Shopping for floorstanding speakers today can feel like staring into a kaleidoscope — dazzling, overwhelming, and full of options that compete for your attention. To help you cut through the noise, we’ve curated a list of seven of the most impressive new models, ranked from the most affordable to the most luxurious.
7. Piega Classic 5.0
Piega Classic 5.0
Pros: Detailed highs thanks to the AMT tweeter
Cons: Bass texture could be deeper
Verdict: A compact speaker with big personality
Price: $2,350
The Piega Classic 5.0 is a 2.5-way design that pairs the company’s trademark AMT ribbon tweeter with dual 5-inch mid/woofer drivers. The cabinets, built with thick 25 mm walls and curved rear panels, minimize resonance while maximizing liveliness. Despite their modest size, these speakers flood the room with an impressive level of detail that belies their footprint.
6. Acoustic Energy AE520
Acoustic Energy AE520
Pros: Excellent rhythm and dynamic energy
Cons: Slightly midrange-forward
Verdict: A confident performance that stays true to the brand
Price: $5,340
The tall AE520 showcases Acoustic Energy’s engineering finesse. A 25 mm carbon-fiber tweeter in a die-cast waveguide handles the highs, while a driver array (two for mids, three for bass) powers the rest. Carbon-fiber reinforcement and robust 35 mm voice coils push sound pressure levels up to 113 dB, with frequency response from 30 Hz to 28 kHz. The resonance-resistant cabinets (layered MDF and bitumen) ensure the lively, rhythmic sound stays clean and uncolored.
5. Technics SB-G90MK2
Technics SB-G90MK2
Pros: Precise, holographic soundstage
Cons: Slightly clinical delivery
Verdict: A masterclass in modern speaker engineering
Price: $6,450
From Technics’ Grand Class line, the SB-G90MK2 takes precision to heart. Its 160 mm coaxial aluminum driver handles midrange and treble, supported by dual woofers for the low end. Innovative cabinet design minimizes standing waves without relying on heavy damping materials, and a patented double-magnet system ensures control across the spectrum. The result is a sound that’s technically flawless and deeply reliable — if a touch restrained.
4. Wharfedale Elysian 3
Wharfedale Elysian 3
Pros: Expansive, room-filling soundstage
Cons: Bass could use more texture
Verdict: Built to last a lifetime
Price: $7,730
The Wharfedale Elysian 3 is a speaker for those who want scale and drama. It uses a ribbon AMT tweeter, a 6-inch midrange, and dual 7-inch woofers to deliver sweeping dynamics. The cabinets employ the brand’s Panel Resonance Optimisation System, layering woods of different densities for a refined acoustic balance. These speakers aren’t just for listening — they create a sonic landscape that’s immersive and enduring.
3. Canton Reference 5
Canton Reference 5
Pros: Superb timbral accuracy and imaging
Cons: Virtually none
Verdict: German precision at its finest
Price: $16,400
Canton’s Reference 5 models are as much sculptures as they are speakers. With tweeters and midrange drivers reinforced by ceramic and tungsten composites, every note feels precise, natural, and rich. The semi-circular cabinets, built with 5-axis CNC machines, further optimize acoustics. These are speakers that can transport you into the recording itself — a showcase of meticulous craftsmanship.
2. Borresen X6
Borresen X6
Pros: Extraordinary detail and lightning-fast response
Cons: Bass extension could be deeper at this price
Verdict: A showcase of innovation and sonic artistry
Price: $41,000
Borresen’s X6 is an engineering marvel. The speaker employs a ribbon tweeter alongside an array of composite drivers (carbon fiber–aramid honeycomb–carbon fiber), supported by advanced copper-capped magnet systems. Every aspect, from materials to cabinet design, reflects a no-compromise approach to high-end sound. The result? A breathtakingly fast and emotionally engaging presentation that highlights every nuance.
1. JBL Summit Pumori
JBL Summit Pumori
Pros: Dense, powerful sound with true high-end authority
Cons: None worth mentioning
Verdict: JBL at its absolute peak
Price: $51,200
The flagship Summit Pumori embodies JBL’s decades of audio expertise. At its core is a proprietary 38 mm dual-diaphragm compression driver, flanked by 8-inch and 10-inch cast-frame drivers with honeycomb composite cones. Anti-resonance cabinets and state-of-the-art crossovers ensure transparency and richness at every frequency. These aren’t just speakers — they’re an industry benchmark, delivering sound with a weight and authority that commands respect.
Conclusion
From the approachable Piega Classic 5.0 to the no-holds-barred JBL Summit Pumori, today’s floorstanding speaker market offers something for every serious listener. Whether you’re seeking rhythm and detail, expansive soundscapes, or cutting-edge innovation, each of these models represents the pinnacle of audio design in its class.
