Contrary to popular belief, people aren’t always looking for the best budget items. There is a particular section of the market that has their eyes set on the most expensive items up for grabs. Expensiveness is something we automatically associate with high quality. Much is the case with audio systems. A budget speaker may not necessarily be low quality but if premium is what you want, expensive is the way to go. This is where the most expensive speakers come into the picture.
Much like sports cars, even speakers have sold for a lot. For example, the ‘Final Audio Opus’ cost $450,000 ,the ‘Grand Enigma’ speakers cost a whopping $1,000,000 and the ‘Infinite Wisdom’ that cost $700,000. And the king of them all, the ‘Transmission Audio Ultimate’ that cost an insane $1,200,000. However, this does not necessarily mean they’re high-quality headphones (just saying).
Therefore, we’ve shortlisted 8 most expensive speakers, which we feel indeed justify their price. This list is not just based on the prices, but other aspects as well. We tested around 20 expensive speakers over 2 months and found these 8 to be the best.
| Most Expensive Bookshelf Speakers | KEF LS50 Wireless II |
| Most Expensive Outdoor Loudspeaker | Focal 100 OD8 Outdoor Loudspeaker |
| Most Expensive Wireless Speaker | Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 Wireless Speaker |
| Most Expensive Desktop Speakers | AudioEngine HD6 Wireless Speakers |
| Most Expensive Multiroom Speaker | Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 Multiroom Speaker |
| Most Expensive and Portable Speaker | Devialet Phantom II Speaker |
| Most Expensive Speakers With Alexa | Two Room Sonos Move Speakers |
| Most Expensive Tower Speakers | Definitive Technology D17 Demand Series Modern High-Performance 3-Way Tower Speakers |
However, before we look at them, let us first look at some key features of speakers that you must keep in mind before choosing to buy them.
Buying Guide for Expensive Speakers
Purpose/Use
The foremost thing you must keep in mind while selecting expensive speakers is the purpose behind getting them. Are you getting them for casual use for listening to music? For professional use or to match your beautiful decor? Users wanting to purchase speakers for professional use may pay more attention to the overall sound quality, frequency range, impedance etc.
Someone wanting to go the expensive route for the purpose of decor and luxury, may focus more on the design and type of the speakers!
Type of Sound System
Speakers come in various types, much like any other product. The most commonly used speaker types are, built in wall speaker, book shelf speakers, home theater, stand on their own/tower speakers and surround sound speakers. While picking out the best speakers for yourself, you must choose the kind of speakers you wish to go for.
This depends mostly on where you wish to set up the speakers. If its for a television room, stand alone/tower speakers or a home theater sound system would suit better. If its for personal use or to match decor, bookshelf speakers should be the go to.
Frequency Response Range
The frequency response range of any sound system refers to the range of frequencies or sounds it can produce. Most speakers boast a frequency response of 50 Hz – 20,000 Hz. A human ear is capable of interpreting sounds in the frequency range of 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz. The lower end of the frequency range is what produces the bass, whereas the higher end produces the treble.
If it is expensive speakers that you are going for, you must ensure that the quality of the sounds being produced are very clean and crystal clear throughout the frequency range.
Soundstaging/Surround Sound Quality
What is soundstaging? When a speakers is able to pin point the direction/location of a particular sound. For example, a person standing on the left of your screen speaks. A system with good sound staging will play the sound on the left channel only so that you can have a lifelike sound.
Most speakers or home theaters nowadays, come with surround sound systems. In case of an expensive speaker, the surround sound should be more accurate than otherwise. Some of the best surround sound systems typically comprise expensive speakers.
Connectivity
Most speakers are connected to their input units using wires. These could be 3.5 mm or 6.35 mm aux wires. But nowadays, latest technology and advancements bend in the favor of going wireless. Bluetooth connectivity and Wi-Fi are the ways to go! If you are looking to buy a pricey set of speakers, you must ensure the speaker has both connectivity settings i.e. wired and wireless! This allows for a wider option of inputs for your speakers.
Now, let us look at the best expensive speakers out on the market! Let us keep in mind that besides their price tag, we are looking at the most expensive but also the ‘best of their kind’ speakers. So, you may find other speakers which are more expensive than the ones we have listed. But, in the opinion of our experts, the following speakers are the best of their kind.
Most Expensive Speakers With Excellent Audio Quality and Features
Let’s now look at the detailed reviews of the top 8 expensive speakers on the market:
1. KEF LS50 Wireless II
Most Expensive Bookshelf Speakers
- Superior surround sound
- Beautiful design
- Wired and Wireless
- Strong and clear audio
- Takes less space
- No RCA connection
Let us keep in mind that we have made this shortlist based on not just the cost but also best quality in their categories. The KEF LS50 Wireless II are in our opinion the best most expensive bookshelf speakers. They come in a pair and do not disappoint. High-priced speakers generally appeal to audiophiles and we know audiophiles are very choosy.
Firstly, the KEF LS50 II speakers are sure to appeal to anyone that come across the. These speakers boast not only a high quality performance but are very pleasing to the eyes as well. They are currently available in 4 beautiful colors viz. Carbon Black, Mineral White, Crimson Red and Titanium Grey. The speakers have a traditional look with modern touch, making them a beautiful choice for your homes!
Secondly, unlike many other speakers, the KEF LS50 II do not an external amplifier. Just plug them to your television/phone, plug them with each other and you are good to go. The speaker shows off an incredible frequency response from 40Hz – 47kHz. Both speakers have a 280W amplifier for the lower frequencies (bass) and a 110W amplifier for higher frequencies (treble). So, one can imagine how lovely the audio will sound! The pair has a lot of connectivity options viz. HDMI eArc, TOSLINK, Digital Coaxial, Analog 3.5mm Auxiliary, RJ45 and Wi-Fi.
In conclusion, the KEF LS50 II are the perfect match for the modern day audiophile’s aural pleasure. The high end audio and aesthetics deliver the ultimate audio-visual experience for the users.
View on Amazon: KEF LS50 Wireless II
2. Focal 100 OD8 Outdoor Loudspeaker
Most Expensive Outdoor Loudspeaker
- Superior soundstaging
- Beautiful design
- UV protected cabinet
- Crystal-clear audio
- Not bulky
- IPX6 waterproof
- Only one color available
In the world of speakers, indoors is not the only way to go. A true audiophile would ensure that every corner of their house is covered when it comes to listening to music. Speakers being installed in gardens and backyards is not unheard of. Of course, we do not want to go around installing a large mid range horn round our house. The Focal 100 OD8 Outdoor Loudspeaker is the go to choice when it comes to the best most expensive outdoor speakers!
Firstly, what puts the Focal 100 OD8 Loudspeaker at an edge is the technology used in its hardware. They hardware of the sound system is a UV-treated high-density Polypropylene damping cabinet. It comes as a single speaker with an aluminum mount which can be installed on ceilings or walls. The Focal 100 OD8 Loudspeaker is available in a gorgeous while color, and has a very elegant and rich look. The while color can easily blend with any decor.
Secondly, talking about the audio quality, the Focal 100 OD8 is more than capable to hold its own. They have more of a party vibe than classy. The bass is extremely clean and powerful, something we all love. The midrange is crystal-clear and soft on the ears. The treble is slightly withdrawn compared to the other sound frequencies.
In conclusion, the Focal 100 OD8 Outdoor Loudspeaker may not be your go to choice if you wish to listen to classy music. However, if you want to swing your hips to some EDM or party songs, you will not find a better match!
View on Amazon: Focal 100 OD8 Outdoor Loudspeaker
3. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 Wireless Speaker
Most Expensive Wireless Speaker
- Active Room Compensation System
- Unique design
- Wired and wireless functionality
- Crisp and clear audio
- 7 audio drivers
- Can take up quite a lot of space
Wireless speakers are the most in-demand for people who are willing to splurge some cash on high end audio systems. So, one can say the best in this category may as well be the best of the lot. Our choice for the best most expensive wireless speaker is the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 Wireless Speaker.
Firstly, its unique and modern design make it an automatic contender for the preferred choice for an audiophile. It is available in three beautiful color combinations – Anthracite with Dark Oak Legs, Black with Walnut Legs and White with Oak Legs. The Beoplay A9 Wireless can be mounted on its stands or on walls using an additional attachment.
Secondly, the Beoplay A9 Wireless is top of the top when it comes to sound quality. They system comprises of 7 drivers. Yes, you read that right! 7 drivers, which comprise of an 8-inch woofer, two 3-inch midranges, two 1.5-inch full ranges, and two 0.75-inch tweeters. With this speaker, you can be assured you’re being delivered nothing but excellence. To add, the speaker has an Active Room Compensation System which allows it to calibrate according to the size of the room and where in the room it has been placed.
In concluion, it doesn’t get better when it comes to expensive wireless speakers, than the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 Wireless Speaker! It is a beautiful match of elegant looks and beautiful acoustics.
View on Amazon: Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 Wireless Speaker
4. Audioengine HD6 Wireless Speakers
Most Expensive Desktop Speakers
- Available in multiple colors
- Wired and wireless functionality
- Crisp and clear audio
- Do not occupy a lot of space
- Simplistic yet eye-catching design
- Easy to set up and use
- You need to place them at a proper angle and height for clear audio
The world was introduced to hi-fi speakers with the introduction of computers. The AudioEngine HD6 Wireless Speaker set is one of the best ones for using with desktop monitors. Let us see what to expect from them!
Firstly, AudioEngine HD6 has a simplistic rectangular look, but is available in 4 colors to match your PC setup! These are Black, Cherry Wood, Walnut and White. Some people might find the aesthetics to be play for the price to pay, but it sure serves as the right choice for desktop users. Their size allows them to fit easily around your setups, allowing you to hear things as clearly as possible.
Secondly, the AudioEngine HD6 Speakers are wireless. Therefore, you can avoid all the undesired wire clutter. All you need to do is attach the Bluetooth antennae to the left speaker’s back channel and you’re all set. The audio quality of the HD6 is very god, but we believe the bass drivers could do better. To make amends, you can attach subwoofers to the HD6 to make up for the lack in bass.
In conclusion, the AudioEngine HD6 Wireless Speakers may not have special features; nevertheless, the audio quality and affordable price (even in the expensive category) of these speakers more than make up for it. The audio quality is decent enough to qualify them as the best desktop speakers in the high-price category.
View on Amazon: AudioEngine HD6 Wireless Speakers
5. Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 Wireless Multiroom Speaker
Most Expensive Multiroom Speaker
- 360-degree sound system
- Unique eye-catching design
- Wired and wireless functionality
- Crisp and clear audio
- Batter-powered speaker
- Proximity sensor
- Easy to set up and use
- We did not experience any issues with this speaker
We are not surprised that the manufacturer Bang & Olufsen has made a return to our shortlist with the Beosound 1 Wireless Multiroom Speaker! A ‘Multiroom Speaker’ is one which can be connected to a string of other such speakers wirelessly, even if placed in different rooms. The Beosound 1 is a beautiful looking, battery powered audio system which will leave your audience with an open mouth, both at the spend and the looks.
The beautiful speaker comes in 4 glamorous colors viz. Anthracite, Natural Aluminium, Multicolor and Brass tone. Keeping the money factor in mind, the Beosound 1 has a lot to offer. Secondly, it has a 360 degree sound system that allows your room to be filled with the ultimate audio experience. It also comprises a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor can sense a users position in accordance to the speaker, allowing for a more intuitive audio experience for your ears.
In conclusion, you can connect the Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 Multiroom Speaker to many other systems from the same brand viz. Beosound 1, Beosound 2 and Beoplay A9 among others. Does it not make you wonder how a speaker can be so brilliant? Maybe because its cost (lol).
View on Amazon: Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 Multiroom Speaker
6. Devialet Phantom II
Most Expensive and Portable Speaker
- Unique design
- Reliable wireless connectivity
- Crisp and clear audio
- Battery-powered speaker
- Easily portable
- We did not experience any issues with this speaker
Portable is the way to go in today’s world! If you can carry it, you want it. Two of the most sought-after portable products in the world are portable chargers and portable music accessories. The Devialet Phantom II is the go to choice when we talk about the best most expensive portable audio speaker. Let us look at why!
Firstly, the Devialet Phantom II is an incredibly gorgeous looking portable speaker. Its unique design allows it to be carried around with ease, and also allows it to be setup on a designated stand. The round shaped with flat base speaker comes in two colors, Iconic White and Matte Black. They also come in 2 different variants, one with a 600W output and the other with a 900W output. The Phantom II can be controlled very easily via two ways. You can either use the touch sensors on the Phantom II or you can use the Deviled App for the same.
Secondly, the Devialet Phantom II lives by the phrase “Zero Distortion, Zero Saturation and Zero Background Noise”. The absence of distortion, saturation and background noise can be a real deal-maker! Many music systems fail to provide the clarity you desire. Although, you will have to pay more than usual for Devialet Phantom II, you are sure to get superior quality.
In conclusion, the Devialet Phantom II Speaker is one of the most compact and lightweight speakers out there. It’s perfect for a party on the terrace or by the pool. The build quality is impeccable. Don’t get fooled by this speaker’s size; all good things come in small packages!
View on Amazon: Devialet Phantom II Speaker
7. Two Room Sonos Move Speakers
Most Expensive Speakers With Alexa
- IPX6 waterproof rating
- Convenient and reliable wireless functionality
- Crisp and clear audio
- Battery-powered speaker
- Easily portable
- Alexa Voice Assistant
- We did not experience any issues with this speaker
The one thing the Devialet Phantom II lacks, is made up for by the Two Room Sonos Move by Sonos. We’re talking about a ‘Voice Assistant.’ We know that a lot of headphones come with built-in voice assistants (such as the best Alexa headphones) but the same cannot be said for a lot of speakers. The Sonos Move is the best most expensive voice assistant enabled speaker on the market!
The Sonos Move is very similar to the Phantom II. Both are portable and can be setup on shelves or stands. Although, this has more of a cliche cylindrical design compared to the more roundish design of the Phantom II. The Sonos Move has an IPX6 rating, helping it with extra protection against water, dust and harmful UV rays.
On the sound front, the Sonos Move is no less, it has a deep bass which is enjoyed most by users. Using the Amazon Alexa Voice Assistant, you can stay updated about the news, weather and more. Another thing that edges the Sonos Move over the Phantom II is that his speaker can be controlled three ways. By touch, by the Sonos app or by voice!
In conclusion, the Two Room Sonos Move Speakers go head to head with the Phantom II in the portable segment. Nevertheless, they comprise a built-in voice assistant which makes them one of the best speakers with voice assistance.
View on Amazon: Two Room Sonos Move Speakers
8. Definitive Technology D17 Demand Series Modern High-Performance 3-Way Tower Speakers
Most Expensive Tower Speakers
- Beautiful, elegant and expansive design
- Best audio quality
- Punchy bass with clean acoustics
- Luxurious look
- White color requires regular cleaning and maintenance
Tower speakers or floor standing speakers are some of the most sought after speakers by users because these are the ones that can truly produce the royal audio experience you are seeking. Among the many we came across, the D17 3-Way Tower Speaker stood out the most! Let us check them out!
Firstly, the design of the D17 Tower Speakers is extremely elegant and modern. These are available in black and white variants and come in a pair. Users may buy the dedicated left or dedicated right side speaker separately if they wish to. As we know, tower style audio systems are hard to ignore. The basic color options allow them to blend with any type of room decor.
Secondly, the sound quality of the D17 Demand Series is insane. The bass is extremely punchy and clean. The mids are extremely clear and the highs are immensely smooth.
In conclusion, the Definitive Technology D17 Demand Series Modern High-Performance 3-Way Tower Speakers deliver the best possible aural experiences. The surround sound effect on the D17 Demand Series was another reason why we had to bend in its favor. Although, we did use the D5 center channel to enhance the home theater effect!
View on Amazon: Definitive Technology D17 Demand Series Modern High-Performance 3-Way Tower Speakers
With this, we come to the end to our list of some of the most pricey but brilliant speaker systems out there!
Frequently Asked Questions About Expensive Speakers
The answer to this question is subjective. In our opinion, if you really feel budget is not of a concern, then these speakers will give you the best quality possible. It really makes sense to splurge on expensive audio systems if you need them for professional use, for losing to hi-fi audio. Also, it makes more sense if you place them in a room which has lots of space for truly absorbing the experience. In the end, to each their own.
In most audio accessories, ‘Di’ will always be better than ‘Mono’. A dipole bass system has a “figure of eight” response pattern which allows the sound output to be much more wholesome and dynamic. The one drawback that systems with Dipole woofers have is that they are usually bulky. We recommend dipole woofer systems in spacious areas. True audiophiles set up speaker systems with two dipole woofers and sometimes even four dipole subwoofers. DO NOT TRY THIS IN YOUR CAR!
Aesthetics, durability, sound quality and extra unique features (voice assistants, noise cancellation, proximity sensor, auto calibration) are some of the factors that distinguish a good audio speaker from a mediocre one!
Final Words
Now that you’ve identified the 8 most expensive speakers on the market, we recommend checking them to find yourself a good match. If price is not a concern, you can buy any of our top picks based on your requirements. We’ve clearly highlighted the categories with the products.
We hope you found our post on the most expensive speakers worth reading. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to post them in the comment section below.
