Top 5 BEST Speaker Companies

Todd Anderson

Editor / Senior Admin
Staff member
Thread Starter
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Messages
9,141
Location
Balt/Wash Metro
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
DAC
THX ONYX
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA, OPPO UDP-203, Panasonic UB9000
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
Other Speakers or Equipment
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Video Display Device
JVC NX7
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, ROON
Other Equipment
LG Electronics 65-inch B6 OLED, Sony 65-inch X900F, ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2, ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
If we are talking impact on the industry, I would have to include KLH, JBL, and Klipsch for sure. Many of the later brands had a big market impact but really did not push the technology that much. Magnepan would have to be included as well.

Well... I'm just glad we coaxed an answer out of you! ;-)
 

tesseract

Senior Admin
Joined
Nov 12, 2016
Messages
1,266
Location
Lincoln, NE
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Emotiva XMC-1
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA-3 Gen 2
Other Amp
Dayton SA1000
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony BDP S590 & Pioneer DV-610AV
Front Speakers
JTR NOESIS 210 RT - L/R mains
Center Channel Speaker
Chase SHO-10 - Center
Surround Speakers
Chase PRO-10 - Surrounds
Subwoofers
Chase VS-18.1 x 2 - Subwoofers
Video Display Device
Vizio E550VL
Streaming Subscriptions
h/k TC35C/Ortofon Super OM10/Pro-Ject Phono Box S
I'll just go with an earlier era, but one that helped shape the industry.

JBL, Acoustic Research, Magnepan, Infinity, Duntech.
 

1stTimeCaller

Member
Joined
May 4, 2017
Messages
5
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Lexicon mc-12
Main Amp
Lexicon cx-5
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 203
Front Speakers
Gamut Phi 5
Center Channel Speaker
Swan d1.1c
Surround Back Speakers
Monoprice in cieling carbon fiber
Subwoofers
Monster
Other Speakers or Equipment
Onkyo 626 Infiniti emit book shelfs Chane ax 2
Video Display Device
Samsung 8000
Not necessarily what I would buy but Legacy, PSB, Totem, Dynaudio, Dali. Honorable mention to Paradigm, B&W, Martin Logan & Monitor Audio of more of the mass market. Me I will buy the new Chane L7
 

Sonnie

Senior Admin
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Messages
5,055
Location
Alabama
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
Main Amp
McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
Additional Amp
StormAudio PA 16 MK3
Computer Audio
Intel NUC w/ Roon ROCK
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player (for media discs)
Front Speakers
RTJ 410
Center Channel Speaker
MartinLogan Focus C-18
Front Wide Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT
Surround Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Neosis 210RT
Front Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Rear Height Speakers
JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
Subwoofers
JTR Captivator 2400 x6
Other Speakers or Equipment
VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
Video Display Device
Sony 98X90L
Remote Control
Universal MX-890
Streaming Equipment
FireCube for movies and Lenova Carbon X1 for Roon
Streaming Subscriptions
Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
Satellite System
Dish Joey 4K
Other Equipment
Zero Surge 8R15W-1 | Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
Can't wait for the L7's to release! A definite 'in the house' speaker it will be.
 

tesseract

Senior Admin
Joined
Nov 12, 2016
Messages
1,266
Location
Lincoln, NE
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Emotiva XMC-1
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA-3 Gen 2
Other Amp
Dayton SA1000
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony BDP S590 & Pioneer DV-610AV
Front Speakers
JTR NOESIS 210 RT - L/R mains
Center Channel Speaker
Chase SHO-10 - Center
Surround Speakers
Chase PRO-10 - Surrounds
Subwoofers
Chase VS-18.1 x 2 - Subwoofers
Video Display Device
Vizio E550VL
Streaming Subscriptions
h/k TC35C/Ortofon Super OM10/Pro-Ject Phono Box S
Chane is a bang-for-the-buck company, it will be interesting to see how their statement piece will be received.
 

Todd Anderson

Editor / Senior Admin
Staff member
Thread Starter
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Messages
9,141
Location
Balt/Wash Metro
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
DAC
THX ONYX
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA, OPPO UDP-203, Panasonic UB9000
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
Other Speakers or Equipment
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Video Display Device
JVC NX7
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, ROON
Other Equipment
LG Electronics 65-inch B6 OLED, Sony 65-inch X900F, ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2, ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
Has anyone gotten a sneak listen of the L7s?
 

Tony ray

New Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2017
Messages
1
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Yamaha RXA-3020
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA 2
Other Amp
Yamaha RX-V1
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Mutiple Sony
Front Speakers
DIY Zaph SB 12.3
Center Channel Speaker
DIY Jim Holtz Statement 2
Surround Speakers
paradigm
Surround Back Speakers
Paradigm
Subwoofers
SVS PB-13 ultra DIY copy of a PSA sealed 15.
Other Speakers or Equipment
Paradigm SE 1
Video Display Device
50in LG TV
Zaph Audio
Jim Holtz/ Curt Campbell
Troels Graveson
JBL
Cerwin Vega
 

1stTimeCaller

Member
Joined
May 4, 2017
Messages
5
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Lexicon mc-12
Main Amp
Lexicon cx-5
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 203
Front Speakers
Gamut Phi 5
Center Channel Speaker
Swan d1.1c
Surround Back Speakers
Monoprice in cieling carbon fiber
Subwoofers
Monster
Other Speakers or Equipment
Onkyo 626 Infiniti emit book shelfs Chane ax 2
Video Display Device
Samsung 8000
So if I change this to top 5 who influenced me when I was a teenager in the 70's Dahlquist, AR, Advent, Ohm, Cerwin Vega (voice of the theater)
 

speakerman49

New Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2017
Messages
20
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Denon AVR-X3300W
Main Amp
N/A
Additional Amp
N/A
Other Amp
N/A
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony 4K BR Player
Front Speakers
Wharfedale Denton 80th Anniversary Bookshelves
Center Channel Speaker
Klipsch R-25C
Surround Speakers
N/A
Surround Back Speakers
N/A
Front Height Speakers
N/A
Rear Height Speakers
N/A
Subwoofers
N/A
Other Speakers or Equipment
Wharfedale Diamond 220's/Cambridge SR20 Stereo Rec
Video Display Device
43" Sony 4K TV W/HDR10
Screen
43" Sony
Remote Control
N/A
Streaming Subscriptions
JBL Everest 700 Headphones
Before I give my list i just want to point out that I merely focus on stand mounted speakers. Just not a tower guy at all. Not into HT very much anymore either. Prefer 2-Channel for the most part w/o a sub. If I ever add a sub again it will be sealed. Now to my list:

1. Wharfedale
2. B&W
3. Tyler Acoustics
4. Chane
5. JBL


Cheers,

Phil
 

Tony V.

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 14, 2017
Messages
1,063
Location
Edmonton, AB, Canada
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Onkyo TX RZ920
Main Amp
Samson Servo 600
Additional Amp
QSC MX1500
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic 220
Front Speakers
EV Sentry 500
Center Channel Speaker
EV Sentry 500
Surround Speakers
Mission 762
Surround Back Speakers
Mission 762
Subwoofers
SVS PB13u
Video Display Device
Panasonic AE 8000
Remote Control
Logitech 1100
Streaming Subscriptions
Denon DT 625 CD/Tape unit, Nintendo WiiU, and more
You don't necessarily have to have heard them to know they have had a major impact in the industry. It's not the best you've heard, but rather the ones with the most impact on the market.

Yes, that is very true. That is why EV is on my list not because I own some but because they have been around since the very beginning of audio speaker design.
One could even put RCA on that list.
 

Vidiot33

New Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Messages
6
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Yamaha 3060
Main Amp
Emotiva
Additional Amp
Emotiva
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic 900
Front Speakers
Chane 1.4
Surround Speakers
Chane 1.4
Front Height Speakers
JBL
Rear Height Speakers
JBL
Subwoofers
Deep Sea Sound
Video Display Device
JVC 750
Screen
Da Lite
Streaming Subscriptions
Crowson TT
Yes, that is very true. That is why EV is on my list not because I own some but because they have been around since the very beginning of audio speaker design.
One could even put RCA on that list.
I've owned Ascend Sierra's and found them to be excellent, especially in the treble.
 

tripplej

AV Addict
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Messages
6,866
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
NAD T-777
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 103 Blu Ray Player
Front Speakers
7 Paradigm Reference series 8" in ceiling speakers
Subwoofers
2 Paradigm SE Subs
Other Speakers or Equipment
Nintendo Wii U Gaming Console
Video Display Device
Samsung UN75F8000 LED TV
Remote Control
Universal Remote MX-450
Streaming Subscriptions
Sony PS4 Gaming Console, Panamax MR-5100 Surge
I have used only one company for my speaker needs and I have been very satisfied..

---> Paradigm
 

Vidiot33

New Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2017
Messages
6
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Yamaha 3060
Main Amp
Emotiva
Additional Amp
Emotiva
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panasonic 900
Front Speakers
Chane 1.4
Surround Speakers
Chane 1.4
Front Height Speakers
JBL
Rear Height Speakers
JBL
Subwoofers
Deep Sea Sound
Video Display Device
JVC 750
Screen
Da Lite
Streaming Subscriptions
Crowson TT
I have used only one company for my speaker needs and I have been very satisfied..

---> Paradigm
Yes. I spoke to the manager of my local emporium and he said Paradigm, B&W and Goldenear were all great companies to work with (it doesn't hurt that they all make great speakers!)
 

tripplej

AV Addict
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Messages
6,866
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
NAD T-777
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 103 Blu Ray Player
Front Speakers
7 Paradigm Reference series 8" in ceiling speakers
Subwoofers
2 Paradigm SE Subs
Other Speakers or Equipment
Nintendo Wii U Gaming Console
Video Display Device
Samsung UN75F8000 LED TV
Remote Control
Universal Remote MX-450
Streaming Subscriptions
Sony PS4 Gaming Console, Panamax MR-5100 Surge
When I was first researching speakers back in the day, I didn't have much money so I went to the library as well as various Barnes and Noble bookstores and did my research by reading various Audio/Video oriented magazines as well as consumer reports. I didn't purchase any of the magazines, just spent a lot of time at the book store reading. At the time, there was no google so had to research the old fashion way. :) After a lot of reading, I found that for all of the various reviews on speakers, paradigm was always in the top 3 if not top 1 or 2 in my price range. So, after that, I decided that was the brand for me and I have never looked back. 100% satisfied.
 

ddude003

AV Addict
Joined
Aug 13, 2017
Messages
1,403
Location
Somewhere Northeast of Kansas City Missouri
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium TubePre (2 channel+sub)
Main Amp
McIntosh MC152 SS Amp (2 channel)
Additional Amp
Yamaha RX-A850 Pro (the other 5 channels lol)
Computer Audio
MacBook Pro, Custom i7 7700k De-lid 2xAsus1080ti GFX Audirvana Studio, Hang Loose Convolver, Pulsar Massive & 8200, LiquidSonics, SoX
DAC
Chord Electronics Ltd. Qutest
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony UBP-X700 /M Ultra HD 4K HDR & PS5
Front Speakers
Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL
Center Channel Speaker
Martin Logan Motion C2
Surround Speakers
Martin Logan Motion 4
Surround Back Speakers
Martin Logan Motion 4 (yes, another set of these)
Subwoofers
Martin Logan Dynamo 700
Other Speakers or Equipment
Cifte 12AU7 NOS & Genalex Gold Lion Tubes in Pre
Video Display Device
Samsung The Premiere LSP7T UST Laser Projector
Screen
Elite Screens Aeon CLR3 0.8 Gain 103-inch
Remote Control
PrimaLuna, Lumin iApp, Samsung & Yamaha
Streaming Equipment
Netgear Nighthawk S8000 Streaming Switch, Lumin U1 Mini Streamer Transport
Streaming Subscriptions
QoBuz Studio Premier, Amazon Prime & Netflix
Other Equipment
ThrowRug, SaddleBlankets, WideBand & Bass Traps...
Just thinking...

Martin Logan - ESL hybrids
JBL - Studio Monitors (like the 4344 series)
Altec Lansing - Voice of the theatre
Klipsch - KlipschHorn style
Shindo Labs - Field Coil
 

Buford TJustice

New Member
Joined
Jun 9, 2017
Messages
10
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Arcam AVR300
Main Amp
Adcom GFA-5500 rebuilt with Silmic II caps (L+R)
Additional Amp
Acurus/Mondial A200x3 (Center + Surround)
Other Amp
Arcam AVR300 for 7.1 option in future
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panny DMP BDT500, Toshiba SD9200, Chromecast Audio
Front Speakers
Chane A2.4 Prototypes
Center Channel Speaker
Phantom (for now)
Surround Speakers
Chane A3rx-c
Subwoofers
None (for now)
Other Speakers or Equipment
MiniDSP 2x4HD, Darbee DVP-5000s
Video Display Device
Vizio 55" XVT w/ FALD LED Panel
Remote Control
Factory/OEM (all ten of them)
Streaming Subscriptions
Belkin PureAV PF30, TrippLite IsoBar 4 Ultra
Chane is a bang-for-the-buck company, it will be interesting to see how their statement piece will be received.

Well, the L7's are moving along. But they will not be the top of the range after all is said and done.

Has anyone gotten a sneak listen of the L7s?

Not yet. But Jon Lane should be able to make those arrangements later in the fall.

Jon was at my house for Hurricane Irma and we both talked a lot of audio and enjoyed listening to my pre-pro pair of A2.4s. Good things coming.

************************************************

Also, I'd add HSU Research to the list. They have always been so disruptive from a performance/value standpoint and I suspect have pulled a lot of people UP from lower tiers of products into higher ones. The first hit of crack, as it were. I know they did this with me as soon as I bought my gen-1 VTF-2 (w/ 175 watt amp and 10" driver!). I was ruined for any sub anywhere near the price point.

They may not be so singular in that role now, but they used to stand alone in that regard.
 
Last edited:

Jphillips1963

Member
Joined
Sep 7, 2017
Messages
19
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Marantz SR6011
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 203
Front Speakers
Martin Logan motion 40
Center Channel Speaker
Martin Logan motion 30
Surround Back Speakers
Martin Logan motion 15
Subwoofers
SVS PC12+
Video Display Device
Sony 65A1E
Martin Logan Neolith
B&W 800 diamond edition
JBL M2 master Reference Monitor
Revel Salon 2
Steinway Lyngdorf model D

The JBL and the Revels are claimed to be the most accurate speakers ever made to date
 

Todd Anderson

Editor / Senior Admin
Staff member
Thread Starter
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Messages
9,141
Location
Balt/Wash Metro
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
DAC
THX ONYX
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA, OPPO UDP-203, Panasonic UB9000
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
Other Speakers or Equipment
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Video Display Device
JVC NX7
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, ROON
Other Equipment
LG Electronics 65-inch B6 OLED, Sony 65-inch X900F, ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2, ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
Good call on HSU @Buford TJustice, they certainly present crazy value for coin.

Getting stuck in Hurricane Irma with Jon onboard! That's some good company right there!:T
 

Buford TJustice

New Member
Joined
Jun 9, 2017
Messages
10
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Arcam AVR300
Main Amp
Adcom GFA-5500 rebuilt with Silmic II caps (L+R)
Additional Amp
Acurus/Mondial A200x3 (Center + Surround)
Other Amp
Arcam AVR300 for 7.1 option in future
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Panny DMP BDT500, Toshiba SD9200, Chromecast Audio
Front Speakers
Chane A2.4 Prototypes
Center Channel Speaker
Phantom (for now)
Surround Speakers
Chane A3rx-c
Subwoofers
None (for now)
Other Speakers or Equipment
MiniDSP 2x4HD, Darbee DVP-5000s
Video Display Device
Vizio 55" XVT w/ FALD LED Panel
Remote Control
Factory/OEM (all ten of them)
Streaming Subscriptions
Belkin PureAV PF30, TrippLite IsoBar 4 Ultra
Good call on HSU @Buford TJustice, they certainly present crazy value for coin.

Getting stuck in Hurricane Irma with Jon onboard! That's some good company right there!:T

Yeah, HSU was one of the first ID brands with disruptive value. Ascend Acoustics being another.

The conversations we had were epic. :greengrin:
 

Tonto

Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2017
Messages
488
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Yamaha RXV-795a
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
X-Box 1s
Front Speakers
Chane A5rx-c's
Center Channel Speaker
Chane A2rx-c
Surround Speakers
A1rx-c's
Surround Back Speakers
A1rx-c's
Subwoofers
SVS PB13U
Other Speakers or Equipment
APC S15
Video Display Device
Samsung Smart TV
Streaming Subscriptions
Yamaha S796 DVD Player
I was a big fan of Klipsch as well, back in the day. I think you have to go into the Heritage Line now. I had a chance to buy a pair of Klipschorns about 18 years ago for $250. I didn't want to drive all the way to Miami for them so I let them slip by. Kickin myself ever since! I would probably give the LaScalas the nod now because of being able to pull them out into the room. Some outstanding speakers.
 

leecreek

Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2017
Messages
290
Location
Eastern North Carolina
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Yamaha 2030 HT, Yamaha 2092 Stereo
Additional Amp
Crown XLS 1502
Other Amp
Onyko 50 watt in shop
Front Speakers
Airmotive T2's
Center Channel Speaker
Chane A2.4
Surround Speakers
NHT Super 2's
Front Height Speakers
Polk LS/FX
Subwoofers
12'Cerwin Vega, BIC Formula12
Other Speakers or Equipment
NHT Super Ones, Heath AS-1373, 10" Yamaha AS ?
Video Display Device
Samsung Plasma
Screen
51"
Remote Control
Too many
Streaming Subscriptions
ART EQ355, BSR EQ-110X, Sony CFD-S50, Technics tt
Acoustic Research. Owned 7 pairs.
 

Reefdvr27

New Member
Joined
May 5, 2017
Messages
5
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Dennon X720WA
Main Amp
DSonic
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA3
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Oppo 103D and 103
Front Speakers
JTR 215RT's >Salk HT2-TL
Center Channel Speaker
JTR 215RM>Salk Soundscape 7c
Surround Speakers
JTR Single 8 HT
Surround Back Speakers
JTR Single 8 HT
Subwoofers
JTR 4000ULF>PSA Triax's X2
Video Display Device
Pannasonic 8000
Screen
Carada
JTR
Salk
Danley
JBL Pro
QSC Pro
 

Eric SVL

Member
Joined
May 1, 2017
Messages
173
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Denon AVR-X4500H
Main Amp
Hypex NCore NC252MP
Computer Audio
iLoud MTM
DAC
Micca OriGen G2
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Sony PS3, PS4
Front Speakers
Buchardt S400
Surround Speakers
Polk LSiM 702
Front Height Speakers
Focal Chorus OD 706 V
Rear Height Speakers
Focal Chorus OD 706 V
Subwoofers
Rythmik
Other Speakers or Equipment
ELAC Debut Reference DFR52
Screen
Samsung PN64H5000
Streaming Equipment
Google Chromecast
Streaming Subscriptions
GIK Tri-Traps
Impossible to pick only 5. For innovation and impact on the speaker industry:

JBL
Klipsch
Martin Logan
PSB for their NRC work
Miller & Kreisel for their work with subwoofers
 
Last edited:

Pandaman617

Registered
Joined
Dec 21, 2020
Messages
3
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
Marantz SR6011 || Denon x3300w || Fisher CA-885 ||
Main Amp
Marantz SR6011
Additional Amp
Dayton Audio APA150 x3
Computer Audio
Macbook Pro 2019
DAC
Emotiva Stealth
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Xbox One X || Xbox Series X
Front Speakers
Mirage OM-10
Center Channel Speaker
Mirage OM-C2
Front Wide Speakers
N/A
Surround Speakers
Mirage Omni 260
Surround Back Speakers
Mirage Omni 350
Front Height Speakers
Mirage Omnisat
Rear Height Speakers
Mirage Omnisat
Subwoofers
Mirage OM-200 x2 Mirage BPS-400 x1
I’ll probably get some flack for my list but it’s

1) Mirage; 10 years ago when I first got into home theater the first legitimate setup I bought used was a pair of Omni 260’s, Omni CC and a pair of Omni 60’s for $400. Since than I’ve managed to collect one if not two pairs of all of their well reviewed speakers from the OM6/7/10’s w/ OMC2 and OM-R2 to the OMD-25’s that have been in my Atmos system for a couple years now with an OMD-C2, two pairs of OMD-5’s for height layer and a pair of OMD-15’s for surrounds. I even use a pair of Mirage BPS-400 subwoofers currently and have had them in my many rotations for years now. I bought the pair for $60 and figured the cabs were worth that alone (120lbs each) and than spent a year tracking down working OEM amps which were than refreshed by our local amp shop and luckily managed to buy the two pairs of 12” 8ohm drivers new old stock from a former Mirage dealer. Although in my opinion once Klipsch bought them (and than Audiovox) and everything moved to Chinese production you can see a clear difference in every aspect of quality with the exception of the OMD series. I mean that stupid Mirage MX 5.1HTiB they tried selling people with a single 6.5” woofer and a pair of passive radiators and an 800 watt amp? Zero R&D went into that.

2) SVS. Unmatched performance for the price in terms of their subs and their customer service has replaced everything from amps to drivers over the course of a half a dozen softener models I’ve owned from them that were under warranty.

3) RBH. Recently picked up 3 661-SV’s for use as L/C/R in my bedroom and have owned a number of their towers over the years and they’ve always stuck in my mind as a quality and well engineered speaker.

4) Monolith. Not sure about their THX line of speakers but I’ve got a pair of their THX Ultra 15” subwoofers and they’re absolutely visceral and violent in their output capabilities in my very small 800-900 square foot theater room. Their 7 channel power amp is also quite the bargain if you get it on sale and just based on the subs I would assume they’re well built and use relatively quality components.

5) Triad. I always loved Triad, their cabinets were always designed to be no nonsense and generally boring but the Gold series that I picked up used off Craigslist for $100 each blew me away and I actually ended up using them for a 5.2 system for my parents:
 

Todd Anderson

Editor / Senior Admin
Staff member
Thread Starter
Joined
Jan 20, 2017
Messages
9,141
Location
Balt/Wash Metro
More  
Preamp, Processor or Receiver
StormAudio ISP.24 MK2
Main Amp
Emotiva XPA-5
Additional Amp
Emotiva XPA Gen3 2.8 multichannel amp
Other Amp
Denon X8500H
Computer Audio
AudioEngine A2+
DAC
THX ONYX
Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
Kaleidescape TERRA, OPPO UDP-203, Panasonic UB9000
Front Speakers
GoldenEar Technology Triton One.R
Center Channel Speaker
GoldenEar Technology SuperCenter Reference
Surround Speakers
SVS Ultra Surround
Surround Back Speakers
SVS Ultra Bookshelf
Front Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Front, Top Mid-Front)
Rear Height Speakers
SVS Prime Elevation x4 (Top Middle, Top Rear)
Subwoofers
dual SVS SB16s + dual PSA XS30s
Other Speakers or Equipment
Behringer 1124p; Aura Bass Shaker Pros; SuperSub X
Video Display Device
JVC NX7
Screen
Seymour Screen Excellence, Enlightor NEO AT Screen
Streaming Equipment
iFi Audio Zen Blue
Streaming Subscriptions
Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify, ROON
Other Equipment
LG Electronics 65-inch B6 OLED, Sony 65-inch X900F, ZeroSurge 8R15W x 2, ZeroSurge 2R15W x 2
I like your list!

Interesting comments about Mirage. What a score on those Mirage BPS-400 subs! I'd like to hear those in action.

I think your picks make a lot of sense... although I'd probably argue that Monolith hasn't done quite enough to be on there. Yes, their subs are KILLER. Not only a great bargain, but the drop the hammer in BIG way!. Their speakers are quite good, but I think there are better options on the market when it comes to price/performance..

Agree 1000% on SVS. They are a well oiled machine and it shows. From the buying experience to performance to customer service.
 
Top Bottom