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High End Speakers
What different kinds of speakers do you offer?
- Purist two-channel audio system speakers and sub-woofers
Our most popular category of speaker, two-channel audio system speakers, seek to obtain the very highest level of sonic performance within a given price range. These speakers are available in a very wide variety of styles, technologies, prices, and performance. Even in state-of-the-art, cost-no-object designs, speaker designers have not yet been able to achieve perfection. The sonic differences between similarly-priced speakers can be quite large. Therefore, the selection of the best speaker is highly personal. It depends upon your priorities, such as imaging, dynamic range, tonal accuracy, space considerations, aesthetics, price, "kid-proofness", and so forth. Usually, two-channel audio systems need to be set up away from the rear and side walls in order to sound their absolute best, although sometimes interior design considerations preclude this. Deep, satisfying bass response can be provided with the addition of a sub-woofer, either at the time of the purchase of the main speakers, or later. Most great-sounding two-channel audio systems can later be extended for multi-channel audio or video use just by purchasing additional speakers.
- Multi-channel audio and/or video speakers and sub-woofers
Multi-channel audio or video speaker systems surround the listener with speakers, creating an incredible 3-dimensional effect.. Usually surround systems are installed in a 5.1 configuration so that there are two front speakers (left and right), one front center speaker (for dialog), two rear speakers (left rear and right rear), and a sub-woofer (for deep bass response). The dialog speaker should be closely matched in sound ("timbre") so that as actors walk across the screen, the tone of their voice doesn't change. The rear speakers should also be closely matched. Sometimes, less expensive, similar sounding speakers from the same manufacturer are used in the rear, although it is preferable to use identical speakers in all four corners. To read more about surround audio systems click here.
- Custom-installed in-wall speakers
In-wall speakers can be completely hidden, which is of great benefit in allowing the audio system to be visually unobtrusive. Some in-wall speakers can be painted to match the wall color. Sometimes a conventional speaker can be built into false walls made of fabric. This can achieve a level of performance for listening to music and watching movies that is higher than you might think possible, all without being seen. These false fabric walls can also conceal acoustical treatments, equipment, cabling and so forth. Custom-installed systems can be provided for just one room or a whole house, depending upon your needs and budget.
What are the pro's and con's of the different types of speakers?
- Full-range dynamic speakers
Full-range dynamic speakers use cone and dome drivers to cover the audio spectrum, from low bass to high treble. These speakers can provide stunning dynamics, where the loud passages are properly loud and the soft passages are properly soft. This can contribute to the illusion of recreating a live performance in the living room. Full-range speakers tend to be larger, floor-standing designs. Some "full-range" design do not reproduce the very lowest bass, and may therefore be combined with a sub-woofer if so desired. However most people don't feel the need for an additional subwoofer with floor-standing speakers.
- Mini-monitors (with or without a sub-woofer)
Mini-monitors are what used to be called "small bookshelf" speakers. Mini-monitors are usually mounted on rigid stands and placed out into the listening room. For technical reasons having to due with acoustic reflections and diffraction, mini-monitors can create an incredible soundstage, with the instruments spread out both left-to-right and front-to-back. The images of the instruments that they create are often pinpoint specific and astonishingly realistic. Because the small size of mini-monitors precludes the reproduction of very deep bass, listeners of some types of music may want to include a sub-woofer in the system. Although most listeners are satisfied with running mini-monitors full range without subs unless they are in a particularly large room.
- Electrostatic and Electrostatic/hybrid
Electrostatic speaker use a large panel of a flexible, conductive membrane that is suspended in an electrostatic field. Because the membrane that reproduces the sound is so light, they are often very transparent. If you close your eyes, the music sounds like its coming from real performers right there in the room. Of necessity, electrostatic speakers have moderate to large sized panels, which are either visually stunning or intrusive, depending upon your taste. Electrostatic speakers usually reproduce sound out of both the front and the back of the panel. This is known as a dipole (dye-pole). Dipole speakers usually sound best when placed at least two feet from the rear wall. Electrostatic hybrids use a conventional dynamic cone woofer to handle the bass, which helps keep the panels smaller and still reproduce satisfying deep notes.
- Planar Magnetic/hybrid
Planar magnetic speakers use a flexible membrane with wires imbedded in it. The membrane is suspended in a magnetic field. While this sounds very similar to electrostatic speakers, the engineering principle is completely different. If the membrane is tall and narrow, it is sometimes referred to as a "ribbon" driver. Whereas electrostatic speakers cover the entire musical spectrum with a single membrane (called a diaphragm), planar magnetic speakers use multiple drivers of differing sizes to do the same. Planar magnetic speakers have some of the same sonic virtues as electrostatic speakers.
- Horn speakers
Horn speakers use a horn to increase the acoustic efficiency of each driver and therefore are usually highly efficient. Normally a compression driver feeds the horn, and the larger the horn the lower in frequency it can go. Horn speakers excel in dynamics, though many times the drawback is a kind of horn coloration which is instantly audible for some sensitive listeners. It is possible to design a horn speaker without that "horn coloration" but it is rare to hear one. The best example of a horn system without any discernable horn coloration is the Magico Ultimate II, though it is beyond the reach of all but a lucky few.
Avalon Acoustics
Avalon makes a wide
range of superior-quality speakers. Their designs use elaborate
cabinet construction to reduce resonances and front baffle
diffraction. They select very high quality drivers and build very
high quality crossovers. The quality of their wood-working is
astounding. The grain of the veneers is
carefully bookmatched, yielding beautiful mirror-image speakers.
The standard veneers are all very beautiful: quilted cherry, figured walnut, or curly maple. All Avalon speakers are also available at extra cost in premium veneers: myrtle cluster burl or walnut cluster burl. For the Eidolon Diamond only, birdseye maple is available.
At the manufacturer's request, Avalon prices are not published
on dealer websites, but rather are available by contacting us directly.
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| Avalon Speakers |
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Dynaudio
Dynaudio
makes a wide range of loudspeakers — from moderately priced
monitors to top of the line. Their designs are (generally) moderately sized, slim,
and (of course) excellent sounding. The Dynaudio Confidence C2 loudspeaker is pictured at the left
in maple without the included grill installed.
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| Dynaudio Custom Installation Speakers |
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| Dynaudio IP-24 in-wall. $1,500/pair.. |
| Dynaudio Audience Series Speakers |
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| Dynaudio Audience 52. $1,100/pair. |
| Dynaudio Audience 62. $1,400/pair. |
| Dynaudio Audience 72. $1,900/pair. |
| Dynaudio Audience 82. $2,800/pair. |
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| Dynaudio Audience SUB-300 subwoofer. $1,500 each. |
| Dynaudio Audience SUB-500 subwoofer. $2,000 each. |
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| Dynaudio Focus speakers |
| Dynaudio Focus 110. $1,500/pair. |
| Dynaudio Focus 140. $2,000/pair. |
| Dynaudio Focus 220. $3,300/pair. |
| Dynaudio Focus 200C center-channel. $1,100. |
| Dynaudio Contour Speakers |
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| Dynaudio S1.4. $3,300/pair. |
| Dynaudio S3.4. $6,000/pair. |
| Dynaudio S5.4. $10,000/pair. |
| Dynaudio S C center channel. $2,100 each |
| Dynaudio S R rear channel. $2,300/pair |
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| Dynaudio Confidence Speakers |
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| Dynaudio Evidence Reference Speakers |
| Dynaudio Evidence Temptation. $44,000/pair. |
| Dynaudio Evidence Center. $22,000 each. |
| Dynaudio Evidence Master. $100,000/pair. |
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era
era
(capitalized e. e. cummings style) makes small speakers and matching furniture.
The standard finishes are cherry, rosewood and sycamore. Piano black is a
premium finish.
| era Loudspeakers |
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| era Subwoofers |
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Linn
Linn
makes three ranges of products: high performance audio/video products, including
speakers, custom installation products which allow house-wide music, and one-box
music or movie components.. Within these ranges, Linn makes phono
components, digital components, preamplifiers,
amplifiers, speakers, surround
sound processors, cables, and tuners.
The Linn Espek is pictured at the left.
| Linn Loudspeakers |
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| Linn Komponent Loudspeaker System |
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| Linn Akurate Series Speakers and Subwoofers |
| Linn Akurate 221 bass extension loudspeaker (subwoofer). $4,230 each. |
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| Linn Akurate 242 floor-standing. $10,570./pair. |
| The Akurate series is available in Black Ash, Cherry, Maple, and Rosenut, all at the above prices. |
| Linn Artikulat Series Speaker System |
| Linn Artikulat 350A Floorstanding loudspeaker for two and multi-channel systems, fully intergrated AKTIV: pair $43,020. |
| Linn Artikulat 320A Compact loudspeaker for two and multi-channel systems, fully intergrated AKTIV: pair $24,520. |
| Linn Artikulat 340A Center Channel loudspeaker multi-channel systems, fully intergrated AKTIV: single $17,210. |
| Linn Artikulat 350A Floorstanding loudspeaker for two and multi-channel systems, fully intergrated Passive: pair $26,920. |
| Linn Artikulat 320A Compact loudspeaker for two and multi-channel systems, fully intergrated Passive: pair $15,340. |
| Linn Artikulat 340A Center Channel loudspeaker multi-channel systems, fully intergrated Passive: single $10,770. |
| The Artikulat series is available in Black Ash, Cherry, Maple, and Rosenut, all at the above prices. High gloss is available as an upgrade. |
| Linn Subwoofers |
| Linn Afekt compact bass reinforcement. $1,380. each |
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Magico
Magico
makes very high performance speakers, ranging from the room-friendly V2 (left),
to the stand-mounted Mini II, to the state-of-the-art Ultimate II.
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| Magico Speakers |
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| Magico V2. $18,000/pair |
| Magico V3. $27,000/pair |
| Magico Mini 2, including dedicated stand. $32,000/pair |
| Magico M5. $89,000/pair |
| Magico Model 6. $160,000/pair |
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Magico Ultimate II.
(no crossover included, needs active 5-way crossover) $354,000/pair.
Magico Ultimate II w/passive crossover & active bass module. $394,000/pair |
MartinLogan
MartinLogan is
one of the oldest and most successful manufacturers of
electrostatic and electrostatic/hybrid speakers. Their decades of
experience have allowed them to refine the materials and
technologies that they use to make their speakers sound so
incredible. They invented and hold the patent on the curved
diaphragm that increases the listening area and prevents
"hot spots". With the exception of the CLX, all of their speakers are hybrids, with
dynamic woofers. The Summit X is pictured at the left.
In 2003, MartinLogan also introduced a line of "Advanced Thin Film" speakers which use a planar-magnetic driver instead of an electrostatic panel.
| MartinLogan Electrostatic Loudspeakers |
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| MartinLogan Inwall Loudspeakers |
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| MartinLogan Hybrid Planar-Magnetic Music or Home Theater Speakers |
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| MartinLogan Hybrid Electrostatic Music or Home Theater Speakers |
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| MartinLogan Hybrid Electrostatic Home Theater Speakers |
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| MartinLogan Subwoofers |
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Quad
Quad
makes digital
components, pre-amplifiers, amplifiers.
speakers, and tuners,
The 989 electrostatic speaker is pictured in black at the left.
| Quad Electrostatic Speakers |
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| Quad 988 electrostatic. $5,500/pair. |
| Quad 989 electrostatic. $8,650/pair. |
| Quad 2805 electrostatic. $9,000/pair. |
| Quad 2905 electrostatic. $11,500/pair. |
| Standard finish for the electrostatic series is black. Nouveau (silver/blue) and Classic (Brown/wood) are available at extra cost. |
| Quad L-Series Speakers |
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| Quad L-Centre magnetically shielded center channel. $500. |
| Quad L-Subwoofer active subwoofer. $1,500. |
| Other L series models available by special order only. |
| Available finishes for the L-series are Maple, Birds-eye Maple, Black, and Rosewood, all in piano lacquer. |
REL makes a full line of high-performance subwoofers for use in two-channel audio and home theater systems. REL subwoofers can be driven by a pre-amp, an amp, or both (which is important in many home theater installations). They mate extremely well with a wide variety of speakers. Ideally, the main speakers that they are used with should not have any exaggerated bass or the overall effect with the subwoofer will be bass heavy.
| REL Subwoofers |
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| REL Q-108. Black textured finish. |
| REL R-505. Black lacquer finish. |
| REL R-305. Black lacquer finish. |
| REL R-205. Black lacquer finish. |
| REF Reference Subwoofers |
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| REL Stentor III. Glass top with choice of Black Oak, Walnut, or Rosenut. |
| REL Studio III. Glass top with choice of Black Oak, Walnut, or Rosenut. The ultimate for large rooms and home theaters. |
| REL Briannia Series Subwoofers |
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| REL Britannia B1 Black finish |
| REL Britannia B2 Black finish |
| REL Britannia B3 Black finish |
| REL T-Series Subwoofers |
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| REL T1 |
| REL T2 |
| REL T3 |
Rockport
Rockport
Technologies makes very high performance speakers, ranging from the surprisingly diminutive floor-standing Mira
(left), and even more compact Mira Monitor, to their top model the Arrakis.
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| Rockport Speakers | |
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| Rockport Mira Monitor. $5800/Pr. | |
| Rockport Mira. $15,000/Pr. | |
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| Rockport Mira Grand II. $35,500/Pr. | |
| Rockport Ankaa. $27,500/Pr. - see review | |
| Rockport Aquila. $45,500/Pr. | |
| Rockport Altair. $94,500/Pr. | |
| Rockport Arrakis. $165,000/pair - see review |
Note: above prices are for standard finishes, optional finishes are extra.
Totem
| Local sales only |
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Totem makes
excellent mini-monitor speakers, tower speakers, and in-wall
speakers. Grill cloths are optional (except for the in-wall
speakers, of course). The less expensive "Mite" series
can be the basis of a very affordable, good-sounding home
theater. The Mani-2 is a landmark design at around $4,500 (left).
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| Totem Monitors |
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| Totem "Tower" Style Speakers |
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| Totem Subwoofer |
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| Totem Home Theater Package |
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| Totem On-Wall Series |
| Totem Tribe I 40-45" Plasma Flat Screen. Glossy Black or Metallic. $795each. |
| Totem Tribe II 50-53" Plasma Flat Screen. Glossy Black or Metallic. $995each. |
| Totem Tribe III 60-55" Plasma Flat Screen. Glossy Black or Metallic. $1,500each. |
| Totem In-Wall and In-Ceiling Speakers (for custom installation) |
| Totem TAC 6.5 round in-ceiling 6.5" two-way speakers. $475/pair. |
| Totem TAC 8 round in-ceiling 8" two-way speakers. $695/pair. |
| Totem TAW 6.5 rectangular in-wall 6.5" two-way speakers. $575/pair. |
| Totem TAW 8 rectangular in-wall 8" two-way speakers. $795/pair. |
Verity
Audio
Verity Audio makes high-performance speakers. The Parsifal Encore is shown at the left. (more)
| Local sales only |
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| Verity Audio Home Theater Loudspeakers |
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| Verity Audio Music Loudspeakers |
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| Verity Audio Subwoofers |
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Wisdom
Wisdom
makes high performance in-wall and on-wall and free-standing speakers.
| Sage Series Speakers - Main Channels and Surrounds |
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| P20 |
| P38 |
| P48 |
| L75 |
| L150i |
| Sage Series - Center Speakers |
| C20 |
| C38 |
| Sage Series - Center Speakers |
| S90i |
| Sage Series Electronics - System Controller |
| SC-1 |
| Sage Series Electronics - System Amplifiers |
| SA-1 |
| SA-2 |
| SA-3 |