In order to make the best out of a living room or even a home studio, you should have proper audio equipment. And we all know that proper audio equipment is not easy to find when you are on a budget, this is the reason we did this review on the best tower speakers under 500. When it comes to speakers there are hundreds of different models and brands, you will have to do your research between different sizes, brands and even features.
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After a long research we finally got to make a short list of the best tower speakers under 500, within our expectations for the price tag. So, here we are sharing a list with the best tower speakers under 500. All of these units have the potential to fulfill your needs and we’ve taken everything that an audiophile would, into consideration. So, here is what you should consider buying if you are on a tight budget for home audio equipment.
1. Sony SSCS3 3-Way Speaker
The Sony SSCS3 is an excellent option for people who are on a budget but still want to invest their money on a quality set of speakers. While this product is priced reasonably, we would like to point out that its quality is the main factor and focus and the price tag is just a bonus.
As you expect from Sony products, you will find that this tower speaker offers the perfect blend of build quality and intuitive design. The cabinet of the SS-CS3 is made from wood, which is designed to provide a natural resonance, and its bass reflex construction offers optimized low frequency performance. Four rubber foot pads are included to isolate the speaker from your floor, so as to reduce floor vibration.
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Although the Sony is a 3-way speaker made primarily for smaller rooms, it didn’t disappoint us. At first listen the all new Core Series speakers will make your favorite audio tracks unfold throughout your listening environment thanks to precise instrument reproduction positioning and even depth relative to an expansive soundstage.
The super tweeter is specifically designed to deliver ultra-responsive high-frequency audio response (up to 50 kHz) ideal for High-Resolution listening with wide directionality. There is also an optimized crossover componentry for a clear audio path. The overall audio performance is amazing.
- Stylish design
- Great for smaller rooms
- Made of quality materials
- Max input power 145 Watts
- Cones are exposed
2. Polk Audio Monitor 60 Series II
When you are looking for a good tower speaker that will offer high-end features and still be at an affordable price, the Polk Audio is the brand for you. Both the Monitor 60 and 70 series II still remain two of the bestselling and highly reviewed floor standing speakers on the market.
The 60 Series II It has a one-inch dynamic balance dome tweeter as well as four (4) 65″ dynamic balance woofers. Basically, this means that we have a great amount of power with incredible sound quality. This translates to crisp and spacious stereo sound with an impeccable dispersion.
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With the three-dimensional lifelike audio features, you will feel like you are right at the concert event you are listening to. With a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, the high-frequency response will be as detailed as possible. Regardless of the type of music you are listening to, the vocals and the instruments are realistically reproduced.
The unit can easily deliver a deep bass and even better mid-range frequencies. After all, the Polk Audio Monitor 60 Series II is a great choice for anyone looking for quality at a reasonable price. The manufacturer has been on the market for quite some time and they really know how to make high-quality units.
- Reputable brand
- Incredible mids
- Well-balanced sounds
- Classic design
- The design might be too boring for some people’s taste
3. Polk Audio TSi400 4-Way Tower Speakers
Another pair of tower speakers that you should definitely have on your wish list when you are hunting for the best tower speakers under 500 are the Polk Audio TSi400. The TSi series offers high performance and affordability. Polk’s TSi series offers high end features such as Dynamic Balance drivers, highly engineered ports, and narrow baffle design.
They feature a 1-inch silk or polymer composite which ensures high-quality sound. Also, there is a Dynamic Balance dome tweeter for perfect audio response. I really loved the fact that there are three 5,25-inches diameter bi-laminate cone woofer made from organic fiber. These will ensure that your listening experience is impeccable. I found that the Polk Audio tower speakers are great for watching movies. As a great addition to any home cinema, they have a recommended amplification of 20-200 watts/channel which isn’t bad at all.
Performance-wise, the Polk TSi400 features a very clear sound with sparkling highs. The mids and lows are very accurate and reproduce sound perfectly. Also, there are dual five-way binding posts that will let you bi-amp or bi-wire the TSi400 for even better performance.
- Two different designs to choose from
- Great highs
- High-quality structure
- Chance of amplification
- There is some distortion
4. JBL Studio 290 Tower Loudspeaker
Next tower loudspeaker on our list is the JBL Studio 290. Although coincidentally, it found its place as 5th on our list, this unit is no weaker than the previous ones. It features a dual 8″ PolyPlas woofers which perfectly deliver deep, powerful bass.
So, if you like music that should have a proper, punchy bass – the JBL Studio 290 is the choice for you. Also, this unit features a 1″ CMMD lite high-frequency driver. This ensures that you will experience nothing less than crystal clear high frequencies.
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For the midrange frequencies, there is a 4-inch PolyPlas mid-range driver. Overall, the sound quality is impeccable, and this is noticeable from the first moments. There is a HDI – high definition imaging waveguide. Basically, it creates a nice, wide soundstage with pinpoint imaging to ensure the ultimate listening experience for you.
The Studio 290 speaker cabinets have a monolithic design, especially when the speaker grille is on. However, what they lack in visual appeal they more than make up for in audio features. So, if you are looking to upgrade your home-cinema, a tower speaker like the Studio 290 is the perfect choice for you.
- Urban design with elegant, rounded sides
- Incredible sound
- Accurate mids
- The construction is not very sturdy
- Prone to damage
5. JBL Arena 170 Tower Speakers
Last but not the least our best tower speakers under 500 is of course the JBL Arena 170. These floor-standing speakers are JBL’s entry-level series and excellent value. If you have a small to medium-sized room, these should be high on your list. They’re compact, perform better when placed close to a wall and won’t overpower your space. These two-way seven-inch speakers are simply amazing. We were surprised by the quality, especially considering their price.
Design-wise, the JBL Arena 170 tower speakers feature a quirky, contemporary design, with wood veneer side panels and gently sloped top panels finished in a grainy-effect plastic. We liked the black color side panels as it adds to the overall stylish design. The speaker’s skinny profile could make it a bit unstable on the floor, so JBL provides outrigger feet that extend the cabinet footprint a couple of inches out from each corner.
The large 7-inch polycellulose woofer plus rear bass port creates a fantastic bass sound that is ideal for enjoying the music, TV shows, movies, and games. When it comes to connecting the speaker cables, the Arena 170’s are equipped with very good connection terminals with gold plated bindings and solid plastic screws. The terminals are single-wire and can take bare wire, spades or banana connectors. The JBL Arena 170 may not be as powerful as other legendary JBL speakers but no doubt that these are fun, entertaining and efficient speakers.
- Crispy, clear sound
- Great features for this price range
- Good connectivity
- Simple yet stylish design
- The bass might be weak for some types of music
Conclusion
Tower speakers are the cornerstone for your home audio system. They have a vertical alignment and rectangular shape to deliver an excellent clarity of sound.
We hope our review for the best tower speakers under 500 will assist you make a choice for your next purchase. It’s a fact, the speakers market is saturated, so finding a speaker suited to your needs is a sure thing, it is narrowing down what you are looking for that is the key.
