Top Picks Compact Speakers

Compact Speakers Except where noted, prices listed are for a full 5.1-channel system as we reviewed it with speakers for left, right, center, surround right, and surround left channels, plus an active self-powered subwoofer. Click here for Speaker shopping and tech tips
<$999
	NHT O2 Outdoor Speaker: $298/pair For patio partiers: If you like your music loud when you’re hanging outside with friends and family, this speaker is for you. Designed to withstand temperature extremes of –20 and +140 degrees, the weather-resistant O2 delivers big bass and can play loud without audible strain. As reviewer Mark Fleischmann put it: “The speaker’s ingratiatingly warm tonal balance made blasting painless.” (July 2012 Read Full Review)
	Niles Audio OS6.5 Outdoor Speaker: $390/pair Niles means business with an outdoor speaker that boasts a nearly indestructible enclosure made of ABS plastic and nylon with UV stabilizers mixed in. The OS6.5 actually exceeds federal anticorrosion specifications for military use, meaning it is flame retardant and can withstand a direct water spray. All that from a rounded speaker that will look great under the eaves while it pumps out solid bass and uses its wide dispersion to fill your patio with music. (July 2012 Read Full Review)
	Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Speaker System: $520 Engineered by world-renown designer Andrew Jones, this system's predecessor, the SP-BS41, took our Top Pick of the Year award for value in 2011 thanks to the amazingly good sound it produces for its modest price tag. This recent update actually lowers the system price while further improving sound quality. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann noted, "Once again, Andrew Jones has delivered a gift to the surround audiophile on a budget. (June 2011, Read Full Review)
	Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 Speaker System: $799 For less than a grand, you'll be hard pressed to find a compact speaker system that looks and sounds as good as the ProCinema 600. Reviewer Kim Wilson was impressed with its ability to deliver “surprisingly robust bass” as well as a “highly coherent surround field in a small room without degrading the sound quality, even at relatively high volumes.” An excellent value overall. (August 2011, Read Full Review)
	Wharfedale DX-1 HCP Speaker System: $799 Reviewer Mark Fleischmann concluded his review by urging anyone who is looking for a solidly performing sat/sub system to audition the DX-1 HCP. The payoff? Big, room-filling sound with a “delicious and well-defined midrange [that’s] sweet without being vague and images surprisingly well, on or off axis.” Traits that apply to movies and music. (November 2011, Read Full Review)
	Boston Acoustics Voyager Metro II Outdoor Speaker, $800/pair Boat approved: Apart from withstanding extreme temperatures (Ben & Jerry’s uses them in some of its ice cream freezers), the Voyager is designed for marine use, which means its polypropylene enclosure is resistant to salt and impervious to UV rays. Sweetening the deal is a five-year warranty, a dual-voicecoil configuration that enables limited separation stereo from one speaker and sound with a detailed top end. (July 2012 Read Full Review)
	Cambridge Audio Minx S215 Speaker System: $800 Ideal for rooms in which large speakers are simply not welcome, the Minx S215 teams five tiny cube speakers—each of which will fit in the palm of your hand—with a diminutive subwoofer that’s less than 9 inches in all dimensions. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann’s take in a nutshell: “Smart engineering and good materials enable the satellites to create a vivid sound field with modest but well-pitched bass reinforcement from the sub.” (June 2011 Read Full Review)
	NHT SuperZero 2.0 Speaker System: $844 The allure of NHT’s SuperZero, which achieved immediate acclaim when it debuted in 1994, is fully intact in the SuperZero 2.0. The updated 2.0 handles front- and rear-channel duties in this six-piece package, leaving bass chores to a highly competent, 11-inch-square subwoofer. As reviewer Mark Fleischmann put it: “For these small speakers, big words are not inappropriate—excellent, superb, brilliant—although words like comforting, nourishing, and nonfatiguing might be nearer the mark.” (July 2011 Read Full Review)
$1,000-$2,999
	Orb Audio People’s Choice Speaker System: $1,098 There’s no denying that these little orbs are cute conversation starters but dismissing them as mere gimmicks would be a big mistake. The 3-inch drivers that inhabit the rugged steel spheres (one per orb) excel in terms of clarity and openness and combine to produce a delightfully airy sound field. Low-end support comes from a subwoofer that works best when located near the double-orb front-channel satellites. (July 2012 Read Full Review)
	Boston Acoustics A 25 Speaker System: $1,200 Veteran hi-fi enthusiasts will remember Boston’s popular A Series from the 1980s, which has been reborn in the A 25 ensemble featuring four reasonably compact satellites, a matching center speaker and a subwoofer that outperforms most subs in its class. The upshot: Well-balanced performance with a midrange that is vivid and alive at an affordable price. (June 2011 Read Full Review)
	Cambridge Audio Minx S325v2 Speaker System: $1,449 If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, ultra-compact home theater speaker system, the tiny satellites and diminutive sub that comprise the Minx S325v2 will shock you with larger-than-life sound. “The S325v2 speaker package is one of the best I’ve heard,” raved reviewer Mark Fleischmann. “Let me be more specific: As far as the Min 21 satellite is concerned, I’ve never heard a better one…The Minx offers a completely satisfying listening experience, both musically and cinematically.” (May 2013, Read Full Review)
	Emotiva X-Ref XRC-5.2 Speaker System: $1,745 A force to be reckoned with in the increasingly competitive field of factory-direct speakers, Emotiva offers high performance movie and music reproduction at an amazing price with the X-Ref combo. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann was especially wowed by its prowess with music, marveling at the “sweet, but convincingly shaded textures, dynamic shaping and overall sense of ease” the speakers coaxed out of high-resolution orchestral recordings. (April 2012 Read Full Review)
	GoldenEar SuperCinema3 Speaker System: $1,750 You won’t find many satellite speakers as trim or as masterfully designed as the SuperSat 3 (and 3C center), which squeezes two 4.5-inch woofers and a folded-diaphragm tweeter into a cabinet that’s only 2.7 inches deep. Serving music as well as it does movie soundtracks, the svelte system is notable for excellent imaging and extended though not exaggerated highs riding above a solid foundation laid by the potent ForceField 3 subwoofer. (November 2011 Read Full Review)
	Atlantic Technology AT-2 Speaker: $1,800/pair Atlantic Technology did additional development of a concept developed by speaker designer Phil Clements that uses a combination of chambers inside the cabinet to drive significant bass performance out of smaller drivers. The result so far has been a tower speaker, this bookshelf speaker, and a recent soundbar. Mark Fleischmann, reviewing the AT-2 in a stereo pair, found that it delivered surprising low-end performance for its compact size, adding “if you’re thinking of eliminating the sub from your stereo or surround system—or would like to enjoy the better-integrated bass feel of a sub-equipped rig with a lower crossover—the AT-2 deserves a listen.” (May 2012, Read Full Review)
	Phase Technology V52 Speaker System: $1,880 Phase Technology, one of America’s great speaker companies, has struck gold with the update of its affordable Velocity line. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann did not mince words when summing up his impression of the V52 home theater speaker combo: "The new version of Phase Technology’s Velocity line is one of the best sets of affordable speakers I’ve ever heard. The speakers outperform most products in their price range and quite a few products above their price range.” (June 2013, Read Full Review)
	RSL 5.1 Theater Speaker System: $2,075 Based on RSL’s little mini-monitors, an LCR for the center, and a sweet little active sub with an outboard control panel, this system isn’t exactly cheap. But its price/performance ratio is so over the top we couldn’t help but declare it one of our Top Picks of the Year last year in the Value category. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann called the RSL 5.1 Theater system “the audio equivalent of a high-speed train. It’s a premium ride: smooth, pleasurable, hassle free, no annoying pat-downs. I fell in love with it from the first moments I listened to it.” (February 2012, Read Full Review)
	Paradigm Monitor Series 7 Mini Monitor Speaker System: $2,194 The Monitor Series is a long-running classic at Paradigm that recently underwent upgrading based on the company’s latest technology developments. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann called the redesign “an unqualified success,” noting that the system is voiced to mate well with less expensive receivers. The matching DSP-3200 sub, which features Paradigm’s Perfect Bass equalization kit as an affordable extra, also got kudos. “In general, these speakers would be great all-around performers at any price,” he said, adding, “At their asking price, they’re a superb value.” (December 2011, Read Full Review)
	Morel Soundspot Theater2 Ultra Speaker System: $2,199 This adorably attractive system, with it’s orb-like speakers and matching eye-ball subwoofer, sounds simply sensational on both movies and music. It’s not inexpensive, but “the top specimens of any speaker genre generally command high prices,” said reviewer Mark Fleischmann, “and these well-made, musically satisfying, cinematically potent speakers make a convincing case not only for themselves but for their genre. Little speakers can sound amazing.” (September 2011, Read Full Review)
	PSB Imagine Mini Speaker System: $2,350 Designer Paul Barton at PSB knows how to make things sound good, and the Imagine Mini is good out of a small cabinet. The matching SubSeries 1 subwoofer we reviewed with this $760 a pair bookshelf speaker was a bit disappointing—“outclassed here by the speakers, which acquitted themselves brilliantly,” said reviewer Mark Fleischmann. The Mini’s were “a monster performer whose design and build quality are worthy of a much more costly speaker.” (December 2011, Read Full Review)
	Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 55 Speaker System: $2,494 Definitive Technology introduced updated bookshelf speakers in early 2012, and our test system utilized the larger SM55s up front and a pair of smaller SM45s for surround duties, along with one of the company’s updated subwoofers. The SM55 was an outright revelation; even without a subwoofer its top-mounted passive radiator design delivered surprisingly deep and well-integrated bass, and these speakers imaged like nobody’s business. “There are the several enhancements to the speakers’ insides,” observed reviewer Darryl Wilkinson, “notably revisions to the bass drivers that result in speakers capable of ultra-revealing midrange detail and exceptional low-bass performance for their size and price.” (June 2012, Read Full Review)
	Paradigm Millenia One Speaker System: $2,648 Paradigm managed to produce an attractive, décor friendly, compact speaker system with a sexy oval-shaped cabinet that won’t disappoint serious enthusiasts looking for superior sound quality. A matching thin-profile subwoofer that can stand tall or be laid flat and slid under a couch rounds out the package. Reviewer Mark Flesichmann wrote that “the Paradigm MilleniaOne sets a new standard in performance for the compact satellite speaker category, and in terms of build quality and cosmetics, it’s top notch. As for sound quality, if you want satellite speakers, the MilleniaOne is simply the best I’ve heard—and if you don’t want satellites, it just might change your mind.” (October 2012, Read Full Review)
$3,000-$4,999
	GoldenEar Aon 2 Speaker System: $3,000 With five foot-tall satellites and the powerful Darth Vader-esque ForceField 5 subwoofer, the system’s sonic signature is defined by GoldenEar’s sweet sounding folded-ribbon tweeter. Reviewer Mark Fleischmann raved: “Few speakers in my experience have gotten through both movie and music demos with such unfaltering grace and power.” But it was Abbey Road on vinyl that really captivated Fleischmann: “The system could stand up to high-level blasting, never losing touch with the warmth, smoothness, and texture that made me seek out the British vinyl in the first place.” (May 2013, Read Full Review)
	Acoustic Energy Radiance 1 Speaker System: $3,340 An unusual “ring radiator” tweeter helps give this high end compact system its signature sound, and made it a joy to listen to. “With the Radiance line, Acoustic Energy lives up to its 20-year reputation for making fabulous loudspeakers,” said reviewer Mark Fleischmann. “Listening to the ring radiator tweeter was a particular pleasure. If you find your current speakers harsh, but you don’t want to give up extended frequency response, you may love the Radiance 1…These are great speakers and overachievers in their price range.” (September 2009, Read Full Review)
	Klipsch Reference RB-61 II Speaker System: $3,350 This latest iteration of the Klipsch Reference series stole reviewer Mark Fleischmann’s heart for it’s tremendously detailed and focused sound. “Looking over my Klipsch reviews from the past couple of decades, I recall a lot of products I respected and liked but none that I fell in love with,” he wrote. “The Reference II is the first Klipsch product to tip over that subjective line.” (November 2011, Read Full Review)
	Atlantic Technology System 4400 Speaker System: $3,425 This compact THX Select-certified speaker system, when mated with a THX Select A/V receiver, is guaranteed to play to peaks of 105 decibels in a 2,000 cubic feet room. That’s darn loud, but reviewer Mark Flesischmann found it was the system’s tendency to let him get lost in the music or movie that really moved him. The Atlantic Technology’s System 4400 “lends itself to superlatives,” he said. “The price/performance ratio couldn’t be more favorable: This package is a stellar performer as well as a pretty unbeatable value.” (November 2009, Read Full Review)
$5,000 >
	KEF R300 Speaker System: $6,800 British speaker maker KEF spent a number of years researching an all-out statement speaker system called the Blade, then begin trickling the technologies and concepts they developed into less pricey models. The R Series is a step down from their top-of-the-line Reference models, but provides much of the performance at an albeit still-high price for a compact speaker kit. “I’m struck by how much this system excelled in the human dimension—that is, the reproduction of speaking and singing voices,” noted reviewer Mark Fleischmann, “although it also handled pretty much all instruments and effects with aplomb.” (August 2012, Read Full Review)
	Monitor Audio Gold GX50 Speaker System: $7,480 British speaker manufacturer Monitor Audio is known for the pristine, detailed quality and remarkable imaging from their proprietary ribbon tweeter. The Gold GX series is the real deal, a full-out dream “for the questing audiophile who wants to transcend the limitations of run of-the-mill dome-based tweeters and low-tech woofers,” wrote Mark Fleischmann. (September 2011, Read Full Review)

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