December 2022
Floorstanding Speakers: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Speakers rankings posted by key online experts, as of December 2022.
Summary
As of 2 Dec 2022, Polk Audio T50 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed speakers with 4 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 4 recommended it as the '#1 speakers' this month. It is followed by Q Acoustics 3050i and SVS Prime Pinnacle , with 5 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - December 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Speakers |
Music Critic
|
Gadget Review
|
Popular Mechanics
|
Lifewire
|
KBonet
|
Old Time Music
|
The Sound Junky
|
What Hi-Fi
|
The Master Switch
|
Bob Vila
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $199 |
Polk Audio T50
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
2
|
- | Check price |
Q Acoustics 3050i
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
7
|
-
|
7
|
4
|
6
|
|
3
|
- | $1798 |
SVS Prime Pinnacle
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $429 |
Klipsch RP-8000F
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $150 |
Dayton Audio T652
|
4
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $600 |
Fluance Signature Hi-Fi
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
6
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | Check price |
Sony SSCS3
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $998 |
Wharfedale Diamond 12.3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
15
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $1099 |
Dali Oberon 5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
9
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | Check price |
Pioneer SP-FS52
|
2
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | Check price |
Onkyo SKF-4800
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $320 |
Elac Debut 2.0 F6.2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | $700 |
MartinLogan Motion 40
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | Check price |
Dynaudio Xeo 30
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $209 |
Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | Check price |
Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
|
22
|
- | $650 |
KLH Kendall
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
|
23
|
- | $699 |
Aperion Audio Novus N5T
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
We ranked Polk Audio T50 #1 in December 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Polk Audio T50 as #1.
Gadget Review
|
Pros
Only 7 inches wide, making it great for limited space
Features two sub-bass radiators for improved bass
Dynamic Balance technology reduces distortion
|
Cons
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
|
Lifewire
Best Budget
|
Pros
Very affordable
Plenty of range
Supported high frequencies
|
Cons
Overly simple design
Not the best sound quality
Lacking bass features
|
The Sound Junky
Best Tower Speakers Under $200
|
Pros
Тhе рrісе роіnt іѕ аffоrdаblе аnd аlmоѕt unbеаtаblе аnd саn ѕuіt еvеn thоѕе оf уоu whо dоn’t wаnt tо ѕреnd tоо muсh оn а tоwеr ѕреаkеr.
Тhе рrоduсt іѕ dеѕіgnеd ѕіmрlу ѕо thаt іt dоеѕn’t tаkе аwау frоm аnу оf thе оthеr hіghlіghtѕ оf thе rооm. Іt іѕ аlѕо nоt vеrу hеаvу.
Тhе bаѕѕ gіvеn оut bу thе Роlk tоwеr ѕреаkеrѕ іѕ tіght аnd сlеаn.
Тhе mіdrаngе реrfоrmаnсе оf thеѕе ѕреаkеrѕ іѕ vеrу іmрrеѕѕіvе dеѕріtе thе рrісе.
|
Cons
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.
|
We ranked Q Acoustics 3050i #2 in December 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
KBonet
Best Design & Build
|
Pros
Innovative design
Good mid-frequency sounds
|
Cons
Poor bass at lower volumes
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Well-made with innovative designs and good features.
A very good mid and high-frequency sound and great at volume.
|
Cons
Quality of sound, especially the bass, diminishes at lower volumes.
|
What Hi-Fi
Accomplished floorstanding speakers with plenty of punch.
|
Pros
Musical performers
Large-scale presentation
Flexible about positioning
|
Cons
Dali rival sounds more expressive and fun
|
The Master Switch
Best Floorstanding Speakers for Small Spaces
|
Pros
Superb in a surround sound setup.
|
Cons
Weak bass
not great for music.
|
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 December 2022 ranking
Music Critic
Gadget Review
Popular Mechanics
Lifewire
KBonet
Old Time Music
The Sound Junky
What Hi-Fi
The Master Switch
Bob Vila
We ranked SVS Prime Pinnacle #3 in December 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked SVS Prime Pinnacle as #1.
KBonet
|
Pros
Impressive sound
Structurally built
Value for money
|
Cons
Non magnetic front grilles
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Great build and some innovative design features.
An impressive sound.
|
Cons
Front grilles are not magnetic.
|
The Master Switch
Best Overall Floorstanding Speakers
|
Pros
Genuinely brilliant sound
terrific design
|
Cons
You’ll need a good amp to get the best out of them.
|
We ranked Klipsch RP-8000F #4 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Klipsch RP-8000F as #1.
KBonet
Best Sound Quality
|
Pros
Fantastic sound
Clever designing
Extremely competitively priced
|
Cons
Large in size
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Great sound and impressive design.
Some innovative built-in features
Very competitive price.
|
Cons
Quite big and heavy.
|
We ranked Dayton Audio T652 #5 in December 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
2-way class + dual bass woofers.
Incredibly present bass.
Bass reflex port.
Affordably priced.
|
Gadget Review
Best for Small Space
|
Pros
Features polycarbonate dome tweeter
Frequency range between 45 Hz and 20 kHz
Lightweight for both speakers
|
Cons
Second shortest speaker on this list
No feet to protect flooring
Frequency range isn’t as diverse as others on this list
|
KBonet
Best for Easy Installation
|
Pros
Unbelievably budget-friendly
Surround sounds
|
Cons
Basic Bass
|
The Master Switch
Best of the Rest
|
Pros
Perfect for those on a budget
|
Cons
Distortion at high volumes, and there are annoying spring clips on the rear.
|
We ranked Fluance Signature Hi-Fi #6 in December 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
KBonet
Best for Durability
|
Pros
Powerful 8-inch speakers
Ultra high-end Neodymium tweeters
Has two magnetic front grilles
|
Cons
Some of the promotion is overhyped
|
The Sound Junky
Best Tower Speakers for Home Theater
|
Pros
This is a very stylish set of tower speakers, which can add that touch of elegance to any room that it is placed in.
These speakers & woofers give an exceptional performance and really delivers when it comes to the bass output.
The build is very sturdy and impressive, as the company lays great emphasis on cabinet engineering.
Features floor isolation spikes that you can install to get a vibration-free listening experience.
|
Cons
If you enjoy listening to music or watching movies at very high volumes, you may notice some distortion in the sound quality.
As the emphasis was on building a product that is pretty sturdy, these speakers are not going to be lightweight and too easy to move around.
|
We ranked Sony SSCS3 #7 in December 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Gadget Review
Best for Crisp-Clear Sound
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Not confident at low frequency tones
Feet aren’t cushioned, so can scratch floors
Not suitable for small rooms
|
KBonet
Cheapest Option
|
Pros
Value for money
High clarity at the top frequency
Intelligent shape for reducing distortion
|
Cons
Weak bass
|
The Master Switch
Best Budget Floorstanding Speakers
|
Pros
Clean and clear sound at a hugely attractive price.
|
Cons
The treble can be a little harsh when watching movies.
|
We ranked Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 #8 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 as #1.
What Hi-Fi
Refined,entertaining and affordable floorstanders.
|
Pros
Superbly balanced presentation
Expressive and revealing midrange
Pleasing build and finish
|
Cons
Perform best if given a little room to breathe
|
The Master Switch
|
Pros
Wonderful midrange, and vocals are a treat.
|
Cons
Conservative sound, fussy with positioning.
|
We ranked Dali Oberon 5 #9 in December 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Lifewire
Best Design
|
Pros
Excellent design
Unique wood-based woofers
4 color choices
|
Cons
Expensive
Bulky in size
No dedicated woofer driver
|
What Hi-Fi
Award-winning floorstanders,right up there with the cream of the crop.
|
Pros
Entertaining and informative
Expressive dynamics
Unfussy nature
|
Cons
Tough competition
|
The Master Switch
|
Pros
Forgiving and entertaining, with a big soundstage.
|
Cons
Stiff competition means they aren’t the first choice.
|
We ranked Pioneer SP-FS52 #10 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Triple woofer + tweeter combo.
Sophisticated crossover.
Curved cabinet design.
|
Gadget Review
Best for Versatility
|
Pros
Features three 5-¼-inch woofers
Crossover system improves audio quality
Frequency ranges from 40Hz to 20kHz
|
Cons
Sound only travels in one direction, because of the curved cabinets
Only reaches 20kHz
Not as luxurious as others on this list
|
We ranked Onkyo SKF-4800 #11 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Gadget Review
Best Value
|
Pros
2.5cm soft dome tweeter for high frequencies
Frequency range between 55 Hz and 35kHz
Receive two speakers for your money
|
Cons
Bulky cabinet design
Lowest frequency range on this list
130 wattage is one of the lowest on this list
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Well-built with a nice understated aesthetic.
Quality balanced sound.
Very attractive price.
|
Cons
May need to add a subwoofer.
|
We ranked Elac Debut 2.0 F6.2 #12 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
KBonet
Budget-Friendly Option
|
Pros
Significant high and mid frequencies
Sturdy built cabinet without resonance
Redesigned drivers
|
Cons
No real end bottom base
|
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Attractive MDF design with internal bracing.
Well designed speakers that deliver a good sound.
An attractive price.
|
Cons
No cushioning feet for placing on a hard floor.
|
We ranked MartinLogan Motion 40 #13 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
High caliber components.
Exceptional engineering.
Advanced folding motion tweeter.
Audiophile level quality sound.
|
The Sound Junky
Best Tower Speakers Under $2000
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Іf уоu аrе рlаnnіng tо uѕе thеѕе ѕреаkеrѕ іn lаrgе rооmѕ, уоu wіll bе rеquіrеd tо іnvеѕt іn аn аmрlіfіеr.
Тhе рrісе роіnt mау nоt bе ѕuіtаblе fоr реорlе whо аrе јuѕt trуіng оut ѕоmе tоwеr ѕреаkеrѕ fоr thе fіrѕt tіmе.
|
We ranked Dynaudio Xeo 30 #14 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
The Sound Junky
Best Tower Speakers for Music Listening
|
Pros
These speakers are Bluetooth enabled, which makes them one of the most convenient tower speakers to use.
The package comes with two speakers, so you don’t have to shell out double the money if you want a set that has two speakers.
The speakers are designed very beautifully and can add that modern touch to any room that they are placed in.
The speakers are wireless, which is one of those features that are usually missing in this category of tower speakers.
|
Cons
As these are the most expensive speakers on this list, not everyone may be inclined to shell out so much money for a better listening experience.
There are other options on this list that may be cheaper and still provide an impressive sound quality.
|
The Master Switch
|
Pros
A high-end wireless speaker? We love it.
|
Cons
Doesn't quite match the other high-end models on this list.
|
We ranked Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II #15 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Affordably priced high performing option.
Refined second incarnation of a best-seller.
Profound bass presence.
|
The Sound Junky
Best Tower Speakers for The Money
|
Pros
Features unbelievable sound quality and details for the price that you are paying.
This tower speaker is able to give you a very full sound with adequate emphasis on all the different elements.
When it comes to the frequency response, it is particularly impressive 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 very impressive for this price range.
.
|
Cons
The design and packaging of the product are fairly commonplace, which takes away from a speaker that is otherwise brilliant.
The quality of construction cannot be compared to some of the more expensive and more detailed speakers that are also on this list.
|
We ranked Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 #16 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Popular Mechanics
Best 3-way Tower Speakers
|
Pros
3-way speaker for rich audio
Upgraded features
Great for large rooms
|
Cons
Large body might not fit everywhere
|
The Master Switch
|
Pros
Gorgeous sound quality that represents a genuine upgrade.
|
Cons
Struggles against huge competition in this price range.
|
We ranked KLH Kendall #17 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Nice attractive build with good materials.
Well balanced sound.
|
Cons
Quite expensive for one speaker.
|
The Master Switch
|
Pros
Stunning bass, gorgeous looks.
|
Cons
Probably a little too traditional.
|
We ranked Aperion Audio Novus N5T #18 in December 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Floorstanding Speakers” rankings.
Old Time Music
|
Pros
Interesting design using good materials.
Well balanced sound at an affordable price.
|
Cons
Some may not like the vertical port design.
|
The Master Switch
|
Pros
Friendly size,
great sound
|
Cons
Bass leaves a little to be desired
design is hit or miss.
|