BABY BOOMERS

People say "think big". We say, with stereo speakers, that's not always good advice

Good things come in small packages, we are told, and when it comes to stereo speakers, that’s true. Or, at least, it can be. Yes, there is no substitute for a large cabinet if you want a sound with real scale and the deepest bass, but today’s speaker technology is so good that even the smallest speakers can deliver authoritative and dynamically adept sound with a fulsome and convincing bass response – especially in smaller rooms. That is good news indeed, because many music lovers simply don’t have the space for big speakers.

If you are after a smaller speaker you do, though, need to choose carefully. To help you do so we have compiled this round-up of eight little wonders whose performance belies their dimensions. Four of them are passive, which means they form the last link in a chain that also includes a source and an external amplifier. The other four are powered models. These contain their own amplification, so all you need to do is add your source. In some cases, these powered speakers also include network streaming smarts, making them all-in-one systems – the ultimate space-saving devices.

With prices running from £349 for the Ruark MR1 desktop speakers (18cm high) to £1995 for the Neat Petite Classic (30cm high) there is a little something here for every budget.

Bowers & Wilkins 607 S3

B&W's newest, smallest entry-level speakers are a delight

Passive speakers