Best value bookshelf speakers for your budget

Our expert Chris Haslam gives advice on buying the latest hi-fi equipment

- Chris Haslam

Before Spotify took over, the stereo speaker market was awash with great-value passive designs to complement your amplifier, turntable and CD player. That field has shrunk, but the quality is arguably better than ever. I'm focussing on bookshelf speakers under £500 this month, which I appreciate is loose change to some audiophiles and a significant investment to casual listeners. But let me assure you, pound-for-pound, these passive speakers - with no need for their own power supply - will, when paired with a similarly priced amp, sound superior to all but the most extravagant one-box system.

Bookshelf speakers, also called standmounts, are a compact way to enjoy serious hi-fi. Typically measuring around 25-35cm tall, they're designed for small- to medium-sized rooms and usually feature a two-way design with a tweeter (often a 1" soft dome) and a mid/bass woofer (4-7"). It's worth looking for designs that include front or rear ports to make the most of lower bass frequencies, but getting the best from your speakers will require accurate placement. Yes, ironically, the bookshelf is about the least suitable place for a bookshelf speaker.

I've included a series of tips (right) on how to position your speakers at home, and trust me, something as simple as angling each speaker towards your favourite seat makes a huge difference. But the biggest impact you can make is to pair them with stands. Try Richer Sounds (richersounds.com) for a great selection.

If stands aren't an option, a solid sideboard or table will be OK, but try to avoid pushing them hard into corners or against the wall, as this often muddies bass response due to the small volume of the cabinets.