Under 6 in Separate Speakers

The Bottom Line: Canton's unique three-channel CD 90 SB sound bar combines good looks with above-average sound quality for music and movies.

Specs: three channel speaker, 39.8 in x 3.9 in x 3.5 in, Black, 2-way Passive, 85 dB

The Bottom Line: Canton's unique three-channel CD 90 SB sound bar combines good looks with above-average sound quality for music and movies.

Specs: three channel speaker, 39.8 in x 3.9 in x 3.5 in, Silver, 2-way Passive, 85 dB

The Bottom Line: In addition to delivering solid sonics, the Zvox Z-Base 550 sets itself apart from competing single-speaker units with the unique capability to double as a stand for your TV.

Specs: surround sound speaker, 28 in x 14.5 in x 3.4 in, Black, Active

The Bottom Line: The Parrot Boombox wireless Bluetooth speaker system ably combines elegant design, minimalist aesthetics, and better-than-average sound quality at an affordable price.

Specs: speaker, 16.9 in x 8.9 in x 5.9 in, Black, 2-way Active, 60 Watt

The Bottom Line: Zvox's "sound console" is a virtual home-theater speaker system in a box.

Specs: 17 in x 14 in x 4.5 in, Black, Active

The Bottom Line: Soundmatters' fully featured virtual surround speaker system delivers home-theater thrills in a supercompact design.

Specs: 16.7 in x 9.1 in x 2.6 in, Charcoal gray, Active, 104 dB, 80 Watt

Editors' Take: The Mythix iChant unfortunately lacks the sound quality and volume to replace a set of earbuds. After all, what's the point in an external speaker system if nobody else can hear it?

Specs: 3.1 in x 1.3 in x 1.3 in, White, Active, 1 KOhm

The Bottom Line: The SRS-T33 speaker is appropriate for budget-conscious travelers who want a way to listen to their tunes in hotel rooms and other small, stereo-less areas.

Specs: 6.9 in x 1.3 in x 1.9 in, Active

The Bottom Line: JBL's On Stage iPod speakers provide a great way to enjoy tunes at home by yourself or with a few friends.

Specs: 6.9 in x 6.9 in x 2 in, White

The Bottom Line: Altec's Apple-esque desktop iPod speaker system sounds sweet.

Specs: 8 in x 5.4 in x 1.2 in, Active, 2 Watt