All Separate Speakers

The Bottom Line: M-Audio's Studiophile AV 20 is smaller and cheaper than its larger siblings, but the better form factor comes with sound quality compromises.

Specs: 3.9 in x 6.1 in x 7.8 in, 2-way Active, 10 KOhm, 10 Watt

The Bottom Line: The able Polk Audio PSW111 subwoofer delivers seamless bass despite its compact size.

The Bottom Line: If you don't mind its uninspired aesthetics, the Definitive Technology ProSub 800 is a mighty little subwoofer and a fine match for its SSA soundbars and ProCinema satellite speakers.

Specs: subwoofer, 10.3 in x 15.7 in x 12.9 in, Matte black, Active, 300 Watt

The Bottom Line: Aperion's awesome 5.1 speaker system is pricey, but the Intimus 5B Harmony SD's great sound and superb build quality are definitely worth it.

Specs: High-gloss black, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 200 Watt

The Bottom Line: Aperion's awesome 5.1 speaker system is pricey, but the Intimus 5B Harmony SD's great sound and superb build quality are definitely worth it.

Specs: Medium cherry, Active subwoofer, passive satellites, 200 Watt

The Bottom Line: M-Audio's Studiophile AV 40 is a PC speaker for music lovers who care more about sound quality than compact size or rock bottom pricing.

Specs: 6 in x 7.2 in x 8.7 in, 2-way Active, 20 Watt

The Bottom Line: The Parrot Boombox wireless Bluetooth speaker system ably combines elegant design, minimalist aesthetics, and better-than-average sound quality at an affordable price.

Specs: speaker, 16.9 in x 8.9 in x 5.9 in, Black, 2-way Active, 60 Watt

The Bottom Line: While their surround effects fall a bit short of the best we've heard, KEF's beautifully crafted FiveTwo Series Model 11 speakers produce five channels of sound with exceptional audiophile-grade clarity.

Specs: surround sound speaker, 8.3 in x 9.1 in x 40.2 in, High-gloss black, Passive, 8 Ohm, 87 dB

The Bottom Line: KEF's HTB2 subwoofer combines sleek style and high performance.

Specs: subwoofer, 17.3 in x 7.7 in x 15.4 in, High-gloss silver, Active, 110 dB

The Bottom Line: KEF's FiveTwo Series Model 7 system produces audiophile-grade surround sound from two speakers--that's a rare compliment for a virtual-surround system.

Specs: surround sound speaker, 4.1 in x 9.1 in x 15.7 in, High-gloss black, Passive, 8 Ohm, 87 dB