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November 1, 2020, 03:59 PM #1
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The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Hi guys,
Thought the crew around here would enjoy this one:
The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Thanks, and enjoy your Sunday!
Jeff
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November 1, 2020, 04:41 PM #2
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Sorry Jeff... but these two statements means that the list has no value what so ever in my view.
"Price matters. By definition, a low-priced product cannot be a luxury product. For the purposes of this list, any company that doesn’t make a loudspeaker model costing north of $100,000/pair (all prices USD) is excluded.
Cones and domes only. Although I’ve spent years listening, at audio shows and in dealers’ showrooms, to horn, planar-magnetic, electrostatic, ribbon, and hybrid speakers of all sorts, I’ve never heard any that produced what I thought was the very highest-fidelity sound. If any of those types of speakers are your thing, that’s great -- but they’ve never been mine, so I can’t include them here."
Really, so KEF does not qualify... well maybe it does because they have one model that is a quarter of a mil, but then their next closes is what, $32k... so a company that makes one over the top model qualifies even if all their rest top out at 1/3 the requirement.
Avantgarde doesn't qualify... nor does Sound Lab, Martin Logan, Magnepan, Klipsch, JBL, B&W, MBL, T+A, MC, Vandersteen, etc., etc. Many of the longest standing and top customer loyalty brands in the world...
Just got to say, while I enjoy your writing skills and descriptions I disagree with the entire premise of the article. It excludes far too many of the longest standing and normally highest rated speaker manufactures. And again, you state top speaker brands, not top models, and then excludes many, dare I say most, of the longest standing most renowned brands in the world from even being considered.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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November 1, 2020, 04:47 PM #3
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November 1, 2020, 05:13 PM #4
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Right there with ya, Randy.
It appears that...Gamut, Dynaudio, Wilson, Borreson, Raidho, etc. don't qualify either. Why no Wilson Chronosonic, for example? And anything Dynaudio doesn't know about loudspeaker design is probably not worth knowing.
And..what's with the light grey font on a dark gray background? Not a model with respect to print design for readibility and legibility. There's a reason books have been printed with black ink on white paper for over...500 years.
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November 1, 2020, 05:25 PM #5
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
I’ve typically enjoyed Jeff’s articles. This one, gets two thumbs down. Why? There are many brands that are in the top tier of audio that are not considered; Stephen (Puma Cat) mentioned just a few.
PS - What’s the value of such a writing? In my view, this is a partial list._______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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November 1, 2020, 05:33 PM #6
The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Jeff, very interesting. Correct me if I’m wrong, but what you’re saying here is that speakers must be both incredible sounding, well engineered, a heritage and elegant so as to earn the true meaning of luxury. Speakers which aren’t mentioned are akin to saying a Tesla Model X might be fast, but it won’t win any beauty contests, doesn’t have much of a heritage and is difficult to consider it “luxury” against a Ferrari or Bentley.
So basically, the non-audiophile is seeking true luxury in a speaker and therefore, they tend to look more at the criteria you laid out. An audiophile might be ok with paying a lot of money for average build quality, average appearance, if they simply love the sound.
Would I have this correct?My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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November 1, 2020, 05:37 PM #7
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Mike, your avatar is of a speaker that simply is not luxurious enough because it is hybrid and uses God awful ribbons (ok, Radialstrahler) in their design.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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November 1, 2020, 05:39 PM #8
The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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November 1, 2020, 05:47 PM #9
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Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Hi Mike,
Yes, precisely. The answer is complex. I've written a series on luxury purchases, but one quote I'd like to share. The quote comes from this article:
I've Changed My Mind About Luxury Audio
"In his article for Fratello, Rob Nudds said: 'Time and time again, wide-eyed, somewhat green Kickstarter campaigns pop-up promising to ‘democratize’ luxury by making it affordable. Unfortunately, however, such a promise doesn’t even make sense. Luxury cannot, by its nature, be democratized; quality, however, can be.'”
There are some awfully fine brands listed above in the replies that I myself love. The definitions as applied in my article are very stringent, and are applied with my own biases. There are many great speakers that are very high performance and are built extremely well that do not make the list because of one or more criteria not met -- these are extreme for sure. I do understand there will be disagreement and I respect that!
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November 1, 2020, 05:50 PM #10
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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November 1, 2020, 05:53 PM #11
The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
I think if we all take a step back from the outrage that our favorite speaker brand isn’t mentioned and try to understand the point Jeff is trying to make.
I’m wondering if Jeff is thinking about the non-audiophile, true luxury buyer. I have had the pleasure of working with many of those folks. I can assure you, they would never consider a speaker that doesn’t at least look similar to what everyone envisions a typical speaker looks like - a box. I can assure you someone who doesn’t understand panels, horns, etc., would look at an Alsyvox and think of them as a room divider, chuckle and say “no way”.
Let me give you a REAL life example. I had a call from a very wealthy gentleman in the north west. He said he had just heard his friends system in California. He knew nothing about high end audio. Our conversation, went like this: “what can I get for $100,000?” I put together a system. He looked at it online, researched a little. He called 24 hours later and said, “what can I get if I double it to $200,000?”
I ended up putting him in a full MSB, Magico M2’s system, cabling, conditioning, rack, etc.My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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November 1, 2020, 05:55 PM #12
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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November 1, 2020, 05:59 PM #13
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Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Mike has nailed it. This is the article where I sorted it out in my mind:
The Purchasing of Luxury Audio and the Pursuit of Hi-Fi Are Two Different Hobbies
They are two different buyers oftentimes. The luxury buyer will only consider a limited subset of products as Mike describes. What I am doing is limiting it EVEN MORE. Now luxury AND super high performance. Hence my list is very short.
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November 1, 2020, 06:13 PM #14
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
I do see your point but I do not agree that elimination an entire brand because they do not offer a model over $100k is silly. That same customer that you described would as often as not end up with a full McIntosh system maybe even including their speakers, but would also enjoy a JBL or some other speaker they have seen at a concert. They would probably be extremely happy and believe that they purchased pure luxury.
Most of the brands that have been mentioned here have the legacy and are known for quality, and consider luxury products maybe even more so then some of the products that made Jeff's list.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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November 1, 2020, 06:15 PM #15
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
I guess those are speakers that could be included on any list but it is far from complete
Jim
D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
Digital: dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC, Clock & Upsampler
Analog: SME 20/3 with Esoteric E-03 Phono
Transparent Opus Speaker Cable & Interconnects & Opus Power Cords
Power Cords on Digital: Shunyata
Power Conditioner - Shunyata Everest
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November 1, 2020, 06:21 PM #16
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
The issue, I think, is with the word “definitive” on the title. Indeed, SF and Tidal wood work and related accessories are just plain beautiful. The others manufacturers on the list are definitely high quality but do not necessarily exceed the beauty and finish of other speaker lines.
Lastly, not a big deal to me. I look forward to more articles and perspectives from Jeff._______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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November 1, 2020, 06:25 PM #17
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
That might have been the initial issue for me as well. I saw definitive list and then read limitations that made it anything but a definitive list. Also the references to the entire brand not specific models. When considering a definitive list of luxury brands I do not believe an entire renowned brands should be eliminated because of one design facet or another, especially when considering some of the most long standing and highly respected manufactures.
I do look forward to reading additional articles by Jeff however.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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November 1, 2020, 07:04 PM #18
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
I think what's being overlooked in these responses quoted above is this is one person's list, one person's limited experience, and one person's definition of luxury/performance for his definitive list. If he's being honest (I have no reason to believe he's not), he can only list what has been heard, in context, and what he likes in terms of fitting in his list.
It may not meet with your idea of a similar list using your definitions. That is mostly to be expected with any list put together by any individual. Try putting a list together and see how many will agree with it. We all look at and pursue this hobby differently.
Mike B. has good points and a more objective perspective. He see's the difference and acknowledges it, whether he agrees or not.
Sometimes it's helpful to observe another person's perspective even if it's not your own. If anything, it makes part of the hobby less than boring for some.
I don't particularly care for the list one way or another. It's something to read and it certainly drew enough interest to elicit the responses quoted above. (Although, I'm not sure what the out of context website font and background comment has to do with the subject of the thread's post.)
If he wanted the article to get a response, he accomplished his task with some.
Dre
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November 1, 2020, 07:32 PM #19
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Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
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November 1, 2020, 08:37 PM #20
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
This is true with one rather large cavoite. When the title of the thread/article starts with "The Best Loudspeaker Brands" and ends with "The Definitive List" it is implied that it is a whole lot more than one person picking a list of his favorite few companies. It would have been easier to be recognized as such if something identifying it as such was in the title. Other than that you are absolutely correct.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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November 1, 2020, 09:04 PM #21
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Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
The catch is “luxury”. If you study the appearance of the four certain nominees, you will notice the design and materials aspects of those speakers that differentiates them. Certain others mentioned may equal them in performance but fall short on the luxury side of the equation.
Jonathan
_______________________
Age is a mental construct.
System: Theta Casablanca V preamp/processor/DAC; Wadia 8 transport; Wadia 2000 DAC; Theta Compli SACD transport; Lumin T2 streamer/DAC; Roon Nucleus+; Luxul AGS-1024 switch; SOTA Sapphire turntable w/Premier FT3 arm & Hana SL cartridge; PS Audio Stellar phono preamp; SweetVinyl SC-2 noise/click remover; Oppo 203 4K player; Magnum Dynalab FT-101A tuner; McIntosh MC611 mono amplifiers (3); Revel Ultima Studio/ Voice/Embrace speakers (L/C/R and sides); Arendal 1723 speakers (surrounds); SVS SB-16 (2) and 3000 Micro (2) subwoofers; Stax SR-L300 headphones; TeddyPardo 19/3 linear power supply; Richard Gray's Substation; Shunyata 6000/S, 2000/T (2), Venom PS10, Hydra (2), and Defender (2) power conditioners; Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables; Audioquest, Cardas, Kimber Kable, MIT, and Wireworld interconnects; Cullen, and Shunyata power cords.
JVC RS 3100 projector; MadVR Envy Extreme II video processor.
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November 1, 2020, 10:07 PM #22
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
The Best..
cheers,
AJ
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November 1, 2020, 11:34 PM #23
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
NOTE: Bold added
That’s a good observation Mike.
Yes. One imagines that a “definitive list” – where the term “definitive” is correctly used to mean authoritative and conclusive – should also be more exhaustive.
In this situation entitling the article as “The Definitive List” is a stretch because the results are clearly delimited by the number of speakers fitting the determinants that Jeff has actually auditioned – which does not appear to be many.
To be fair, I see this more as Jeff’s “personal” view on the best loudspeaker brands based on determinants that he adjudges to be most important – and indeed he says as much with his comment “This month, it’s personal.” Jeff's chosen determinants may hold little or no relevance to readers.
With that in mind no one should be disappointed if their favourite speaker brand doesn’t get a mention.Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.
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November 2, 2020, 01:50 AM #24
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Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12
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November 2, 2020, 02:03 AM #25
The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
This is an interesting list, Jeff. But it’s a bit problematic.
Looking for the best speakers, dome and cone only, is like picking the highest performance car, but arguing it needs to be naturally aspirated. It’s possible to set such rules, but that basically would mean forgoing the major developments in performance car evolution in the past 20-30 years. Therefore, the question is whether it’s meaningful.
In terms of speakers, it’s the tweeter that poses the biggest challenge. While there are good dome/ cone tweeters, e.g. of the diamond-coated or other Beryllium variety, they just are not on par with the best in the industry. E.g. most ribbon, amt, electrostat, radial or plasma tweeters outplay them with ease (horns are mostly just domes behind a megaphone).
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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November 2, 2020, 03:29 AM #26
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Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
This is one fellows list. Deeply flawed in my opinion or very shallow experiance. I know how I will treat this writer's opinion in the future.
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November 2, 2020, 04:13 AM #27
The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Poor Jeff. Need to rewrite the article that includes 50 brands.
Note: Tidal wins on looks in my book, every time. Also, this is also the reason I don’t think I’m audiophile enough. Looks matter a lot to me.
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November 2, 2020, 04:59 AM #28
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Perfectly reasonable and valid list. Of course it is only the author's opinion, and others will have different opinions, which is fine.
Bud
Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
Sony XA-5400ES SACD
Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR for source, Denali 2000 (2) for amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson four shelf maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
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November 2, 2020, 11:46 AM #29
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Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
This is an excellent point, and why I laid out those determinants at the outset, before the list.
Even still, you guys are correct: These are my views, so those determinants are judged through my eyes, ears, and overall experiences and therefore are aligned completely with my biases.
One last point on "definitive." It sounded better to me than "one guy's opinion that you may not care about."
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November 2, 2020, 12:33 PM #30
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Seemed very clear to me what Jeff’s criteria was. I thought it was a well thought out and reasoned, and written, article. Even if my speakers (Magico) were not on the list I would still have enjoyed it. Chill, lads.
Digital: Innuos Zenith Mk3 Server + MSB Premier DAC with Powerbase
Amp: Gryphon Pandora + Gryphon Antileon Evo Stereo
Speakers: Magico S3 MkII
Cables: MIT SL-Matrix 36 XLR interconnect cables + 70 speaker cables; AQ Diamond & Vodka ethernet cables
Power: AQ Niagara 5000 + AQ Tornado power cables
Headphones (travel): Sennheiser Momentum + Chord Mojo
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November 2, 2020, 12:39 PM #31
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Digital: Innuos Zenith Mk3 Server + MSB Premier DAC with Powerbase
Amp: Gryphon Pandora + Gryphon Antileon Evo Stereo
Speakers: Magico S3 MkII
Cables: MIT SL-Matrix 36 XLR interconnect cables + 70 speaker cables; AQ Diamond & Vodka ethernet cables
Power: AQ Niagara 5000 + AQ Tornado power cables
Headphones (travel): Sennheiser Momentum + Chord Mojo
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November 2, 2020, 12:49 PM #32
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
The title really was problematic to me. Definitive, etc. I expected a review or comparison, or differences between several high end brands. It was obvious when you followed the link and read the first couple of sections. It was also highly disappointing to me.
The title could have been more indicative as to what the article was about... maybe my definitive list, or my favorites, etc., even indicating that it was literally five brands that you determined to qualify. My short list of definitive... etc.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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November 2, 2020, 12:50 PM #33
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Media doesn’t work this way
Digital: Innuos Zenith Mk3 Server + MSB Premier DAC with Powerbase
Amp: Gryphon Pandora + Gryphon Antileon Evo Stereo
Speakers: Magico S3 MkII
Cables: MIT SL-Matrix 36 XLR interconnect cables + 70 speaker cables; AQ Diamond & Vodka ethernet cables
Power: AQ Niagara 5000 + AQ Tornado power cables
Headphones (travel): Sennheiser Momentum + Chord Mojo
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November 12, 2020, 06:08 PM #34
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
First off, I've read many reviews that Jeff has written. I found them to be comprehensive / well informed and gave one a reasonable idea of a component's sound. However and with all due respect, the words "luxury" and "performance" are so subjective that it renders this thread meaningless. Furthermore, to exclude alternative transducers except for the traditional cone speakers in a "box" also renders the thread irrelevant to any serious hobbyist. There is nothing "definitive" about this list. Good try Jeff but two big thumbs down. Best.
Gordon
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November 13, 2020, 12:04 AM #35
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Thank you to Jeff Fritz at Soundstage. Always a fun time.
Suncoast Audio on Selling Luxury Hi-Fi - SoundStage! Talks (November 2020) - YouTube
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
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November 13, 2020, 08:15 AM #36
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Borresen Acoustics Loudspeakers, Borresen Model 01 Compact monitor loudspeakers with Ansuz Darkz T2s Supreme resonance control, Audio Video Manufaktur GmbH (AVM) Inspiration amplifier & streamer, Innuos Zen MKII music server, Ansuz Acoustics cables & accessories. Please visit my system thread hosted on Audioshark for more details. Disclosure: The author is materially connected to Ansuz, Aavik & Borresen Acoustics via friendship with an owner.
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November 13, 2020, 10:59 AM #37
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
A close family friend of ours used to own the Porsche, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes dealership in Jacksonville and told us many many years ago that the overall majority of people buying a Porsche or a M series or AMG series Mercedes were after the luxury of those cars, not the performance factor., but it was nice to have if needed. Interesting how that ties in on Mikes comment.
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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November 13, 2020, 12:56 PM #38
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November 13, 2020, 03:20 PM #39
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Accuphase A-75, C-3850, DP-750, T-1200, C-37, P-530 / Magico S7, Mcoat Red w/Mpod / LessLoss C-MARC Entropic cables (Spk. IC's PC's) / Clearaudio Innovation Wood, 9" Universal arm ,VTA adj. Outer Limit platter ring, Statement clamp / SteinMusic PI Carbon Signature Mat /My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent EX MC cart./ Clearaudio 24v Battery PSU / Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth / B]Onyx Plus[/B] Sirius XM Sat Radio / Synergistic Research Galileo PowerCell SX ,Active Ground Block SE ,Black Box ,Acoustic ART, Atmosphere Infinity ,UEF panels /Stillpoints Apeture II panels /Furutech GTX-D NCF duplex outlets, NFC Booster-Braces/ 20a dedicated lines / SteinMusic H2 Harmonizers / Adona Eris II 5C racks / Symposium Acoustics Svelt Shelves /HRS Damping plates / KLAudio Ultrasonic RCM / Clearaudio Smart Matrix Pro. RCM /Kemp Electroniks SR plugs,/ Akiko Audio Corelli PLC,Tuning Sticks/ LessLoss Firewall 640X, Blackbody v.2, BlackGround Power Base 10X, Blackground Speaker Base 8X, Firewall for speakers
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November 13, 2020, 04:10 PM #40
The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Nonsense, of course there are. It just based on personal preference. Some prefer dome, some ribbon, some radial, some emt etc.
What is in turn a challenge, is to insinuate that there would be an absolute in best in something defined by taste, personal preference, or just some other individualistic factor.
Within categories it might be easier to discriminate though. Luxury and performance however still include all tweeter types. Hence the comment to Jeff: difficult.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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November 13, 2020, 07:18 PM #41
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November 13, 2020, 07:54 PM #42
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Jock
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.
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House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.
Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.
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November 13, 2020, 08:04 PM #43
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
I'm into Audio. Have been all my life. So it's really hard for me to understand the luxury stereo.
But . . . . If I was to buy a luxury watch, I would go to a trusted dealer and buy one that had clout and that I liked the way it looked. Spend my $$$ and go home happy.
I do know people that buy grand pianos because they have a room that it would look good in. They don't buy a cheap one even tho it will never be played. Yamaha or Steinway at minimum
Same with art. People buy what is hot at the time. Hopefully something that they like -- but not always, as long as it impresses.
Why not the same thing w audio?Jock
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.
---------
House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.
Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.
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November 13, 2020, 08:11 PM #44
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Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Yes, you can enjoy a high performance car under normal driving conditions, but really that is just a hint of what they can do. At a track, you are allowed to do things that you cannot do on normal roads. That’s when you demand much more from a car: acceleration, hard braking without fading, car balance, etc. That is when you can really appreciate what that car was designed to do. That has been my experience.
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November 13, 2020, 08:14 PM #45
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Jock
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.
---------
House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.
Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.
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November 14, 2020, 03:12 AM #46
The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
Do we have yet another angry old man outburst here?
Interestingly enough, you are again talking about gear you have never heard. Baseless assumptions are of course also an opinion.
But I do indeed have speakers with excellent tweeters, mids, and bass. They are in fact so good, that I stepped back from an amp replacement, which would have ultimately lead to me changing my speakers.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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November 14, 2020, 11:07 AM #47
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
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November 14, 2020, 02:48 PM #48
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November 14, 2020, 05:47 PM #49
Re: The Best Loudspeaker Brands for Both Luxury and Performance: The Definitive List
“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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November 15, 2020, 02:45 PM #50
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AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
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We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
After 1 year of tremendous enjoyment with my new gear, I have been so lucky to audition a Gryphon Antileon EVO. Being dazzled by the sheer control through unlimited power and resulting vividness and...
Upgrade on the way...