KEF XQ40Price: $4500 per pair

Website: www.kef.com

Aron said: From top to bottom, KEF’s XQ flagship is an exceedingly well-built, classically styled tower that sounds as good as it looks. It may not be the last word in neutrality across the entire audioband, and it might require some close attention in being paired with other audio gear, but the best things in life are never easy, and I have yet to hear a speaker in this price range that can match its low-end prowess.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Xperience review.

The gist: Great-value speaker with innovative KEF technology.