Best Speakers Under 5000: Top 5 Picks for 2023 Audiophiles

Speakers are an essential part of our lives, whether for listening to music, watching movies, or enhancing our gaming experiences. In today’s market, there are numerous types of speakers available, ranging from compact Bluetooth speakers to complex home theater systems. For those looking for an affordable option without sacrificing quality sound, the “best speakers under 5000” category might be the perfect fit.

Sound quality should be the top priority, as it determines the overall performance of the speaker. Factors influencing sound quality include the type of driver used, frequency response, and sensitivity.

In this article, I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various speakers under 5000 to help you make an informed decision and find the perfect speaker that fits your needs and budget requirements. So, let’s dive into the top picks and discover the best speakers under 5000.

Best Speakers Under 5000

I’ve researched and compiled a list of the best speakers under 5000 for you to enjoy high-quality sound without breaking the bank.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 (4th Gen)

I’d recommend the Beoplay A9 for its incredible sound quality and unique design, despite its hefty price tag.

Pros

• Room-filling sound performance
• Adaptive audio for different room types
• Multipurpose connectivity options

Cons

• Expensive price point
• Bulky design may not be for everyone
• Difficult to set up Google Assistant

Upon unboxing my Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9, I was immediately captivated by its iconic design and exquisite craftsmanship. The speaker not only looks beautiful but also adds an artistic touch to my living room.

Once I set up the Beoplay A9, I was blown away by the rich and powerful sound it produced. The adaptive audio feature easily adjusted to the acoustics of my apartment, and it filled every corner with crisp, room-filling sound. The variety of connectivity options, including WiFi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2, and Chromecast, allowed me to seamlessly connect and control the speaker with my favorite devices.

However, I couldn’t ignore the fact that the Beoplay A9 comes with a steep price tag. For some, the cost may not justify the benefits, and the sizable design might not suit every home. Additionally, I experienced some challenges trying to set up Google Assistant on the speaker, but this didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the excellent sound quality it delivered.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 (4th Generation)

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 is an iconic and powerful speaker that delivers room-filling sound, perfect for music enthusiasts who value style and sound quality.

Pros

• Impressive room-filling sound
• Built-in room adaptation for optimal audio
• Rich connectivity options: WiFi, Bluetooth, Airplay 2, and Chromecast

Cons

• Relatively expensive compared to other speakers
• Large and bulky design
• Google Assistant functionality not available in all versions

Having used the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9, I can confidently say that the sound quality is indeed remarkable. The 480-watt digital amplifier system ensures that every beat can be felt throughout the room. Its active room compensation feature automatically adjusts the sound to its surroundings, so you can enjoy crystal-clear audio no matter where you place it.

The Beoplay A9 also offers seamless connectivity with its strong WiFi integration, Bluetooth capabilities, Airplay 2, and Chromecast support. This makes it an incredibly versatile speaker for any home environment. However, it’s essential to know that not all versions come with Google Assistant functionality, so be cautious when making your purchase.

While the speaker’s stylish design and impressive performance are noteworthy, it comes with a hefty price tag. Additionally, the Beoplay A9’s rather large and bulky design may not be suitable for small spaces or those who prefer more compact gadgets. Nevertheless, if you value high-quality audio and an iconic design, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 could be the perfect addition to your home audio setup.

Q Acoustics Q Active 400 Floorstanding Speakers

These speakers are a fantastic investment for those seeking high-quality sound with wireless convenience at an affordable price.

Pros

• Wireless connectivity with multiple options
• Control hub for physical formats
• Impressive Balanced Mode Radiators technology

Cons

• Subwoofer not included
• Alexa compatibility coming in future update
• Weighing 7.5 kilograms, they might be a bit bulky for some

When I set up my Q Acoustics Q Active 400 speakers, I was immediately impressed by their sleek design and ease of use. The wireless capabilities allowed me to effortlessly connect various devices, including my phone via Bluetooth and my television through HDMI ARC. I was also excited to learn that they are Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect compatible.

One of the standout features for me is the control hub, which offers options for seamlessly integrating with physical formats. The hub accepts connections from a turntable or a mixer using the stereo RCA output and even optical cables for gaming consoles or DVD players. Moreover, I found the sound quality to be exceptional, thanks to the Balanced Mode Radiators (BMR) technology, which provided clear midrange performance and a wide listening area.

However, I did notice that the system doesn’t come with a subwoofer, which means you’ll need to purchase one separately if you’re looking for that extra depth in your audio. Additionally, the compatibility with Amazon’s “Works with Alexa” is not available yet, but it’s planned for a 2021 update. Lastly, the 7.5-kilogram weight of each speaker might be slightly heavy for some, so ensure you have the necessary space and support before purchasing these speakers.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance – Black Oak

I recently tried the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance, and I believe it’s a top-tier speaker option under £5000 with a few minor drawbacks.

Pros

• Stunning design and quality build
• Adaptive audio for various environments
• Intuitive interface and app support

Cons

• Price might be steep for some
• Some difficulty with initial Wi-Fi setup
• Reduced bass at higher volumes

The moment I unboxed the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Balance, I was captivated by its elegant design. The combination of a precision-crafted aluminium grill with a Fibonacci pattern and a solid oak wood base gives it a sculptural feel that would suit any home interior.

One of the standout features for me was the orchestrated audio. It allowed me to adjust the spaciousness of the output depending on whether I wanted ambient sound or more focused listening. I was also impressed by its cutting-edge versatility; the audio engine dynamically adjusts the sound to take advantage of the surrounding space.

However, I did experience some difficulty setting up the speaker’s Wi-Fi connection initially, but it wasn’t a deal-breaker. I also noted that the bass reduced at higher volumes, which may not please those who love plenty of bass in their music. That said, the user-friendly interface and Bang & Olufsen app compatibility made controlling the speaker a seamless experience. Overall, it’s a fantastic speaker for those who can accommodate the price tag.

Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 (5th Gen) – Natural Aluminum

I highly recommend the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 for its powerful sound, sleek design, and smart active room compensation features.

Pros

• Impressive room-filling audio performance
• Intuitive and versatile streaming options
• Stunning and iconic visual design

Cons

• Higher price point than competitors
• Size may not fit all spaces
• Setup may be confusing for some users

When I first set up my Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9, I immediately noticed the powerful, room-filling sound emanating from this beautifully designed speaker. I could easily customize the audio settings to my preference thanks to the Beosonic equalizer in the Bang & Olufsen app. The seven effective drivers work harmoniously to deliver exceptional audio quality, making it a fantastic choice for any home.

The active room compensation feature truly sets this speaker apart. After scanning my room, the Beosound A9 intelligently optimized its sound output based on its placement, ensuring a crystal-clear listening experience. This feature alone makes it worth considering, especially for audiophiles who demand nothing but the best from their home audio systems.

Although the price may be higher than other options in the market, the iconic design and rich, expressive sound of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A9 make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their home audio experience. The unique, customizable sound EQ and multi-room connectivity options make this speaker not only a stunning centerpiece but also a versatile and powerful home entertainment solution.

KEF LS50 Wireless II – Mineral White

The KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers provide a remarkable audio experience that will enhance any home setup.

Pros

• Impressive high-resolution audio quality
• Versatile connectivity options
• Stylish design with convenient app control

Cons

• Bluetooth volume adjustment can be laggy
• No hard copy of the manual included
• Higher price point

I recently got my hands on the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers in the stunning Mineral White, and they have truly blown me away. These speakers deliver remarkable audio quality, with Hi-Res Audio, an expansive soundstage, and excellent detail and dexterity. My listening experience was positively transformed, immersing me in the world of music unlike ever before.

The connectivity options are a huge plus, as the speakers support AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Bluetooth, HDMI, and more. This means I can effortlessly switch between connecting my TV, turntable, CD player, and other devices. The improved KEF Connect app also adds to the experience, allowing me to easily control the speakers and stream from various platforms like Spotify, Tidal, and Internet Radio stations.

While the Bluetooth volume adjustment may not always be as smooth, it’s a minor downside compared to the overall performance of these speakers. It’s important to note that the manual was online rather than included in the box, which can be inconvenient for some users. Despite the higher price point, the KEF LS50 Wireless II speakers truly offer a premium audio experience that is worth every penny.

KEF LS50 Wireless II – Active Stereo Speaker System

The KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker system is a fantastic investment for those looking to enhance their listening experience, thanks to its versatile connectivity options and excellent sound quality.

Pros:

• Extensive streaming options with native app integration
• Seamless compatibility with Apple and Android devices
• Impressive sound quality through Metamaterial technology

Cons:

• No hard copy of the user manual
• Bluetooth volume adjustment can be laggy
• Subwoofer not included, but often not needed

Over the past few weeks, I have been absolutely delighted with my KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker system. When I first set up these speakers, the ease of connectivity amazed me. Not only did they effortlessly connect with my iPhone via Airplay 2, but they also integrated with my Spotify and Tidal accounts, allowing me to stream music directly from those apps.

One of the standout features of these speakers is their sound quality. The 5.25″ Uni-Q driver array with Metamaterial technology provides an incredibly clean and pure audio experience. I have listened to a diverse range of music genres, and the LS50 Wireless II speakers have consistently delivered an expansive soundstage with remarkable detail and dexterity.

Though these speakers don’t come with a subwoofer, I personally haven’t felt the need to add one. The bass response, even without teeth-rattling levels, is more than satisfying for my preferences. In conclusion, the KEF LS50 Wireless II speaker system is a high-quality and versatile choice that I wholeheartedly recommend for anyone seeking to upgrade their listening experience under 5000.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best speakers under 5000, there are several key factors that I consider. These include power output, sound quality, connectivity options, design, and ease of use. In this buying guide, I will discuss these factors in more detail to help you make an informed decision.

Power Output and Sound Quality

Power output is an important factor in determining the overall sound quality and volume a speaker can produce. For speakers under 5000, I look for units with a decent wattage, usually in the range of 50-200 watts, to ensure they can produce loud and clear sound. I also pay attention to the frequency response range, as wider ranges typically offer better sound reproduction.

Connectivity Options

Modern speakers often come with multiple connectivity options, enabling them to seamlessly integrate with various devices. I tend to favor speakers that offer Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and wired connection options such as AUX, RCA, and optical inputs. This ensures that they can accommodate a wide range of devices and use cases, including home theater systems, music streaming, and playback from smartphones or tablets.

Design and Aesthetics

The physical appearance of a speaker is a personal preference, but I always look for speakers that have an attractive design and will complement the aesthetics of the room they are placed in. Size is also a consideration, as smaller speakers are often more portable and easier to fit in tight spaces, while larger speakers may provide better sound quality and resonance.

Ease of Use

I value speakers with user-friendly controls and interfaces that make it easy to adjust settings, switch between inputs, and control playback. Some speakers offer app-controlled settings, which can further enhance convenience and customization. Additionally, I prefer speakers with straightforward setup processes, making it easy to get started and enjoy audio without any hassle.

Thanks for reading.

Tom