Since the first What Hi-Fi? Awards, which took place in December 1983, we met with the most striking evidence of the skill of the creators of the speakers - and each year we awarded the Product of the Year medal to the most talented couple.
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The Award date is getting closer; There is less than a week left until the best speakers of this year are named.
Since the first What Hi-Fi? Awards, which took place in December 1983, we met with the most striking evidence of the skill of the creators of the speakers - and each year we awarded the Product of the Year medal to the most talented couple. You can rest assured that all 2015 Award winners will continue this proud tradition.
Of course, as in all other reviews, we choose the best model in terms of price and quality ratio. Therefore, strictly speaking, these are simply the most profitable investment options in the corresponding price categories. However, this does not sound nearly as impressive as the phrase in the title.
One way or another, let's take a walk down memory lane and remember the most wonderful speakers of the new century - their list will not only increase your erudition, but will also be useful to you when choosing a pair of speakers on the secondary market. Let's not waste time!
Shelf systems
Polk Audio RC55i
Can be used as built-in equipment. This model will prove to be truly indispensable when there is a need to create a high-quality acoustic system in a small room where there is a minimum amount of free space. The column is equipped with a very neat panel of small dimensions. The protective mesh can be removed if necessary, its height is small, and after installation it will be practically unnoticeable. In order to achieve the highest quality sound, you do not have to use the back cover, since this model was created using the “infinity screen” system. The installation depth here is also small - it is only 50 cm. This allows the structure to be placed not only in hollow walls, but also in the most ordinary apartment partitions.
The device has a two-way configuration and is equipped with emitters manufactured using the latest Dynamic Balance technology, which was developed by the product manufacturer. With its help, the most saturated sound is ensured, regardless of the range, and the sensitivity of the speaker is at a very high level. The design includes a woofer with a diameter of 5.25 inches and is equipped with a polymer cone. The latter contains a magnetic filler to ensure the highest level of rigidity and reduce resonances. Together with the woofer, a tweeter is used, whose dome has a diameter of three quarters of an inch, it is made of silk, and is additionally covered with a thin metal layer. The tweeter is on a rotating type holder, so you can change the direction of the sound.
Advantages:
- A fairly compact model - perfect for small spaces;
- Only the highest quality components are used;
- Very attractive appearance;
- Does not require free space.
Flaws:
- The midrange sound seems flat to many users.
Polk Audio RC55i
JBL LSR308
This speaker system is more of a professional studio equipment, designed for use by experienced musicians. It will fit best into the interior of a small studio, especially if it is used as an individual monitoring system. However, many lovers of high-quality sound purchase it for home installation. The JBL Image Control Waveguide technology is used here, with the help of which it is possible to obtain the clearest panorama of sound absolutely anywhere in the room, and this does not in any way affect the accuracy of the reproduced frequencies. This speaker system includes a speaker whose diameter is 8 inches. On the rear side you can find a bass reflex, which is equipped with two opening angles, which improves the sound quality of low frequencies, and also significantly reduces the turbulence of the flow inside the case.
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There is another new technology that has found application in this equipment - JBL Linear Spatial Reference. It processes measurements from 72 points, so the monitor performs optimally regardless of the sound quality of the room itself. The monitor is also equipped with magnetic shielding, the sound range is very wide - from 37 Hz to 24 kHz. As music lovers note, it wouldn’t hurt to add a subwoofer to the system. There are two amplifiers on the case, each with a power of 56 W. All inputs are located on the rear panel, there is also a volume control.
Advantages:
- Can also be used for professional purposes;
- Long service life;
- Excellent build quality;
- Any unnecessary elements are missing.
Flaws:
- Sometimes it may begin to emit hum at high and medium frequencies.
JBL LSR308
Pioneer S-DJ50X
It can be designed in black or white - the user will be able to choose the most suitable color model for his interior. The bass reflex is located on the front panel. This means that the device can be placed close to the wall or even in the center of the room. The main speaker has a diagonal of 5 inches, so the speaker system is perfect for use within a small or medium-sized room. The sound flow characteristics are quite impressive - from 50 Hz to 20 kHz. It is worth noting that this product has several different inputs and at the same time has reduced power consumption. If necessary, you can adjust the intensity of the high frequencies. When there is no sound coming to the monitor, it will simply turn off after a certain time, and when the signal comes on, it will be automatically activated.
The sound is quite loud. Despite the fact that the sound is quite sharp, it will not spoil or embellish the overall picture. The model has a very reasonable price. The overall boost in low frequencies reaches 26 W, and in the high frequencies – 54 W. The total power of the emitters reaches 80 W. Most users in their reviews say that this equipment is essentially semi-professional - it can be used both at home and within the studio.
Advantages:
- Very decent power level;
- Semi-professional equipment;
- High volume settings;
- Quite adequate cost for the characteristics of this equipment;
- Attractive and strict appearance.
Flaws:
- Not too rich equipment.
Pioneer S-DJ50X
Yamaha HS8
A truly best shelf-type speaker system, which is developed and manufactured by a Japanese company, which, in turn, has been manufacturing and selling similar products since the 70s of the last century. In terms of appearance, as experienced users say, there are several questions for the manufacturer, but the same cannot be said regarding the functional part of the equipment. The frequency range of the device ranges from 38 Hz to 30 kHz, due to which even the most insignificant touches of a musical recording will be available to the user. Combining this with the very high power of the device, which reaches 120 W, an additional amplifier is provided that adds 75 W to the low frequencies and 45 W to the high order.
The model is quite reliable and durable. Its body is made on the basis of the latest generation MDF panels, and they are completely insensitive to the occurrence of resonance. They also retain their original strength over time. The weight of the device is decent - about 10 kg, so you should check how strong the wall is where you plan to hang such a speaker.
Advantages:
- Significant sound range;
- High power level;
- Long service life;
- Almost complete absence of resonance.
Flaws:
- Not all users like the appearance of the device.
Yamaha HS8 studio monitor review
Yamaha HS8
Suspension systems
JBL Control 28
This is a fairly large system, the maximum power of which is 175 W - it is quite enough for home listening to music of absolutely any complexity. The body is plastic, but the sound quality of this design is almost impossible to distinguish from a product with a wooden body. The diameter of the main speaker is 200 mm. The kit includes a swivel bracket, so if necessary, the speaker can be directed to almost any corner of the room. The cabinet is quite deep, the components are characterized by a high level of power, thanks to them it is possible to form a complex network that will ensure smooth operating properties. The speaker is a front-facing device; its workmanship is significantly superior to most products of a similar type. The emitter is made of paper with increased sound permeability, the horn is made of titanium.
If the column is used correctly, its estimated service life will be about 10 years. No distortion of mid and high frequencies was noticed when playing melodies. It is advisable to use peak volume points sparingly.
Advantages:
- Reliable protection against overloads both in terms of sound and in the area of voltage surges in the network;
- The kit includes a swivel bracket that allows you to provide the most suitable direction of sound;
- The titanium grill allows you to operate the system in quite difficult conditions.
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Flaws:
- The bass line gets weaker at times.
JBL Control 28
2. Monitor Audio Radius R225
One of the most compact models in our review of the best speaker systems of the year. First of all, this concerns the width of the case, which is only 65 mm - this allows the design to be used in conjunction with modern flat-panel TVs. Such a system can be used in the central or all three front channels that will surround the listener. The manufacturer notes that it is also possible to use the product as a stereo pair. The column can be mounted on the wall in both horizontal and vertical orientation; if desired, it can be installed on a shelf of the required size. The unit monitor is equipped with two proprietary speakers, the diameter of the diffusers is 100 mm. It is worth noting that these elements are characterized by a combined structure. They are made of an alloy of magnesium and aluminum, and are covered with a layer of ceramic on top.
Thanks to this technology, a fairly durable and lightweight material is obtained, with the help of which it is possible to reproduce the bass line with very good dynamics, and the balance will be neutral. In addition, the outer surface of the diffuser is covered with a significant number of recesses made in the shape of hemispheres, so the anti-resonance qualities are quite impressive. The diameter of the dome of the built-in speaker is 25 mm, and it is coated with a thin layer of gold. In order to maximize the range of low frequencies, it was decided to equip the system with two HiVe II bass reflexes, and their output holes are located on the front panel, which allows the structure to be installed in niches, which is quite convenient. The outside of the product is coated with black or white varnish, which is used to process natural wood veneer.
Advantages:
- The appearance lasts for a very long time;
- The resonance was reduced to almost zero;
- Long service life;
- Many unique solutions that improve sound quality.
Flaws:
- Relatively expensive.
Monitor Audio Radius R225
Sonus Faber Wall Domus
It is unlikely that any suspended speaker will be able to fully compete with floor-standing products in terms of sound quality, but this particular speaker system managed to be at a quite decent level. Italian-made products are equipped with an original pair of acoustic speakers that are capable of creating a clear and complete sound picture. The rated power of the equipment is 150 W, the sensitivity, however, is not too high - about 88 dB. In this regard, many experienced users recommend using the design together with an amplifier, the characteristics of which should be slightly lower.
The device has a very attractive appearance, high-quality assembly and a long service life. The latter was achieved largely thanks to the presence of a magnetic protection system, which allows you to create reliable protection of the device from overloads of various kinds - both from acoustic and from voltage surges in the electrical network. The sound quality fully justifies the rather high cost of the system.
Advantages:
- High level of reliability;
- Long service life;
- Made exclusively from high quality materials;
- Good sound quality throughout the entire range.
Flaws:
- Decent weight, reaching about 10 kg.
Sonus Faber Wall Domus
Floor models
Dali Zensor 5
All systems produced by this manufacturer are characterized by high quality and reasonable cost, so they have been popular among lovers of high-quality music for quite some time. The system includes two floor-standing speakers that are equipped with a pair of woofers, the diameter of which is 5 inches, and a one-inch dome tweeter is also provided. The overall dimensions are not too large, so these acoustics will fit perfectly into the interior of a small room. The frames on which the speakers should stand are made of silumin. The appearance can be different, the finishing is made to resemble different types of wood, and the body itself is made of MDF panels, which in terms of their acoustic characteristics are almost in no way inferior to wood. The case is additionally covered with vinyl, which will protect the system from damage. The front panel is treated with black varnish and polished.
The bass reflex ports are located on the front side, and they are made monolithically, no joints are noticeable. Diffusers are made of special paper, which is filled with wood fibers. The manufacturer has been using similar technology for quite a long time, which, as time has shown, has been able to show its best side. The inside of the speaker housing has additional stiffening ribs. The set includes anti-slip feet, so the speakers can be installed directly on the floor if necessary. The resolution of mid frequencies is very high quality, the sound dynamics were appreciated even by experienced music lovers. There are a lot of high frequencies compared to the others, this does not affect the balance of tones, but the balance is slightly disturbed.
Advantages:
- Excellent value for money;
- There are two speakers at once, which are responsible for low frequencies, which creates the effect of the presence of a subwoofer in the system;
- Attractive appearance;
- High quality build.
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Disadvantages:
- Decent weight of the product;
- Preponderance towards high frequencies.
Dali Zensor 5
Canton GLE 476
This model is a full-fledged 2.5-way speaker system, which is additionally equipped with a bass reflex. The range of bass lines and lower midrange frequencies are reproduced using two speakers with a diameter of 180 mm. They are additionally equipped with diffusers made of aluminum alloy, which are produced based on the developments of the manufacturer. The speaker diaphragms are mounted on a flexible suspension made from natural rubber. Thanks to the use of this material, it is possible to achieve a fairly significant displacement of the diffuser, and this moment practically does not affect the sound quality, since the distortion will be minimal. An inch dome-type tweeter is made from fabric that is impregnated with special polymer compounds. To ensure maximum sound dispersion, this part is placed in a shallow horn.
The grill here is removable; if necessary, it can be installed on the rear panel of the speakers. There are quite a few options for this acoustic system, so each user will be able to choose the most optimal option that will fit organically into the interior. The sound of the speakers is transparent and very energetic. Mid frequencies are defined as clearly as possible, all timbres can be clearly heard. Compression will not be noticeable even when the volume is turned up to maximum power. The main thing when using such speakers is to correctly position them relative to the listener. These products are manufactured at the highest quality level; there are special screw-type clamps for connecting cables.
Advantages:
- Even though the manufacturer says the system is 2.5-channel, it is essentially 3-channel;
- There is a remote speaker for additional drawing of mid frequencies;
- All peak values pass through as smoothly as possible; even experienced listeners did not detect any distortion.
Flaws:
- It can be difficult to find the ideal speaker placement.
Canton GLE 476
Heco Victa Prime 702
Despite its low cost, this model is distinguished by high quality workmanship, and it has a very original appearance. The speaker system has curved side walls, which are made from several layers of MDF panels that are glued together. This allows not only to significantly increase the strength of the product, but also to easily cope with various types of internal resonances of the product and stagnant sound waves. The speakers are installed securely, each of them is secured with eight screws. The bass reflex ports are located at the rear and are also secured with screws. The body is additionally decorated with a podium. The protective mesh is installed on pins made of high-quality hardened metal. The outside of the structure is finished with a film, which in appearance is almost impossible to distinguish from real veneer.
The product operates on the basis of a three-way circuit. The tweeter diameter is 25 mm, its dome is made of artificial silk. It is equipped with a cooling system; magnetic fluid acts as a coolant. The midrange and bass drivers have a diameter of 170 mm. They are quite light and have a significant stroke, which ensures the creation of a light sound picture, and also allows you to feel a very deep bass line. The bass reflex port has two ports, the design of which is optimized so that not only sound waves, but also air flow pass through them freely. The speakers sound spacious and light, but fall slightly towards the mid-bass lines. The timbre is quite natural, it is as close as possible to live sound. Even complex music is presented very clearly.
Advantages:
- Separate ports for connecting high and low frequencies;
- Attractive body finish;
- High build quality;
- There are no extraneous inclusions in the sound;
- Reasonable price.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Review of German floor-standing acoustics Heco Victa Prime 702 (300 Watt)
Heco Victa Prime 702
