Which brand makes the best quality loudspeakers?

[PewterTA]

I have to say I think I've heard every single speaker in this thread... maybe one or two I haven't heard.

In the end for my money I ended on the B&W 802Di as the best sound vs. cost. Course I think there's some amazing DIY that can be built too.

I really can no complain about the sound quality you get from B&W products. Are they the best out there... well no, but not many other brands create as neutral of a sound as they do. All the other ones in the list, in my opinion all have a "sound" to them... it's their branding. Which many people like and there's not a single problem with that. There is a problem in my opinion though that a loudspeaker should not add nor take away anything from the sound. Course I can say that this think goes along with the Source, Pre, Amp, cables, etc.... To get as close as possible to the actual recorded sound has been my goal and Bowers and Wilkins 802Di's have given me that point of contentment as they can reproduce exactly what type of sound something was recorded like. Plus the amount of details is stunning in and of itself.

Are there better out there, of course, Wilson, Focal, Acapella, Avantegarde and others produce some AMAZING loud speakers/horns... and they are better...but at a lot of those costs the value point changes.

Plus really, isn't it all subjective... there's really no winner here... One likes what one likes!

 

[Bekker]

KEF. Especially when combined with Velodyne!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

KEF. Especially when combined with Velodyne!

I'm really shocked KEF isn't even mentioned.

 

[PENG]

I was shocked seeing Paradigm got so many votes. No wonder I almost bought the S6 or 8. Good to see B&W doing not too bad though, as we all know they won't get any votes from our DIY friends around here.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I was shocked seeing Paradigm got so many votes. No wonder I almost bought the S6 or 8. Good to see B&W doing not too bad though, as we all know they won't get any votes from our DIY friends around here.

It seems like Paradigm and B&W win easily.

It would have been interesting to see how many votes the Salk/Phil, Ascend, DefTech, & KEF get.

 

[haraldo]

I think Adyton is high on the list, they're among very few speakers that can present a symphony orchestra at a proper level with realistic dynamic scale

But apart from the latter one they all need twin subs, as they only go down to around 80 Hz....

Adyton Loudspeakers

 

[sterling shoote]

I don't know what's the best. The best I have heard is no longer made. It's the JBL 4435. I could not afford them when offered by JBL but I'm thinking I may be able to afford a used pair if a pair should come up on ebay. At any rate, I'm satisfied with my JBL L100t3's, very satisfied.

 

[scott911]

thiel


(adding text to get to at least 10 characters so I can post!)

also like KEF

 

[ridikas]

I personally think Dynaudio makes the best speakers in the world.

 

[dgkirkman]

Definitive Technology ;;; especially coupled with Velodyne subs

 

[treve01]

in what price range?

 

[osmosis600]

+1 for klipsch !

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Wow, Paradigm is leaving everyone in the dust.

It's a landslide. Not even close.

 

[cpp]

Wow, Paradigm is leaving everyone in the dust.

It's a landslide. Not even close.

that has to mean their the best so hurry and sell those underachieving speakers you have

 

[Dentdog]

I'm looking into a pair of Salon 2s but can't find any to audition around Atlanta. Looking over the market there seems to be a lot of great choices. BTW, this is my first post but I'm enjoying reading, pretty informative.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

that has to mean their the best so hurry and sell those underachieving speakers you have

Well, B&W is second, so that's probably good enough for me. I don't need the best.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm looking into a pair of Salon 2s but can't find any to audition around Atlanta. Looking over the market there seems to be a lot of great choices. BTW, this is my first post but I'm enjoying reading, pretty informative.

I think Studio2 might be easier to locate. Just think the Salon2 as a little better.

 

[haraldo]

Well, B&W is second, so that's probably good enough for me. I don't need the best.

Second place is losing

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Second place is losing

Well, it ain't Gold metal, but it's Silver. I'm cool with Silver. Can't win them all.

Audio is now a sport.

 

[vidop]

I've only glanced over this thread. My question is-how about Vandersteen? Sorry if this has already been asked.