A loudspeaker is the single most influential link in the hi-fi chain. It will exert more character on the overall sound of a system than anything electronic, making it the most important and perhaps the trickiest thing to get right.

When buying, start by evaluating your room size and be realistic: you'll only need a small standmount speaker in small to medium rooms, but large, open spaces will require a larger floorstanding speaker. Most UK rooms, however, are modestly sized, and it's therefore crucial to remember that despite their compact dimensions, standmount speakers usually provide the best all-round solution in terms of performance and value.

Below are our top 10 favourites across all budgets.

10 PMC DB1+ (£625)

The DB1+ (Dinky Box 1) from 'prosumer' speaker expert PMC, is one of the finest speakers you can buy. It's small, good looking and easy to integrate into any system. PMC's speaker knowledge - gained from years spent making studio monitors - really shows in this well-rounded, dynamic speaker. Key to its appeal is its beautifully judged sense of balance which lends the speaker to all kinds of music. Key specs: Type: Standmount; Dimensions (width x height x depth, in cm): 16 x 29 x 24; Sensitivity: 87dB (claimed)

9 Q Acoustics 1050 (£350)

The impressive Q Acoustics brand has redefined the budget end of the loudspeaker market, and this popular floorstander is the darling of the range. Using British design and Far Eastern construction, the Q Acoustics 1050 has got it all. With two substantial 165mm bass units flanking a 25mm tweeter, this 18kg speaker is, materially, incredible value for money. Its well-balanced, honest and dynamic sound is just as good value, too. Key specs: Type: Floorstander; Dimensions: 19.5 x 97.5 x 30; Sensitivity: 92dB (claimed)

8 Bowers and Wilkins 683 (£899)

It's not every day that Bowers and Wilkins launches a new range, so when the company recently changed its ever-popular 600 series, it was big news. The B&W 683 sits in the middle of the new line-up and features the company's 150mm FST midrange unit found in the flagship 800 series. This, coupled to two 165mm aluminium/Kevlar bass units and an aluminum dome tweeter, makes for a dynamic and revealing loudspeaker design that's going to set the standard for years to come. Key specs: Type: Floorstander; Dimensions: 19.8 x 100 x 34; Sensitivity: 90dB (claimed)

7 Quad ESL 2805 (£4,500)