This list of bookshelf speakers is brimming with budget, mid-fi, and high-end contenders, and each one was selected for its exceptional sound quality.

The Bowers & Wilkins 705 S2's sound is low in distortion and high in clarity, so with top drawer audiophile music from Reference Recordings and MA Recordings the 705 S2's sound was palpably real, and bass definition was excellent. ($2,500, £1,800, AU$3,500 a pair)