How To Set Up Tower Speakers

Staff, Courtesy of Klipsch

If y'all have the space, belfry speakers—as well known as floor-continuing speakers—are great for getting the best sound out of your home theater organization or even your record player.

Many consumers and designers might try to minimize the visual presence of speakers past installing a set in walls or ceilings, says Micah Sheveloff, a consumer electrics industry veteran and the founder of WIRC Media, a Florida-based marketing company specializing in sound and other consumer tech. Although congenital-in speakers can be outstanding, the detail and realism of skilful belfry speakers is almost always preferable for music enthusiasts, not to mention free-standing speakers are easier to add to your living infinite.

How to Cull the Right Tower Speakers

Two- vs. Three-Way Speakers: You lot'll need to determine between a two-way or iii-way speaker. "A two-way speaker sends the high tones to a tweeter and the depression and mid tones to a woofer," explains Carl Prouty, a technologist at Abt Electronics in Illinois. "Iii-way speakers incorporate mid-sized drivers to handle the mid tones and transport the low tones to a subwoofer." The mid-sized driver and subwoofer make for a richer sound feel.

Two-way speakers tend to be more than affordable, and Prouty recommends them if you already have, or you intend to purchase, a separate subwoofer. "Simply if yous're using these speakers more than for music, a three-way is a great choice equally they already have a subwoofer built in," he says.

And in case y'all're thinking of purchasing a unmarried speaker, that's more often than not a bad thought. "Using a single speaker will only provide half the audio, which is a very bad experience and definitely non recommended," Prouty says. He recommends two speakers to get the full stereo consequence.

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Amplifiers: Depending on the type of speakers you get, you'll also need an amplifier or receiver, which helps power your speakers. (For example, I use a Denon AVR-S540BT Receiver.) Make sure that the speakers you cull volition work with your amplifier, unless you programme on ownership another 1. "If your amplifier doesn't meet the minimum power requirements of the speaker, it can cause issues," Prouty warns. You can purchase powered floor-continuing speakers that don't need an amp, only in most cases, he says they won't provide the quality of sound you'd become from using a separate amplifier.

Audio Quality: Speaker sensitivity (or sound force per unit area), equally measured in decibels, is another factor to consider. Merely proceed in mind that a college sensitivity rating doesn't guarantee the best sound. The combination of many features is what determines sound quality, including the size and shape of tweeters (like cones or domes), materials (such as silk or aluminum), woofer size, frequency response, and even the cabinet quality.

Sheveloff recommends manufacturers, such equally Klipsch, Polk Audio, and others, that have been making excellent speakers for decades. "These brands are renowned for applying innovative solutions that improve the feel for the listener," he says. "Driver materials, chiffonier construction, port designs—these are all factors that engineers toil over to ensure best possible resolution."

And when in incertitude, effort it out. "Because each human being ear is different and each listening room presents its own challenges, finding a way to audition tower speakers is the best manner to make an informed buying decision," Sheveloff says. "Some online retailers offer flexible in-home audience policies that enable consumers to comfortably make an informed selection."

How We Selected

I've tested and written about tech and home products for a variety of digital publications, including Architectural Assimilate, CNN Underscored, Tom's Guide, Bob Vila, Popular Science, The Spruce, Realtor.com, Flat Therapy, and The Daily Fauna. This listing includes floor-standing speakers that I've tested, as well as make and individual speakers recommended by our experts, Carl Prouty and Micah Sheveloff, combined with extensive research on each of these products. I evaluated the speakers hither based on their design, performance, and value for the money, and likewise included options at diverse price points.

All-time Overall

Klipsch RP-6000F Floorstanding Speaker

Hybrid Tractix Horn for detailed audio
Great mids and highs
Can be bi-wired

Probably need a additional subwoofer for more than bass

Key Specs

Dimensions: 39.six x nine.4 x 17 in.
Weight: 49 lbs
Sensitivity: 97 dB

We agree with Prouty that the Klipsch RP-6000F Floorstanding Speakers are the all-time overall option, combining quality, features, and value for the money. (I accept the Klipsch RP-5000F model at home.) The speakers have a Hybrid Tractix Horn, which produces detailed high-frequency sound, and 2 half dozen.v-inch cerametallic cone woofers. The 2-way speakers also have dual bounden 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.

Best Value

Polk Audio Signature Aristocracy ES50 Tower Speaker

Relatively cheap
High frequencies are amazing

Probably need an additional subwoofer for more bass

Key Specs

Dimensions: 37 ten 9 x 11 in.
Weight: 32 lbs
Sensitivity: 89 dB

If you're looking for something a little more economical, nosotros'd recommend the Polk Audio Signature Elite ES50; it's the best selection when you want a step upwardly from the upkeep picks. Information technology features 2.5-way cascading crossovers, a 1-inch Terylene tweeter, and 2 5.25-inch woofers that deliver incredible sound throughout an unabridged room. Information technology also delivers 3 dB louder bass than conventional ported speakers. Even more, it tin stream music online via Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

Best High-End

Focal Aria 926 Floorstanding Speakers

3-fashion speakers for rich audio
Stylish design
Accurately portrays music spectrum

Expensive
Large torso might not fit everywhere

Key Specs

Dimensions: 40.viii 10 11.half dozen x xiv.vi in.
Weight: 55 lbs
Sensitivity: 91.five dB

The 3rd choice from Prouty's tiptop iii picks, the Focal Aria 926 are loftier-end speakers that are worth the splurge. "I love the beautiful design with leather-effect coating, and the TNF tweeter handles high tones with minimal distortion," Prouty says. "In addition, the Flax Cone midrange drivers provide smooth mids and low bass tones, extremely accurate audio reproduction." The three-fashion design also includes 1-inch dome tweeters made of aluminum and magnesium, and dual 6.five-inch woofers. The Focal Aria speakers are bachelor in blackness high gloss, chocolate-brown, and prime walnut.

Best Budget

Polk Monitor XT60 Tower Speakers

Great price
Lightweight
Space-saving

Only ane color

Key Specs

Dimensions: 36.iv x nine.1 x seven.5 in.
Weight: twenty lbs
Sensitivity: 86 dB

The Polk Monitor XT60 Floorstanding Tower Speakers are wildly popular for a reason: They're affordable speakers that aren't inexpensive in quality and won't consume up too much floor space. Each speaker has a 1-inch Terylene dome tweeter, 6.5-inch bi-laminate paper commuter, and two 6 .5-inch passive bass radiators, which are designed to deliver great mid-ranges and bass. The black 2-way speakers have a gear up of bounden posts and a frequency response of 38 to twoscore,000 Hz, and they can support Dolby and DTS.

Best 3-Way Tower Speakers

Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Ceremony Edition

three-mode speaker for rich audio
Upgraded features
Great for big rooms

Large body might non fit everywhere

Key Specs

Dimensions: 41.5 x 12.6 10 14.half-dozen in.
Weight: 53.1 lbs
Sensitivity: 88.v dB

When its 600 series turned 25, Bowers & Wilkins released a superb celebration model. The Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 Anniversary Edition floor-continuing speakers have an upgraded version of the decoupled double dome tweeter and a continuum mid-range cone equivalent to two defended bass drivers. Given their size and audio quality, they're ideal for large rooms—especially if y'all accept a home theater. The three-manner speakers have a frequency response of 48 to 28,000 Hz. The anniversary edition speakers are bachelor in black, white, and oak finishes.

Best for Dolby Atmos

Klipsch R-625FA Floorstanding Speaker

Keen for use in Dolby Atmos surround sound system
Excellent high frequencies

Only available in black

Key Specs

Dimensions: 40 ten 17.iii 10 ix.5 in.
Weight: 49 lbs
Sensitivity: 96 dB

The Klipsch R-625A Floorstanding Speakers aren't only floor-standing speakers. They likewise have Dolby Atmos speakers in the peak that are aimed at the ceiling to reflect sounds and provide a more immersive feel. The speakers use Tractrix Horn technology for more accurate loftier-frequency sounds, and Linear Travel Suspension aluminum tweeters, forth with two copper injection-molded graphic woofers. The frequency response is 38 to 21,000 Hz, and both the front and meridian grilles are removable.

All-time 2.5-Way Tower Speakers

Focal Chora 816 Floorstanding Speaker

Bachelor in 3 different finishes
Dandy for home theaters

No bi-wiring option
Expensive—even though it's skilful cost for the performance

Central Specs

Dimensions: 40.3 x fifteen.3 x 12 in.
Weight: 40.viii lbs
Sensitivity: 89.five dB

If you lot tin can't decide betwixt a two-way speaker and a three-manner speaker, consider the Focal Chora 816 Floorstanding Speaker, which is a 2.v-way speaker with a woofer and a mid-range/bass speaker driver. "It'due south reasonably priced for speaker quality and great for reproducing picture theater quality sound," Prouty says. Both components have a slatefiber cone made of non-woven carbon fibers and thermoplastic polymer. Bachelor in blackness, dark wood, and light forest, the Flora Chora speakers have a frequency response of fifty to 28,000 Hz.

Most Compact

Master & Dynamic MA770 Concrete Speaker

Low profile design that isn't boxy
Works with Chromecast
Superb audio

Less powerful than some speakers

Key Specs

Dimensions: 14.v x xviii x 9.5 inches
Weight: 35 lbs
Sensitivity: Due north/A

If yous similar the thought of a floor-standing speaker, but not necessarily the idea of a belfry speaker taking up visual space, Primary & Dynamic's MA770 Concrete Wireless Speaker might fit the neb. The low-profile speaker weighs 35 pounds, so it's heavy enough to sit firmly on your flooring without fear of knocking it over. Designed with compages Sir David Adjaye, the speaker is a work of fine art. It has a Class D amplifier, iv-inch woven long throw woofers, and a 1.5-inch titanium dome tweeter. The physical blended provides splendid acoustics, and at that place are inputs for your turntable, Tv set, and other sources. The speaker has Bluetooth 4.one with LE, works with Chromecast, and has inputs for optical and a 3.five mm aux cord. It comes with a power cable and magnetic grille and can be used solitary or paired. The speaker is available in either grayness or black.

Terri Williams When Terri Williams is not interviewing the earth'south foremost leaders for The Economist, tracking down legal experts for the American Bar Association Journal, or covering finance topics for Investopedia and The Balance, she's somewhere reviewing products; Terri has tested hundreds of tech and home products and has bylines at Architectural Assimilate, Popular Science, Tom's Guide, The Spruce, Bob Vila, Realtor.com, Existent Homes, Insider, and Flat Therapy.