In addition to being a private violin teacher and having a degree in music from USC, Alecia started writing music-related articles and product reviews six years ago and has enjoyed this experience greatly. She likes to learn new instruments and write new compositions in her free time.
Marcus has a vast experience in digital audio and sound design. Thanks to his knowledge, he actively helps musicians with technical problems, improving their audio quality and promoting their tracks so that thousands of listeners can enjoy really good music.
Last updated: August 02, 2024
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Live performance for classical music is always enthralling. Deep bass sounds can be best projected with high-quality sound systems that provide clarity and depth. However, you might not always have the chance to enjoy classical music live. This is where the best speakers for classical music come in handy. But what makes the best speaker stand out? Is it the dynamic range, sound quality, the size, or just the affordability? This buyer’s guide will help you secure the right product.
Picking the right speaker can be overwhelming due to a plethora of speakers on the market. Luckily, we’ve done the hard job for you. We’ve reviewed the top seven speakers and highlighted essential features such as frequency response, warranty, dimensions, and weight. These features help you choose a product that will suit your needs. The buying guide gives you more detail on what to consider when purchasing the speakers for classical music for a seamless process.
"Wide range of effects and perfect sound – these speakers for classical music grand you will enjoy every note.51Hz-28kHz frequency response.CFD port.108 dB max output."
"These speakers for classical music deliver full rich sound of famous melodies.4 Ohm nominal impedance.46Hz-25kHz frequency rersponse.85 dB sensitivity."
"Durable speakers for classical music that can be hung on the wall for perfect surrounding.40Hz-30kHz frequency response.8 Ohm nominal impedance.92 dB sensitivity."
"Vintage style speakers for classical music – they deliver perfect sound for wide variety of melodies.56Hz-20kHz frequency response.103 dB acoustic output.Bluetooth connection."
The KEF Q350 bookshelf speaker excels when space is limited. The Q350 features the Uni-Q driver array with CFD port design to deliver detailed sound with tight bass and high clarity. The KEF’s signature innovation places the tweeter in the acoustic center for the midrange cone. The result is a detailed, more accurate three-dimensional sound image that is dispersed evenly throughout the room that it could happen with a conventional speaker. The Uni-Q’s ultra-wide dispersion is further boosted by KEF’s tangerine waveguide fitted at the tweeter dome.
Even before you hear its sound, you’ll definitely know KEF Q350 is meant to vamp the appearance of your home. The elegant look of the single 6.5-inch Uni-Q driver will catch your attention instantly. The speakers also offer a choice of colors- white with a silver driver or black with a black driver.
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The KEF Q350 is designed with a CFD port repositioned to the rear of the speaker. With this, the clarity is enhanced by minimizing the audibility of the midrange leakage via the port. Ports’ geometry is tuned to reduce turbulence at higher levels, reducing the port noise and less LF compression. The repositioned Uni-Q driver optimizes the high-resolution sonic image of these speakers, making them the best bookshelf speakers for classical music.
Why are we impressed?
The product is designed to smooth out treble frequencies
The LS50 Meta is a precise, engaging loudspeaker that is built on revolutionary technology. The speaker is designed around the 12th generation Uni-Q using Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT), creating a compact, yet solid speaker that has the capacity to deliver detailed sound in your room.
MAT is a revolutionary material that has a maze like, complex structure that absorbs 99% of unwanted sound from the driver to eliminate distortion and deliver a pure, natural sound.
The design showcases the manufacturer’s attention to detail. This speaker provides incredibly immersive sound, so you can lose yourself in your music. Every aspect of the speaker has been considered for its acoustic benefit and design. The front baffle is curved and low diffraction and subtly mirrors the radiused rear panel, so it is visually softened and the speaker terminals and port exit appear elegantly recessed.
The port itself is flexible as KEF has made use of Computational Fluid Dynamics and port flare to offset the port and delay turbulence onset, preventing resonance from impacting the midrange, so you can enjoy clarity, depth and detail.
However, the LS50 Meta is about more than functionality, it is also like a piece of art that can liven up your decor and create a talking point with your guests. It is even available in a choice of finishes to complement your room aesthetics.
Why are we impressed?
The superb aesthetics that make the speaker look like a piece of art
The stunning clarity and depth of sound
What negatives must you be aware of?
You need to get the set up just right to get the best sound
Space constraints should never compromise the great sound. This is perfectly what ELAC Uni-fi UB5 delivers. In the past few decades, the true revolution in audio has seen immense change for better products with rich sound. The 1-inch soft-dome tweeter and the harmonic accuracy of a solid aluminum 4-inch midrange cone is ideal for sonic perfection. The concentrically positioned tweeter within the midrange voice coil delivers a perfect pattern for flat frequency response.
The sophisticated aluminum woofer gives the speaker a luxurious look. There is an extended size magnet with a vented pole piece that boosts power handling. As a result, it leads to the accurate reproduction of bass frequencies that are clear, powerful, and clean.
The ELAC Uni-fi UB5 is designed with a three-way speaker, which offers a myriad of advantages in designing a full-range system. This speaker complement enables a more straightforward crossover and cabinet design, which eliminates costly and complex solutions.
The thick MDF enclosures with internal bracing minimize cabinet vibration that might cause unwanted sonic shade. When you a three-way speaker like this one, you’ll quickly attain a smooth transition. The performance of this speaker is rather interesting. The addition of coaxed midrange/tweeter configuration boosts the accuracy. The speaker is available in various color variations to help you choose what will complement your fashion and style.
What stands out?
Exquisite accuracy and precision
It produces rich, authoritative musical bass
The speakers are reasonably priced
Compact to fit in small space
The size does not comprise the sound quality and clarity
Yamaha brand has always fascinated clients across the globe. The company’s rich reputation has transverse every corner of the world. Thanks to the quality products and professional levels. Customer satisfaction is on another level. And Yamaha NS-333 is the best affordable speakers for classical music. Measuring 7.9 x 12.7 x 8.4 inches and a weight of 12.1 pounds, the device delivers an elliptical-shaped cabinet, which helps minimize internal standing waves. The high gloss piano black finish gives an elegant sheen.
This bookshelf speaker is designed for home theater applications. If you’re looking for a stage-like experience for classical music, the Yamaha NS-333 is the best bet. It features a bass-reflex design suitable for surround or main channels that incorporate a 5-inch PMD cone woofer. The tweeter utilizes the exclusive waveguide horns for enhanced imaging. The waveguide also reduces reflected sound and boosts the proportion of directly generated sound waves reaching your ears. This will be a bonus for homes without sound-absorbing materials on the wall. As a result, you’ll get a clear and precise sense of sound that replicates the sound produced in a commercial movie theater.
The Yamaha NS-333features monster cable internal wiring among several components, ensuring a clear, clean signal from the crossover network to the driver. Each speaker is magnetically shielded to enable you to place it on TV or video monitor. This prevents degradation of the picture through stray magnetic fields.
Why are we impressed?
Beautifully finished
Impeccable sound quality
Compact yet delivers great bass
Great for beginners
What negatives must you be aware of?
The speaker doesn’t offer the spring clip connection
With more than 25 years of constant innovation, the latest audio technology, and relentless engineering, Definitive is one of the most trusted names in premium home entertainment and audio speakers system.
If you’re looking for the best speakers for classical music, the Definitive Technology SR-9080 is the ultimate choice. They are engineered to offer a sound that transcends the status quo. The Balanced Double Surround System(BDSS) technology drivers and dome tweeters deliver pure sound and perfectly reproduce even the most enthralling audio content. You will like robust bipolar design the gives you a truly immersive surround sound experience. From an action-packed movie sequence to instrumental accuracy music, you’ll enjoy acoustic excellence with high-quality sound.
The design of the speakers ensures the sound is directed towards your listening area. This means your neighbors won’t get disturbed by the speaker’s sound, especially if you don’t have sound-absorbing walls. The 15-inch tall plug-and-play speaker can be placed about anywhere in your room and enjoy your favorite music. The versatile placement options include on the table or mounting it on the side or rear walls for a room-filling experience.
You can pair Definitive Technology SR-9080 speakers with any bipolar tower speaker and center channel to create a beautiful three-dimensional system that suits your preferences. The total inert resonance-free cabinet aids in minimizing disturbances, giving you a clear, natural, and powerful sound.
You cannot mention great classical music without having an excellent music system. You’ll not always have a chance to attend a live performance. However, you can bring that experience right into your room. The Bose 201 series is explicitly designed to strike a balance between affordability and excellent performance. Each speaker includes a long excursion 6-1/2 woofer and a highly sensitive 2 stereo that target tweeters. The Syncom computer tested to ensure the speaker delivers the highest level of reliability and quality in the audio industry.
The Bose 201 is designed with Proprietary Stereo Everywhere technology that combines direct and reflected sound to deluge the room with vibrant, clear, and clean sound. It’s an ideal product for people who want to experience incredible classical music within their confinement without causing noise pollution within the neighborhood. The speaker features a 2-way crossover channel with a standard impedance of 8 OHM. The recommended amplifier power is 10W.
The device is endowed with a unique port geometry for rich, clean bass. The compact size and horizontal design allow flexible placement options. The elegant design of the Bose 201 makes it perfect as front or rear home theater. The trim, stylish speakers from Bose are suitable for your dorm room, den, and office.
What makes it special?
Versatile speakers to be used at home, dorm room or small scale living room
The sleek design makes them suitable for any décor
Compact to fit in small spaces
Speakers come at a competitive price
The speakers are compatible with amplifiers that are about 10-120W per channel
If you’re looking for the best vintage speakers for classical music, the Klipsch Heritage Wireless the One II is the ultimate solution. The good-looking Bluetooth speaker is endowed with powerful audio performance. It delivers excellent audio performance with rich, clear, and vibrant bass. Mixing mid-century modernistic design and innovative technology, the speaker delivers concert-level sound. It’s a professionally-tuned stereo system to ensure you have an unrivaled sound experience.
Incorporating luxury and solid materials such as tactile switches and wood veneers, the speaker will last for long. The speaker is fitted with a single switch to help you turn it on and off easily. Press the volume and source dial to switch between Bluetooth, 3.5mm, and connections. Don’t let its size fool you. The voice control tabletop system seamlessly pumps out powerful Klipsch sound. The device boasts of a 56Hz-20kHz frequency response. Streaming your favorite music or movies has never been this easy. You can also stream news, podcasts, and more using built-in digital voice assistance after streaming, broadcast throughout the entire home with excellent Klipsch sound.
The Klipsch Heritage Wireless the One II features 92kHz/24-bit decoding for flawless reproduction of high-resolution audio tracks for excellent audio performance.
What stands out?
You can connect with USB, Aux 3.5mm stereo
Comes with a power cord that’s approximately 4.5 feet in length
An excellent choice for rich, clear sound
Stylishly crafted for an elegant look
What cons did we manage to find?
The product doesn’t have bass or treble adjustment knob
The model is expensive
The device does not have WiFi capability
Things to Consider
Buying the best and reliable speakers for classical music can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you can have a seamless process if you know what to consider. The myriad of brands on the market can make you get confused. And not all models advertised as great will serve you the purpose. Therefore, you need to narrow down to essential factors to consider to ensure you end up with the best device on the market.
Why classical music requires special speakers
The classical music genre has a wider dynamic range compared to other music styles. The tone can easily change form a vibrant treble to a deep bass in seconds. In most cases, people attend live performances for an enthralling experience.
However, you can bring this kind of experience right into your room by venturing into the best speakers for classical music. The frequency range of such monitors will surprise you – it can deliver the perfect sound just as if you were listening to your favorite concerto life.
Go classical – how to arrange your speakers
It doesn’t matter whether you choose the most expensive speaker on the market, if you don’t arrange them properly, the sound delivery will be quite annoying. So, what is the best way to arrange your speakers? If you have two speakers, they need to symmetrical to each other. More so, the distance between them should be equal. This way, you’ll sit down and enjoy your classical music with crystal clear and clean sound.
Avoid placing the speakers on the ground to enable you to get high-frequency delivery. The speaker should be at about the same height as your ears. Therefore, you can place the speakers on a cupboard or shelf. Alternatively, you can invest in a pair of speaker stands.
There should be no barrier between your speakers and ears. The barrier can block the signal, hampering the overall sound quality.
Brand considerations
There is a myriad of brands on the market that manufacture speakers. However, not all of them can clearly create a product worth for classical music. Classical music speakers need high-quality technology to ensure you get the best sound quality.
Thus, you need to choose a reliable and reputable brand. So, how do you do this? Ensure you read reviews from previous clients to get the necessary information. You can also get recommendations from close friends and relatives.
Furthermore, consider the experience. For instance, Yamaha has over five decades of experience. They have the best innovative technology to manufacture high-quality products. Their professionalism is above the ceiling.
Prices
When it comes to classical music speakers, you get what you pay for. The better the quality, the higher the price. However, some brands strike a balance between affordability and quality. On the lower side, you get a classical music speaker at $200. Some of the best brands will cost you around $1000.
If you want enthralling concert-like experience, then be ready to spend some bucks. However, this doesn’t mean you have to nosedive into debts to get a high-quality product. Always choose what fits your budget without compromising the quality.
Choose the best speakers for classical music by the following features
Securing the best speakers for classical music can be unnerving, especially if you’re shopping for the first time. There is an array of factors and features to consider to help you pick the most reliable device. Classical music speakers come in various shapes, sizes, weights, colors, and endowed with different features.
Therefore, you have to rummage through various brick-and-mortar and online shops to choose what best fits your needs and budget. below, we have outlined essential features to consider before purchasing the speaker for classical music
Size
Undoubtedly, speakers for classical music are available in various sizes. The products can either be large or compact to fit in small spaces. For instance, the KEF Q350 is a large speaker measuring 11.9 x 7 x 10.9 inches. It’s suitable for large spaces. If you have a squeezed space and still want to enjoy incredible classical music, Yamaha NS-333 can be an ideal solution.
However, the size isn’t proportioned to the sound quality. Some of the compact speakers are knowns to have the best sound quality.
Dynamic range
Dynamic range is a definitive difference between the loudest and quietest volume of a speaker. Dynamic range is measured in decibels, and it’s important because it relates to the speaker’s capability to reproducing high-impact audio moments without rattling. A speaker endowed with a high dynamic range delivers sonic excitement and energy present in live performances and movies.
Warranty
A warranty is a guarantee or an assurance provided by the manufacture or a product. It assures you that you’re about to purchase high-quality products without manufacturing defects. With a warranty, you can ask the manufacturer to rectify the defects.
This is not different with speakers. When choosing the best speaker for classical music, ensure you pick a product with a warranty. A good warranty must give detailed information about the manufacturers’ conditions. You need to know whom to contact for repairs. Can a company replace or repair the product? Or if you return it, will you get your money back?
When choosing a speaker, ensure you pick the one with a warranty. Definitive Technology SR-9080 comes with a 5-year limited warranty on cabinet and 3-years limited on electronics. This means the company can repair or replace the cabinet if it gets defective before the lapse of five years.
Bluetooth option
The best Bluetooth speaker for classical music is portable and makes it easy to listen to music. Listening to classical music need total focus and concentration. If you’re in a congested place and want to listen to your favorite music, you can connect to the phone and have a private moment.
This can also happen when your room is not soundproof, and you don’t want to cause noise pollution within your neighborhood. Therefore, consider purchasing a speaker with Bluetooth options.
Durability
Just like in other products on the market, durability is a major factor to consider. You wouldn’t want to spend a bunch of dollars for a speaker only for it to break or get damaged easily. Durability is determined by the material used.
High-quality material enhances the durability of speakers. The material used also provides an authentic classical sound to suit your needs and satisfy your heart desires. More so, consider features such as dustproof, waterproof, and weatherproof. They add versatility and makes it easy for portability and maintenance.
Power
A classical music speaker can either be powered by batteries or AC. If you choose a battery-powered product, ensure it uses a rechargeable li-ion battery with more than 3000 mAH. This can last you for several hours of continuous playtime.
The electric-powered speakers such as Klipsch Heritage Wireless the One II come with power cable to ensure you enjoy continuous music. You can choose the power source you want.
Impedance
Impedance basically tells you the amount of current that will flow via a speaker at a certain voltage. The power is current times voltage. A lower impedance speaker accepts more power from your speaker. A 4-ohm speaker will accept more power than 8-ohm speakers can do.
Therefore, it’s prudent to choose a classical music speaker with high impedance. This will save you more power, lower the electrical bills, and allow you to enjoy music relaxingly.
Sound quality
The material used will determine the sound quality of a speaker. From wires to the glue, the materials used have an impact on the overall sound. When it comes to a speaker, every tiny detail adds up to the entire sound impact. That’s why you’re required to be keen when selecting the component.
It can be compared to cooking. Some chefs would make delicious dishes better than others. The crossover circuit also plays an essential role in how a speaker sounds. If a speaker is fitted with more one driver, a crossover will determine the frequencies to be produced by which driver. Trebles would get directed to a tweeter while the bass will be directed to the woofer.
Woofer
Woofers are designed to handle lower frequency range for speaker systems. A standard woofer produces frequencies from 20Hz – 2000hz. Some high-quality speakers contain whether a tweeter and tweeter or a tweeter, mid-range the or a woofer. The first set-up is known as a 2-way speaker, while the latter is known as a 3-way speaker. The Yamaha NS-333 is an example of a 2-way speaker.
A subwoofer is only capable of producing 200Hz. They are designed with one or more woofers. However, they don’t have the best sound quality.
Therefore, it’s prudent to choose a speaker that will produce high frequencies for a clear, smooth, and clean sound.
Affordability
The best speaker for classical music doesn’t have to coast you an arm and leg. Some brands offer the best features at a competitive price. There are speakers with higher prices but might not deliver quality sound or last you for long. All you need is to choose a product that will suit your needs and fit your budget. Ensure the speaker has fantastic components for stellar sound.
Placement of Speaker
Where you place the speaker determines the impact of the sound. You’ll probably need the nest vintage bookshelf speaker if you plan to place them in furniture. Ensure you select the right spot to place the product. However, don’t make a mistake of placing a speaker on the floor. This will affect the sound quality. Hard surfaces affect the sound quality. If getting a vintage floor speaker isn’t viable, buying an audiophile bookshelf is the best option.
Extras
Wide frequency, enhanced bass definition, and decent look are some of the features that make a great speaker for classical music. More so, choose the right components, such as good sound drivers and crossover networks.
You should also consider the latest technology used in designing the speaker. Excellent frequency range, ability to get paired with different devices, Bluetooth connectivity, and your home décor. As you purchase a speaker, ensure it will complement or enhance your home décor.
Listening to classical music can be enthralling, relaxing, and inspiring. Although these are songs composed between the 1750s and 1820s, they still live on today. This kind of music is deep, and it requires you to think deep, focus, and visualize. You cannot listen to classical music while doing other things.
Therefore, it would be prudent to set up a listening room. Cover the windows with curtains and ensure you have shelves against the wide flat walls. Flats surfaces will give you an annoying echo that will spoil the mood.
More so, the furniture materials in the room should be soft or wood as they help in absorbing the reflected sound. As a result, you’ll have immediate listening experience.
You shouldn’t be afraid to clean speakers. The task is quite simple and quick to handle. What you need a microfiber cloth and water on it. Microfiber is the preferred fabric because it’s soft; hence it won’t destroy or scratch the speaker. Wet the microfiber cloth and wipe down the cabinet. Afterward, wipe with a dry cloth to ensure there is no water left in the cabinet.
The finish doesn’t require any special maintenance. Clean the speakers often to prevent dust and dirt buildup.
Classical music is a complex genre that needs your time to comprehend. You have to master listening and recognizing different sounds, themes, and crescendos. Invest in a quality speaker and listen to classical music radio channels. Each piece conveys a different emotion. It could be bitterness, rage, nostalgia, blissfulness, or sadness. Look at each song and settle in an emotion that suits you the best. Imagination is also a huge part of classical music. Close your eyes and visualize.
Our Verdict
Our first pick is KEF Q350 bookshelf speaker, which is the newest iteration of KEF. This award-winning series features a new cabinet, an enhanced 6.5-inch Uni-Q driver array, and sleek new finishes. The Uni-Q driver array is designed to smooth out treble frequencies. The redesigned internal architecture minimizes intern resonances for improved clarity.
Our second pick is KEF LS50 Meta. The speaker radiates an extremely large listening spot while delivering an incredibly fast, expansive, and clean sound. It comes in three striking colors, each with a corresponding Uni-Q driver array. With its compact design, the LS50 delivers concert-like sound experience, making it among the best speakers for classical music on the market.
Our third pick is ELAC Uni-fi UB5. The three-way design speakers have a custom-designed concentric driver and beautiful furniture quality finish. The custom terminals offer the flexibility of speaker wire connections. It also ensures optimal electron transfer from cables to the speaker.
Thank you for detailed guide