As the pandemic forces us to spend more time indoors, there is a huge interest in elevating the sound system at home. Choosing the best audio set-up can be tricky — whether you’re creating an at-home theater system of your dreams or simply upgrading the built-in smart speakers, we’ve got options and easy on the wallet too. Scroll on… 

Best All-Around Smart Speakers

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A9 4th Gen 

First on the list is Danish audio luxury brand Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay A9 4th Generation. Adding to its predecessors’ existing features, such as a full-range of connectivity, multi-room synchronization and a seven-driver-strong build with a high-performance engine, the 4th Gen Beoplay wireless home speaker comes with active room compensation technology that adapts to the ambiance of the room. It balances bass, treble and mid-range outputs outstandingly with no distortion. But even more striking here is its stunning Scandinavian design that highlights a minimalist aesthetic and its elegant solid wood legs.

Price: HK$25,800
Pro: Clean and loud audio; elegant design
Cons: B&O setup app could use improvement
Find out more here.

Best for Home Cinema

Bose Smart Soundbar 900 

Presented in sleek 104.5cm x 5.81cm x 10.7cm, the Smart Soundbar 900 by American audio tech company Bose, although slim in structure, does not skimp on quality. Subtly mount it underneath your flat screen or upon a shelf  — no matter its position, the intelligently engineered sound system creates an immersive soundscape making you feel like the action is happening right in your own living room. Bringing details to life, the smart soundbar highlights the brand’s exclusive TrueSpace audio processing technology that analyses non-Atmos content (such as stereo or 5.1) and up-mixes the sound quality to create a more dynamic and multi-layered cinematic atmosphere. And for a truly immersive audio experience at home, the device synchronises any Bose smart-home headphones and smart speakers via SimpleSync.

Price: HK$10,000
Pro: Impressive clarity and details; supports Dolby Atmos; slim and subtly fits on the shelf or underneath the TV
Cons: It’s only flaw is that it is slightly larger than its previous 500 model
Find out more here.

Best for 360-degree Audio

Pantheone I

At first glance, one might think that the Pantheone I is an sculptural piece set to elevate the aesthetic of the home, and perhaps that is exactly what the Australian design firm had aimed for in creating this high-performance audio accessory. Fusing form and functionality while powered by state-of-the-art technology that boasts impressively loud output and deep base without fall short on audio quality. Sound and modern art come together in its smooth and robustly curvaceous structure and impressive engineering that allows its hidden hardware to produce exceptional 360-degree soundstage. Good enough to fill a large room.

Price: HK$22,206
Pro: It has an impressive volume and sound quality for its size and structure; doubles as a sculptural piece for the home. 
Cons: It is heavy (25kg) and design may blend easily in every home. 
Find out more here.

Best for Streaming

Bowers Wilkins Formation Wedge 

British manufacturer Bowers Wilkins delivers room-filling audio systems. If you think the Formation Wedge looks good, just wait until you read what it has under its hood. Strategically placed and angled for optimum sound quality, its drivers (two 2.5 cm aluminum dome tweeters, a 9 cm woofer underneath, and a 15 cm subwoofer) provide outstanding sound clarity without any interference among the drivers, despite its relatively small stature — providing excellent high-resolution audio quality. In place of physical controls, the Wedge features illuminating touch-sensitive controls for volume and play/pause modes. 

Price: HK$8,999
Pro: Supports integral stream services; stylish design and excellent sound quality
Cons: No remote control;  dedicate app and streaming services are 
Find out more here.

Best for Power

Devialet Phantom I 103 dB

There’s nothing like moving to your favourite track, and with French audio expert Devialet’s Phantom, you can rest assured that audio quality on this device will not fall short. Boasting an immense output from it powered by high-fidelity and ultra-dense sound in a compact design. It is digitally powered, analog-grade audio technology pumps out ultra-deep bass, thanks to its HBI® Heart Bass Implosion, and produces stunning clarity — capturing every detail and bringing the concert to your home. Moreover, it arrives in a gorgeous glass fibre polycarbonate casing that presents a modernist style fit for any stylish home. 

Price: HK$12,990
Pro: Powerful and outstanding bass and clarity even at high volume; captures the slightest details that lower-end speakers cannot
Cons: Not the most subtle external design for minimalist homes
Find out more here.