It’s been another great year for speakers with new arrivals from the likes of Q Acoustics and Epos shaking up the price categories for 2024. Our list of winners takes in more established class leaders too, with models from Bowers & Wilkins, KEF, Wharfedale and Spendor holding off all-comers in their respective market sectors.
Starting with standmounters, we have a new budget Best Buy in the form of Wharfedale’s Diamond 12.1 (£249/$399/AU$699). The demise of last year’s champ, the Elac Debut B5.2, has left a gap that the Diamond fill admirably with their combination of refinement and insight. They are forgiving enough to deliver an enjoyable sound with less-than-perfect budget electronics, but they also have enough sonic stretch to allow more capable equipment to shine. You can add terrific build and finish to their list of strengths too.
