Best Home Theater Speakers Money Can Buy
Purchasing fine speakers is akin to purchasing a fine automobile. Does a $200,000 speaker system sound 100 times better than one of the $2000 systems listed in the midrange category? Does a $1.7 million Bugatti drive 100 times better than my $17,000 Kia? The simple answer to both questions is "probably not"; there is a point of diminishing returns in either example where increases in performance become more and more expensive. The more complex and more truthful answer is that most of us will never have the skill, training, expertise, or bank account to truly know. For those who have spent the time behind the wheel and accumulated the wealth to afford it, there is an appreciation of the finer points of the Bugatti that most will never understand.
And so it is for the five speaker systems highlighted in this list. For most these will represent either dream systems that will likely remain unattainable, or capricious wastes of money for the rich and famous. But for those who have trained their ears to appreciate them, and have the financial wherewithal to own them, these loudspeakers are investments in sonic bliss that are well worth every penny.
Why it's best: If you happen to have 2 million dollars sitting around, then maybe you want to order Transmission Audio’s Ultimate speakers. However, be aware they’re only built to order, so you might have a hard time finding a set to audition. These speakers come with 12,000 watts of power equipped with their own control amps. They weigh about 13,227 pounds and promise SPL´s over 143dB. The set is equipped with 12 speakers that can each blast about 500 watts. The Ultimate is about 37 feet wide, so an extra large room is a must for the most aptly named speakers on the market. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: At $700,000, Wisdom Audio’s most insane speaker, the Infinite Wisdom Grande, is a behemoth of sound quality. It stands at 23 feet tall and weighs about 2 tons. This is the large version of the Infinite Wisdom system, which is around $300,000 on its own. At 110 dbs, the drivers in this system are only operating at their partial potential, leaving the ears to ponder the possibilities. Each pair of speakers has 24 drivers and are obsessively designed for the most discerning listener. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: These speakers are not only beautifully constructed, but they also bring the goods with 22-inch subwoofers and built in amplifiers. Capable of 12,000 watts, these Ferrari red speakers stand at about 12 feet high and weigh about a ton a piece. Their drivers provide the highest quality possible set in an 8-inch thick enclosure. Supposedly it takes a gallon of Ferrari red pain to coat these $500,000 beauties. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Developed from the company's Classic model, the Excaliburs are as amazing to look at, as they are to hear. Two massive pillars constructed with 15-inch woofers take care of the low end, while two horns on either side cover the rest of the spectrum. They’re just under 8 feet tall and each horn is equipped with a Plasma Ion tweeter, which allows the speakers to hit around 50khz. The horns also emanate a purple glow while they’re working, providing any home that can afford the $380,000 price tag a nightlight. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Adam Audio’s creation stands for Olympus Sound System, and it sounds like the gods themselves put it together. With 60 individual drivers, 12 amplifiers built in, and eight columns in the set, you’ve never heard anything quite like it. At $325,000 for a set, it’s not surprising that Adam was aiming for something different. Equipped with a digital signal processing brain, the speakers can literally do the work while you scramble to save all your valuables from the shattering low end. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
