GoldenEar’s Hybrid T44 and T66 Tower Speakers Now Shipping After Award-Winning Debut

The T66, the larger of the two models, won the What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year Award 2025 in the Floorstander category and received five-star reviews. According to What Hi-Fi?, the T66 is “the best floorstanding speaker we’ve heard in years.” Digital Trends awarded the T66 9/10 and an Editor’s Choice designation, with reviewer saying it is “one of the most musically complete speakers I’ve ever heard.”

The T44 and T66 are both hybrids: a built-in 56-bit DSP-controlled Class D amplifier powers only the low-frequency drivers, while the user’s external amplifier drives the midrange and treble. In the T44, the internal amp powers a 5 x 9-inch long-throw woofer and two passive radiators, with a crossover at 180Hz. In the T66, the internal amp drives two 6 x 8-inch long-throw woofers and two passive radiators, crossing over at 200Hz. Both models use GoldenEar’s High-Velocity Folded Ribbon tweeter, similar to an AMT design, and feature a midrange driver—4.5 inches in the T44 and 6 inches in the T66.

The design lets the built-in amplifier deliver deep, controlled bass while reducing the strain on the external amp. GoldenEar founder Sandy Gross said the internal amplifier acts like a true subwoofer amplifier in a high-end loudspeaker, providing “lively, authoritative bass” while allowing users to choose an external amp to shape the top end. This is especially beneficial for tube amp owners, because removing low-frequency duty from the tubes can extend their lifespan.

According to Audio Advice, the T44 has a frequency response of 32Hz to 25kHz and sensitivity of 89dB, while the T66 extends to 26Hz on the low end and has sensitivity of 91dB. Both are 4-ohm nominal. The T44 is priced at $5,000 per pair, and the T66 at $7,999 per pair, according to multiple sources. The speakers measure less than eight inches wide, with the woofer using a flat diaphragm rather than a traditional cone.

In listening impressions, TechRadar described the T44’s bass as “authoritative” and quick, with an “outstanding” tweeter that revealed exceptional detail. Digital Trends praised the T66’s midrange as having “immediacy” and a texture that sounds “organic and human,” with a large soundstage and outstanding low end on Hans Zimmer’s “Time.” The reviewer noted that the T66 can play loud with ease and low distortion, but can be picky about positioning and has a simpler finish than competitors at the price.

The hybrid concept is rare in Hi-Fi, as most speakers are either fully passive or fully powered. GoldenEar, founded by Sandy Gross—also a founder of Polk Audio and Definitive Technology—is part of PML Sound International. The T44 and T66 are among the first models from the company to use this hybrid approach, and both are available now.