Some Speaker Pairings to Consider

A budget option

Sony’s affordable three-way bookshelf speakers are my speakeasy secret to an ultra-affordable sound system. They’re uncommonly good for their asking price, with three separate drivers, including a tweeter, a 5.12-inch woofer, and a high-range “super tweeter” for sparkling treble. Their bass isn’t awesome, so you may need to add a subwoofer down the road, but this is the best way I know to get great audio on a budget.

A Midrange Pair

Elac, powered by former Pioneer guru Andrew Jones, is one of the best speaker brands for affordable performance I’ve tested. The Debut 2.0 is a great midrange model that WIRED Editor Parker Hall praised for lush, smooth, and neutral sound that gives you a natural representation of your music and other audio.

Fancier Pairs

SVS

Ultra Evolution Bookshelf

If you’re looking for stylish sound cubes with plenty of punch, a wide soundstage, and gin-clear treble, I haven’t found a better match than the SVS Evolution. With advanced speaker technology and premium build quality, these are among my favorite pairs for hearing it all without spending thousands of dollars.

For something on the smoother side, Focal’s lovely Theva No.1 bookshelf speakers deliver premium detail with a creamy finish that sounds as natural and transparent as it is soothing. For those after something truly moving, the Theva hit the sweet spot for price, design, and performance.

Other Gear You May Need

16-gauge speaker wire: As a recent test in which audiophiles couldn’t identify sound being sent through a banana seems to confirm, basic speaker wire is all you’ll ever need. This cheap Amazon roll should be durable and versatile enough for any audio rig.

Banana plugs: These simple plugs make it easy to attach your speakers to any modern amplifier. You can attach them to your speaker wire with a pair of cable cutters, or take them to your local stereo shop if you’re not into DIY.

Elived Universal speaker stands: I’ve used these height-adjustable speaker stands for testing speakers and soundbars since 2024. They offer cable control, a sturdy build, and a relatively stylish design at a great price.