Top 10 Speaker Manufacturers...

[basite]

well, since this thread was brought back alive

in no particular order:

Thiel (I'm biased, but what do I care ),
Avalon
JM lab (focal)
Sonus Faber
Monitor audio, especially in the "bang for the buck" rating
Wilson
Verity Audio
Audio Physic
Apogee
B&W

sort of

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

[Pat D]

My list of 10 will include only speakers I have heard within the last few years. They generally have some affordable speakers in their range, but also have some excellent speakers in their line, and give good value for the money.

Paradigm
PSB
Kef
B & W
Dynaudio
Quad
Revel
Thiel
Klipsch -- they do make some very sensitive speakers which are also quite good.

There are a number of others whose speakers I have not heard, or not heard in recent years, who make speakers that seem to be excellent (I rate this based mostly on the measurements) and mostly also have some relatively affordable products in their lines.

Amphion
Ascend>
Axiom--these would go in my Top 10 except that I haven't heard any of them for many years.
Ethera--small company, only two speakers in the line, but excellent
Focus Audio
Infinity
JM Lab
Usher

[hotroady]

I have both Klipsch RB-75 and Martin Logan Clarity speakers as mentioned in 4 speaker shoot out with Lou Reed. Standalone; I would pick the RB-75 first, ML second, as he did. I drive my speakers with vintage tube gear in 35w to 55w rms range. I listened to these same speaks with Yamaha A/V SS unit. Flat lifeless, no midrange, even the bass was worse. After modding the ML's, (tightened muddy bass and opened midrange) and adding sub, The Clarity is now my favorite. My point is: Depends what you drive speakers with. Both the ML's and Klipsch sound worlds better with good tube power.Good speaker's will reveal the limits of their source, in no time. I prefer the ML's in low and moderate listening levels. When I want to 'crank it up' the Klipsch still has the more dynamic 'live' sound. Matching receiver, amp/preamp to speaker is part of determining which speaker is best for you. With that in mind, I can't suggest a top ten list.

[sphinxter]

1. PMC
2. B & W
3. Wilson Benesch
4. Dynaudio
5. Thiel
6. Tannoy
7. JM Lab
8. KEF
9. Paradigm
10. Living Voice

PMC are my number 1 for many reasons - the simplest being is their professional monitors line many of the worlds best recording studios and talented musician's homes. Their household range is a domesticated version of their studio's.

I noticed that Wilson Benesch, Living Voice had not been mentioned - worth an audition the next time your in the market.

[Worf101]

Snell
Thiel
Ohm
Von Swikert
B&W
Eggleston
Dynaudio
ML

These I've heard,

Da Worfster

[jrhymeammo]

1. PMC

PMC are my number 1 for many reasons - the simplest being is their professional monitors line many of the worlds best recording studios and talented musician's homes. Their household range is a domesticated version of their studio's.

OB1i has been on my list for a long time now.
I have not been able to find a link to the spec sheet, but I recall OB1i has very linear impedance curve and is very tube friendly. I imagine OB1i will be happier with 100+ watt of power, but I'm sure it'll sound just fine with less.

Have you heard the pair of OB1i?

JRA

[sphinxter]

OB1i has been on my list for a long time now.
I have not been able to find a link to the spec sheet, but I recall OB1i has very linear impedance curve and is very tube friendly. I imagine OB1i will be happier with 100+ watt of power, but I'm sure it'll sound just fine with less.

Have you heard the pair of OB1i?

JRA

Afraid not, I have heard the DB1, FB1, EB1 which were all very impressive.
Check out this page PMC OB1i Specs & Reviews

They have been reviewed favorably by HiFi World, HiFi Choice and HiFi+ (links to reviews are on the page.

I'm in the market for a new pair of speakers. Either PMC PB1i (favored - trying to arrange a demo with my electronics) or B&W 803D, MA PL300, Wilson Benesch Curve. However the more and more i learn about the PB1i - the more they appeal. But due to the financial outlay - i'm making sure that its the best choice based on listening.

[jrhymeammo]

Hey Sphinex,

You got some nice list of floorstanders. What will you be powering with?
We would love to hear your impression of PB1i.

I'm not so crazy about 803D for the money, but the sound is very good. Have you considered Dali Euphonia?

[3db]

I only saw PSB mentioned once and its probably Canada's most underated speaker yet its performance is 2nd to none in many price classes that it caters too.

[RGA]

I don't have a top 10 manufacturer of speakers because I don't necessarily like every speaker from each maker - but I will give you my top ten loudspeakers in no particular order

Audio Note AN E(Several variations but I'll count as one)
Audio Note AN J/Spe
Tannoy Prestige Royal Westminster SE
Tannoy Kensington SE
Quad 2905
Soundlabs U1
Klipsch Klipschhorn
Altec Lansing Voice of the Theater A7
Sonus Faber Stradivari Homage
B&W Model Nautilus

Honourable mentions: JM Labs Utopia, JM Labs Mezza Utopia, Dynaudio Evidence Master, Infinity Beta RS, Gershman Acoustics Gap 828, Avanteguarde Acoustic Duos, B&W Matrix 801, Audio Note AN K/Spe, Reference 3a MM De Capo (original version), Sonus Faber Cremona, PMC MB2i, PMC TB2i, ATC SCM 100 actives.

[hermanv]

Sonus Faber fans seem to be few and quiet, at least for this Forum.

Also did anyone mention the Pearl (Joseph Audio)

[javamark]

The top ten speaker manufacturers, based purely on the speakers I have listened to in my order of preference:

Elac
Monitor Audio (platinum series)
Duntech
B&W
Sonus Faber
Audiovector
JM Lab
Legend
Orpheus
KEF

I haven't had the pleasure of listening to Wilson or Dynaudio speakers, but I'm sure they would be right up there.

[HoaHoang]

Hi everybody !
I have the choice between Dynaudio Audience 72 and Martin Logan Preface
Help me, Please !
many thanks

[JoeE SP9]

Hi everybody !
I have the choice between Dynaudio Audience 72 and Martin Logan Preface
Help me, Please !
many thanks

It really depends on many things.
room size
associated equipment
type of music you listen to
how loud will you play it

Which ones do you like best?

As for myself, I'm an electrostatic kind of guy. Martin Logan's would be my choice.

[winston16]

Hi everyone,

Would appreciate if you had a view re the new Monitor Audio PL200s or the new Tannoy DC8Ts? The final two speakers in my selection process after hearing about 15 different pairs. I like a wide range of music and am driving the speakers through two Cyrus Mono blocks (150 W each).

Thanks,

W16

[atomicAdam]

Hi everyone,

Would appreciate if you had a view re the new Monitor Audio PL200s or the new Tannoy DC8Ts? The final two speakers in my selection process after hearing about 15 different pairs. I like a wide range of music and am driving the speakers through two Cyrus Mono blocks (150 W each).

Thanks,

W16

W16, This seems like it is new thread worthy. Why don't you start a new thread with this info and I'll delete this post from this thread.

-aA