10 Sexiest Speakers

[Smokey]

Manufacturers are happy making perfect speakers in perfectly square (and rectangular) shapes. However, there are plenty looking to go outside of that classic box/

Not in any particuler order;

Vivid Audio G1 Giya
Vivid Audio says that the inspiration for this swirly speaker lies in the company’s African roots. This 176-pound speaker packs in a 4-way 5-driver system, a frequency range of 23Hz to 44kHz (-6 dB), and kicks out a whopping 800 watts. And $65,000 price tag.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/Vivid-G1Giya.jpg

Scaena Model 3.2
The system includes two towers with 12 midrange drivers per side, which operate from 80 to 6,000Hz. Another nine ribbon tweeters on each side carry 6,000Hz to 26kHz. This is also coupled with two pairs of 18-inch subwoofers. Even though Scaena says this is an “entry-level” product, it costs about $54,000.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/ScaenaModel32.jpg

Sonance Kayak
Boasting 60 watts of sound, this funky unit promises install options aplenty—which include suspending the speaker vertically or horizontally. Available by special order, this very special design comes in a variety of very special finishes. However, the basic, but shiny aluminum, starts at about $4,900.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/Sonance-Kayak.jpg

Totem Wind Design
This 3-way, 4-driver system blows away the competition combining an avant-garde design with great sound. Available in various veneer, satin and other finishes, Totem’s tower of power will run you about $13,000 per pair.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/Totem-Wind.jpg

B&O BeoLab 11 Subwoofer
The only dedicated subwoofer on this list. It’s also the only one that looks like something stolen out of the Alien prop closet. A built-in 200-watt ICEpower amplifier and two 6.5-inch drivers, starting around $2,000, the BeoLab 11 is available in a variety of colors.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/BO-BeoLab11.jpg

KEF Muon
Aside from this set’s good looks, these babies are limited—which makes a boatload of sense, since they retail for about $140,000 per pair. This four-way speaker uses KEF’s own Uni-Q driver array and throws in two additional rear bass drivers. The super-thick aluminum shell eliminates any vibrations.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/KEF-Muo1.jpg

Cabasse La Sphere
Priced out at around $150,000. For that, you’ll get a 4-way speaker that doubles as a conversation starter, thanks to a honeycomb dome and the power to cover the range of 80Hz to 22kHz.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/Cabasse-LaSphere.jpg

Salagar Symphony S210
There’s something slightly off about Salagar’s Symphony S210 speakers—and that’s what makes them so neat. However, the inside is equally as pretty, packing two of Bang & Olufsen’s 200-watt ICEpower class D amplifiers into each cabinet. Expect to pay about $8,000 for a pair.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/Salagar-S210.jpg

B&W Nautilus
This 4-way tube-loaded loudspeaker system took five years to develop and it shows. Speaker features a frequency response of 40Hz – 20kHz (±1dB) and requires one stereo pre-amplifier and eight monobloc or four stereo power amplifiers per pair. That pair could cost you about $60K.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/BW-Nautilus.jpg

LimeLight Audio AL-1500
This tableside buddy boasts a 6.5-inch woofer at the bottom and a 1-inch tweeter on top. Promising 150 watts of power. For $1,295, you can get a pair of these for dueling end tables. If you want to add your own shade, you can knock $50 off the price and get them without.

http://www.electronichouse.com/images/slideshow/LimeLight-AL1500.jpg

http://www.electronichouse.com/article/19_sexy_speakers

[dakatabg]

wow all of them are beautiful

[PeruvianSkies]

I have not had the privilege of seeing all of these up close and personal, but the pictures sure are intriguing.

The only speaker that I think is missing and I have seen in person and was completely unhinged was MBL's reference line Radialstrahlers. Seen here:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2556004895_ec9348ea02_o.png&imgrefurl=http://www.avguide.com/forums/mbl-101-x-treme-radialstrahler-loudspeaker&h=600&w=800&sz=643&tbnid=Lu17E0xZwhjavM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dradialstrahler&zoom=1&usg=__ITJ7MW3HhUqpbKlyYG2O9bQXCeQ=&sa=X&ei=6mFvTPI3wffwBoSVuNsL&ved=0CCcQ9QEwBQ

[Smokey]

The only speaker that I think is missing and I have seen in person and was completely unhinged was MBL's reference line Radialstrahlers. Seen here:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2556004895_ec9348ea02_o.png&imgrefurl=http://www.avguide.com/forums/mbl-101-x-treme-radialstrahler-loudspeaker&h=600&w=800&sz=643&tbnid=Lu17E0xZwhjavM:&tbnh=107&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dradialstrahler&zoom=1&usg=__ITJ7MW3HhUqpbKlyYG2O9bQXCeQ=&sa=X&ei=6mFvTPI3wffwBoSVuNsL&ved=0CCcQ9QEwBQ

That looks like a flux capacitor :D

I am guessing if budget is no issue, the artist side can get precedence over practical side.

[LeRoy]

While looking at all these very cool looking designs...I could not help but feel these speakers belong in the futuristic world of the movie, The 5th Element. Certainly these models belong in some audio museum...heck, I'd pay an admission ticket to look and listen to all these you have listed.

[mlsstl]

Forget looking at speakers. If you want sex appeal, run down this album and give it a listen: Ronnie Magri & His New Orleans Jazz Band's "Shim Sham Revue - Music of the New Orleans Burleque Shows"....

http://www.rzootwo.com/cds/ronnie_magri_shim_sham.jpg

[Geoffcin]

That looks like a flux capacitor :D

I am guessing if budget is no issue, the artist side can get precedence over practical side.

First thanks for posting this thread! I'm sure we'll have a bunch of members chime in on what they think is best.

Believe it or not, the Radialstrahler speaker has nothing but engineering in it's form. The drivers are quite literally naked, and all the rest is just supports for them.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2321/2465314336_e286030578_b.jpg

[Smokey]

Believe it or not, the Radialstrahler speaker has nothing but engineering in it's form. The drivers are quite literally naked, and all the rest is just supports for them.

I google more information about this speaker from Germany and specifications are intriguing. Not withstanding its weight (3600 pounds), it be interesting to hear how they sound with 360 degree sound projection.

[PeruvianSkies]

I google more information about this speaker from Germany and specifications are intriguing. Not withstanding its weight (3600 pounds), it be interesting to hear how they sound with 360 degree sound projection.

Have you ever seen their amps? Not only are they monsters, but they are gorgeous to behold! It's an insane experience if you ever get a chance to visit a show where they are on display, do so and take lots of pictures!

[Smokey]

Have you ever seen their amps? Not only are they monsters, but they are gorgeous to behold!

I guess the old saying is right that Germans like audio equipment like they favor their women....Bulky :D

[02audionoob]

poppachubby and I heard/saw in real life that first one Smokey posted. I don't remember how everyone was reacting to the sound, though. I just remember them reacting to the perceived arrogance of the guy who brought them.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/4572845115_e67b5e1891.jpg

[JohnMichael]

This is my idea of a sexy speaker.

[Geoffcin]

This is my idea of a sexy speaker.

Your such a tease....

WTF is it?!

[Geoffcin]

http://alljoneses.com/images/blog/DeathStarSubwoofer.jpg

[JohnMichael]

Your such a tease....

WTF is it?!




Reference 3A L'integral.

http://www.reference3a.com/lintegale.htm

[TheHills44060]

This is my idea of a sexy speaker.
Sorry JM the 3A speakers look uninspiring and totally pedestrian to me lol. I think a finely crafted furniture like wood speaker that shows the true color and grain is sexy.

[JohnMichael]

Sorry JM the 3A speakers look uninspiring and totally pedestrian to me lol. I think a finely crafted furniture like wood speaker that shows the true color and grain is sexy.



Sometimes I like alternate materials but I also like wood.

[JoeE SP9]

Reference 3A L'integral.

http://www.reference3a.com/lintegale.htm

Is that what Pop's is on the trail of?

[RGA]

I'll add one

[RGA]

Mickey

[GMichael]

My favorite sub.

[GMichael]

But this 21 incher is killer.

[Poultrygeist]

http://www.thehornshoppe.com/optionalgrills.html