How low do they go?
Of the 429 here with a figure quoted, most are rated between 23Hz and 48Hz, with a median of 35Hz. 311 of them are quoted at 40Hz or below, which is roughly where a soundtrack's low effects and the bottom of a bass guitar live. Makers measure this differently, so use the figure to rank models rather than as a promise.
What do they cost?
Most sit between $998 and $35,999, with a median of $3,999 and a full range of $344 to $788,000. Prices are for a pair unless the listing says otherwise. These are the current asking prices we hold, not sale prices, and they move - check the retailer before deciding.
What amplifier do they need?
Sensitivity here is mostly 87.0dB to 95.0dB, median 90.0dB. 216 of the 428 that state a nominal impedance are 8 ohms. Every 3dB of sensitivity is worth as much as doubling the amplifier's power, so a sensitive speaker needs far less amplifier than an insensitive one of the same size. Read the minimum impedance as well: a nominal 8 ohm speaker that dips to 3 ohms is the harder load.
Can they be bi-wired or bi-amped?
206 of the 324 with the connection recorded have two sets of binding posts, so those can be bi-wired or bi-amped. It is worth knowing before you buy cable, but it is a long way down the list of things that change the sound - position and room treatment come first.
How big are they?
Most are 931mm to 1,354mm tall, median 1,095mm, and weigh 15.9kg to 71.2kg, median 27.2kg. Every listing gives height, width and depth in both inches and millimetres, so measure the space before you order rather than after.
Do I still need a subwoofer?
222 of the 429 with a figure quoted reach 35Hz or lower, so many of these need no subwoofer for music. For films it is a different question: the lowest effects sit below where most towers stop, and a subwoofer you can position independently is easier to integrate with the room than a tower that also has to be placed for its midrange and treble.