Definitive Technology SM55Price: $598 per pair

Website: www.definitivetech.com

Philip said: If you like solid bass, clear-cut imaging, and a clean, open midrange, but don’t have the room and/or the money for bigger speakers, Definitive Technology’s StudioMonitor 55 could be what you’ve been waiting for. It does many things well for the audiophile on a budget, and doesn’t take a back seat to speakers costing even multiples of its price.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: Sound quality unheard of at this price just a few years ago.