There are some that may pine for the good ol’ days, but in the world of electronics, it’s almost always best to move forward.

The freestanding speaker category, for instance, demonstrates that the best is yet to come.

Gone are the days of large boxes and fake-looking wood veneers. Manufacturers are coming out with speakers that feature designs that complement the modern home.

Perhaps most importantly, manufacturers are reaching price points that enable consumers of all economic backgrounds to purchase products that align with their musical and design tastes.

Sure, there are a number of big and cumbersome products that look like they’re from the 1970s still on the market. Moreover, there are a number of products that carry price tags that are more inline with the good times of 2006 and 2007, but the good news is that big, ugly and expensive is quickly becoming the exception rather than the rule.

For a closer look at how the speaker industry is incorporating these new values, here is a roundup of the latest freestanding loudspeakers.

Click here for 32 Popular Freestanding Speakers.

Robert Archer - Senior Editor, CE Pro

Bob is a dedicated audiophile who has been writing about A/V for Electronic House sister publication CE Pro since 2000.