8 best floorstanding speakers

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Floor standing speakers are a way to transform your living room into a place of rest and relaxation. The surround sound of the music will take you to a concert of your favorite artist, and while watching a movie, you seem to go on an adventure with the characters. No other audio can be as immersive as a quality 5.1 or 7.1 floorstanding speaker system.

For lovers of quality and surround sound, we have compiled a rating of the 8 best floorstanding speakers – for any budget and use case.

How to choose floor acoustics

When choosing a floor-standing speaker system, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Type – bass reflex, closed, passive radiator, horn, bandpass and others;
2. Number of bands;
3. Power;
4. Built-in amplifier;
5. Frequency range;
6. Sensitivity.

The type of speaker system is considered the most important parameter, but in fact, only a previously trained audiophile pedant with a test recording is able to distinguish the sound of a bass reflex speaker from any other. However, if you want to find the perfect device for playing your favorite genre of your favorite music, you should consider the following key differences between each audio option:

1. The closed type is distinguished by high fidelity and low distortion, but the sensitivity (in fact, analogous to loudness) and bass depth leave much to be desired;
2. A phase inverter is the most common type. It features high sensitivity and excellent bass depth, but sound detail is not the best;
3. The passive radiator is similar in acoustic characteristics to the bass reflex, but at the same time it provides even deeper and more detailed bass, not 'spoiled' by the noise of the resonator tube;
4. Open speakers provide directional sound to create an acoustic zone in the room. But deep, 'tangible' bass from them cannot be expected. Horn type audio systems are a type of open speaker;
5. Bandpass, or bandpass enclosure, provides high speaker sensitivity – it sounds louder than a bass reflex or closed type.

But it is worth noting that almost all floor-standing speaker systems are now performed in the bass-reflex type. It shows the most optimal sound characteristics. Most of the systems in the rating are of the bass-reflex type.

The number of bands can be broadly thought of as simply the number of speakers in a device. However, if you go deeper, it turns out that this parameter determines the detail of the sound. So, single-sided acoustics are used only for reproducing a single frequency segment – for example, it can be a tweeter ('tweeter') or a subwoofer.

The 'golden mean' is two-way audio systems, in which one speaker reproduces the low and part of the mids, and the second – the highs and the second part of the mids. This configuration will be enough for most not very demanding users.

Three-way systems are the ideal solution for floorstanding acoustics from one device. In them, one speaker reproduces high frequencies, the second – the middle, and the third – the lower. Good detail can also be achieved from 2.5- and 3.5-way speakers.

Power and sensitivity are two similar parameters that show roughly the same value: loudness.

Here are just the sensitivity unambiguously shows the loudness of the speaker system. If the value of this parameter is specified – for example, 84.5 dB – this means that the maximum from the speaker will be able to 'squeeze out' exactly the same 84.5 decibels.

Power is a slightly more vague meaning. It indicates not only the actual volume of the music, but the sound pressure – which is achieved, for example, when playing low or ultra-high frequencies. So for bass lovers who do not have neighbors from below, speakers with high power – from 70 watts are suitable.

Having a built-in amplifier is important for owners of middle or low-end audio equipment. Very often, classic tape recorders, digital players or even vinyl pickups provide extremely low power, which is enough to 'drive' only headphones with a low impedance. Therefore, such devices require an external amplifier.

If you already have an external amplifier, then a built-in speaker is simply not needed. And in some cases, it can also interfere.

The range of reproducible frequencies should be noted only for the reason that marketers often use this parameter. Floor-standing acoustics, which are not exclusively a subwoofer, are not capable of reproducing frequencies below 35-40 Hz. So if the characteristics of the speaker indicate that it easily emits sounds in the range of 20-20000 Hz (the range that a person can hear), then we are talking either about dust in the eyes, or about a too good device, or about a subwoofer.

Rating of the best outdoor speaker systems

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best outdoor speaker systems	1	Canton GLE 496	RUB 63,990
	2	Elac FS 247	RUB 174,990
	3	Focal Aria 926	RUB 169,900
	4	Yamaha NS-777	40 490 RUB
	5	Dali zensor 7	RUB 44,900
	6	Heco Victa Prime 702	RUB 29,990
	7	Boston Acoustics CS 260 II	RUB 25,990
	8	Yamaha NS-F150	RUB 9,290

Canton GLE 496

Rating: 4.9

Why it is: High power, low impedance 3-way speaker system.

The Canton GLE 496 floorstanding speaker is one of the best solutions for home use. Thanks to the three-band structure, it provides detailed, rich sound, and the high power of 150 watts guarantees not only loudness, but also tangible bass.

The maximum power of the audio system is 320 W, so it can be used with good amplifiers too. However, with a sensitivity of 90.5 dB and an impedance of 8 ohms, the speaker will be compatible with almost any reproduction equipment.

It should be noted that the column is equipped with two low-frequency dynamic radiators. Thanks to this, it can easily be used without a subwoofer. The lower threshold of reproducible frequencies is 20 Hz. The bass is rich and tangible. Two dynamic emitters are responsible for mid and high frequencies, respectively.

Gold-plated connectors are a nice addition.

Advantages

• Excellent stage construction;
• Powerful, tangible bass;
• High-quality body assembly, acoustically isolated.

disadvantages

• The appearance of a 'rustle' of high frequencies at high volume;
• There is no possibility to connect via bi-wiring;
• The mids and highs are slightly overestimated, but this increases the sound detail.

Elac FS 247

Rating: 4.8

Why her: 2.5-way bi-wiring floorstanding speaker.

The main advantage of this speaker system is that it is suitable for use with high-end amplifiers that output high and low frequencies separately. It supports separate connection of these channels thanks to bi-wiring technology. However, it is also compatible with the classic connection method – a high-quality crossover is built into the device.

The 2.5-way architecture includes three dynamic radiators. The woofer consists of two 150mm units, and the tweeter has a ribbon configuration. The total power of the device is 120 W, but it can swing up to 160 W if necessary. The acoustic design provides a reproducible frequency range of 30-50000 Hz.

Recommended for use with 30-250 W external amplifiers.

Additional advantages are the low impedance of 3.4-8 ohms and gold-plated connectors.

Advantages

• High detail sound, suitable for both music and movies;
• Rich equipment;
• High-quality, reliable assembly.

disadvantages

• The case is very easy to scratch;
• Not suitable for use with receivers, only with amplifiers;
• High price.

Focal Aria 926

Rating: 4.7

Why her: Flagship floorstanding speaker, perfect sound tuning.

This floor-standing speaker system is suitable for the most demanding sound lovers. Thanks to a special configuration, sophisticated emitters and body materials, it provides high detail and no frequency overload. The music sounds exactly as it was intended.

Acoustic configuration – three-way. In this case, the low-frequency radiator consists of two 165 mm speakers. The speaker sensitivity is 91.5 dB, but it is recommended to use the device only with amplifiers – power from 40 to 250 watts. The presence of four speakers provides a wide range of reproducible frequencies – 45-28000 Hz, and thanks to high-quality electronics, the impedance is low – from 2.9 to 8 ohms.

The set of delivery of the speaker system includes an additional set of removable grilles for dynamic radiators, which are able to change the sound characteristics.

Advantages

• Excellent configuration of bass reflexes;
• Excellent resolution across the entire spectrum;
• Attractive design.

disadvantages

• Do not support bi-wiring;
• Very long 'warm-up', which takes up to several months;
• They need a powerful amplifier, it is advisable to use models from 100 watts.

Yamaha NS-777

Rating: 4.7

Why it is: Excellent combination of price and performance.

Despite the fact that this floor-standing speaker system is practically in no way inferior in characteristics to the previous models in the rating, it costs much less. This makes it a good solution for people who want to enjoy quality sound, but are not ready to spend large amounts of money.

The speaker system is three-way, and the low-frequency radiator consists of two speakers, 203.2 mm each. The high frequency 'buzzer' is small, 25 mm, but the same is installed in other models. The speakers have a stock power of 100 watts, but when used with a good amplifier they can swing up to 250 watts. Other specifications include a sensitivity of 89 dB, an average impedance of 6 ohms, and a relatively wide frequency response from 30 Hz to 35 kHz.

The speaker system supports bi-wiring.

Advantages

• Excellent bass sound, able to surpass even some models of subwoofers in it – especially if installed without legs;
• Maintaining sound quality at high volume;
• Attractive design.

disadvantages

• The rear location of the bass reflex does not allow the speakers to be installed close to the wall;
• Requires the use of a good amplifier or receiver, and preferably also Yamaha;
• Scratch-prone case.

Dali zensor 7

Rating: 4.6

Why her: Sounds good at a relatively low price.

One of the best budget options. The kit includes two front speakers, each with a two-way acoustic configuration. This provides surround sound with a realistic scene.

As shown in the more expensive models in the ranking, each of the loudspeakers is equipped with three speakers. The low-frequency one is represented by two 177.8-mm domes, and the high-frequency one is a 25-mm dome. Thanks to this configuration, the reproducible frequency range is from 40 Hz to 26500 kHz.

The speaker system is powerful enough – its sensitivity is 90 decibels. Recommended for use with 30-150W amplifiers. Thanks to sophisticated electronics, the speaker impedance is only 5 ohms.

Gold-plated connectors are a nice addition.

Advantages

• Good treble sound, excellent detail;
• Divide stripes perfectly;
• Attractive appearance.

disadvantages

• No bi-wiring support (but this is compensated by the excellent band separation of the loudspeakers themselves);
• Long warm-up, about a month;
• A soiled coating that easily 'picks up' scratches.

Heco Victa Prime 702

Rating: 4.5

Why it is: One of the cheapest options with bi-wiring support.

Despite the fact that technically these speakers are relatively budgetary, they provide good sound and support bi-wiring. Thanks to this, the speaker system can be used with amplifiers in the mid and high end segments.

Acoustic configuration – three-channel. Each speaker has four speakers, two 170mm speakers are responsible for the lower frequencies. The power is 170 W, but if desired and using a good amplifier, it can be increased to 300 W. Speaker sensitivity is 91 dB, and thanks to good conductors, impedance is only 4-8 ohms. Finally, the range of reproducible frequencies is from 25 Hz to 40 kHz (however, up to 25 Hz requires warming up, 'out of the box' the acoustics can only reproduce about 40 Hz).

The speaker system is recommended to be used with amplifiers of 30-300 watts.

Advantages

• Good clarity and sound detail;
• There is no emphasis on the upper and middle frequencies, everything is harmonious;
• Perceptible bass.

disadvantages

• Warming up is required, initially the characteristics do not correspond to the declared ones;
• Not the most reliable design, the decorative film around the speakers is covered with bubbles;
• The rear bass reflexes are not recommended to be placed close to the wall.

Boston Acoustics CS 260 II

Rating: 4.5

Why it is: Attractive laconic design, good technical characteristics.

Thanks to its attractive design, this floor-standing speaker will not only delight lovers of quality music, but also beautiful interior. And while the device is inexpensive.

The speaker system is two-channel. At the same time, the low-frequency radiator, like many other models in the rating, is represented by two speakers with a diameter of 165 mm. The high frequency 'buzzer' has a standard size of 25 mm.

A nice feature of this floor-standing speaker system is its high sensitivity, which is 89 dB. However, it is still better to use the device together with an amplifier, the recommended power of which is from 15 to 250 watts. Other acoustics specifications include an average impedance of 8 ohms and a relatively wide range of reproducible frequencies – from 46 Hz to 25 kHz.

The speaker system is equipped with gold-plated connectors and a removable speaker grill.

Advantages

• High density and richness of sound, good detail for its price segment;
• Transparent, non-rustling and ringing high frequencies;
• Attractive design.

disadvantages

• The bass is not too big, even when installed without legs;
• Poorly suited for large rooms
• High sensitivity to overdrive, not recommended for use with powerful amplifiers.

Yamaha NS-F150

Rating: 4.5

Why her: Excellent sound quality for the ultra-budget segment.

Despite the fact that this floor-standing speaker is the cheapest in the rating, it provides quite good sound quality. Especially when installed in small rooms and for listening to music in digital, non-wireless formats.

The acoustic configuration is two-way, with the woofer classically consisting of two 165 mm speakers. The power of the device is 50 W, but when used with a good amplifier, the system can work for a short time at 180 W. The sensitivity of the acoustics is quite good for its price and amounts to 88 dB. The special 'filling' configuration provides a low impedance of 6 ohms.

Also, the speaker system boasts a wide range of reproducible frequencies – from 37 Hz to 30 kHz. Moreover, in many cases, even warming up is not required – the entire spectrum is available 'out of the box'. Like the older models, there are gold-plated connectors here.

Advantages

• Signature soft sound without overdrive at any frequencies;
• High power, support for quality amplifiers;
• Nice, neat build.

disadvantages

• Thin back wall, not the best bass reflex;
• Sensitive to installation, it is recommended to place 40-50 cm from the wall;
• Poor tweeter performance at high volume.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.