GoldenEar T44 Floor-standing Loudspeakers

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The GoldenEar T-Series embodies the brand’s commitment to producing high-end loudspeakers that blend advanced audio performance with elegant, living-room-friendly designs. The T44 loudspeaker reviewed here is the recent addition to the T-series lineup and is designed to deliver much of the performance and sophistication of the larger model in a more compact and affordable package. By focusing on these core attributes, GoldenEar has made high-fidelity audio more accessible to users who require a smaller footprint without sacrificing quality. This review will delve deeper into the features of the T44 loudspeaker, providing a detailed evaluation of its design elements and overall performance capabilities.

GoldenEar T44 loudspeakers in Santa Barbara red finish

The T Series represents GoldenEar’s latest evolution in high-performance loudspeaker design. The current lineup consists of two floor-standing models: the T66, which debuted the series (reviewed by Secrets here), and the more compact T44, which is the focus of this review. Compared to GoldenEar’s earlier offerings, the T Series incorporates a number of notable enhancements, including a robust cast-aluminum base and improved internal wiring. Key design features from the well-regarded Triton series remain, such as a built-in DSP-controlled subwoofer amplifier, a sophisticated folded-ribbon tweeter, and planar radiators.

First unveiled at CEDIA 2024 and formally demonstrated at AXPONA 2025, the T44 loudspeakers began shipping in August 2025. The T44 loudspeaker is aesthetically pleasing, and its compact form factor makes it an excellent choice for spaces where a smaller loudspeaker footprint is essential without sacrificing audio performance. With the pricing of $4,900 per pair in piano black and $5,300 per pair for the Santa Barbara Red finish, the T44 loudspeakers are positioned within the upper-mid-to-high end segment of the home audio market.

GoldenEar T44 loudspeakers top view

The GoldenEar T44 loudspeakers occupy the more compact end of the floor-standing loudspeaker spectrum, standing at approximately 40 inches tall with a slim, space-efficient form factor. Their narrow front baffles further emphasize a clean, streamlined profile, making them well-suited for space-conscious applications. The cabinets feature gracefully curved top and rear panels and are supported by a full-footprint cast-aluminum base fitted with metal foot cones, adaptable via the included adjustable spikes or rubber tips. This base contributes both to visual refinement and to the loudspeaker’s mechanical stability. A curved, perforated aluminum grille, non-removable by design, forms an integral part of the enclosure and complements the overall geometry. Build quality is convincingly solid, with inert cabinetry that suggests substantial internal bracing. The high-gloss finish is superb, and the Santa Barbara Red option, in particular, is striking— lending a distinctive sense of sophistication and visual impact to the overall design.

GoldenEar T44 drivers configuration

The T44 loudspeaker employs a three-way hybrid topology, in which the tweeter and midrange drivers operate passively (driven by an external amplifier), while the bass section is powered by an internally built-in amplifier. This topology reduces the demand on the main amplification and enables the loudspeaker to deliver authoritative low-frequency response from a relatively compact enclosure. High frequencies are reproduced using GoldenEar’s signature High-Velocity Folded Ribbon (HVFR™) tweeter, chosen for its fast transients and smooth, extended response.

Midrange duties are handled by a 4.5″ cast-basket driver incorporating the proprietary Multi-Vaned Phase Plug™ (MVPP) to enhance clarity and coherent dispersion. Low frequencies are managed by the integrated powered bass system consisting of a 5″ × 9″ long-throw quadratic planar driver driven by a 56-bit DSP-controlled 250 W RMS / 500 W peak amplifier, supplemented by two 6.8” x 8” Quadratic Planar Back-Wave-Driven Infrasonic passive radiators to extend the low-frequency output while minimizing distortion.

GoldenEar T44 rear panel

Located near the base of the rear panel, the T44’s connectivity section is cleanly organized and logically arranged. It features high-quality dual five-way binding posts that accommodate both single-wire and bi-wire configurations, with the loudspeakers shipped in a default single-wire configuration using the supplied jumpers. Also housed on this panel are the AC power inlet required for the onboard bass amplifier and a dedicated subwoofer level control for fine adjustment of low-frequency output. Enhancing system flexibility, the T44 includes a mono line-level LFE (Low-Frequency Effects) input, enabling direct connection to the .1 channel output of an AV receiver or processor. It should be noted that this LFE input is intended to supplement, not replace, the speaker-level connections, which must remain connected for proper operation of the full-range loudspeaker system.

The T44 loudspeakers are not light by any measure; each one weighs approximately 60 pounds, but their relatively compact dimensions make them easy to maneuver when dialing in optimal placement. Setup proved straightforward, as the loudspeakers were not particularly sensitive to positioning. My standard placement for main loudspeakers worked equally well with the T44s, with the front baffles positioned roughly four feet from the rear wall, spaced eight feet apart, and a listening position approximately nine feet away from the loudspeakers. This arrangement is in line with the placement guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual. From there, only minor adjustments to toe-in were required to achieve the best balance of frequency response and imaging. Ultimately, I preferred a straight-ahead orientation with no toe-in.

For amplification during the review, I used the Michi X3 integrated amplifier, a pairing that delivered excellent results and effectively showcased the loudspeakers’ sonic capabilities. Source components for the review included the AURALiC Aries G1 streamer and the Eversolo DMP-A8 streaming DAC.

The in-room, on-axis nearfield frequency-response measurements of the T44, obtained using REW software and a calibrated measurement microphone, reveal a remarkably flat response from approximately 150 Hz to 6 kHz. As shown in Figure 5, with the internal subwoofer amplifier disengaged, the T44 exhibits a noticeable bass roll-off below roughly 80 Hz. When the subwoofer is engaged, low-frequency extension improves substantially, reaching down to about 30 Hz—adequate for most listening applications without the need for a separate subwoofer.

Nearfield (2 ft) frequency response of the GoldenEar T44 loudspeaker with subwoofer OFF (green curve) and subwoofer ON at mid-level (blue curve).

A slight elevation in the treble region was observed on the on-axis frequency-response of the T44 above 6 kHz. However, as can be seen from Figure 6, this high-frequency rise disappears in the horizontal 30o and 45o off-axis nearfield measurements. Notably, the 30° off-axis response remains impressively flat all the way to 20 kHz. This behavior suggests that the T44 benefits from minimal or no toe-in for optimal tonal balance, a conclusion that aligns with my final setup preference during the review.

Comparison of nearfield (2 ft) frequency response of the GoldenEar T44 loudspeaker on axis (green curve) and horizontally off axis at 30o (red curve) and 45o (purple curve) angles

Measured at the listening position in the final setup configuration, the T44 loudspeakers exhibited a remarkably even and well-balanced frequency response from approximately 30 Hz to 16 kHz, with usable bass extension reaching down to about 28 Hz. This level of low-frequency performance, especially given the loudspeakers’ relatively compact size, is made possible by the thoughtful hybrid design, which pairs a sufficiently powerful internal amplifier with a long-throw woofer and carefully tuned passive radiators.

Frequency response of the GoldenEar T44 loudspeakers at the listening position, subwoofers on at mid-level setting, and no toe-in.

Regardless of how good a loudspeaker’s measured performance may be, what matters most is how it sounds in actual listening, as subjective perception is influenced by factors that frequency-response measurements alone cannot fully capture. In the case of T44, however, the listening experience proved to be every bit as impressive as the measurements suggested. My appreciation for the loudspeakers grew steadily over extended listening sessions. The non-removable metal grilles, initially a point of curiosity, ultimately raised no concerns, as they introduced no discernible negative effects on sound quality. Sonically, the T44s presented a transparent sonic character and projected a larger sound than their physical dimensions would suggest. This sense of scale and authority is likely attributable to the integrated powered bass system, which provides a solid low-frequency foundation. Overall, the presentation across the audible spectrum was well-balanced, cohesive, and highly engaging.

This track further exemplified the balanced frequency presentation of the T44 loudspeakers, resulting in a full-bodied sound accompanied by appropriate weight in its delivery. While the treble response may not be the smoothest I have ever encountered, it possesses adequate detail and airiness without exhibiting dryness or brittleness.

The GoldenEar T44 loudspeakers deliver a refined balance of sonic performance, appearance, and build quality that aligns well with their premium positioning and brings significant value at their price point.

The GoldenEar T44 loudspeakers are solid products that are proficient technically and refined sonically. Their hybrid design, which combines advanced drivers with an integrated powered bass, produces a clear midrange with outstanding vocal reproduction, detailed and smooth treble, and bass that is both deep and articulate—remarkable for loudspeakers of their size. Their modern, elegant design and premium finishes reflect meticulous craftsmanship, giving the loudspeakers a solid, high-quality feel. GoldenEar’s emphasis on sophisticated design and high performance in a relatively compact floor-standing form factor is a highly compelling option for applications in limited space without compromising sound quality. While positioned as a premium offering, the T44 is priced well below the ultra-premium tier, presenting a strong value proposition for listeners seeking high-level audio performance without the cost associated with flagship designs.