Monitor Audio Gold GX50Price: $1800 per pair

Website: www.monitoraudio.com

Philip said: With the Gold GX50, Monitor Audio has produced another fine loudspeaker. It possesses all the hallmarks of the Monitor house sound, along with incisive detail and tight, punchy bass. I found myself drawn to listen to voices through these speakers -- their midrange reproduction was very natural and open, and their ability to produce a well-defined, precise soundstage was outstanding.

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: All the attributes you'd want in a small Monitor speaker, and then some.