If you are serious about your music, a staple must have in your house will definitely be a good quality set of speakers that will do all of your favourite tracks justice. After a long day at work, perhaps the thing that you are looking forward most is to just kick off your shoes and lie back in your couch while listening to your favourite songs. Music can really do wonders when it comes to soothing your soul and helping you to relax and unwind after a busy day. Besides that, good music can also bring any home party alive, or a great accompaniment when you just want to destress and let it all out. A pair of great sounding speakers can drastically transform your music experience at home from good to great, and we are sure that you will not regret purchasing a new set of speakers to make your experience a better one! If you are looking to upgrade your current speakers, and want to make the leap to purchase a high quality set that will last you many years ahead, this is the right read for you.
With all of the different options available in the market, we know that it can be daunting to be thrown into all this by yourself. After all, a set of great quality speakers are an investment, and you probably want to make sure that you do your research so that you can get the best for what you pay for. If you are currently feeling lost, or have no idea where to start looking, read on, as we have tried out a range of speakers for you, and picked our very favourites!
Here are our top floor standing speakers under $20,000:
- Induction Dynamics ID1 6.5 Switchable 3-Way/4-Way Tower Speaker
- Focal Kanta No.3 3-Way Floorstanding Speaker
- Klipsch La Scala AL5 Floorstanding Speakers
- Klipschorn AK5 Floorstanding Speakers
- TANNOY GRF Gold Reference Oiled-Walnut 12” Dual-Concentric Loudspeaker
1. Induction Dynamics ID1 6.5 Switchable 3-Way/4-Way Tower Speaker
Pros
- Sounds amazing even at higher volumes
- Clean bass
- High sound quality at all frequencies
Cons
- Does not come with floor spikes, and can be a little wobbly
Induction Dynamics is well known in the higher end audio equipment market, and is committed to hand testing, assembling, and finishing all of their products. When you get a product from them, you really know that you are getting a hand crafted piece that is quality controlled and will last you a long time. The company prides itself on their woodworking, making sure that wood with the best quality grain patterns are chosen to ensure that you not only get a good sounding speaker, but one that looks great in your home too.
The ID1 speakers are some great sounding speakers. With 5 active drivers, each designed to play a different role in delivering the best music experience, you know that you will be in for an audio treat. These speakers are also decked out in Induction Dynamic’s own special technological features. The ID1 speakers come with dual 10” mica-graphite poly cone subwoofers, and are paired with specialised filter circuits that prevents resonance peaks and result in all round fuller sound. With all these amazing features, it is no wonder that the bass on these speakers also sound great. Excursion limiters are fitted in these speakers to limit distortion of sound, making you feel like your favourite musicians and artists are playing and singing right in front of you. Even when you amp the volume all the way up with these speakers, the sound that comes out is still clean and crisp, making sure that never sacrifice sound quality even when you are using them for party.
With all the drivers out on display, the ID1 speakers are given an incredibly impressive look that really shows the world that you take your music seriously. The design of these speakers are also sleek and classic, and would fit well into any room regardless of your decor. The model we sampled came in Black Gloss, which added an extra touch to the room without being overwhelming. However, one downside to the design that you might want to take note of is that these speakers do not come with floor spikes, and can be a bit wobbly if your floor is not perfectly even. Other than that, the ID1 speakers are an all round great option if you are looking to improve your music listening experience at home.
What others are saying
Over at Home Theatre High Fidelity, Jim Clements also had great things to say about these speakers: “The speakers measured well; low distortion and a full frequency response from 25 Hz all the way out past the limits of human audibility. But that was only one part of the story. Subjectively, these speakers had an articulate sound that remained smooth and non-fatiguing at all playback levels. And they showed excellent imaging properties, filling the room with all their lusciousness.”
2. Focal Kanta No.3 3-Way Floorstanding Speaker
Pros
- Beautiful and crisp midrange
- Performs well in larger rooms
- Can be adjusted to direct music in different directions
- Unique and pleasing design
Cons
- Bass lacks a punch
Focal is one of those speaker brands that produces stunning speakers, worthy of being a focal piece of furniture all on its own. When you are paying this much for a speaker, you definitely want it to both sound and look good, and the Focal Kanta No. 3 speakers will not disappoint. Not only does it come in many different colours and finishes, it also features a two tone design that you do not often see in the speaker market. With so many options, you will definitely be able to find one that fits right into your home. These speakers also come with adjustable spikes that will allow you to make sure that the drivers are directing music straight to your ears for the best listening experience.
As for how these speakers sound, you will be glad to know that they perform well across a whole range of frequencies. However, they do best in the midrange, delivering crisp and clear sound that will allow you to appreciate every little detail on the track. The precision of these speakers are owed to the next generation IAL tweeter that it comes with, which makes sure that you do not miss out on anything when listening to your favourite tunes. If you have a large room, these speakers really shine in a bigger space, filling the entire room with a realistic depth of sound. With these speakers, you really can imagine your favourite band playing right in front of you. However, if you are a fan of tunes that are heavy on the bass, these speakers might not be for you. While the bass is clean and natural sounding, it lacks the punchy presence that you might be looking for. Other than that, this is a beautiful looking set of speaker that is definitely worth checking out if you are not too much of a fan of punchy bass.
What others are saying
If you are looking for another perspective on these speakers, Napier Lopez over at The Next Web also tried these speakers out, and has many good things to say about them: “With those disclaimers clear, I deeply enjoyed my time with the Kanta. They are hardly what I’d call the best bang for your buck, but they are the kind of product where – if you’ve got the dough – function and form come together in a way that’s greater than the sum of its parts.”
At hometheatrereview.com, the Focal Kanta line was reviewed, and they had great things to say about the No. 3s: “Kanta No. 3 is the gold standard of this line. Generating power and bass that are structured and generous, this will be the perfect choice for larger rooms of up to 861 square ft (80m2). The technological innovations in these speaker drivers make it possible to recreate neutrality in the midrange with higher definition. The latest generation IAL tweeter reproduces the tiniest details with clinical precision.”
3. Klipsch La Scala AL5 Floorstanding Speakers
Pros
- Clear and crisp vocals
- Details of your music tracks shine and stand out with these speakers
- Classic minimal look
Cons
- Less impressive at creating multidimensional sound
Klipsch is a market leader for both high end headphones as well as speakers, and have been making quality audio accessories for decades. It is a reliable and tried and tested brand for many audiophiles out there, and with their attention to detail and quality, it is no surprise that they have continued to grow and flourish to become the brand they are today.
The Klipsch La Scala AL5 speakers were originally designed to be used by professionals, and the La Scala line of speakers were originally released way back in 1963. However, fret not as these speakers are definitely not the speakers of the 1960s. Instead, it is a combination of the La Scala traditional model with modern construction techniques, making sure that all the newest technologies are incorporated into them too. In fact, these speakers boast a 25mm tweeter, a 50mm driver and 381mm woofers, all packed in a beautiful wooden cabinet. With all these quality parts forming these speakers, you know that they will sound good too. The standout quality of these speakers for us is the ability for it to capture specific details on the track. With these speakers, the different layers of instruments, vocals and effects are given the treatment they deserve, as they allow you to appreciate each layer on its own as well as how they all come together to form a single cohesive tune. One thing we have to say though is that although most tracks sound amazing on these speakers, one area they do not do as well in is creating a multidimensional depth to the sound it plays.
These speakers, which are also known as the “mini Klipschorn”, are built to look amazing too. These speakers best fit in homes embodying a minimalist woody style, with its beautiful wooden finish. These speakers come in a whole range of different wood tones ranging from natural cherry to American walnut, ensuring that you will be able you to find one that suits the rest of your house decor. The clean, boxy look of these speakers, coupled with the earthy and premium wooden tones make these the perfect centrepiece of your room, elevating your home decor to a whole new level. These speakers definitely are a treat for both your eyes and ears alike.
What others are saying
At hi-fi news, the Klipsch La Scala AL5 speakers were tested by the crew, who then reviewed: “The new Klipsch La Scala AL5 isn’t for everyone, yet is superb at what it sets out to do – if that’s what you’re after, you’ll love it. It makes music a living, breathing, tactile entity that has you on the edge of your seat, transfixed. It’s also surprisingly civilised for a large horn speaker, making it acceptable to a wider audience than you’d think. An audition is highly recommended then, if your room matches your ambitions!”
4. Klipschorn AK5 Floorstanding Speakers
Pros
- Sounds great at low frequencies
- Realistic sound that transports you right to a concert hall
- A model that has withstood the test of time
Cons
- Might be a little large if you are looking for a speaker to fit a smaller sized room
The Klipschorn line of speakers are truly deserving to be called a legend in the audio world. Back in 1946, audio pioneer Paul W. Klipsch launched the first Klipschorn loudspeaker, bringing the sound you get in live performances to the everyday home. Even over the years, the Klispschorn line of speakers continue to be produced and enjoyed by many. Until today, the company still commits to hand making each speaker, just like how they used to be made back in the 1940s.
The Klipschorn AK5 is definitely an upgrade from the first Klipschorn speaker released in 1946, and the company has revamped much of the speaker to make sure it is updated and well suited for the modern user. With its neodymium tweeters and enclosed low frequency horn design, these speakers sound amazing in any home, regardless of what kind of music you enjoy. After testing these speakers out, we found them to be amazing at the lower frequencies, and the distortion you get with them is really kept to the minimum. These speakers work the best in bigger rooms, as the walls softens any harshness that might be delivered with the sound. These speakers really transported us to a live musical concert itself, simply because of how realistic and full it sounds.
The Klipschorn AK5 speakers come in a classic and inoffensive design that will definitely suit any home well. Available in a cherry, walnut or black ash wood veneer finish, these speakers carry a design that have remained loved throughout the years, and will continue to be in style for the years to come.
What others are saying
The Klipschorn speakers have been loved for years by many, charming both age old users of these speakers and also those who newly joined the Klipschorn club. Alessandro Picchi, who landed himself a set of the Klipschorn AK5 speakers, thought that they were an amazing purchase: “They achieve what is usually impossible to achieve. Amazing and fully satisfying, they justify a record price. Until you switch on the ampli and all your body, not only your ears, will feel the music flow, you cannot imagine the clarity and “power” of the sound. Everything else becomes of a smaller dimension. It’s worth not only the price but the space also that you must find in your house. Simply the best and still the best.”
5. TANNOY GRF Gold Reference Oiled-Walnut 12” Dual-Concentric Loudspeaker
Pros
- Beautiful and thoughtful design that makes it deserving of being the centrepiece of your room
- Quality craftsmanship
- Does well in the midrange
Cons
- We cannot think of any!
The Tannoy Prestige line of speakers are truly built to be luxurious. On a first look, the stunning oiled walnut cabinet that houses these speakers are not only sturdy and durable, but beautiful and classic too. The gold anodised machined metal trims contrast nicely with the sombre wood, making it a real treat to then eyes. These speakers will elevate any room and will be the perfect addition to your living space if you are looking to spruce it up a little.
In order to minimise cabinet resonance, the cabinet is extensively braced within, and such high quality craftsmanship really shows when you are listening to your favourite tunes. The PepperPot WaveGuide system that these speakers are built with helps with dispersing sound all throughout the room, making these a great option if you have a larger room. The dual concentric drivers that they use means that these speakers sound incredibly dynamic. The bass and midrange on these speakers are standouts, making them great speakers for enhancing vocals. The design of these speakers were also well thought out and built to maximise sound performance. The crossover makes use of high quality components coupled with a minimalist design to make sure that the signal path to the driver is kept to the shortest possible, which translates to more accurate and true to track reproduction of your favourite songs. These truly are a well built set of speakers that are designed to not only sound great, but also worthy of being displayed and shown in your room.
What others are saying
At audio affair blog, the Tannoy Prestige Kensington and the GRF were compared, and the Tannoy GRF speakers proved to be well loved: “The Tannoy GRF impresses with the Tannoy trademarks of neutrality, precision and stereo imaging. Trademarks which have made Tannoy loudspeakers the choice of recording studios for decades. With the exception of a notably “brassy” quality to the midrange, these were as close to an “acoustic window” as one is likely to find in a loudspeaker.”
Which speaker is the best?
There is a speaker for every person, as we are all looking out for different things when we shop for one. Depending on what kind of music you enjoy, as well as your personal preferences when it comes to speaker design, the best speaker for you might not be the best for another. Another consideration that you might want to keep in mind is how these speakers will suit the room you intend to place them. Some speakers shine in larger rooms, while some are better suited for a smaller room. If you are testing these speakers out at a shop, keep this at the back of your head as you definitely do not want to be rudely shocked when you first use your newly purchased speakers at home, and realise that they sound different than what you sampled at the shops! Regardless of that, all the speakers we have tested out above are amazing speakers that will definitely please any audiophile, and is a great place for you to start looking at if you are searching for new speakers for your home.
Taking that in mind, our favourite speaker on this list is the Tannoy GRF Gold Reference Oiled-Walnut 12” Dual-Concentric Loudspeaker. These speakers really wowed us when it came to the craftsmanship that went into it, as well as the thoughtful design that not only results in an amazing looking speaker but a great sounding one too. Nonetheless, we really do think that the best way to find your favourite speaker would be to go in store to actually try them out! After all, these speakers are for you to use, and it is your ears that they should please. We hope that this has given you a better idea of where to start looking for your next set of speakers, instead of being thrown into this big wide web of options that are in the market today! If you want to consider saving some money, you might want to check out the Best Floorstanding Speakers under $10000. Should you be buying floorstanding speakers for Classical music or Rock music, do check out the 7 Options for Classical music and 6 Best Choices for Rock music.