HDTV:

MIRAGE NANOSAT

These unusual speakers use Mirage´s hi-tech Omnipolar system, and look just this side of very cool. Pull off their mesh domes and underneath you´ll reveal a small “flying saucer” floathing above the upper surface of the main enclosure.

Don´t dismiss this as a gimmick. Provided you place the speakers at or below ear height, they sound entirely convincing. They have a combination of focus and detail which is amazing for speakers so small.

Ideal for: Those who want a slice of hi-tech sophistication in a small, stylish package.

KEF KHT 2005.2

KEF´s much-celebrated “egg” system, now in seriously revised form, continues to set standards in the home cinema speaker-package market. It works superbly with series-two tweaks, bringing improved bandwidth, power handling and dynamics in the satellites, and a wholly new, much beefier 250W/25cm subwoofer. The combo gives accurate timing and midrange clarity, and a smooth but detailed top end and heaps of bottom-end slam and energy.

Ideal for: Anyone wanting “proper” surround sound from a very sexy sub/sat speaker set-up

MORDAUNT-SHORT GENIE

Other companies have had compact and stylish subwoofer and satellite speaker packages before, but Mordaunt-Short has taken its time and come up with something that´s both novel-looking And capable of a highly persuasive sound. The shield-shaped enclosures of the main speakers ensure the visual appeal, while the subwoofer comes complete with a test disc and sound meter to ensure perfect set-up. This is a very fine small-room package.

Ideal for: Smaller rooms, when a big, poised sound is needed from compact speakers

TANNOY ARENA

While traditionally Tannoy may be associated with heavyweight systems that put sound quality before looks, its extraordinary Arena package could change all that. The cone-within-a-cone design of the Dual Concentric satellites delivers wonderfully-focused effects, while the compact subwoofer packs in a whole 300W of bass power. Floorstands and wall brackets not only fit the speaker style perfectly, but keep cables out of sight, too. Also available in white, black and silver.

Ideal for: Anyone who wants a first-class surround system that looks as good as it sounds

MISSION M-CUBE

These tiny 9cm-square cubes are quite remarkable: by using NXT flat-panel technology (now called Distibuted Mode Loudspeaker by Mission) they produce a sound that belies their diminutive size. This is largely due to the excellent 250W subwoofer that has a default crossover point of 256Hz, meaning the sub has to do its duties over a wider than normal frequency range. The result is a package that undoubtedly knocks other sub/sat systems into a cocked hat.

Ideal for: People who want an expansive, cohesive soundstage from tiny, discrete speakers

MORDAUNT-SHORT 500 THX SELECT

Like most systems that employ aluminium-dome drive units, the system sounds best when given an extended run-in. Once that´s done, there´s nothing to complain about. The Mordaunt-Short, comprising two 502 floorstanding towers, a 504 centre channel and a pair of 506 dipole surround speakers, combines great clarity with excellent cohesion, delivering a fine blend of weight and authority. Switch up to THX Ultra amplification, and the impression of authority is strong.

Ideal for: Those looking for an affordable package, and the kudos of that THX badge

TANNOY SENSYS

The Sensys package has been around for some time, but what´s new here is the TS12 subwoofer. Combined with Tannoy´s excellent DC1 and DC2 speakers, and the DVC centre, it makes a very formidable package. These speakers are as capable of turning on the excitement with big action movies as cruising through some music with a generous, easy sound that´s still packed with detail and atmosphere. If you have room for a full-size speaker package, this is a must-try.

Ideal for: Anyone with room for full-size speakers that excel with action films and music

BLUE SKY SYSTEM ONE 5.1

US manufacturer Blue Sky has built up quite a reputation from over the pond, boasting professional users such as the Rolling Stones and Skywalker Sound. Happily, this system lives up to the hype, and then some.

It may only be small, but the System One handles a “busy” soundtrack admirably – keeping the dialogue audible even when confronted with the biggest of big-bang cinema moments. This active package is high, high quality.

Ideal for: Anyone looking for superb value, professionally approved, stylish looking speakers

MISSION ELEGANTE E82 SYSTEM

Taking design hints from Mission´s flagship Pilastro speaker, the more affordable elegante – with a small “e”– range is a stylish system that happily sounds as good as it looks. Most striking are the e82 floorstanders, which boast no less than four bass units plus a midrange and a tweeter. Aesthetically this means the speakers are slimmer and smaller than if one big driver was employed to provide the same weight of bass that these four can muster.

Ideal for: The man who aspires to Mission´s flagship Pilastro range, but can´t afford it yet.