It’s true, sometimes louder is better! If your current speakers just aren’t cutting it, then you need to get yourself some floor standing models.
As the name would suggest, these models are usually large/tall enough to stand on the floor without the need to place them on a bookshelf or speaker stand.
Designed with precision, they’re made to absorb a lot of vibration while delivering higher bass and volume output than other types.
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Benefits of Expensive Floor Speakers
As you can probably imagine, the market is oversaturated with floor standing speakers. However, you have to filter through the filler to get to the gems. Many models may produce heavy bass and high volume, though the quality of audio isn’t much taken into consideration.
You need speakers that fill your room well, are clear and detailed all across the audio spectrum, and fit your budget. The models in this price range are some of the best floor speakers in this regard. As they’re so large and sure to draw attention, you can be assured that they’re also visually aesthetic!
Floor Standing Speakers Under $5000 Compared
Image | Product | Sound Level | Power Output | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Beoplay A9 | 100 dB SPL | 440 W bass / 200 W midrange / 150 W treble | |
Klipsch RP-8060 FA Dolby Atmos | 91 dB | 150W/600W | ||
MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X | 91 dB | 400W | ||
KEF R900 | 90 DB | 250W | ||
No products found. | Definitive Technology BP9080x | 92 dB | 250W | |
Focal Aria 926 | 91.5 dB | 250W | ||
Harman Kardon Citation Tower | n/a | 200W |
Choosing Quality Floor Standing Speakers Under $5000
Build Quality & Design
Build quality is going to be high if you're looking in the ballpark of $5,000. However, they still vary a bit. First, the cabinet should be well-made and anti-resonant, which means it's durable but won't create sound distortion due to vibration emitted from the drivers. Regarding design, you'll want something that suits your personal tastes and goes well with the room in question's aesthetics.
In addition, if you have hardwood floors in the room, opt for either rubber or padded feet. If you are placing them on carpet, try to get carpet spikes to hold them firmly in place. The floor standing speakers must fit well within the space you have planned to place them in. I highly recommend measuring the area rather than "eyeing" it.
As a general rule, you should associate bigger speakers with louder sound. However, room size is also going to affect this, as larger rooms will also need larger speakers! Softer materials (like carpet and sofas) are going to absorb and dampen sound, while harder surfaces typically do the opposite.
Audio Performance
You may notice the term “sensitivity” quite a bit when we’re talking about speakers. This measures the efficiency of the speaker to convert power into audio. Measured in decibels (dB), it’s also commonly referred to just as "efficiency." The lower the sensitivity rating is, the less efficient it is. You'll want to pay attention to this as even a couple decibels can greatly affect the sound produced.
Connectivity & Flexibility
These days, most of us are accustomed to wireless technology being the standard. So much, that devices lacking Bluetooth connectivity or some other type of wireless connectivity seem like a thing of the past.
However, if you don’t realistically need them to be wireless, you may be better off with a wired model as they’re typically more powerful and reliable. The upside to wireless speakers is that they just look neater as you won’t have to deal with any visible wires. Not only that, but you won’t have to worry about wire management or the risk of someone tripping over them.
Placement is crucial if you want the most satisfying, full listening experience. You could have the best speakers ever made, but if they’re not placed in the correct relation to you as a listener, it’s not going to sound as good as it could. This will vary with each room, though there are some general recommendations to keep in mind.
First, make sure to keep (at minimum) 6 inches of space between the speaker and any part of the wall as this destroys bass energy. Next, make sure nothing is blocking any of them or obstructs the path of sound waves traveling. The most common location for the speakers is on either side of the television, stereo system, etc.
Power Rating
There’s a common misconception that the more wattage a device is capable of producing, the louder or "better" the sound will be. While it does influence the loudness and clarity, power ratings aren’t quite that simple.
For example, if you have passive speakers, you’ll need to make sure the amp can manage the wattage the speaker can generate. To really notice a difference in small wattage increases, you'd also have to double the power.
The amount of ohms or "impedance" a speaker has is also essential, referring to the restriction of the flow of the electrical current in a circuit. The lower the impedance, the more current can flow. The lower the impedance, also the higher the load on the amp, which means it will have to work harder.
Speaker Specifications
If you don't know already, you'll notice in just a bit that speakers are either 2-way or 3-way configurations. This refers to the number of speakers that are in the monitor. 2-way models will feature a single speaker that manages high frequencies and another which handles the mid and low frequencies.
3-way speakers come with an extra speaker for mid frequencies independently. It's generally considered that 3-way speakers offer more clarity throughout the spectrum, though there are 2-way models that perform even better than 3s.
Price & Warranty
The warranty is a huge factor in which one you'll decide on. At this price point, it should be, at least. Think of a warranty as the brand's way of telling you how long you can expect a speaker to function normally without any disruption. If you're spending a good amount of money, you should try to get the longest possible warranty so that you don’t risk spending anything else.
7 Best Floor Standing Speakers Under $5000 Reviewed
1. Beoplay A9
Our Top Pick!
Sound Level (Loudest Volume) | 100 dB SPL |
Power Output | 440 W bass / 200 W midrange / 150 W treble |
Impedance | Not Specified |
Number Of Drivers | Not Specified |
Frequency | 33 – 23,000 Hz |
Warranty | Yes, 2 Year Warranty |
The Beoplay A9 by Bang & Olufson is by far the best floor speaker under $5,000. This top of the line speaker is a statement piece for any living area where you enjoy music, movies, podcasts, or more. Directly from the manufacturer, you have several color choices for your speaker for a customized feel. You can take that a step further with companies like Skiniplay, and the customization will go as far as your imagination lets it.
Don't let me convince you that the Beoplay A9 is just an art piece, though. It's also a powerhouse of a speaker, with a max power output of 440 watts for bass, 200 watts for midrange, and 150 watts for treble. It can create an incredible 100 decibels of sound, too, which is remarkable for this price range. You’ll be able to share your music with your neighbors at the touch of a button.
The Beoplay A9 is a freestanding wireless speaker that weighs just over 32 lbs. We found that this is a perfect balance between being an easily movable feature without being easily knocked over. It comes with three beautiful wooden legs that allow it to be displayed in a tripod, or you can choose to wall-mount it.
One of the unique features of this high-end speaker under $5,000 is that it has room adaptation technology that will optimize the sound for your specific space. It also features automatic software updates and can be used as a Google Assistant as well. The speaker is both Wifi and Bluetooth compatible, so you can use your voice to conjure up your favorite music without lifting a finger.
Pros
Cons
2. Klipsch RP-8060 FA Dolby Atmos
Consistently Ranked
Sound Level (Loudest Volume) | 91 dB |
Power Output | 150W/600W |
Impedance | 8 Ohms |
Number of Drivers | 2 |
Frequency | 32-25kHz +/- 3dB |
Warranty | Yes, 5 years |
Consistently ranked as the best floor standing speakers for music, the Klipsch RP-8060 FA Dolby Atmos is our top pick under $5000. The immersive sound experience this speaker offers is due to the two 8" spun-copper woofers and the brand's signature 1" horn-loaded tweeter. Combine them both, and you get beautifully deep bass and mid-range frequency, along with smooth and precise highs.
While they may reproduce with incredible accuracy, they’re also very nice to look at. Choose from either Ebony, Walnut, or Satin Black; they all evoke sophistication and capability. The copper cerametallic woofers stand out like bright lights among the dark wood cabinets, which come with a satin paint and scratch-resistant finish for pristine appearance many years to come. Aluminum feet finish things off, designed to give off less resonance than MDF or plastic alternatives would.
Horn technology is perhaps what Klipsch is known for most. Flared openings in the cabinet work by projecting sound towards you and other listeners, which also helps minimize reflections, which can negatively affect sound quality and improve dynamics.“Klipsch proprietary Tractix horn loading technology ensures high-frequency energy of the RP-8060FA is aimed directly at the listener and reduces unwanted, artificial reverb – meaning you experience the most clear, detailed, lifelike sound possible,” .
says the manufacturer
Pros
Cons
3. MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X
Best Compact Floor Standing Speakers
Sound Level (Loudest Volume) | 91dB |
Power Output | 400W |
Impedance | 6 Ohms |
Number of Drivers | 2 |
Frequency | 41 -22kHz +/- 3dB |
Warranty | Yes, 5 years |
If you’re looking for the best floor standing speaker plans to add to your home theater system, then check out the MartinLogan ElectroMotion ESL X. Coming with a big electrostatic transducer and dual woofers, they’re capable of handling an impressive amount of power.
While I'll admit that they're not anything special as far as appearance goes, the EM-ESL X speakers pack as much performance into a budget-friendly model as possible.
Dual 8-inch high-excursion woofers – one in the front and one in the rear - are kept in a non-resonant asymmetrical bass reflex chamber though this doesn't add to the bulk. It's a bit surprising how compact the speakers are – making them perfect for tighter spaces.
One of the first things you're sure to notice is the gentle horizontal curvature of the thin speakers. This allows for supreme high-frequency dispersion from a big radiating surface while keeping sound quality excellent. This also makes positioning a breeze, and as they’re so lightweight, moving them around isn’t a hassle.
"The ESL X's dipole design avoids reflective sound bouncing off the walls to reduce the accuracy of your music by producing sound from both the front and back of the speaker in opposite phase,"
informs Crutchfield.
It should come as no surprise that the sound reproduction is very accurate and clear. With music, fine detail is ever-present, with particular focus in midrange content like the vocals and strings.
Overall, these are an excellent compact pair for just about any home application. The only potential downside is that they do require power due to being electrostatic, which means you must have power outlets nearby.
Pros
Cons
4. KEF R900
Best Floor Standing Speakers for Music Listening
Sound Level (Loudest Volume) | 90 dB |
Power Output | 250W |
Impedance | 8 Ohms |
Number of Drivers | 4 |
Frequency | 40 Hz -28 kHz +/- 3dB |
Warranty | Yes, 5 years |
“Combining innovation drawn from the Reference Series with new bespoke technologies to ensure the new R Series delivers more detail, deeper insight and greater excitement,”
says KEF, their R900 is stunning in both looks and visual aesthetics.
Coming in either a High Gloss Piano Black or Gloss White, they’re sure to meld with any existing décor you already have in your home. The subtle, clean appearance will quickly transform any TV/music setup into a professional-looking system. The drive units are surrounded by anodized aluminum to finish the look off, and sturdy aluminum footers screw into the bottom of each one. Included spikes are there if you don’t want them sitting on the ground, also making height adjustments easy.
Each speaker weighs 65 pounds and is made almost entirely out of MDF. The way KEF uses constrained-layer damping, vibrations are kept to a minimum. While the exterior is simple, the interior tells a different story.
Coming with a 5.25” Uni-Q driver array, you’ll receive a mid driver and a high-frequency driver. They integrate quite well, though the additional two 8" low-frequency drivers are what deliver the deep, clear, and uncompressed bass. The 1" aluminum dome tweeter takes care of the high end, offering crisp claps and hi-hats.
Pros
Cons
5. Definitive Technology BP9080x
No products found.
Best under $5000 for a Small Room
Sound Level (Loudest Volume) | 92 dB |
Power Output | 250W |
Impedance | 8 Ohms |
Number of Drivers | 4 |
Frequency | 16 Hz - 40 kHz +/- 3dB |
Warranty | Yes, electronics 3, cabinet 5 years |
Are you in need of the best floor speakers for a smaller area? The Definitive Technology BP9080x speakers are the perfect solution for you. While power is attractive, it’s sometimes too much for limited spaces, and can actually diminish the sound quality. If you want theater-level performance, then look no further.
Big in both size and sound, the powered tower is impressively dynamic, presenting a full range of frequencies that are as lifelike as you're going to get from a one-piece system. Just keep in mind that they will require connection to a wall power outlet, so make sure your ideal setup suits this arrangement in your room.
Coming up to most adults’ stomachs or chests, the speaker is quite tall. However, it is also very slim, with a perforated aluminum top housing/dome tweeter to complement the otherwise all-black design. Due to this thinness, it's terrific for tight spaces, not to mention it just looks sleek and minimal.
Offering a surprisingly deep yet very focused soundstage, it will make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the scene or your favorite artist’s show. The sound color is slightly warmer, but without meddling with the mid frequencies.
With their patented forward-focused bipolar array, they work to fill up a room with sound very nicely, with a precise center image. However, you still have the variability in placement as far as sound quality goes.
I wouldn’t be able to properly finish off this review without mentioning the integrated 12” powered subwoofer and dual bass radiators! The best powered floor standing speakers require a balance between each frequency band to produce the most dramatic, accurate audio possible. The integrated sub and radiators create rumbly yet clear bass that really makes the whole experience complete.
Pros
Cons
6. Focal Aria 926
Best 3 Way Standing Model
Sound Level (Loudest Volume) | 91.5 dB |
Power Output | 250W |
Impedance | 8 Ohms |
Number of Drivers | 4 |
Frequency | 45 Hz - 28 kHz +/- 3dB |
Warranty | Yes, electronics 3, cabinet 5 years |
Quite possibly the most beautiful floor standing speakers in this price range, the Focal Aria 926 will take your room’s sound and aesthetic to the next level. Coming in either Black High Gloss, Noyer, Prime Walnut, or a Leather-finished body, they're quite the steal for the price tag. However, they have so much more to offer other than looks.
“The Aria 926 embodies the home 3-way floor standing loudspeaker. All kinds of music lovers will be thrilled with its acoustic qualities,”
says Reverb.
The French company is known for making pricier speakers, though this one is much more budget-friendly while retaining their pristine level of quality in every regard. As far as audio production goes, the 926s shine in the way they convey the intimacy in the way music is recorded and how they reproduce movies and television shows.
The rich, textured vocals are crystal clear, and percussions are full and well-rounded. Bass is tight and compelling, sitting along with the kickdrums in their own space to eliminate any chance of muddiness.
The TNF tweeter is comprised of aluminum and magnesium, using the same suspension method as the world-renowned Utopia Beryllium tweeter. This method suspends the tweeter between the dome and bracket using Poron., reducing distortion by a factor of 3 in the 2-3kHz range. This is the range where our ears are particularly sensitive, drawing notable effects to the improvement and clarity of sound quality.
Keep in mind that this model is ideal for rooms 215 feet squared, from a recommended listening distance of 10 feet.
Pros
Cons
7. Harman Kardon Citation Tower
Wireless Floor Standing Speakers
Sound Level (Loudest Volume) | n/a |
Power Output | 200W |
Impedance | 8 Ohms |
Number of Drivers | 3 |
Frequency | n/a |
Warranty | Yes, n/a |
If you’re someone who always has to have the latest-and-greatest, cutting-edge technology, then you’re going to fall in love with the Harman Kardon Citation Towers. These bold, powerful speakers offer full home theater surround sound without the mess of cables or relying on wall outlet connections. The fully-featured wireless model has everything you need for your modern-day setup.
We wouldn't say setting them up is a solo job, so try to find a buddy or family member who can help as they are pretty hefty in weight and size. Coming in your choice of either Light Grey or Dark Grey fabric finish, they work well in living rooms and other spaces with fabric furniture.
Each tower comes with a 25mm tweeter, two 10cm woofers along with a downward aiming 20cm sub along with 200W powered through them. Also, you can send audio to the speakers through Bluetooth 4.2 or Chromecast, supporting formats run to MP3, WAV, FLAC, HE-AAC, LC-AAC, Vorbis and Opus.
You’ll find Google Assistant as well, which affords you the flexibility to choose music without holding your device to do so. For added security as well as privacy, you can switch off the speaker’s mics at any time. To let you know if they’re on or off, the multi-color LEDs will let you know.
The right speaker comes with a touch-screen control panel conveniently located on the top of it, which lets you select your source and adjust volume. However, you can also change this is your connected device or Google Assistant.
As far as sound goes, it's also substantial and well-rounded, offering up deep bass and luxuriously rich mids thanks to an included Citation Subwoofer, topped off by a sophisticated end precise treble. The only improvement I'd like to have heard is a touch more definition in the bass and kicks, but the low end is by no means sub-par. Much like the previous model on the list, where it glows is the midrange, where voices flourish and are full-bodied.
Pros
Cons
Passive vs. Powered Floor Standing Speakers
Passive speakers are most commonly used in professional audio settings for PA systems and monitors; however, many consumers feature them in their homes, too. Passives are powered by an outboard amp, offering versatility in how they're used.
Moreover, if you're planning on building a large system, they'll leave you with extra room to expand. While this isn't always the case, passive speakers are generally lighter than powered speakers, making them easier to transport and less cumbersome if you want to move them to another room or even home. They do require as much power or more power than their program power rating, though many manufacturers suggest going up by twice that.
Active speakers come with power amps, crossovers, and more included, which makes things more simple, especially if you’re planning on transporting them at all. Simply plug a sound source, and you’re all set. As the speakers don’t require an external amp, they’re also a more space-friendly option if the room is a tight fit.
4-Way vs. 3-Way vs. 2-Way
2-way speakers come with only one tweeter and one woofer, signifying both will need to share the management of the mid-range frequencies. 3-way speakers have a tweeter, a midrange, and a woofer. In 3-way setups, each component manages its specific corresponding frequencies instead of "sharing." Thus, they often provide incredibly detailed sounds throughout the spectrum.
Finally, 4-ways have a "super-tweeter," which allows for some supreme textures in the high frequencies. If you’re going to choose between them, I highly recommend selecting either a 4-way or a 3-way due to better sound reproduction and accuracy.
How to Use Floor Standing Speakers Effectively
It’s crucial that you place your speakers in the correct position for the best listening experience possible. As each room is different, I can only provide some general tips.
- 1Make sure the speakers are placed so they play along the length of the room.
- 2Place the listening spot (sofa, chair, etc.) in the middle so you have a speaker on both sides of you.
- 3Never place items directly in front or behind the speakers, as it can distort the audio.
- 4Leave at least 6 inches of space between them and the wall.
- 5Angle them slightly to face the listening spot.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How do I minimize playback interference with floor standing speakers?
What does sensitivity mean in speakers?
What determines the sound quality of speakers?
What kind of audio performance can I expect from $5000 vs. $10000 speakers?
Do I need to buy powered subwoofers to pair with floor standing speakers?
Conclusion
While I’m sure you’d be delighted with just about any one of these best floor standing speakers under $5000, what’s most important is that you select the perfect model for you, your home, and your personal preferences.
If you’re still on-the-fence, allow me to recommend once again, the Bang & Olufsen model. First, they’re visually gorgeous and go with any kind of décor in your home. They’re also scratch-resistant and durable and are made to handle very low and high frequencies to offer lifelike, immersive sound. If you choose these, you can’t go wrong!
Thanks for tuning in, and happy listening!