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Published On: November 17, 2022

Best Tower Speakers Under $500

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Published On: November 17, 2022

Best Tower Speakers Under $500

When searching for a good set of floor standing speakers, it may take longer than expected. On our own search, we became curious about what the best speakers are at different price points, and we've decided to share what I learned along the way.
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    When searching for a good set of floor standing speakers, it may take longer than expected. On our own search, we became curious about what the best speakers are at different price points, and we've decided to share what I learned along the way.
    Although sound quality, impedance, sensitivity, and volume are all important factors that one must look for in floor standing speakers, many will say that aesthetics play a big role in their decisions.
    Due to their size, tower speakers can have a huge impact on how a room looks. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ll share what to look for in floor standing speakers later on in this article.
    For now, let’s explore what we decided were the best tower speakers under $500. But before we start, make note - when you're looking for floor standing speakers, they are usually individually priced.
    However, we’ve included a separate list of tower speaker pairs priced under $500 in the second part of the article.

    Best Tower Speakers Under $500 (individual)

    The following three sets of tower speakers are the best available for under $500. These sets consist of speakers that are individually priced at $500 or less.

    What Are The Best Tower Speakers Under $500

    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-280F
    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-280F

    Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-280F

    Klipsch is an American loudspeaker company with a notable reputation that was attained through consistently manufacturing quality speakers they released throughout the years. The Reference Premiere RP-280F is an excellent model that provides great value for money.
    The Klipsch brand is known for consistently focusing on four different attributes when they develop their speakers. These attributes include flat frequency response, high efficiency, dispersion control and maximum dynamic range.
    The latter two attributes are achieved through a proprietary technology developed by Klipsch called the Tractrix Horn. What this technology does is ensure the sound is aimed at the listening position.
    Compare that to a lot of other floor standing speakers - many emit sounds that reflect off the ceiling, walls, and floors! This may sound good, but it’ll sound much better when the music is aimed directly at your head!
    In case you're looking to purchase the Reference Premiere RP-280F, you should make sure that you have enough space in your home - these speakers are BIG.
    When you listen to music with the RP-280F tower speakers, you'll hear it with crystal clarity, aimed directly at you. Whether you like rap or metal music, listening to your favorite tunes through these speakers will be a delight.

    Pros:

    • Undeniable quality from a reputable speaker company

    • Great value for the money

    • The Tractrix Horns and modern high-performance drivers take the sound quality to another level

    Cons:

    • The speakers may be too big for some rooms

    Check Price
    Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F
    Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F

    Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F

    Though the Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F are a solid set of speakers, we weren’t impressed with them initially. On the first play through, the speakers sounded off, with incorrect levels and not a whole lot of clarity.
    However, after using them patiently for a few days to break them in, sound quality improved drastically. The midrange is detailed and clean, while the bass is strong and ample. They may sound bass-shy at first, but just give them time to break in.

    One of the main reasons why some might part ways with the SE 3000F, or be discouraged from even buying them in the first place, is because they are lacking in the aesthetics department. At first, the design seems appealing, but it quickly becomes boring.
    Purchasers may wonder, why on earth did they buy such basic-looking speakers? But bear in mind, aesthetics are a matter of personal preference. Some may think they look amazing.
    If you find the design pleasing or if aesthetics are not that important to you, these are speakers that you should consider buying. For less than a thousand dollars for the pair, you'll get an amazing deal.
    The Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F won't take up too much space as far as tower speakers are concerned. They're only nine inches wide.

    Pros:

    • Strong and ample bass
    • Neutral and detailed midrange
    • Slim design

    Cons:

    • Unique aesthetics could make it challenging to fit into some spaces
    • Speakers need some time to break in

    Check Price
    Jamo Studio Series S809
    Jamo Studio Series S809

    Jamo Studio Series S809

    One of the big advantages of the Jamo Studio Series S809 is the addition of the Dolby Atmos surround sound technology. These speakers are great for any buyers looking to upgrade their home theatre system on a budget.
    That's not to say that you won't enjoy them if you’d rather listen to music on your tower speakers. Play a live performance of a song and you'll feel like you're at a concert!
    The aesthetics of the Jamo Studio Series S809 are pleasing. The design comes in three varieties - walnut, black, and white.
    The speakers are not too heavy, weighing 30 pounds. This is much less than the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-280F, which weighs 62.5 pounds.
    The size of the S809 is compact at only 9 inches wide, which means that Jamo found a great way to make relatively small tower speakers without compromising sound quality.
    The sound is crisp and clean. However, if you want to experience heavy bass in your listening experiences, you might not be too happy with the Jamo Studio Series S809. The only way you'd be satisfied with the bass is if you would order one of Jamo’s better subwoofers.

    Pros:

    • The speakers feature Dolby Atmos surround sound technology
    • The aesthetics are pleasing to most and the design comes in three colors
    • Easy to move around

    Cons:

    • The sound may not satisfy people who are passionate about bass
    • The metal feet are not a great design addition to the S809 speakers

    Check Price

    Best Tower Speakers Under $500 (Pair)

    If you're looking for something more budget-friendly, you can check out the following tower speakers that cost less than $500 for the pair. In other words, the following speakers are individually priced at $250 or less.

    Polk Audio TSi300
    Polk Audio TSi300

    Polk Audio TSi300

    If you're looking for good tower speakers without breaking the bank, the Polk Audio TSi300 is an excellent option. It wouldn't be fair to compare these speakers to more expensive models - just know that for this price, you’re getting an excellent bargain.
    The sensitivity for the Polk Audio TSi300 sits at 90 decibels, while the impedance is at 8 ohms. The sound quality provides a great listening experience regardless of whether you're watching a movie or listening to music.
    One thing we didn’t like about these speakers is that they struggled to play bass-heavy music without a sacrifice in quality. But considering how affordable these speakers are, that is to be expected.
    The size of these speakers may be too small for some people, especially if you want tower speakers for the focal point of a room. The overall design of the Polk Audio TSi300 is pleasant to behold, and comes in two color options - cherry and black.

    Pros:

    • Great design with two color options
    • Dynamic balance technology that provides detailed sound
    • Compact design

    Cons:

    • The size of the speakers may not be for everyone
    • There is no Bluetooth compatibility
    • The sound may not be the best when listening to bass-heavy music

    Check Price
    Jamo Concert 9 Series C 95 II
    Jamo Concert 9 Series C 95 II

    Jamo Concert 9 Series C 95 II

    If bass is important for you to have an enjoyable listening experience and you're looking for an affordable set of floor standing speakers, then the Jamo Concert 9 Series C 95 II might be your perfect choice.
    These speakers feature clean and articulate bass that you won't easily find for such a low price.
    The design of the cabinets is quite attractive. There are two color options - black and white oak. The only thing that I have an issue with is the outrigger feet and the spikes attached to them that aren't a great aesthetic addition to the overall design of the cabinets.
    I'm impressed by the frequency response of the Jamo Concert 9 Series C 95 II. The sensitivity level sits at 89 decibels while the nominal impedance is 6 ohms.

    Pros:

    • Excellent frequency response
    • Clean and articulate bass

    Cons:

    • The outrigger feet and the spikes attached to them does not provide a good addition to the overall aesthetics of the speakers, nor the carpet which they sit on!

    Check Price
    JBL Stage A170
    JBL Stage A170

    JBL Stage A170

    JBL doesn't need any introduction. This is a legendary brand that has been around for more than 75 years and has made some extraordinary products. The JBL Stage A170 is nothing groundbreaking, but it's an amazing set of floor standing speakers for the price.
    Don't expect the audio you play to sound great from the beginning. These speakers require a fair amount of time to break in. The JBL Stage A170 features a 2.5-way design. The clear and crisp midrange makes it a delight to watch movies, as you'll never have to worry about not hearing certain parts of the dialogue. The bass produced by these speakers is extraordinary considering the price tag.
    In my opinion, JBL Stage A170 tower speakers show customers that you don't have to spend a lot of money to get great sound quality.
    The main thing we didn’t like about these speakers was the basic cabinet design. But if listening experience is more important to you than aesthetics, you'll be very happy with the JBL Stage A170.

    Pros:

    • Crisp and clear midrange
    • The sound is clear even when you play bass-heavy music
    • Outstanding quality for the price

    Cons:

    • The cabinet design is rather unattractive

    Check Price

    What Can You Get on a Bigger Budget?

    In case you have a bigger budget, you can get even better speakers. I decided to include this section for people who are able and willing to spend up to $2,000 for a pair of tower speakers. Here are some of the best floor-standing speakers you can get for up to $1,000 each.

     

    SVS Prime Pinnacle
    SVS Prime Pinnacle

    SVS Prime Pinnacle

    When you first look at the SVS Prime Pinnacle, you'll most likely think that they cost several thousand dollars. The cabinet design is so beautifully crafted that it makes it seem like these speakers are in a much higher price category.

    You have two color options when purchasing the Prime Pinnacle: piano glass and black ash.
    The SVS Prime Pinnacle is a pair of three-way speakers that feature impressive engineering. They contain an alloy dome tweeter, three polypropylene bass drivers, as well as a fiberglass midrange driver.
    If you're familiar with SVS and their products, you’ll know that their main focus is making subwoofers. That's why it comes as no surprise that the bass on the Prime Pinnacle is extraordinary.

    Pros:

    • The bass-heavy performance is hard to match in this price category
    • Beautiful industrial cabinet design
    • Outstanding build quality

    Cons:

    • You'll most likely need to purchase a good amplifier to get the most out of these speakers

    Check Price
    Definitive Technology BP-9040
    Definitive Technology BP-9040

    Definitive Technology BP-9040

    There's no doubt that the exterior design of tower speakers is incredibly important for a lot of people. In case you're one of them, you’re sure to appreciate the BP-9040. These speakers feature innovative aesthetics that enhance the interior design of your home.
    These speakers feature an immersive sound stage that you're bound to fall in love with. At the high price of $999 per speaker, this is something you should get only if you’re ready to seriously invest in your sounds.
    You are easily able to integrate Definitive Technology BP-9040 with the Dolby Atmos surround sound system if you want. There's a dedicated module for that. This means that the BP-9040 is an excellent choice for a home theater.
    The interesting thing about this model is that there is an 8-inch subwoofer built into each speaker, eliminating the need for buying one separately!

    Pros:

    • Built-in 8-inch subwoofers in each speaker
    • Dedicated module for integration with Dolby Atmos surround sound system

    Cons:

    • The BP-9040 are a set of quite big and heavy speakers

     

    Check Price
    PSB Alpha T20
    PSB Alpha T20

    PSB Alpha T20

    There aren't a lot of companies that can match the output PSB has given its loyal customers over the years. Their Alpha line of speakers has been around giving music-lovers high-quality sounds for over 25 years. If there's one thing you can expect from the T20, it's reliability.
    What sets the T20 apart from any other model in the Alpha series is its immaculate high frequency response level. No other model in the series comes close. The bass is really smooth on these and the overall sound is clean and crisp.
    Although the engineering on the T20 is superb, there is one thing we weren’t particularly fond of with regard to this model. The cabinet design looks fairly basic. It's not aesthetically pleasing to me.

    Pros:

    • The T20 provides great reliability
    • Incredible high frequency response

    Cons:

    • The cabinet design is quite simple and basic

    Check Price

    How to find the best tower speakers under $500?

    Tower speakers are known for their excellent sound quality. All of the speakers we recommend provide outstanding quality of sound.
    However, you should conduct additional research to see which speakers will provide the best quality for your intended use. For instance, if you find bass extremely important, you might want to avoid buying the Jamo Studio Series S809 and instead get the Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F.

    Speaker Size
    The size of the speakers may not matter to some people but it’s crucial if you don’t have too much space in your room.
    It is imperative to take the size of the speakers into account before making a purchase. Measure your room and keep this figure in mind when buying tower speakers - you know exactly how much space you’ll have.

    Sensitivity
    Sensitivity is a measure that allows you to check how many decibels speakers can put out at a certain power level. This measure is expressed in decibels.
    The higher the sensitivity, the louder the speaker will be. In case you're looking for powerful volume, you should get speakers with a sensitivity of at least 90 decibels.

    Impedance
    Impedance refers to the measure that is used to check how much speakers resist current. If the impedance is low, the sound is able to pass through the speaker more efficiently. You should generally aim to get speakers with impedance rated at 4, 6, or 8 ohms.

    Aesthetics
    Floor standing speakers are not small, which means they’ll become a big part of the room you place them in. Since they have such a noticeable presence, you should make sure they’re appealing to you as well as fitting in with the rest of the room.

    Best Tower Speakers: FAQs

    What are tower speakers?

    Otherwise referred to as floor standing speakers, they are speakers that are usually at least three feet tall. They're also usually at least seven inches in width. Most tower speakers feature a multi-driver design with a tweeter, bass drivers, and a midrange driver.

    Can I use tower speakers for my surround sound system?

    Tower speakers are an excellent option for your surround sound system. Since they feature a number of drivers, quality frequency range, exceptional sound quality, and notable size, they're often used in surround sound system setups.

    What are the Best Tower Speakers?

    It can be hard to objectively say what the best tower speakers are. But I included a list of attributes that I use to rank speakers. Apply the same method to your search and give each attribute a rank that determines how important it is to you, and you'll be able to decide what the best floor standing speakers for you are.

    Are there Good Tower Speakers that Cost Less than $500?

    Yes, you can find great floor standing speakers in that price range. In case you're looking for tower speakers that are individually priced at less than $250, you will be able to find some quality models.

    Should I get tower speakers or bookshelf speakers?

    If you don't want speakers taking up a lot of space, you should go with bookshelf speakers. In case you don't need to conserve space and are looking for a better audio experience, you should aim to get the best tower speakers under $500.

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