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Audioengine 5+
$399.99 at Amazon.com
Our current favorite pair of 2.0 PC speakers overall, the Audioengine
5+ delivers stellar sound quality, impressive bass punch, and flexible
connection options. Its sonic signature is also neutral enough to stand
in for a pair of proper studio monitors on occasion.
Read the full review ››



Harman Kardon SoundSticks III

$169.99 We've been recommending Harman Kardon's venerable SoundSticks series for the better part of a decade. The latest version still doesn't impress on paper, thanks to its conservative power ratings and minimal feature set. But brilliantly designed speakers like these don't go stale the way old computers and cell phones do. Trust us; if you haven't given these ultra-modern speakers a listen, now's the time. Read the full review ››


$169.99 We've been recommending Harman Kardon's venerable SoundSticks series for the better part of a decade. The latest version still doesn't impress on paper, thanks to its conservative power ratings and minimal feature set. But brilliantly designed speakers like these don't go stale the way old computers and cell phones do. Trust us; if you haven't given these ultra-modern speakers a listen, now's the time. Read the full review ››

Edifier Spinnaker
$349.99 at Amazon Easily the strangest looking speaker system we've tested recently, the Edifier Spinnaker cuts a striking profile that's perfect for any modern décor-infused home. The Spinnaker also sounds clear and robust. And while it works just fine as a wired PC set, its wireless Bluetooth streaming capability adds extra value. Read the full review ››

$349.99 at Amazon Easily the strangest looking speaker system we've tested recently, the Edifier Spinnaker cuts a striking profile that's perfect for any modern décor-infused home. The Spinnaker also sounds clear and robust. And while it works just fine as a wired PC set, its wireless Bluetooth streaming capability adds extra value. Read the full review ››

Hercules XPS 101
$249.99 list
$205.99 at Amazon.com Another striking, if more conventional 2.1 system, the Hercules XPS 101 delivers powerful output and smooth, detailed sound quality. Unlike most powered systems, though, you get adjustable treble and bass controls, plus a wired remote control. Read the full review ››

$249.99 list
$205.99 at Amazon.com Another striking, if more conventional 2.1 system, the Hercules XPS 101 delivers powerful output and smooth, detailed sound quality. Unlike most powered systems, though, you get adjustable treble and bass controls, plus a wired remote control. Read the full review ››

M-Audio BX5 D2

$399.95 direct
$229.99 at Amazon If you need a real pair of studio monitors for recording and mixing music, but can't afford a $2,000 pair of Genelecs, the BX5 D2 will get you most of the way there for surprisingly little cash. M-Audio has learned a lot with earlier iterations of the BX5, and really nailed the midrange and top-end clarity this time. Read the full review ››

$399.95 direct
$229.99 at Amazon If you need a real pair of studio monitors for recording and mixing music, but can't afford a $2,000 pair of Genelecs, the BX5 D2 will get you most of the way there for surprisingly little cash. M-Audio has learned a lot with earlier iterations of the BX5, and really nailed the midrange and top-end clarity this time. Read the full review ››

NHT SuperPower (With PVC-PC)

$497 direct
$199.99 at Amazon The high-end NHT SuperPower (With PVC-PC) doesn't deliver much bass. But it's one of the smoothest and most accurate sounding systems we've tested, and the speaker cabinets have an attractive, glossy finish to boot. For best results and true full-range sound, add the companion powered subwoofer. Read the full review ››

$497 direct
$199.99 at Amazon The high-end NHT SuperPower (With PVC-PC) doesn't deliver much bass. But it's one of the smoothest and most accurate sounding systems we've tested, and the speaker cabinets have an attractive, glossy finish to boot. For best results and true full-range sound, add the companion powered subwoofer. Read the full review ››

Audyssey Wireless Speakers

$299.95
$249.99 at Amazon Marketplace This smartly designed 2.0 system offers both wired and wireless Bluetooth audio, plus surprisingly powerful bass at higher volumes given the lack of a separate sub. Audyssey dialed in some digital signal processing that may put off purists. But used within its limits, the Audyssey Wireless Speakers are quite satisfying. Read the full review ››

$299.95
$249.99 at Amazon Marketplace This smartly designed 2.0 system offers both wired and wireless Bluetooth audio, plus surprisingly powerful bass at higher volumes given the lack of a separate sub. Audyssey dialed in some digital signal processing that may put off purists. But used within its limits, the Audyssey Wireless Speakers are quite satisfying. Read the full review ››

M-Audio AV40

$229.99
$119.99 at Amazon The M-Audio AV40 strikes a good balance between neutral sound for recording and post-production tasks, and a musical response curve for listening to and enjoying music. The AV40 could use a slightly fuller low-end at lower listening levels. But crank the volume and these speakers will sing. Read the full review ››

$229.99
$119.99 at Amazon The M-Audio AV40 strikes a good balance between neutral sound for recording and post-production tasks, and a musical response curve for listening to and enjoying music. The AV40 could use a slightly fuller low-end at lower listening levels. But crank the volume and these speakers will sing. Read the full review ››

Orb Mod1 (With Booster)

$329.00 at Amazon Marketplace The Orb system, like the NHT SuperPower (With PVC-PC) above, comes in several pieces. The stereo speakers sound transparent and detailed. But pair all three products together—the Booster amp, the Mod1 satellites, and the companion $349 Super Eight subwoofer—and you'll end up with a pricey ($800!) but incredible sounding, full-range 2.1 system, one that works either on the desktop or in a medium-size living room. Read the full review ››

$329.00 at Amazon Marketplace The Orb system, like the NHT SuperPower (With PVC-PC) above, comes in several pieces. The stereo speakers sound transparent and detailed. But pair all three products together—the Booster amp, the Mod1 satellites, and the companion $349 Super Eight subwoofer—and you'll end up with a pricey ($800!) but incredible sounding, full-range 2.1 system, one that works either on the desktop or in a medium-size living room. Read the full review ››
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