Top Picks

Multiroom/Wireless Speakers

Definitive Technology Wireless Collection Multiroom Audio System
(April) Our initial system review of Def Tech’s Play-Fi-dependent W series tabletop speakers (prices start at $399) was, essentially, “Speakers sound awesome, but the app sucks.” Only the W Studio soundbar was issued a Top Pick back then as a standalone product. With Play-Fi’s recent app update (see upcoming review of the W Micro soundbar in our February/March issue), our reservations go away and this becomes a well-recommended hi-res-friendly alternative to a Sonos system. $3,295 as reviewed, definitivetech.com

Raumfeld Wireless Multiroom Audio System
(December) Raumfeld is a sister of Germany’s venerable Teufel brand, and this high-resolution-compatible system just introduced to the U.S. offers everything from tabletop speakers to full-size powered audiophile speakers, all well adapted for wireless use and run by a nicely designed app. We reviewed a system with multiple components, but speakers start at $249. $2,944, us.raumfeld.com

Sonos PLAY:5 Wireless Multiroom Speaker System (February/March 2016 issue, watch for our review.)
(February/March 2016) The robust PLAY:5 was Sonos’s first self-powered, standalone speaker, and the new, just updated version is both $100 more than the original and a big step forward in performance and features—including integrated Trueplay room correction. $499, sonos.com

Naim Mu-so Wireless Speaker System
(January 2016) Naim, a respected U.K.-based audiophile brand, really hit it out of the park with this stylish, well-built, exceptionally musical, and quite substantial countertop system featuring Bluetooth and Airplay compatibility. $1,499, naimaudio.com

Riva Turbo X Bluetooth Speaker
(July/August) Riva is a newcomer with audiophile roots that launched with the Turbo X in 2015, delivering fine fit, finish, and features and authoritative, natural sound in this excellent portable Bluetooth speaker. $349, rivaaudio.com