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2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4

$8500

The 800 D4, takes every element of the vaunted D3 up a notch. All models in Bowers & Wilkins latest flagship series, including the 805, get a cabinet with more aluminum, a rear-mounted crossover that yields greater internal volume, an elongated “turbine” for the diamond-coated tweeter, handsome leather trim, and a biomimetic (versus fabric) midrange spider mechanism. The resulting sound is pure 800: resolving, musical, and self-effacing. The drivers and cabinet are so quiet that the subtlest musical flourishes emerge. And despite being stand-mounted, the 805 goes surprisingly deep, with satisfying punch and low-end timbral complexity. A terrific value at $8500 per pair. 

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

Magnepan MG3.7i

$8795

Maggie’s three-way, true-ribbon/quasi-ribbon planar 3.7 successfully addresses three issues that have long plagued “true-ribbon” Maggies: the seamless integration of that ribbon; the retention of detail and dynamic range at relatively low volume levels; and the reduction of “Maggie grain.” The solution of these problems combined with the famous virtues of true-ribbon Magnepans produces what is, in JV’s opinion, a best buy. Be aware that the 3.7i’s are large, power-hungry, and limited in low bass and ultimate SPLs. 

Graham_LS5-9f

Graham Audio LS5/9f

$8800

The LS5/9f is the floorstanding tower version of the stand-mount Graham LS5/9, both BBC-derived models designed by Derek Hughes. The larger enclosure gives the LS5/9f additional bass extension and dynamic capacity, while sacrificing none of the neutrality and articulation of the LS5/9. The result is a speaker with bass and dynamics that are adequate for orchestral and rock music and with an extraordinary truth to the sound of real instruments. (The extreme top is a little rolled off: Fans of “air” may want to add a super-tweeter). An instant classic that far outperforms its understated appearance. 

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

PSB Synchrony T600

$8999

Hailing from Canada, the T600 is the latest brainchild of longtime PSB designer Paul Barton. It features a tuneful midrange and precise, if limited, bass. The most remarkable aspect of this floorstander is its sweet pellucid treble. A seductive top-end is probably the last thing you would expect from a titanium-dome tweeter, but the T600 sails through complex passages with nary a smidgen of elevated treble. Instead, it’s a supremely linear and precise loudspeaker that punches well above its weight. The T600 offers many of the qualities of a fine mini-monitor with more heft and palpability. 

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

Monitor Audio Gold 300

$9500

The three-way, four-driver, bass-reflex Monitor Audio Gold 300s really impressed, thanks to their neutrality, powerful presence, and substantial sound output. There was a pleasing solidity to their presentation—courtesy of the cabinet construction and driver technologies—that won us over across more and more source material. Of course, the Gold 300s’ “fidelity to source” tendencies tended to reveal both a recording’s finesse and flaws. This isn’t to say that the 300s ever sounded sterile or analytical, but rather that they generally got out of the way to show you what was there in the recording. This made listening with the Gold 300s a voyage of discovery. If you appreciate or collect well-recorded material, the Monitor Gold 300s will enable you to reap its rewards. 

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

Sonner Audio Legato Duo

$9500–$11,900 (depending on finish)

From Boston-based Sonner Audio, Legato Duo offers an invitingly warmish signature that makes music more listenable rather than merely challenging. The mids and treble are faithful to timbre and demonstrate a presence range of fine articulation without veering into forwardness or being prone to sibilant exaggeration. Low-frequency response moderates steeply with a bit of compression but the drivers move a notable amount of air, giving the Legato Duo a heavier footprint than expected. Vocals are a strong suit—balanced, firmly weighted, and reproduced with liveliness. A fine debut and a welcome addition to the high-end neighborhood. 

Graham LS8/1

Graham Audio LS8/1

$9700

Designed by Derek Hughes, this two-cubic-foot, stand-mounted box speaker, with one mid/bass driver and two tweeters, is the latest of several descendants of the original Spendor BC1, developed by Derek’s father, Spencer Hughes. The grand tradition is fully served, but the new speaker takes full advantage of modern driver technology; in particular, it will play much louder than the BC1 and has superior bass behavior. The LS8/1 has a very low level of resonant coloration and an essentially neutral mid and treble balance, with a slight warmth further down. The overall result is remarkably like live music, with suitable recordings. A classic revisited and an instant classic itself.

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000 

Vandersteen Audio Treo CT

$9995

A loudspeaker of uncommon musicality and precision. Building upon the R&D that went into the flagship Model Seven, the four-driver, medium-scale Treo CT conveys a single-driver-like coherence that immerses the listener in the very moment the recording was captured. It combines uncanny image specificity, color, and texture with an enveloping sense of air and immersion. At least some credit must go to the Model Seven-derived CT (carbon tweeter), which is as transparent and open as it is extended. Basically, a passive version of the Quatro Wood CT, the Treo may not have quite the serious bass slam of that model, but you hardly miss it due to its excellent pitch definition.

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

Fyne F1-8

$10,500

Fyne Audio’s premier stand-mount speaker features an 8″ IsoFlare bass/midrange driver mated to a 1″ magnesium-dome compression tweeter, forming a time-aligned coaxial transducer. Its treble range is clean, detailed, and naturally balanced once the Presence Control is properly dialed in. What is nearly magical is its holistic presentation of the musical spectrum. Expect to be drawn into the music aided by a midrange of superb clarity and nearly electrostatic transient speed. And if imaging is a high priority, the F1-8 can generate an exceptionally wide and deep soundstage with precisely focused image outlines. A gem of a loudspeaker that delivers on the promise of a time-aligned point-source design. 

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

Focal Kanta No2

$10,998

This three-way from Focal’s newest lineup provides a significant slice of the technology and performance of the esteemed French maker’s top speakers at a more accessible cost. Imaging is very good, if not holographic. The new IAL3 tweeter acquits itself magnificently by any measure. Likewise, the unraveling of complex high-frequency sonorities is first-rate. The tonal balance is on the bright side of neutral but not to the point of egregiously altering instrumental or vocal signatures. If you have a loudspeaker budget of $11k—and the right amplifier—the Kanta No2 ought to be on your list of products to hear. 

Check out our selections for loudspeakers

Audio Solutions Figaro L

$11,000–$12,500 depending on finish

In most areas of sonic performance this substantial (154 lbs.), three-way, five-driver loudspeaker, manufactured in Vilnius, Lithuania, achieves well above what’s expected at its price point. It plays coherently and authoritatively with music that makes significant dynamic and low-frequency demands, but it is also capable of nuance and detail. With a sensitivity of 92dB and a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, the Figaro L is not a difficult load for most amplifiers. The speaker ships with two pairs of front baffles, one with a grille cloth and one without. A steel outrigger base with large adjustable spikes ($650) should be considered an essential accessory. 

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

Legacy Audio Focus SE

$11,962

The massive, six-driver, four-way Focus SE can create a big sound in every sense of the word, while delivering the kind of speed and resolution from the midrange up that is customary in better ribbon and electrostatic speakers, as well as a seamless blend between drivers. The upper mids and treble have life and air, along with a slightly forward midrange perspective. A sensitivity of 94.5dB makes the Focus SE easy to drive. A lot of loudspeaker for the money. 

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

Focal Sopra No1

$11,998

Reviewer Andy Quint wrote this about these superb two-way mini-monitors with articulating cabinets from celebrated French manufacturer Focal: “Perhaps the most telling part of the audiophile loudspeaker review process is what happens when all the critical listening has finished. In many instances, when I feel I’m ready to write, I’ll pack up the speakers under consideration and fire up the reference Wilson Duette 2s. With the Sopra No1s, I felt compelled to hear them play music until the last possible moment.” 

2023 Editors’ Choice: Loudspeakers $8,000 – $12,000

MartinLogan Impression ESL 11A

$11,999

This hybrid from MartinLogan combines an electrostatic panel with dual 8″ woofers—but with a twist. ML has added DSP room correction in the bass, greatly improving pitch definition, transient fidelity, and one’s ability to follow bass lines. Compared with its predecessor, the highly regarded Montis, the ESL 11A is a bit more forward and assertive. The virtues for which electrostats are famous are abundant—transient speed, clarity, and resolution of fine detail. 

Tags: AWARDS EDITORS' CHOICE FLOORSTANDING LOUDSPEAKERS

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