One of the biggest and arguably best problems right in home audio is that there are too many great manufacturers out there. It is mind boggling to know where to start. Â Or even worse, what to buy now, that you can build around over time.

Here is a list of products that the AudioReview Editor’s feel are worth your time and careful consideration. Â A list of great products from great manufacturers.

We will be adding more products over time, so make sure to check back. Â If you think something should be on the list that isn’t, write it in the comments below. Â Heck, write out what you think would be a perfect starting system. Â Lets help the newbies out.

And just having the equipment isn’t enough, you must set it up correctly to get the most out of your gear. Â Use our expanding how to guide to get the most from your system

Last Updated: 02.08.2011

How To Guides

– Non-Audiophile Guide to Getting Great Sound

– Suggested Books to Read

– Audio Vocabulary

– Determine Your Needs

– Guide to Finding and Buying Used Audio Gear

– more articles to come

Analog & Digital

– articles to come

Your Listening Room

– articles to come

Suggested Components


Floorstanding Speakers	Bookshelf Speakers	Integrated Amplifiers	Headphones


Cables	Turntables	Cartridges	iPod Audio

Monitor Audio RX6 ~ $1200

Floorstanding Speakers

Monitor Audio RX6 are the latest model in an outstanding line of floorstanding speakers. Their predecessor, the RS6, had extremely favorable reviews in Stereophile, WhatHi-Fi and from AudioREVIEW users. The RX6 has a 5 of 5 from WhatHi-Fi and made the AudioREVIEW forums drool when the images were released. They are on my list of most recommended speakers for about $1000.

Specifications

System Format: 2 1/2 Way
Frequency Response: 38Hz – 35kHz
Sensitivity (1W@1M): 90dB
Nominal Impedance: 6 Ohms
Recommended Amplifier Requirements (RMS): 40-125W
Bass Alignment: Dual Chamber, Bass reflex with differential tuning.
Drive Unit Complement: 1 x 6″ RSTÂ® Bass driver.
1 x 6″ RSTÂ® Bass/Mid driver.
1 x 1″ (25mm) C-CAMÂ® gold dome tweeter

Other Recommend Floorstanding Speakers – Wharfedale Diamond 9.6, Paradigm Reference Monitor 7, Axiom Millennia M60 Ti, B&W 683, Magnepan Magneplanar MMG

Also see our Editor’s Best Floorstanding Speakers under $1000 Guide

Magnepan Magneplanar 1.7 ~ $2000

Floorstanding Speakers

Magneplanar 1.7 are the latest model in an outstanding line of floorstanding speakers. Their predecessor, the 1.6, had extremely favorable reviews. The 1.7 have done even better. With reviews now in from around the audio media world, these speakers are being paired with equipment 5 to 10 times their price. If you like the Maggie sound, of openness, cohesiveness, and detail, these maybe the last speakers you’ll ever buy.

Specifications

Description	3-Way, Full-Range, Quasi-Ribbon
Freq. Resp.	40-24 kHz
Rec Power	Read Frequently Asked Questions
Sensitivity	86dB/500Hz /2.83v
Impedance	4 Ohm
Dimensions	19 x 65 x 2

Other Recommend Floorstanding Speakers from Magnepan – Magnepan Magneplanar MMG ~ $600

Also see our Editor’s Best Floorstanding Speakers under $1000 Guide

Zu Audio Omen ~ $1500

Floorstanding Speakers

Zu Omen’s are loud, fun, and rocking. Plus they have devilishly good looks. Zu Audio is all about putting the fun back into HiFi at an affordable price. At Rocky Mountain Audio Fest 2010 Zu all over the place. Paired with a lot of different equipment their sound was bold and had a live’esk sound that reminded me of guitar amps.

Technical features

Efficiency: 98 dB 1W/1m
Impedance: 12 Ohm
Height: 36″ tall + footers
Footprint: 12″ square
Tube and solid-state friendly!
Cabinet: MDF with real maple skin
Manufactured in Ogden, Utah, USA

Other Recommend Zu Audio Speakers –Soul Superfly

Also see our Editor’s Best Floorstanding Speakers under $1000 Guide

Salk Sound Song Tower w/Ribbon Tweeter~ $2700

Floorstanding Speakers

Jim Salk has received a huge amount of positive fan fair for his great sounding and sometimes extremely well finished speakers. The Song Tower with the upgraded ribbon tweeter is certainly well worth its value. Plus when you order from Salk Sound you can work with Jim and his team to get just the settings you want. A bit laid back, or a bit more forward sound.The Song Towers offer an extremely transparent high end and a clear and detailed mid range. They produce sufficient bass to please, but can be paired with a sub if you are really looking for thump. They might even make the spouse happy if you get a sweet looking custom finish.

Technical features

Design – MTM 2-way Mass-loaded Quarter Wave Tube Transmission Line
Drivers – custom RAAL with the ribbon tweeter upgrade, (2) Seas ER15RLY midwoofers
Response – OW2 – 42Hz – 20KHz (+/- 3db)
RAAL – 42Hz – 60KHz (+/- 3db)
Sensitivity – (dB/2.83v/1M) 88db
Impedance 4 ohms minimum 6 ohms nominal

Other Recommend Salk Sound Speakers – SoundScape 12

Also see our Editor’s Best Floorstanding Speakers under $2000 Guide