We are in an age where the latest technology and gadgets are all focused on the idea of doing more with less. It would seem that each advancement made in today’s micro-age is about going ultra-portable and thin: whether you're talking about the newest iPod nano or the hottest cutting-edge netbook computers, small is most definitely all the rage.

There has been one piece of Guy Gear that has always remained immune to the downsizing trend and that is speakers -- massive, floor-standing monsters that just demand to be seen and heard. If you're ready to make your technological presence felt with a set of the most unique and spec-heavy speakers around, feast your eyes (and ears) on this group that will send all of your micro-mini slim devices running for cover.

Fluance ES1 Pillar

Not every high-end massive speaker requires you to max out your credit card to purchase; case in point being the ES1 Pillar from Fluance. The specialized pillar design ensures accurate vertical sound reproduction that is surprisingly very refined. The high-performance five-way binding post of the ES1 is gold-plated, and not just for the sake of bling, but because the precious metal is a ideal conductor of sound. From top to bottom, the entire speaker is magnetically shielded to avoid external interference from other nearby audio/video peripherals, so those annoying pops and hisses are a thing of the past. As a great overall value, the Fluance ES1 Pillar is a heck of a set, giving you both kick ass amenities while leaving a few Benjamins in your pocket so you can spend them on gadgets to integrate with your massive speakers.


KEF Muon

Bordering on the avant-garde, the KEF Muon is a true marriage of form and function that artistically blends into a massive speaker set that is infused with organic style and never-before-seen technology. The UNI-Q driver allows for evenly dispersed sound over an expansive distance no matter if the Muon is located centrally or not. One of the coolest features seen on any speaker in 2009 is the ACE enclosure method employed by KEF which actually encases the drivers in granules of activated carbon, allowing for interference-free sound that is both loud and clear. For the guy whose personal style is a bit out there, and whose wallet knows no budget, meet your perfect massive speaker: the Muon.


VIVID Audio B1 Loudspeaker

With the Audio B1 Loudspeakers, VIVID has incorporated a bone-crushing four-driver configuration into a wholly original enclosure that is made to deliver dynamic and rich sound. Each of the two speakers features a tweeter and midrange on the front, with a mid-bass on both the front and back. The two bass run in unison through screw tensioning and react instantaneously to one another, which boils down to amazingly accurate and detailed heavy sound. All of the speaker wires run directly through the arms of the Audio B1’s base, allowing you to hide those unsightly cables while keeping your sound system looking clean and professional.



Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 5

Bang & Olufsen has always been known for their forward-thinking designs and ultra-high-end craftsmanship. These traits are most definitely on display with the BeoLab 5, a speaker set that can virtually transform your living room into a symphony concert hall. One of the more advanced features in the BeoLab 5 is the Acoustic Lens Technology, which essentially allows for ideal surround sound no matter where the speakers are placed in the room. So, even a slightly off-center speaker setup will still circulate audio noise perfectly. For those guys who crave some serious bass, there is the Adaptive Bass Control that gives the user full range of the Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 5's booming power through 2,500-watt internal speakers. The stunning cabinet design serves as more than just an artistic selling point, as it was specifically created to allow for top-notch sound reproduction.

Klipsch Palladium P-39F

Born out of a lengthy testing process in the renowned Klipsch home sound laboratory, the Palladium P-39F is a universal masterpiece of audio and design. Everything about this tower system comes from careful engineering and testing, right down to the one-of-a-kind system drivers -- encased in high-quality metals -- that were handpicked to ensure the delivery of crystal-clear sound. While the innards of this Klipsch monster scream "arena concert," the unique wood-grain cabinet finish gives off a true luxury aesthetic that immediately turns any entertainment center into a high-end setup. When you hook up the Palladium P-39 to your home theater system, you will be able to immediately notice that every last fiber and wire Klipsch has put into this piece of gear was solely designed to blow your ears to bits.