We sometimes stare at speakers in wonder – how can a wooden box and a few drivers reproduce every instrument, any human voice, to near-perfection?
This miracle of reproduction always astounds us, and all the more so when delivered with speed, dynamics, and tonal accuracy so that the music becomes real.
These are the loudspeakers that have wowed us over the last 12 months of our magazines Sound+Image, Australian Hi-Fi, Best Buys Audio & AV, and Audio Esoterica, and which represent our recommendations of the very best ways to move air available in Australia today.
We've also included Music Systems and Wireless Speakers here – which are, of course, far more than just speakers, containing sources and power, so that they can be your hi-fi system all on their lonesome, if you so desire.
For the full details on each and every winner, check out the Special Awards Issue of Sound+Image magazine, on sale now in print and digital editions. Print subscriptions here; digital issues here!
Now let's meet the winners!
Music Systems
MUSIC SYSTEM OF THE YEAR UNDER AU$1000
Ruark R2 Mk4
AU$899
Judges Comment: We love the Ruark R2 Mk4 both as a design and for the easy ways it brings access to music. Its modern streaming options plus radio make it a powerful alternative to less attractive modern wireless speakers.
Click here for our full review.
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MUSIC SYSTEM OF THE YEAR OVER AU$1000
Sonus faber Omnia
AU3495
Judges Comment: Sonus faber’s Omnia exudes quality from its wide walnut control surface to its rich expansive sound when streaming music. And don’t miss its secret EQ modes, which can make it even better.
Wireless speakers
WIRELESS SPEAKERS OF THE YEAR UNDER AU$2500
KEF LSX II
AU$2300
Judges Comment: Not pocket money for such dinky speakers, but you get the amps, the streaming, the HDMI input… this could be your entire system for movies and music, and they sound great.
Click to read the UK review
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WIRELESS SPEAKERS OF THE YEAR OVER AU$2500
PSB Speakers Alpha iQ
AU$2799 pair
Judges Comment: Small but surprising standmount speakers which have both amplification within and extensive streaming/multiroom smarts available via the excellent BluOS platform from Bluesound. It’s a powerful combination.
Standmounters
STANDMOUNT SPEAKERS OF THE YEAR UNDER $5000
Paradigm Founder 40B
AU$4499 (pair)
Judges Comment: Paradigm’s long-established reputation delivers in these attractive and dynamic standmounts loaded with the Canadian company’s technology – and celebrating the co-founder’s recent return.
Click to read our full review
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STANDMOUNT SPEAKERS OF THE YEAR OVER AU$5000
March Audio Sointuva WG
AU$6000 (pair)
Judges Comment: From a company in Albany, WA, come these solid and beautiful standmount speakers that leverage the very latest driver technologies for some thrilling results that had our listening rooms singing with beauty yet kicking serious arse.
Click to read our full review
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EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD
Revival Audio Atalante 3
AU$4000 (pair)
Judges Comment: A special Editor's Award for an astounding debut product from the new Revival Audio in France. The Atalante 3s’ can highlight elements in an extraordinary soundstage while retaining truth of tone. Amazing.
Click to read our full review.
Floorstanders
FLOORSTANDING SPEAKERS OF THE YEAR UNDER $5000
Polk Signature Elite ES60
AU$2799 (pair)
Judges Comment: You may need to double check the price-tag here, such is the value on offer from Polk’s highly musical towers.
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FLOORSTANDING SPEAKERS OF THE YEAR AU$5000-AU$10,000
ELAC Vela FS 407
AU$7995 (pair)
Judges Comment: Beautiful tower loudspeakers with Elac’s latest JET tweeters and overall a wonderfully smooth and engaging sonic performance.
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FLOORSTANDING SPEAKERS OF THE YEAR OVER AU$10,000
Bowers & WIlkins 804 D4
AU$22,900 (pair)
Judges Comment: That signature Bowers & Wilkins sound is improved still further, with more realism, greater purity, and stunning looks.
Subwoofers
SUBWOOFER OF THE YEAR UNDER AU$5000
SVS 3000 Micro
$1799
Judges Comment: Able to get deep despite limiting itself to a 10-inch cabinet, the SVS 3000 Micro is a rare small sub that performs beyond its size.
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SUBWOOFER OF THE YEAR OVER AU$5000
Magico ASUB
AU$13,950
Judges Comment: It's a return to our awards for Magico’s phenomenally good high-performance ASUB subwoofer, complete with its clever computer-based room and speaker tuning.
Click to read our full review
