Audio can be cheap. Audio can also be extremely expensive. Thankfully its possible to spend more for incremental improvements in your audio quality. But I've always wanted to compare them all side by side — how much better does spending more sound?
So I've lined up 5 different "tiers" of audio: a cheap Bluetooth speaker, a more expensive option, a pair of Wi-Fi speakers, a budget HiFi system, and then a fairly expensive system.
I've listened to them all and now I can say which one might be worth your hard-earned money... and which ones are not. So let's get listening.
Tier one — cheap Bluetooth speaker
This lil' guy is the Wonderboom 4, and it's one of the best ways to listen to music outdoors or in your bedroom without spending too much money. It only comes in at around $100, making it one of the cheaper Bluetooth speakers.
Can you expect the best sound? Of course not. But if you're on a budget or want a throwaway speaker for some outdoor trips, it's great.
You can listen to your music, as I did, and you won't find a huge amount to complain about. It would be nice to have some more bass, a bit more detail, and a wider soundstage, but you can't expect much from something that you can palm with one hand.
It marks the start of my audio journey, and it shows you don't have to spend loads of money to get something that sounds good. Still, I'm excited for my next speaker to see how things improve.
Tier 2: Bluetooth stereo pair
My next port of call was to connect two Bluetooth speakers and see how much better the sound would be. I stepped up to the Bose SoundLink Flex 2, a solid Bluetooth speaker in its own right, that also lets you double up for twice the sound.
First off, you won't get more detail or even drastically improved sound when it comes to dynamics or frequency representation. The only thing that might seem enhanced is bass volume, and that's only because there are now two drivers making the low stuff, although even then, it mostly only smooths things out. After all, there's less work for each to do.
What is on offer, however, is vastly improved soundstage. That's because you can now spread the sound out amongst the two speakers, widening the sound stage. The sound is improved in terms of space and immersion as a result — if you can afford the extra for a pair of speakers, I'd say it's actually worth buying two for stereo mode rather than one more expensive model. This next step has been an interesting one, but now I'm ready for the next step — and we're connecting to the Wi-Fi.
Tier 3: Wi-Fi connected speaker
This hourglass-shaped wierdo is the Sonos Era 300. It's a Wi-Fi-connected smart speaker that offers something we've not yet seen on the list (and won't see again) — Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio. That means that compatible streams from Apple Music and Amazon Music sound more spacious, as if you've got multiple speakers dotted around the room.
That's why I chose this speaker. The Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio mean that not only does the speaker sound excellent, but it also sounds much larger than similar devices sound on their own.
This step-up in audio quality does feel like it's worth the extra dollars. Its mighty bass, impressive mids, and massive sound make up for the lacking detail — and its sculpture like design makes sure it fits in no matter where you put it. Now — onto the really good stuff.
Tier 4: Entry level HiFi
HiFi systems this side of the pond are expensive. Where in the likes of the U.K. you can pick up excellent components for relatively cheap, audio equipment in the U.S. often demands a hefty premium. Still, it's possible to spend less than $1,000 and get something that sounds epic. Case in point — the Wiim Amp Pro and a pair of Q Acoustics 3020i.
So far, this one's the clear winner. The speakers themselves have more drive, more dynamism, and more detail than the other options we've seen so far. They're more articulate as well, so you're in for a more involving musical experience.
The system is also more flexible. There are loads of inputs on the back of the amplifier, so you can hook up stuff like the best record players and spin some discs, or even pick up a CD player for some '90s throwback headbang sessions.
This is the happy medium for me — and even better if you can find some components on eBay and save some money. That's how I got my first HiFi system, and I only shelved some of those components when I replaced them last year. My old speakers lasted about 10 years in my care before I upgraded them, and they were older than that when I bought them.
Still, there's better; let's give it a try.
Tier 5: Premium HiFi
Now we're into the big leagues. I've got here a Cambridge Evo 150 SE, nearly three-and-a-half grand worth of streaming amplifier. At its core, it's the same idea as the Wiim Amp Pro above, but dials up all its features to eleven. That means 150 watts per channel so that it can drive even the most demanding of speakers, and some seriously impressive internals to make sure the music sent to the speakers sounds epic.
I've paired it with some monster new floorstanders from Dali, the Sonik 7. They exude special, from their monolith-like design to the massive speaker units that dominate their front fascia. They also happen to sound insane.
As you might expect, the sound fills the living room. There's bass for days, detail for miles, and immersion like nothing else. Is it that much better than the entry-level system? Oh yes, it really is, but I'm not sure I could ever tell anyone to buy it.
This is an audio system for people with more money than sense. For audiophiles who are seeking the best sound possible, who have lots of money but not the tens of thousands of dollars for the really expensive stuff.
This is the point when things get trickier. The sound is much better than anything else on the list, but spending more becomes a case of diminishing returns. For some, this is an endgame system. Until they experience something even better, and suddenly, nothing is good enough. The path of the audiophile is a slippery, expensive slope.
Which should you buy?
Honestly? Buy what you can afford, or save up for that which you can't. Not everyone is going to the need the sonic prowess of even the entry level HiFi system, and will be more than happy with the $100 Bluetooth speaker.
As for what provides the best bang for your buck, I'd say the entry level HiFi system. It sounds much better than the other options towards the cheaper end of the list. You'll be left with space to upgrade in the future, and have something to show off when friends come to visit. Some of them, like the system I've built here, can be plugged into a TV to improve your movie and TV show sound.
Most important of all is to have fun — the important thing is the music you're listening to, not the equipment you're playing it through.
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