for sounding a room of 18-20 sq.m.

The result of this long and painstaking work was a finished rating, which included 8 floor-standing acoustic systems.

The first thing that attracts you about the Dali Zensor 5 floor-standing acoustics is its lively and accurate sound, which does not tire even after long listening. The sound amazes with crystal transparency and flows freely, without tension or strain.

Music lovers will appreciate the natural sound of Danish acoustics, accurate reproduction of the smallest details of a musical work, and clean, natural after-sounds. The acoustics well emphasize the variety of instrumental and vocal timbres and do not miss even the subtle nuances of live performance. Smooth transitions from mid to high frequencies and back give the sound integrity and harmony.

The stylish, classic design of Danish floor-standing units will unobtrusively fit into any interior and will not attract unnecessary attention.

The light, open, natural sound of Heco Victa Prime 502 draws the listener headlong into its musical world and makes you experience almost physical pleasure from listening to your favorite compositions. Even the most complex things sound on these acoustics as if you were hearing them in the original performance, with natural tones and live vocals.

These acoustics prefer not to focus on details and are in no hurry to emphasize the nuances of a musical composition. For her, integrity and natural sound, without “synthetics” and “amateur”, are more important.

At high frequencies, music sounds surprisingly soft, without annoying steely overtones.

This speaker system amazed us with its amazing musicality and melodious sound. It is ideal for those who do not like excessive pressure, musical roughness and harshness. These speakers produce a warm, cozy sound that you want to enjoy endlessly. The mid frequencies are truly mesmerizing: precise, penetrating, detailed, they hypnotize and immerse you in a semi-trance state of serenity and pleasure. The top, in comparison with the middle, does not splash bright colors and is slightly muted, but it is very accurate to understand the subtleties of instrumental parts or the peculiarities of each performer’s vocals.

Fans of musical experimentation will appreciate the smooth, deep low end without being harshly linear. The Cambridge Audio Aero 6 floor-standing speakers will help you discover an unusual interpretation of your favorite tracks and take a fresh look at the concept of heavy music.

The speaker system from the American manufacturer captivated us with its amazing ability to “expand” the space. When you listen to music on this acoustic system in a room with an area of ​​18 square meters, you get a strong feeling that the room is twice as spacious - the Boston Acoustics A250 produces such volumetric, powerful and rich sound.

These speakers subtly sense the mood and character of the music - they can sound soft and smooth, but, when necessary, they can produce a sharp and brutal sound.

The obvious advantage of this acoustics is its expressive sound delivery at medium and high frequencies. The midrange fascinates with its stunning detail, which reveals the smallest nuances of musical performance, accurately builds the sound stage, and allows you to hear the almost elusive background. The top captivates with crystal transparency, soft sound without jerks that hurt the ear. The lows compensate for their excessive restraint with high density and dynamism.

The elegantly modest design of the speaker system fits into any interior and will not disturb the musical harmony with ridiculous appearance.

The Klipsch Reference R-26F floor-standing acoustics with a horn speaker are distinguished by bright sound at high frequencies. Powerful and emotional, with precise and detailed sound, it is ideal for home cinema.

Natural, truly live sound without synthetic impurities is the quality for which this acoustics can be given a solid five. When you get into the epicenter of the sound of the Klipsch Reference R-26F, the illusion is created that you are in the thick of things.

The smooth and elastic lows of this acoustics are quite accurate, but you should not expect rough harshness from them.

It was not by chance that this acoustics made it into our rating: we were captivated by the smooth and clear sound, the original, bright sound, and the variety of tonal shades. The Tannoy Eclipse Three speakers easily and confidently feel comfortable in any genre, clearly capturing the essence of a piece of music and shading insignificant details.

The sound of these acoustics can be compared to portrait photographs, where the foreground is drawn with clear and sharp lines, and the background is blurred and indicated by soft, muted strokes. This feature clearly manifests itself in jazz compositions, enlivening and bringing to the fore the performer’s vocals.

Tannoy Eclipse Three is sincere and accurate in its rendering of instrumental and vocal parts; light touches of strings, rustling keys and even audience applause naturally sound to goosebumps. These acoustics will be appreciated by those music lovers who love realistic, reliable and delicate sound.

The bright sound of these speakers is tailor-made for an immersive movie experience. They create a light, clear and dynamic sound that envelops, involves, draws in - and gives a feeling of complete immersion in the atmosphere of the cinema.

The Yamaha NS-F330 clearly and reliably conveys all the textures and shades of the upper frequencies, feels comfortable and confident in the middle and smoothly, without jerking, transitions into a powerful, deep, rich bass. The lows on this acoustic sound strictly, but without rudeness or inappropriate pressure. When the sound descends, it fills the entire room like a powerful wave and enhances the sense of reality of what is happening on the screen.

This speaker system is one of those rare specimens that delivers more than you expect from it. Natural, unobtrusive transmission of musical material, clean and transparent sound. The high frequencies on the Onkyo SKF-4800 are mesmerizing, the mids amaze with the detail and clarity of the slightest nuances. The lows at the stated lower mark of 55 Hz are enough to get a deep, soulful, rich sound. The smooth sound panorama characteristic of these acoustics creates volume and 100% immerses you in the atmosphere of music or cinema.

The main highlight of these speakers is that they reveal their potential already at low and medium volumes. You don't have to turn up the volume control full blast and scare your neighbors in order to appreciate the sonic merits of this acoustics.

Fashionable wood finishes and installation on a special podium complement the acoustic advantages of the Onkyo SKF-4800 and make this model desirable for many music lovers with discerning tastes.

Conclusion

Our rating does not pretend to be the ultimate truth, because we compiled it taking into account personal acoustic preferences and professional experience. We hope that it will prompt you in the direction of searching for suitable floor-standing acoustics, and will help someone else make their choice. Listen to the professionals, trust your ears - and you will easily find “that” speaker system that will meet all your expectations.

In its highest price class new model, undoubtedly among the best, it clearly exhibits the characteristics of the most expensive High-End series: far-reaching spatial imaging and energetic persuasiveness. And even very picky and critical experts confirm that the sound reproduction of the MBL 101 X-treme speaker systems remains unsurpassed. It is possible to collect only 7-8 pairs of these per year. unique systems. That is why they go to only the most uncompromising aesthetes and advanced music connoisseurs.

And so it should be, since the MBL 101 X-treme is the final product that embodies the phenomenal concept of Radialstrahler. Amazing power and depth, perfect, natural harmony of sound create absolute, transcendental pleasure from listening to your favorite music!

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 4

Sensitivity, dB - 81

Maximum power, W - 2200

Minimum frequency, Hz - 20

The release of the new acoustic system is timed to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. And the name is given in honor of one of the operas of the great Verdi - “Aida”. This 3.5-way tower speaker is designed to lead the lineup Sonus Faber. This is indirectly evidenced by the identical frequency response, sensitivity, impedance and recommended amplifier power values ​​as the low-volume flagship. A weight of 165 kg and a height of more than 170 cm also set one in a serious mood. The bodies are made of natural plywood, the side walls of the body are lyre-shaped, made of African wood Aucoumea klaineana. The walls are double, with damping material laid between them, and inside there are numerous stiffening ribs. The base and top of the speaker are two massive parts milled from aluminum, they account for almost a third of the weight of the speaker. The DAD29XTR-06 tweeter with a soft dome with a diameter of 29 mm and an acoustic load in the form of a rear chamber machined from solid spruce is equipped with a magnetic system on based on neodymium, samarium and cobalt. The vertical bar not only protects the emitter, but also acts as a damping element for the diaphragm. The 7-inch M18XTR-08 midrange driver boasts a cellulose cone with cotton and hibiscus fibers, a bimetallic basket made of aluminum and tombac, and a neodymium magnet system. A pair of 8-inch W22XTR-12 woofers are equipped with cones with a central layer of syntactic foam, covered on both sides with cellulose. Finally, the 12-inch SW32XT-08 subwoofer, thanks to the onion-shaped metal arch on which the speaker cabinet rests, is directed - like its bass reflex port - to the floor, and uses a honeycomb “sandwich” with the addition of carbon fiber as a diffuser. Similar to the flagship, there is an additional tweeter and a 4-inch midrange driver on the rear panel, as well as tuning elements. Crossover frequencies: 55,180, 250 and 3000 Hz. The basis of this electro-acoustic project is Bound soul technology - an anti-vibration axis of non-magnetic steel alloys that connects the internal space of the front emission speakers. The Sonus Faber Aida acoustic system is an excellent example of the skill of Italian designers. It combines excellent specifications and visual appeal, which makes it interesting both for ordinary music lovers and for true connoisseurs of high-quality sound.

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 4

Sensitivity, dB - 92

Maximum power, W - 600

Minimum frequency, Hz - 20

Maximum frequency, Hz – 35000

The Gryphon Pantheon acoustic system has replaced the younger ones in the Gryphon Atlantis line of floor-standing systems. The new three-way speaker system has a frequency range from 25 Hz to 40 kHz. The 8" bass and 5" triple magnet midrange drivers are manufactured by renowned Danish manufacturer ScanSpeak to Gryphon specifications. The high-frequency ribbon driver was developed by Gryphon itself. Thanks to its large surface area, the ribbon structure allows a large volume of air to pass through with minimal diaphragm movement, providing excellent dynamics, flat frequency response up to 40 kHz with low distortion and no compression. Thanks to a specially designed crossover, symmetrical driver placement and concave front surface, unique constant phase characteristics are achieved, allowing for precise localization and excellent stage depth.

Exterior design is distinctive feature Gryphon with a wide range of custom finish options and the ability to personalize the Gryphon Pantheon with the wood finish of your choice. When choosing a finish for your Gryphon Pantheon speakers, the possibilities are limited only by your imagination. The side panels are based on a modular design, making removal and replacement extremely easy, your choices are endless.

As a Pantheon owner, you have access to virtually unlimited custom finishing options, not only at the time of your initial purchase, but at any time after your purchase.

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 4

Sensitivity, dB - 90

Minimum frequency, Hz - 25

Maximum frequency, Hz –27000

The Stradivari's construction concept, as before, is based on the idea of ​​borrowing the shape of a stringed musical instrument. But unlike the Amati, Guarneri and Cremona family of acoustic systems, this is not a lute, but a violin.

The Stradivari body is assembled from individual pieces of wood, selected in a certain way, according to the structure, color and texture of the wood. A special damping compound placed between them avoids distortion and coloration of the sound. The tie system and mesh structure located inside the speakers help reduce internal reflections and resonances.

However, according to the masters, the main secret of acoustics is the same as it was several centuries ago. This is varnish. It gives a unique sound to the acoustics, protects and emphasizes the warmth of the wood. Whether it's a speaker in Graphite finish or Stradivarius Violin color.

The speakers are made according to the principle of isolated volumes. All drivers used in Stradivari are new, specially designed for this acoustic system.

Struggling with wave diffraction on the planes of the front panels, developers have recently sought to reduce their area as much as possible. Sonus Faber engineers offer exactly the opposite solution. The front side of the Stradivari Homage is simply huge, and the problem of diffraction is solved by making the front wall with a specially designed convex profile. Thus, the width of the column far exceeds its depth.

The pedestal is a massive metal platform on supports, ending with spikes. The length of the supports is determined in such a way as to give the speaker stability even taking into account a slight tilt back. All this allows you to adjust the time characteristics of emitters operating in different frequency bands. The wide front panel makes the cabinet sound like a musical instrument. To combat diffraction at high and medium frequencies in the finishing of the cabinet, along with wood blocks, natural leather is traditionally used - it is used to cover the console that carries the dynamic heads. All structural elements are fastened together with wooden tenons - also a legacy of the old masters (metal bolts and self-tapping screws can only be found in the installation of heads and contact groups).

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 4

Sensitivity, dB - 92

Maximum power, W - 300

Minimum frequency, Hz - 22

Maximum frequency, Hz – 40000

Wonderful connection unique technology and very elegant design. I would especially like to emphasize that the MBL 116 Radialstrahler is not only a visual delight. This model creates a sensual, extremely differentiated, breathing picture of the sound, demonstrates an excellent timbre of sound and, thanks to its filigree, subtle dynamics with the most delicate resolution, creates a living sound. Depending on the recording, it projects sound into a living room, large hall or jazz club. Breathtakingly realistic sound pictures emerge. The resolution, fine dynamics and uniformity of sound distribution throughout the room are at a very high level.

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 4

Sensitivity, dB - 83

Maximum power, W - 1800

Minimum frequency, Hz - 32

Maximum frequency, Hz – 33000

The development process of SONUS FABER Amati Futura began with the collection of various materials from which it was possible to draw important information: special attention was paid to the selection of actuators with subsequent optimization of the membrane composition. The next step was to take advantage of recent Faber Sonus technologies, both in terms of innovative loading systems and the latest filtration systems, followed by a return to the introduction of differential distribution low frequencies. The new and original nature of the case construction forced a radical redesign of the acoustic case, which, although it implies major changes in structure and volume distribution, involves innovative solutions associated with the combination of different materials, thus extolling the notorious virtue of the violin form. SONUS FABER Amati Futura confirm and modernize another strong postulate of Sonus Faber: a musical instrument lives in the environment and becomes part of it, performing the functions of both a musical source and a piece of furniture. Design choices, new material finishes, improved production quality and extreme attention to every detail equate to sound reproduction, and the celebration of this concept is a testament to how firmly rooted they are in the present, and how they look to the future. Amati Futura strives to be the expression of tomorrow. The new standard is made possible thanks to proprietary technical solutions that have been assembled over many years.

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 4

Sensitivity, dB - 90

Maximum power, W - 300

Minimum frequency, Hz - 25

Vector floor standing 2.5 way speaker, manufactured using optimized materials. Thanks to the unique development of A.C.T. monocoque and polymer alloy body structure, the complex body design no longer suffers from the usual disadvantages. The housing design contains an impressive volume of air with a fairly small external surface area - another extremely successful feature of this development. All high-quality parts are handcrafted and assembled, resulting in a speaker system that is self-resonant canceling due to the properties of the materials from which it is made. The system has one of the lowest signal-to-interference ratios in the world, and at the same time, thanks to its ultra-powerful speakers, it flawlessly reproduces all the colors of music. This level of quality is only achievable when all components are produced by the company itself and are fully consistent with the rest of the parts in the device. Manufactured using top-of-the-line carbon fiber fusion technology, this system is carefully hand-assembled by experienced professionals. The Tactic II's midrange driver can produce exceptional single pulses that are not attenuated by the crossover. The capabilities of such a device are limited solely by the characteristics of the amplifier. The impedance is so low that even low power amplifiers can work in tandem with this system. A signature feature of all Wilson Benesch devices is the 2.5 crossover. Due to it, it is possible to achieve an unusually complete sound picture - from the lowest to the highest frequencies, with a minimum of phase distortion. The Semisphere tweeter is one of Wilson Benesch's latest innovations. This is the result of many years of complex development and synthesis of the most selected by impartial critics and experts advanced technologies, including the notable Sphere from Murata. This device is designed with high-tech materials that extend the high frequency range without harsh coloration or distortion. Vector is completely protected from noise interference inherent in conventional speaker systems and has incredible sound purity and a complete lack of distortion, which cannot be achieved using compromise technologies. The listener will be completely immersed in the stunningly transparent and pure sounds of music. This will become a real sacrament in which only the composer, performer and listener participate.

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 4

Sensitivity, dB - 89

Maximum power, W - 200

Minimum frequency, Hz - 35

Maximum frequency, Hz – 24000

The Klipsch Cornwall III floorstanding speaker occupies the third position in the classic Heritage horn line. The Speaker represents the third reincarnation of the iconic Cornwall model, which was introduced in 1959. The model has become a larger and bassier replacement for the previously presented Heresy speaker system. In 1990, production of Cornwall was discontinued, but due to numerous requests from admirers, the company resumed its production.

The Klipsch Cornwall III three-way floorstander weighs almost 45 kg and is housed in a well-damped MDF housing. The cabinet has a low wooden stand. Three rectangular bass reflex ports are located at the bottom of the front panel, so the speakers can be installed close to walls and even in the corner of the room. Hence the name of the model: corn (in this case it is an abbreviation for the word corner, i.e. “corner”) and wall (“wall”).

The speaker has the advantages of classic Klipsch speakers, including high sensitivity of 102 dB, a 15-inch woofer with a fiber composite cone (almost the same as the flagship Klipschorn) and horn-loaded high-frequency and mid-range drivers. The tweeter is a one-inch compression driver with a titanium diaphragm, which is placed in a Tractrix horn with a curved side corresponding to the shape of the curve called “tractrix”. This geometry provides better dispersion characteristics and less coloration of the sound compared to the exponential shape, and also contributes to the creation of a spherical sound wave, which brings the emitter closer in its time characteristics to a point source. The midrange band is at the disposal of a 1.75-inch compression driver with a titanium diaphragm, which is already loaded onto an exponential horn.

The Klipsch Cornwall III will be excellent option for use as part of a high-quality stereo system or DC. High sensitivity allows it to be used in conjunction with a tube amplifier. The speaker system delivers natural, dynamic and compelling musical sound with high detail, transparency and excellent frequency response across the entire frequency range, while also delivering a wide-open, deep stage.

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 8

Sensitivity, dB - 102

Maximum power, W - 400

Minimum frequency, Hz - 34

Maximum frequency, Hz – 20000

The Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, northern Italy, founded back in 1585, still excites the minds of not only architects and historians, but also manufacturers of high-end acoustics. So, new line Sonus Faber is dedicated to this particular architectural monument.

Of course, the creation of the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio is an extraordinary cultural monument. In a relatively small space, he managed to convey ancient images very brightly, on a large scale and harmoniously. In tribute to the Olimpico Theater, Sonus Faber decided to embody the ancient harmony of geometry and sound in a new line with an appropriate name.

The main goal of the Sonus Faber Olimpica project is loudspeakers that amaze with their design and evoke positive emotions with their appearance. Therefore, “branded” materials were used - walnut wood (for the top and side panels), and leather for the front. As always, the project was created from scratch, not a single element, not a single component was taken from previous models. The cabinet design is the quintessence of the experience gained in creating the flagship Aida speaker and the classic Liuto. However, the highlight of the new Olympica is the asymmetry of the housings, which helps to eliminate internal resonances and at the same time accommodate new system bass reflex.

Co-authorship in the development of speakers belongs to the well-known Dr. Kurt Müller. His clients include companies such as B&W, Blaupunkt, Bose, Canton, Celestion, ELAC, Harman, Philips, Scan-Speak, Vifa and many others.

The DAD29XTR2 (Damped Apex Dome) 29mm soft dome tweeter is equipped with a neodymium-based magnetic system. The vertical bar not only protects the driver, but also serves as a damping element for the diaphragm, combining the advantages of traditional dome and ring drivers in one speaker.

The 6-inch M15XTR midrange driver features a cellulose cone with cotton and hibiscus fibers, and a voice coil wound with copper-clad aluminum wire. A pair of 7-inch W18XTR woofers are equipped with cones with a central layer of syntactic foam, surrounded on both sides by cellulose and loaded onto a Stealth Ultraflex slotted bass reflex with a vertical port at the rear of the housing, covered with a perforated metal plate.

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 4

Sensitivity, dB - 90

Maximum power, W - 300

Minimum frequency, Hz - 35

Maximum frequency, Hz – 30000

High-quality floor-standing acoustics from a renowned American manufacturer. This model received high marks and recognition from the sophisticated world hi-end press and is rightfully considered one of the standards of floor-standing acoustics.

That's what authoritative reviewer Larry Greenhill writes, who without hesitation placed the JBL Synthesis 1400 Array BG at the very top of Stereophile magazine's hierarchy of floorstanding speaker systems ("Top-rank recommendation in Stereophile's "Recommended Components").

“... The JBL Synthesis 1400 Array BG left a lasting impression on me with its three-dimensional sound image, stunning clarity, ability to recreate the surrounding atmosphere, literally “disappearing” from view, and exquisite timbral detail. They were only slightly inferior to my approximately equal in cost reference electrostatic speakers Quad ESL-989s - in terms of balance across the entire audio range, in the quality of timbre transmission and in the three-dimensionality of the sound image - but they seriously surpassed the “shy” Quad speakers in the bass department in terms of playback quality the sounds of organ pipes and percussion, as well as its ability to play much louder."

“.. I was also very impressed by the natural sound of JBL and the lack of distortion - precisely those qualities that, as I until now, thought were an exclusive privilege (in this price range) of Quad acoustics. I even grew to love the 1400 Array speakers for their unusual appearance.”

"...Thanks to all these excellent advantages, the Synthesis 1400 Array BG speaker deserves the highest recommendation and inclusion in Stereophile's "Recommended Components." JBL has a flat frequency response, good bass extension, a wide soundstage, and a unique ability to reproduce vocals are the same as those of much more expensive speakers in terms of soundstage scale and breadth. dynamic range and in terms of fidelity to live male vocals, the 1400 Arrays are as good as much more expensive floorstanding speakers I've ever heard in my listening room, which certainly makes them a good buy for any audiophile. No wonder their creator, Greg Timbers, is so proud of his creation.”

Main characteristics:

Resistance, Ohm - 8

Sensitivity, dB - 89

Maximum power, W - 300

Minimum frequency, Hz - 32

Maximum frequency, Hz – 40000

Floor-standing speakers in the budget segment of the market have a serious advantage over bookshelf speakers: they do not require the purchase of racks, and tall enclosures do not necessarily have impressive dimensions. It's also worth noting that many speakers of this type have a bigger, stronger and bolder sound - so choosing the right set is very important to the quality of your system.

Having triumphantly passed the first test, the Wharfedale Diamond 230 immediately took on the battle. is stepping on their heels New episode Q Acoustics 3000: The exceptionally talented budget bookshelf speakers QA 3020 are already giving the Diamond 220 a run for their money.

Also in the running are the Cambridge Audio Aero 6 - the superstar of an award-winning multi-channel package - and the miniature floorstanding speakers from JBL's new Arena range. They are all determined to fight to the end; who will win?

Cambridge Audio Aero 6 $900

We're already familiar with Aero 6: it's the brightest star of Cambridge Audio's double award-winning Aero 5.1 multi-channel package. They often visited our test laboratories, but always in the company of their brothers. Now they are performing a solo program - and taking into account the serious price reduction, they look like an exceptionally good purchase.

For this amount you will get a lot of interesting things. Certainly, we're talking about about BMR speakers, which are often found in the company's higher-end models. The BMR head emits in a wide frequency range (from 250 Hz to 22 kHz), which allows you to move the band section to an area of ​​lower hearing sensitivity. The distortion inherent in the frequency response point is less noticeable there, increasing clarity and improving matching.

At first glance, the 4.6 cm diameter BMR driver can be mistaken for a regular tweeter; underneath there are two 16.5-centimeter midrange/bass emitters. Regular rectangular cases look very nice thanks to the natural veneer finish (walnut or ebony). A small bass reflex port on the front panel, similar in size to a BMR speaker, adds symmetry to the speaker.

The front port allows you to install the speaker near a wall; however, they play best at some distance from it and with a slight turn inward. The height of 98 cm and the proportionally voluminous design create a solid impression. But if you have room for them, you won't regret it.

The Cambridge has a truly inspiring sound - rich in detail, sharply focused and full of enthusiasm. They are noticeably different from most equivalent competitors.

The song Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede delights with enthusiasm and energy, fully conveying the powerful rhythmic drive and inspiration of the catchy melody.

The catchy chorus “hooga chaka” emphasizes the scale, volume and openness of the music scene. By the way, it is one of the main advantages of the Aero 5.1 multi-channel kit.

Aero 6 - straightforward and purposeful; They are more confident than assertive. Reliable control ensures sound clarity and stability; Balance and high precision allow these speakers to play so that it is impossible to tear yourself away.

The $1,500 Q Acoustics 3050 are a little more refined, but the Aero 6's heartfelt sound is highly detailed and isn't shy about showing off its enviable dynamic power. The drumming in "Aggressive Expansion" from the soundtrack to "The Dark Knight" is presented increasingly intensely, each blow is powerful and strong.

These beauties are also inferior to the Q Acoustics in terms of bass mobility, but they cannot be accused of lacking power and energy. The BMR speaker does an excellent job: the high frequencies are clear, detailed and coherent. The voices of any vocalists, be it the angelic melodies of Eva Cassidy or the patter of Kanye West, sound lively and intelligible.

If your budget is limited to $900, we highly recommend the Aero 6 for review. For this price you won't find anything better.

Grade: 5

BEHIND: Strong sound; spacious music stage; rhythmic drive; work in any range; coherence; robust construction; stylish front panel

AGAINST: Dimensions

VERDICT: Aero 6 are great; you won't find anything better for this price

Figures and facts

• Sensitivity:90dB
• Resistance:8 ohm
• Maximum power:120W
• Dual cable connection:No
• Finish options:2
• Dimensions (H×W×D):98×24×34 cm

JBL Arena 170 $500

Until recently, JBL's most affordable floorstanding speakers occupied the middle positions in the Studio or ES Series lines. This is no longer the case. With the release of the new budget Arena line, which includes two floorstanding models, two pairs of bookshelf speakers, a center channel speaker and a subwoofer, a JBL multi-channel set can be assembled for about $1,000.

The smaller floorstanders in this set, the Arena 170, are the first of the new line in our labs, and they are very good.

If you need floorstanding speakers for a small room, be sure to check them out: they are compact, sound great when placed close to the wall (their bass reflex port is at the back), and do not overload the space.

But owners of large rooms should not discount them, although JBL is not capable of creating the same powerful sound as the Q Acoustics 3050 or Wharfedale Diamond 230.

This is partly due to the bass - quite detailed and moving, but not the most powerful and energetic, which makes the sound overall less weighty. The mighty crescendos are not as swift and impressive as they should be.

Still, the sound of the Arena 170 captivated us. Crisp and clean, lively and flexible, it, distinguished by its accuracy and rhythm, is excellent for music of the most different directions- from the blues rock of Van Morrison to the bilious rap of Eminem.

The galloping rhythm of Frankly, Mr. Sh ankly by The Smiths never fails to lift the mood, with a fast and direct approach that doesn't feel intrusive. Thanks to the development of the musical scene, Morrissey's voice sounds clear and open. The treble is a little lacking in sophistication - the ubiquitous cymbals seem a little harsh.

Despite the lack of scope, the stage is quite spacious, and even the dense ensemble of strings in the chorus does not cause crowds.

You can get denser and better sound by installing the speakers closer to the back wall and attaching the supplied spikes to the rubber feet. The correct selection of the system is very important; An amplifier that's agile and rhythmic in nature—like the $900 Marantz PM6005—is perfect. You should avoid components with too bright and dry sound.

We love the quirky, modern design of the Arena 170: only the side panels are covered in natural wood veneer, while grainy plastic trims the front and funky angled rear; Perhaps this was done to save money, but it looks stylish.

Half-height protective grids make the facade more neat. If you remove them, the front panel reveals a scattering of bolts and holes, as if the speakers served as targets in a shooting range.

Hidden under the mesh is an inch soft-dome tweeter housed in an unusual waveguide, carried over from the company’s top “professional” models. According to JBL, it widens the angular radiation pattern and increases HF detail (the latter can be argued). Below it is a more traditional 18cm composite mid/bass driver.

The Arena 170s don't have the versatility of the sub-$1000 category leaders, but they do have a very pleasant and engaging sound. If these are any indication of the entire line, we're looking forward to the rest of the models. Follow the news!

Grade: 4

BEHIND: Lively and flexible; clean and crisp sound; suitable for small and uncomfortable rooms; quality of finish

AGAINST: LF lacks energy and density; strong competitors in the category up to $1000

VERDICT: Not perfect at everything, but talented in many ways

Figures and facts

• Sensitivity:87dB
• Resistance:8 ohm
• Maximum power:200W
• Dual cable connection:No
• Finish options:2
• Dimensions (H×W×D):96×22×28 cm

Q Acoustics 3050 $1150

Q Acoustics' 2000i series has won a ton of awards over the years, and its developers have worked hard to reach new heights. Meet the 3000 Series - the latest budget line.

That doesn't mean it's time to say goodbye to the 2000i Series - it will remain on shelves until the end of the year - but as word spreads, sales will slow down.

We had a hunch that the floor-standing speakers 3050 should be good - their bookshelf counterparts received the epithets “sensation” and “phenomenal” in the review. And so it turned out: we are completely fascinated.

The changes made to the 2000i series more than justify its relaunch. The cones of a pair of 16.5-centimeter midrange/woofers are now made of paper and aramid (or Kevlar); According to Q Acoustics, this material enhances the natural sound character.

The inch tweeter is decoupled from the body using butyl rubber, isolating it from vibrations. High-quality crossover components help reduce distortion and phase failure at the crossover point.

The case with walls made of MDF 1.5 cm thick is closed on top with a two-centimeter double-layer panel, and on the front with an even thicker one; Stiffening ribs increase strength and suppress resonances. Terminals for two-cable connection are now on the rear panel, rather than on the bottom; it's much more convenient.

The manufacturing quality of heavy-duty cases is traditionally high. Rounded ribs are already familiar; high-end trim - one of two standard (matte graphite and black American walnut) and three optional (black or white lacquer or black leather) options, for $1,500 each. Externally, they resemble the 2050i model, but are slightly narrower (30 cm) and flatter (20 cm). The plinth and adjustable cleats are carried over from the older Concept 40; Thanks to them, the speakers are able to stand stably on any surface.

However, the reduction in size did not affect the sound quality: the 3050 is good in all respects. Carefully recreating Q Acoustics' signature sophisticated approach, they are even more compelling, transparent and precise than their predecessors.

Full-bodied, mobile and mellifluous bass, as well as clear, controlled highs determine their tonal character - a little richer than neutral, as always with Q Acoustics. Their sound is full, dense and strong throughout the entire frequency range.

You will never guess by the sound that the volume of the case has been reduced. Powerful and assertive, the speakers are impressive in scale and can easily fill even the largest of our test labs. Even if you place them very far from each other, this will not reduce the density of the stereo panorama; best quality sound is achieved when located approximately 20 cm from the wall.

Their measured musicality and precise rhythmic drive create amazing sound magic; we listened to the entire Dire Straits album without even realizing it.

By the time the song Brothers in Arms began, we did not feel the slightest sign of fatigue from the speakers. The electric guitar solo is free-flying, the soft vocals are full of emotions.

The Q Acoustics 3050 is another remarkable achievement from the company; they are capable of giving a decent fight to speakers with a price approaching $2000. They are simply great.

Grade: 5

BEHIND: Richness and elaboration; maximum sophistication; power and persuasiveness; rhythmic drive; construction and finishing

AGAINST: Nothing

VERDICT: Q Acoustics has raised the bar even higher, setting a new price point standard

Figures and facts

• Sensitivity:92dB
• Resistance:6 ohm
• Maximum power: 100W
• Dual cable connection: Yes
• Finish options:5
• Dimensions (H×W×D):100×30×20 cm

Wharfedale Diamond 230 $650

It's amazing how much can change in the blink of an eye. Take Wharfedale's new floorstanding speakers, for example: they received a perfect rating just a month ago, but have already fallen short compared to capable rivals. But this does not mean that Diamonds 230 has become worse; If you're looking for talented floorstanding speakers with compact dimensions but big sound, these are worth a look.

The immersive sound of the Diamond 230 - 95 cm high and 32 cm deep - makes these robust speakers feel even larger. The chorus of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Wing$" fills the music stage with a dramatic crescendo that few competitors can match.

However, their powerful image does not reduce mobility: Diamond 230 is characterized by enviable energy and drive. The neutral tonal character is convincing, the bass is deep and powerful, and the treble is clear and precise.

The crossover has been redesigned to improve coherence between speakers; In our opinion, the goal has been achieved - the midrange is presented exceptionally harmoniously.

The Q Acoustics 3050's timing and note placement are a little more precise, but the Wharfedale approach is very pleasing, with a natural warmth and softness to the instruments. But one cannot blame them for their smoothness and toothlessness: every sound turns out to be dense and strong.

The piano in Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini plays with weight and speed, the changing intensity of each stroke demonstrating the excellent dynamics of the Diamond 230.

But in this regard, Q Acoustics is stronger: they have higher texture of the keys, the listener receives more timbral information.

Wharfedale work best when available free space- at least 30 cm from the back wall and 60 cm from the side walls. A slight turn towards the listener increases the density of the stereo panorama, but reduces the width of the music stage.

The unusual acoustic design, first used in the Diamond 100 series, increases the versatility of the installation. Instead of using the more conventional rear or front bass reflex port, Wharfedale decided to direct the air down into the gap between the cabinet and the speaker base. Thanks to this, they are not as capricious in location as many competitors; In addition, the noise level is reduced.

Luckily, the Diamond 230 doesn't inherit the finish of the 100 series, which was the subject of many complaints about its uneven quality. The new building does not cause any complaints; Carefully bonded vinyl trim and neat ribs rival those found in the competition. The lacquered front panel looks very stylish.

In addition to the new housing and improved crossover, it is worth noting the enlarged magnet of the woofer, which enhances its responsiveness and facilitates “pumping”. Twitter remains the same; it is surrounded by a deep waveguide, increasing its efficiency.

A loss of valuation would be a sad surprise for Wharfedale. However, these speakers are still very good; Thanks to their versatility, they can be used in a variety of rooms and systems.

Grade: 4

BEHIND: Surround and large-scale sound; spacious music stage; neutral tonal character; accuracy and density; construction and finishing

AGAINST: Lacks texture and finesse

VERDICT: Having lost their high ratings, Wharfedale speakers still deserve attention

Figures and facts

• Sensitivity:88dB
• Resistance:8 ohm
• Maximum power:150W
• Dual cable connection: Yes
• Finish options:4
• Dimensions (H×W×D):95×20×32 cm

Let's sum it up

Winner Q Acoustics 3050 $1150

Competition in the budget segment is extremely high, no matter what type of product we are talking about, and floor-standing speakers are no exception. With the Q Acoustic 3050 raising the bar in its category, you can now buy as great speakers as ever for under $1,500.

With improvements to the award-winning 2050i, the British company has once again set higher standards for floor-standing speakers. The unrivaled refinement and musicality of the Q Acoustic 3050 allows them to outshine the competition.

We feel sorry for the Wharfedale 230, which has lost its top rating after just a month. But they are still very good: power, precision, enthusiasm and excellent finishing are very pleasing.

We wouldn't hesitate to put them on our list of recommendations, but there are better options out there today in terms of value for money. Among them is the Cambridge Audio Aero 6, which has entered the five-star club thanks to a sharp price cut. Their energy, strength and meticulousness are much higher than you would expect from a $900 speaker.

We are pleased to see JBL return to budget segment. The Arena 170 is another decent pair of speakers - especially good for small or awkward rooms. We look forward to the next models in the Arena line.

We are pleased to report that all four test pairs performed excellently. But if we were choosing speakers for ourselves, we would definitely go with the Q Acoustics 3050.

COMPLETE THE SYSTEM

Three partners to get the most out of the amazing Q Acoustics 3050

CD player

Marantz CD6005 $700

Fantastic value for money; its predecessor was already a leader, and this model received our award in 2014

Amplifier

Marantz PM6005 $900

An excellent amp and one of our favorites; affordable price and excellent sound quality of any analog and digital music

Network music player

Bluesound Node $700

A 2014 award winner, this modestly priced player is a great addition to your system.

And so, you decided to buy Budget-level Hi-Fi acoustics for home, but here a dilemma arises - either buy what suits you according to the budget allocated for it, and be content with the sound you get for that money, or choose something better, but in a more expensive segment. As usually happens in life, good and cheap rarely go together. IN this review We tried to collect those models that combine these two seemingly incompatible qualities. Of course, everyone can make the final choice only by direct listening, but we highly recommend taking note of these models.

Cambridge Audio S30

The front panel of the tweeter is cut out as such in order to bring the two drivers (high-frequency and low-frequency) closer together for better integration. The design of the speakers allows a simplified crossover to be used between them, and for an even better effect, the speakers are connected separately with two sets of cables.

The volume of the cabinet (casing) is quite deep; the connection block and bass reflex are combined on the rear panel. The speakers are designed to be used at least 8 cm from a wall.

Victorious power and clarity. This is a wonderful speaker system that combines the winning power of the beat and the purity of sound. Bass doesn't become rumbly even when the frequency range drops to 59Hz, it's impressive without being annoying, being fast and precise, infusing any music with energy, be it hard rock or classical music.

But the S30 is particularly good in the mids and highs, and this seems to have a lot to do with the minimum crossover used. Voices are open and clear, and instruments - from acoustic to electronic - sound excellent and powerful when required.
These speakers sit on fairly heavy stands at a slight angle towards the listener, and you get a well-focused audio cabin, with really good, spacious sound.

The S30 follows the famous Cambridge acoustic formula: it looks cool, sounds great, and offers an intriguing alternative to established favorites at its level.

pros
Powerful
Very decent bass for such a small speaker system
Beautiful design
Great price

Minuses
The design won't be to everyone's taste.
A case of significant depth is not suitable for all users

Specifications:

Number of lanes - 2
Sensitivity: 90 dB
Frequency range: 55 Hz - 20 kHz
Nominal resistance: 4-8 ohms
Speakers: Tweeter: 1 x 25 mm (1") Woofer: 1 x 115 mm (4.5") Midrange/Woofer
Recommended maximum power amplifier: 100 W
Magnetic shielding: Yes
Dimensions (H x W x D): 226 x 160 x 235 mm (including grill)
Weight: 3.75kg

Boston Acoustics A 25

Compact and slightly arched, the Boston Acoustics A 25 speakers feature magnetic, removable grilles and are expertly crafted from an unusual combination of cutting-edge (gloss black) and traditional materials (leather-look vinyl) - it feels like watching your granny in Nikes. .

The A-25 features a 25mm dome tweeter and a 13cm mid-bass cone on the front panel, and a bass port at the rear along with a movable suspension mount.

The system is completely free and unpretentious in terms of placement and can serve well as a suspended speaker, but in order for it to sound better, a small free space is required and this inevitably leads to the choice in favor of placement on special racks or shelves.

The sound is impressive. Firey but not overzealous, open but pleasantly focused, the A-25 sounds balanced and without excess. With its help you can appreciate how good First Aid Kit's are in the song When I Grow Up.

This model has excellent resolution upper level, it sounds just as balanced and confident at midrange, and has enough tonal variation at the bottom to make up for any slight lack of punch.

Decent item. The entire frequency range is perfectly integrated, and the Boston sound evokes a wonderful feeling - even the most complex recordings delight with a harmony of sound that can hardly be found anywhere else at this price.

pros
Surround, immersive, non-childish sound, with medium resolution

Minuses
Bass is not very convincing
Body made from an intricate mixture of materials

Specifications:

Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type

Set includes: 2 loudspeakers
Number of lanes - 2
Recommended amplifier power - 10-150 W
Sensitivity - 89 dB
Impedance - 8 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 55-25000 Hz (±3 dB)
Crossover frequency - 2.4 kHz

Gold-plated connectors - yes

HF emitter - 25 mm, dome
LF driver - 133.3 mm
Removable grill - yes
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 183x271x225 mm
Weight - 4.58 kg
Price - 9,990 rub.

DALI Zensor 1

At high quality This model and even some pretentiousness of compact, well-made cabinets, Dali speakers are quite consistent with their price tag - but the difference between the sound they produce and the numbers on the labels is quite significant.

The Zensor 1 handles the storm und drang of Kenny West's Power and the delicacy of Kate Bush's Flower of the Mountain with equal ease. Its sound is open and clear.

Amazing attention to detail. Clear, but not sterile sound, immersing you in the very core of music, where sounds merge and split - this sound quality is usually characteristic of acoustic systems that cost an order of magnitude, or even two, higher in price. They manage to combine meticulous attention to detail with ease of listening, making the longest audio session fly by in a flash.

Achieving the perfect balance between clarity and power is very difficult at any price point, so the confidence with which the Zensor 1 walks this fine line is astonishing.

pros
Quite sufficient height, sound clarity and drive
Great feeling of ease when listening

Minuses
Nothing significant

Specifications:

Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Number of lanes - 2

Sensitivity - 86.5 dB
Maximum sound pressure - 106 dB SPL
Impedance - 6 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 53-26500 Hz (±3 dB)
Crossover frequency - 2.9 kHz
Connector for connecting to a power amplifier - screw
Gold-plated connectors - yes
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm, dome, textile
LF driver - 133 mm
Removable grill - yes
Fastenings for installation - yes
Magnetic protection - yes
Finish options - black, walnut
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 162x274x228 mm
Weight - 4.2 kg
Price - 12,790 rub.

Mission MX1

The sound of this model is simply stunning: the Mission MX1 speakers attack any music with boundless enthusiasm, which creates an excitingly resonant sound. The key to this sound is synchronicity: James Blake's synth rhythms in The Wilhelm Scream start and stop with perfect precision, and that's it. frequency bands clearly separated from each other, which creates the inextricable unity of the impression as a whole.
The MX1 sounds better with its removable grilles, achieving the best tonal balance when standing closer to a wall, where the rear-facing ports pump out bass without causing rumble. But actually it sounds good almost everywhere.
It's fair to say that the treble, while generally bright and pleasant, is unlikely to be the highlight of a high-quality recording, but that's more than worth it at a price that most people will be happy to pay.

pros
Impressive, clear and powerful sound
Free layout
Rugged housing

Minuses
Doesn't hide recording flaws
It is preferable to avoid atmospheric-sounding electronics

Specifications:

Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Number of lanes - 2
Recommended amplifier power - 25-100 W
Sensitivity - 86 dB
Impedance - 8 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 58-20000 Hz (+/-3 dB)
Crossover frequency - 3 kHz
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm, dome
LF/MF driver - 127 mm
Removable grill - yes
Finish options - black, cherry, mahogany, walnut
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 172x280x258 mm
Weight - 5.1 kg
Price - 8,890 rub.

Q Acoustics 2010i

The 'i' version has a new tweeter, a higher mid-bass cone driver and an updated crossover to match the changes made. The tweeter is now located outside to minimize the possible negative effects of any vibrations caused by the midwoofer.
The body remains unchanged, except for the new neat front panel; Considering that the system looks good, this is not a problem.
Connection is made through a pair of terminals on the bottom, each for a separate set of cables.

This system sounds a lot like its beefier, award-winning 2020 variant, which isn't surprising given the similar specs.

They are characterized by the same combination of purified sound and increased level of aggressiveness of the sound, and the degree of immersion in the recordings is the same.
It's not surprising that larger speakers have an advantage, but at this size and price, it's unlikely that any other model can compete with the 2010.

It's more powerful than you'd expect for its weight and will work just fine with a Denon D-M38, but if your budget stretches to something like Marantz's 6004 CD player/amplifier combo, you'll find that in exchange for For the money spent, it can give you simply magnificent sound.

It's not easy to find speakers that can boast the same harmonious and clear sound, while - thanks to a beautifully thought out and improved balance - remaining so unpretentious in terms of connectivity.

pros
In an improved form it is even more interesting
Impressive resolution
Thoughtfully built frequency balance

Minuses
Big 2020 is more tempting if you can afford something more substantial

Specifications:

Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Set includes: 2 loudspeakers
Number of lanes - 2
Recommended amplifier power - 15-75 W
Sensitivity - 86 dB
Impedance - 4-6 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 68-22000 Hz
Crossover frequency - 2.8 kHz
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm
LF driver - 100 mm
Removable grill - yes
Additionally
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 150x235x203 mm
Weight - 3.5 kg
Price - 16,340 rub.

Tannoy Mercury V1

The fifth model is certainly one of the best yet, thanks to a host of upgrades including a stiffer cabinet and a lighter cone-shaped midbass cone.

Just listen and you will see how easy it is to succumb to Tannoy's charm. The sound platform is larger than others in this class, and this system manages to combine the effects of space and proximity better than any other.

The fusion of flexibility and strength makes the instruments sound delightfully rich and dynamic transitions beautiful. You might evaluate it and find no fault with it, but comparison with other top speakers also shows that the Tannoy is unlikely to be inferior to anyone in terms of power and punch.
It has a slightly convex dome high-frequency driver, and although this assumes the most sharp sound, believe me - it's worth it.

pros
Excellent tonal balance
Flexible, well-synchronized and dynamic
Detail-filled sound

Minuses
The drive of some competitors will be heavier

Specifications:

Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Number of lanes - 2
Power - 50 W
Maximum power - 100 W
Recommended amplifier power - 10-70 W
Sensitivity - 86 dB
Impedance - 8 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 45-25000 Hz (-6 dB)
Crossover frequency - 3.2 kHz
Connector for connecting to a power amplifier - screw
Gold-plated connectors - yes
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm
LF driver - 130 mm
Case material - MDF
Removable grill - yes
Magnetic protection - yes
Finish options - maple, walnut
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 170x300x255 mm
Weight - 4.5 kg
Price - 10,800 rub.

Wharfedale Diamond 9.1

The driver integration is almost perfect, with the 13cm Kevlar mid-bass cone and 25mm textile tweeter working in unison to create a wonderful, balanced sound. It's remarkably clear - although some rivals may have an edge in this department - but the speaker is quite capable of rediscovering a touching track like Nina Simone's Tomorrow with an impressive amount of detail.

The same confidence is exuded by the Wharfedale speaker system when playing the alternative rock band Camper Van Beethoven's "Take the Skinheads Bowling". Academic and thoughtful in its focus and attention to detail, the 9.1 model nevertheless retains all the necessary qualities to make work not only your head, but also your legs.

From the top (recognizable and solid) to the bottom (robust and reliable), Diamond performs well in even the toughest materials. She can set the pace, easily return when needed, and balance the voices on her own. Exactly.

pros
Sleek design at an affordable price
Transparent, clear and rhythmic sound

Minuses
Small size for the money

Specifications:

Type - bookshelf, passive, bass reflex type
Acoustic radiation - monopolar
Set includes: 2 loudspeakers
Number of lanes - 2
Separate connection of LF and HF (Bi-wiring) - yes
Recommended amplifier power - 20-100 W
Sensitivity - 86 dB
Impedance - 6 Ohm
Reproducible frequency range - 50-24000 Hz (-6 dB)
Crossover frequency - 2.3 kHz
Connector for connecting to a power amplifier - screw
Gold-plated connectors - yes
Type of emitters - dynamic
HF emitter - 25 mm
LF driver - 125 mm
Removable grill - yes
Magnetic protection - yes
Dimensions (WxHxD) - 194x296x278 mm
Price - 7,200 rub.