If you have the space, tower speakers—also known as floor-standing speakers—are great for getting the best sound out of your home theater system or even your record player.
Many consumers and designers might try to minimize the visual presence of speakers by installing a set on walls or ceilings, says Micah Sheveloff, a consumer electrics industry veteran and the founder of WIRC Media, a Florida-based marketing company specializing in audio and another consumer tech. Although built-in speakers can be outstanding, the detail and realism of good tower speakers are almost always preferable for music enthusiasts, not to mention free-standing speakers are easier to add to your living space.
- Hybrid Tractix Horn for detailed sound
- Great mids and highs
- Can be bi-wired
- Probably need a additional subwoofer for more bass
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 39.6 x 9.4 x 17 in.
- Weight: 49 lbs
- Sensitivity: 97 dB
We agree with Prouty that the Klipsch RP-6000F Floorstanding Speakers are the best overall option, combining quality, features, and value for the money. (I have the Klipsch RP-5000F model at home.) The speakers have a Hybrid Tractix Horn, which produces detailed high-frequency sound, and two 6.5-inch cerametallic cone woofers. The two-way speakers also have dual binding posts, removable magnetic grilles, and a frequency response of 34-25,000 Hz. “This model has great mids and highs, can handle 125 watts of continuous power, and can be bi-wired for more clarity of sound,” Prouty says. The Klipsch speakers are available in piano gloss, ebony, and walnut finishes.
- Relatively inexpensive
- High frequencies are amazing
- Probably need an additional subwoofer for more bass
Key Specs
- Dimensions: 37 x 9 x 11 in.
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Sensitivity: 89 dB
If you’re looking for something a little more economical, we’d recommend the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES50; it’s the best choice when you want a step up from the budget picks. It features 2.5-way cascading crossovers, a 1-inch Terylene tweeter, and two 5.25-inch woofers that deliver incredible sound throughout an entire room. It also delivers 3 dB louder bass than conventional ported speakers. Even more, it can stream music online via Spotify, Apple Music, and more.
