May 2024
Floorstanding Speakers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of floorstanding speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2024.
Summary
On 2 May 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 82 speakers endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
61 speakers were endorsed in total, only 14 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 2 May 2024, Sony SSCS3 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed speakers with 5 expert endorsements.
Brand breakdown
-
Klipsch: 6 speakers
(#1 is Klipsch RP-8000F II)
-
SVS: 4 speakers
(#1 is SVS Ultra Tower)
-
Polk Audio: 4 speakers
(#1 is Polk Audio T50)
-
KEF: 3 speakers
(#1 is KEF LS60)
-
Focal: 3 speakers
(#1 is Focal Vestia N2)
Price breakdown
At a glance - May Ranking
Rank | Change | Price | Speakers |
stereocheck.com
|
Gadget Review
|
What Hi-Fi
|
ZD Net
|
The Master Switch
|
Music Critic
|
Popular Mechanics
|
The Sound Junky
|
BestReviews
|
ABT
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
|
- | $228 |
Sony SSCS3
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
- | $1000 |
SVS Ultra Tower
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
- | $168 |
Dayton Audio T652
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
4
|
- | $1499 |
Q Acoustics 5040
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
- | $241 |
Polk Audio T50
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
-
|
6
|
- | $5000 |
KEF LS60
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
7
|
- | $1499 |
Focal Vestia N2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
- | Check price |
Pioneer SP-FS52
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
- | Check price |
Triangle Borea BR08
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
- | Check price |
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
- | $600 |
MartinLogan Motion 40
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
19
|
- | Check price |
Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
20
|
- | $556 |
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
21
|
- | Check price |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
18
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Sony SSCS3 #1 in May 2024 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Gadget Review
Best for Crisp-Clear Sound
Up to 50 kHz is the highest frequency on this list
3cm soft dome tweeter to support high-frequency tones
145 wattage to play loud music
|
Not confident at low frequency tones
Feet aren’t cushioned, so can scratch floors
Not suitable for small rooms
|
ZD Net
Best floor standing speaker for audiophiles
Affordable
Excellent quality
Bold sound
|
Mediocre bass
Limited volume
|
The Master Switch
Best Budget Floorstanding Speakers
Clean and clear sound at a hugely attractive price.
|
The treble can be a little harsh when watching movies.
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Value
Great stereo imaging and dynamics
Clear and relatively smooth sound signature
|
Sound loses detail in extremely loud or bassy music
|
BestReviews
Wide Soundstage
This 3-way, 4-driver speaker setup is designed to produce an expanded soundstage.
Tapered faceplate edges minimize sound diffraction.
Offers 145 watts of power.
|
Slightly skewed towards the lows and highs.
Sold separately.
|
We ranked SVS Ultra Tower #2 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked SVS Ultra Tower as #1.
ZD Net
Best floor-standing speaker overall
Incredible bass
Excellent clarity
Powerful audio
|
Mediocre treble
On the larger side
|
The Sound Junky
Best Overall
The sound produced by these speakers is not just great. It is simply mind-blowing.
Features three-way speakers that perform perfectly when it comes to the bass. It delivers just as well regarding the midrange and higher frequencies.
Though not the most affordable tower speakers, they compete with models at nearly twice their cost.
The SVS speakers create a soundstage with a unique combination of expansiveness and precision.
|
These speakers are costly, possibly exceeding the budget for some customers.
While some find the shape of these speakers exciting and different, others find it odd and inconvenient.
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend floorstanding speakers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of floorstanding speakers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for May 2024 ranking
We ranked Dayton Audio T652 #3 in May 2024 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Gadget Review
Best for Small Space
Features polycarbonate dome tweeter
Frequency range between 45 Hz and 20 kHz
Lightweight for both speakers
|
Second shortest speaker on this list
No feet to protect flooring
Frequency range isn’t as diverse as others on this list
|
The Master Switch
Good for those on a budget
|
Distortion at high volumes, and there are annoying spring clips on the rear.
|
Music Critic
2-way class + dual bass woofers.
Incredibly present bass.
Bass reflex port.
Affordably priced.
|
BestReviews
Best Bang for the Buck
Tall and slim speakers provide ample sound without taking up a lot of space.
Excellent highs and midrange with punchy bass.
Equipped with dual 6-1/2" woofers and 5/8" tweeters.
Each speaker is 90 watts with an impedance of 6 ohms for a loud sound with good clarity.
|
The sound gets harsh at very high volumes.
|
We ranked Q Acoustics 5040 #4 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Q Acoustics 5040 as #1.
What Hi-Fi
Awards 2023 winner. A superbly insightful and entertaining performance from these new floorstanders.
Excellent clarity and detail resolution
Expressive dynamics
Fine build and finish
|
Needs care in system matching
Not as forgiving as previous Q Acoustics models
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Compact
Excellent detail and definition
Very good stereo imaging
Tight and clean bass response
Relatively small profile
|
Treble and upper midrange on the cool side
Bass lacks some authority
|
We ranked Polk Audio T50 #5 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Gadget Review
Honorable Mention
Only 7 inches wide, making it great for limited space
Features two sub-bass radiators for improved bass
Dynamic Balance technology reduces distortion
|
Not the widest frequency range compared to other speakers
Five-year warranty isn’t as long as some speakers on this list
Minimum 90dB sensitivity
|
The Sound Junky
Best Dolby Tower Speakers
The product is designed simply so that it doesn’t take away from any of the room’s other highlights.
This speaker is also lightweight.
The bass given out by the Polk tower speakers is tight and clean.
The midrange performance of these speakers is very impressive despite the price.
|
Тhе quаlіtу оf thеѕе tоwеr ѕреаkеrѕ wіll nоt іmрrеѕѕ уоu, аѕ thе соnѕtruсtіоnѕ gіvеѕ аwау thе сhеареr рrісе tаg tо ѕоmе dеgrее.
Тhіѕ расkаgіng іnсludеѕ оnlу оnе ѕреаkеr, ѕо іf уоu аrе lооkіng fоr а раіr, уоu mау hаvе tо lооk аt уоur budgеt оnсе аgаіn.
|
BestReviews
Shines at Movies
Sound production is warm, clean, and clear.
Furniture-grade MDF cabinets are designed to be acoustically inert.
Particularly good for home theater setups.
|
Speakers require the rest of the sound system for the best audio results.
|
We ranked KEF LS60 #6 in May 2024 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
stereocheck.com
columns from science fiction films
fully finished audio system with good sound
|
for your money – nothing
|
Popular Mechanics
Best Wireless
Spectacular build quality and slim design
Concentric tweeters for ultra-clear high frequencies
Rich and powerful dual woofers
Built-in custom amplification and digital crossovers
Tons of wired and wireless connection options
|
We ranked Focal Vestia N2 #7 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best Three-Way
Sweet and clear upper register
Excellent detail and stereo imaging
Great balance across registers
|
Glossy version attracts fingerprints
|
We ranked Pioneer SP-FS52 #8 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Gadget Review
Best for Versatility
Features three 5-¼-inch woofers
Crossover system improves audio quality
Frequency ranges from 40Hz to 20kHz
|
Sound only travels in one direction, because of the curved cabinets
Only reaches 20kHz
Not as luxurious as others on this list
|
Music Critic
Editor's Pick
Triple woofer + tweeter combo.
Sophisticated crossover.
Curved cabinet design.
|
We ranked Triangle Borea BR08 #9 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
What Hi-Fi
Superb performers capable of thrilling results.
Excellent dynamics and punch
Impressive rhythmic drive
Terrific punch and agility
|
Requires care in partnering
Needs a larger room to shine
|
The Master Switch
Musical Speakers That Are Great for Vinyl
Hugely energetic, with great rhythm and drive.
|
Best in bigger rooms.
|
We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 #10 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
ZD Net
Best floor-standing speaker performance
Powerful bass
Impressive clarity
Streamlined design
|
Must purchase a pair
On the pricier end
|
The Master Switch
Gorgeous sound quality that represents a genuine upgrade.
|
Struggles against huge competition in this price range.
|
We ranked MartinLogan Motion 40 #11 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Music Critic
High caliber components.
Exceptional engineering.
Advanced folding motion tweeter.
Audiophile level quality sound.
|
The Sound Junky
Best Tower Speakers Under $2000
These floor standing speakers have one of the most impressively designed cabinets that are meant to perform bass-reflex functions.
The sound produced is so clear and crisp that you will not regret the purchase at any time along the line.
The speakers are built to minimize distortion across the board, which helps in delivering high-quality sound regardless of the frequencies.
The company gives you the option to choose between spiked or rubber dome feet, but most people prefer the latter for the safety of their floors.
|
If you plan to use these speakers in large rooms, you must invest in an amplifier.
The price point may not be suitable for people just trying out some tower speakers for the first time.
|
We ranked Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II #12 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
Music Critic
Affordably priced high performing option.
Refined second incarnation of a best-seller.
Profound bass presence.
|
The Sound Junky
Best Tower Speakers for The Money
It features unbelievable sound quality and details for the price that you are paying.
This tower speaker can give you a full sound with adequate emphasis on all the different elements.
When it comes to the frequency response, it is imposing in the midrange and the highs, which come out clean and warm. The silk dome tweeters add a premium feel.
The sound distortion is minimized, which is impressive for this price range.
|
The design and packaging of the product are relatively commonplace, which takes away from an otherwise brilliant speaker.
The quality of construction cannot be compared to some of the more expensive and detailed speakers on this list.
|
We ranked Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UF52 #13 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
The Master Switch
A giant leap forward for ELAC results in one of the most energetic speakers we’ve ever heard.
|
Won’t satisfy those who demand reference-grade sound.
|
The Sound Junky
Best Tower Speakers Under $500
Тhіѕ іѕ оnе оf thоѕе рrоduсtѕ thаt gіvе уоu thе bеѕt vаluе bесаuѕе оf thе ѕоund thаt thеу ѕuссееd іn рrоduсіng.
Тhе ѕреаkеrѕ еffоrtlеѕѕlу gіvе уоu vеrу іmрrеѕѕіvе сlаrіtу асrоѕѕ frеquеnсу rаngеѕ, whісh іѕ а dеfіnіtе аdvаntаgе fоr аudіорhіlеѕ.
Тhеу hаvе bееn соnѕtruсtеd vеrу wеll uѕіng hіgh-quаlіtу mаtеrіаlѕ, whісh іѕ uѕuаllу аn іѕѕuе wіth thе mоrе аffоrdаblе орtіоnѕ.
Тhіѕ іѕ а thrее-wау ѕреаkеr, whісh mеаnѕ grеаt реrfоrmаnсе асrоѕѕ thе bоаrd.
|
If you are looking to place this device in a large room and do not want to compromise on the bass, a dedicated amplifier will be required.
There are better options than these for people who stream a lot of music online, as they are quick to expose low-quality audio through the output.
|
We ranked Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 #14 in May 2024 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best floorstanding speakers” rankings.
What Hi-Fi
Awards 2023 winner. Refined, entertaining and affordable floorstanders.
Superbly balanced presentation
Expressive and revealing midrange
Pleasing build and finish
|
Perform best if given a little room to breathe
|
The Master Switch
Wonderful midrange, and vocals are a treat.
|
Conservative sound, fussy with positioning.
|