Audiophiles! Are you ready to buy your last speaker?

[@jeffrichards4399]

Every piece of Hi-Fi equipment I buy is my last. At least that's what I tell my wife. .

[@JoeCool882]

Google it , Scam

[@Asoka-great]

😀

[@okosbokos1491]

Ahhahahahhahah

[@ralex3697]

Yes

[@chuckgillespie1]

I’m done swapping speakers....doesn’t matter which brand or style - Just wanna focus on music - Chasing sound has ruined my enjoyment of music - Best speakers ever?....The ones you have!

[@kohnfutner9637]

I like the ones I got too. Klipsch, JBL, and Elac are just fine.

[@mariopadilla5065]

You are correct...I too wasted many years.

[@borregodanet]

im taking my time to buy the best speakers for my budget and ... thats it. i need speakers to listen to music and not music to listen to my speakers! (this came out good!! HAHAHA)

[@RyanThompsonrthomp]

After many years, I’m finally content with settling on my Bose Solo 5 tv sound system

[@nikkynaemates]

I'm still using B&W DM 620 floor standers which I bought 30 years ago. Still love the sound

[@ronbork8454]

My last speakers will be the pair I have when I die.

[@martijnbroekman]

Or when you become deaf

[@martijnbroekman]

@Fat Rat posted this commend on the wrong spot ;-)

[@Gregor7677]

Now that’s the truth.

[@andrewmcdermott2394]

Fat Rat 😂

[@clicheclicksphotography6566]

Lol

[@steves1083]

My last speaker is my first, Dynaco A25’s that I bought in the early 1970’s. I think my hearing and these speakers have deteriorated at the same rate. We’ve grown old together.

[@ggrotz4863]

I loved my A25's. A roommate had a party when I was out of town and blew the tweeters. So sad, couldn't find replacements back then. I'm happy now with my Elac UB5's.

[@andershammer9307]

@@immovableobjectify Had 2 pairs of A25's. Sold one pair but kept one pair.

[@MisterNiles]

A25s are my last speaker too. I'm thinking about building a modern clone, but I'm not pressed.

[@pablobruise1388]

I bought a Dinoco KO 825 in 1972 send Sarah Best Buy in consumer reports. I still have them but my cereal system has been basically stacked and packed and unused for maybe 35 years. Next time I plugged in men now that I'm about retired, I'll keep my fingers crossed. I got some old Bose 901 Series 4 with equalizer. They're probably okay as well, although I believe a lot of people think that they're muddy sounding.

[@pablobruise1388]

I bought my dynaco a25 in 1972 because Consumer Reports had them as a Best Buy. I use them for 25 years and haven't used them for 35 although they been stacked and packed with my Scott receiver, AR turntable. I do have Bose 901 Series IVs. I guess they're okay as well, I know many people think they have a muddy sound, but I'm not really an audiophile. I try to test trust expert's opinions.

[@jimfitting5639]

I purchased a pair of JBL L100's in 1972 for a bit over $500.00 when I was 18 years old. I really wanted the L200's but they were out of my reach price wise. That was a lot of money for me at the time but I was beginning to find out what audiophiles are. I went to a stereo store in Seattle a number of years later and heard Klipschorn speakers for the first time. They were very expensive and the salesperson (snooty guy) reluctantly let me hear them and played Paul Simon's "Loved me like a rock" and Closing my eyes, I could see Paul on stage and with the band it sounded so live. Some time later I went to an electronics convention with my college industrial electronics class and met Pat Snyder (Founder of Speaker Lab) and talked to him for a long time as he was very fun to talk to and I remember him telling me that when he built his first corner horn he was listening to a recording with male vocals (wish I could remember who) and he said "I wanted to get a can opener and let him out". I bought some plans for the SpeakerLab K, I think for $10.00 and some marine grade plywood and proceeded to build them using my Dad's garage and table saw. Quite challenging considering I had never built anything before other than a fence. It took me a couple of months to finish the bass horn and I used a 400 millihenry inductor and 4000uf capacitor to keep my L100's from seeing anything below 400 cycles. As I could afford the real drivers and crossovers I purchased them from SpeakerLab. I opted for the better tweeters and midrange drivers and they were referred to as the super K's. I have heard many awesome sounding speakers in my 65 years and some sound as or almost as good as mine, but none better. In my opinion. Must add The opinion part because everyone has one. I have a Carver TFM 55X for power and Carver C2 preamp. The L100's I use for rear surround and a JBL Professional series 8340 cinema speaker with a mono bridged 300w Carver TFM 15cb amp and Carver C2 preamp. Hope I didn't bore anyone. I love audio! Jim Fitting, Sequim Washington

[@MrCraptakular]

Harbeth speakers are built in the town I live in (UK), KEF in the next county across, ATC are build near my parents. So many great UK speakers

[@GBS-nt4tt]

you left out B and W which is the speaker of abbey road speakers. I think you Brits make great, smooth sounding speakers.

[@orwhat24]

As I think you are pointing out, there are plenty of candidates for last speaker. I think the bigger problem is the”last” room. These rooms are so critical and such a problem..... I’m trying to find that house with a room that’s just right for speakers.

[@michelhaineault6654]

absolutely we need a 10ft ceiling and it's not even the ideal room acoustic field talk about a 14feet high ceiling to be the best

[@kohnfutner9637]

This might be a idiotic concept to you but have you tried room correction software and run it in different positions until you find a sound you like? I'm not saying my Yamaha rxa880 fixes the sound perfectly but it's not bad. I'm perfectly fine with it.

[@michelhaineault6654]

@@kohnfutner9637 it's a good compromise if you do not have a dedicated sound room.

[@remiandrepedersen868]

That is true, but there is also something to try to find the right speakers for the room. But it is also possible to use large speakers in small rooms, if you play low, but if you like to increase the volume a little, it will not be ideal. But of course there are more factors than the size of the room and speakers as well.

[@heinrichschulz3598]

Agreed; For large room had the same Maggies with new solen caps and acoustic suspension woofer like AR1W For small room LS35As with home built reflex bass sub 12 inch Audax f3 of 27 Hz.

[@ecamormex]

Should I buy one that’s big enough to serve as my casket when the time comes?

[@bottomendbliss]

lol very poetic and ironic.

[@darkroom8317]

That would be the 800 D3... or the Magico S7, good luck!

[@mikeuk4130]

A pair of the Tannoy Ardens which Steve highlights would do the trick, if placed end-to-end, even if you're a big fat b*****d!

[@ecamormex]

@@mikeuk4130 Hahaha!!! I am a fat bastard.

[@Kerdtress]

You can always choose to get cremated so you can fit in nearly every Speaker you want.

[@TNPFan]

My last speakers will be Wilson Audio because my wife will kill me for spending that much money. Might actually be worth the purchase! 😇

[@kman7222]

well as long as you can enjoy them 1st :)

[@theredboneking]

Suicide by lack of W.A.F.

[@willmac5642]

The cabinets will save on funeral costs too.

[@BigByronDTS]

Lol

[@Coneman3]

You need big speaker cabinet to double as a coffin.

[@MrDGPhoto]

B&W 801 I've had for over 25 year. Still happy. M&K 5000 Sub-woofer since I watch a lot of movies too, also about 25 years old. If I'm in a thrift shop & see old speaker I get tempted now & then.

[@alexstickney156]

Already bought mine, a pair of B&W 802 Diamonds. Love the way look and sound. I also still own my first speakers, the JBL L40.

[@jeremymckean3574]

Alex Stickney the 802s are majestic. I just spent my first time this week with them.

[@kevinl6231]

Gotta love those B&Ws❤️❗️

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

I just finished my 'last' speaker. I built them. Like all things I DIY, they can be upgraded vs replaced. So they easily can be the last speaker. They are open baffle. An improved version of the Lampizator P17 aka Fikus Electric. They have a vintage 10" full range coaxial by Coral with Alnico magnets in a small 12" baffle. The 18" pro driver sits in a open backed box to fill in mid bass from 120Hz down to about 40Hz. The baffles are solid 1.5" black walnut finished with 5 layers of tung oil. Beautiful! They have strong dynamics and clarity with tons of weight from the 18". If I want to improve them, I can replace the full range with some exotic German full range with modern technology. But it is unlikely I will change them as they are a labor of love and meet my needs for natural dynamic sound with the kind of effortless presence that only comes with very large drivers. They cost me about $3k in parts and a couple of months of work. If I purchased them from a commercial manufacturer they would have to charge $30k. They need careful placement in a large room. So not for everyone. But for value and sound satisfaction they are MY 'last speakers'.

[@joeycain9738]

I bought a pair of B&W Matrix 802.3 with North Creek Crossovers, used, in the mid 1990s and have never heard any speaker since at any audio show or show room that I felt was worth trading them in for. I've upgraded and changed everything else, which has made them only sound more wonderful. We will continue to grow old together.

[@christinearmington]

What do you drive them with?

[@michaelstimpson1137]

I loved him in curb your enthusiasm, I think he could introduce some extra characters into this series

[@christinearmington]

😆

[@greymatters14]

Lol

[@gboates]

Those Tannoys! Heard those near field in the 70’s and my chest is just recovering now! Visceral.

[@ap5672]

My first ever high end speaker was the Proac Response 1S back in 1992. I upgraded several times over the years, but I enjoyed music the most on my Proacs. It's still my main speaker until today.

[@Elizabeth-se1ig]

I bought my 'last speakers' 18 months ago. Previously I owned Magnepan 3.6 and I bought new Magnepan 20.7 in my medium small 1 br. apartment. I am retired... Spend all day every day listening to music.

[@spektrograf]

I fell in love with Harbeth SHL5's around 10 years ago. 10 years or so later, they still make me smile everytime they pump music into the room.

[@trolabee]

That sounds encouraging as I'm selling off my big stereo system in favor of something more nearfield or desktop sized, so I've become interested in the Harbeth P3ESR. Those alone would cost more than my big system combined so it would be quite an investment. What are your Harbeth's like? How do you use them?

[@awdadwadwad1723]

Same, I love Harbeth. I own Super HL5 Plus and P3ESR and my last speakers will be 40.2. Harbeth for life I guess.

[@trolabee]

@Fat Rat Thanks for your reply Fat Rat. Much appreciated. I've finally accepted that my Klipsch Forte II's and Heresy II's are too much speaker for my thin-walled 1 bed apt with neighbors all around me. I need something that sounds good to me at very low vol, and even at low vol my current setup is too much. And I do 90% of my listening with my cheap desktop system anyway and rarely turn on the "big rig." I guess I kinda prefer more nearfield listening because I can put it at a level where I feel relatively satisfied by the perceived vol level and can actually relax and enjoy the music, knowing that I'm not disturbing my neighbors. I do most of my listening on youtube so I find myself listening to music that I don't really like just because the audio quality is usually better (jazz, folk, techno etc) instead of listening to what I really like, which is rock and old recordings of various genres. Poor audio quality usually, and the Klipsches are rather revealing of poor audio quality. I like their sensitivity tho. Even at low vol they sound present and open and "there." My experience with low sens speakers is that I have to push them a little more to get them to open up and sound good, but by then it's already at a level that exceeds what I'm looking for. So thanks again. I'll definitely check out those System Audio Legend 5's

[@yahunanach4289]

Fat Rat hi I have HL5 40th with a Rel S5Shu and play Dio and and sounds Rock and Roll

[@PaulHoyle777]

I'm almost 70. And I have owned 3 pairs of speakers in my life. Each pair was KEF, and I've just brought a pair of KEF Q550s. I love the sound from them. I expect them to be my last pair. Thank you so much for your recent review of these speakers, I love the sound from them.

[@birgerolofsson2347]

I'm almost 49 years old & I've bought my last speakers and it became a pair of Elac FS 507 VX-JET with the belonging Elac CC 501 VX-JET center. I also bought a pair of the small Elac BS403 for the surrondsound that I'll never exchange. My sub, a KEF XQ60b, I MIGHT exchange in the future since it's already 10 yers old now but I'll use it as long as it's possible & the same with my rear-surround speakers, a pair of KEF XQ40

[@tomhohum4275]

I’ve been happy with my Martin Logan Sequel It’s I bought 30+ years ago. Replaced the electrostatic panels and paired it with a Martin Logan sub and been marveling at the sound for decades

[@sylviarienzo6955]

That’s easy. My last speakers are my Quad ESL-63s that I imported from England to my home in California in 1990. I had them completely refurbished in 2017 and they sound amazing! I’m 82.

[@uniquephoto369]

I recently picked up a pair of Polk Audio LSiM 705’s, I have them bi wired to my Yamaha Rx-V1085, I am blown away by the detail in songs like Welcome to the Machine, and the sonic assault from songs like Skrillex Make it Bun Dem. I know “Audiophiles shun Dub Step, but my whole block can feel the music when I play it! 😂

[@bottomendbliss]

Audioflys dont like to feel the music. They like to hear their gear.

[@marcingram255]

My last speaker is the pair of Advent Large Loudspeakers that were a part of the component system my parents bought me for my high school graduation gift. A few years later, while in college, I bought a Kenwood ka 7300 integrated amp to power the system. I still have it too.

[@dednside5229]

I can see why Badass integrated

[@davemoritz2174]

Have had my Altec Lancing VOT A-7's for 32 years so there is a good chance these are my last speakers. These where my fathers and I still love these speakers!

[@markolaw]

Pioneer HPM-100 is my last speaker. I bought 2 in college (1979) and a Fisher Studio Standard RS2010. It was bullet proof. So today I own 3 RS2010s and 6 HPM-100s. The room is big so this was my solution. The HPM100 has great range and the bass puts cracks in the plaster. My system is all Bob Cratchet could afford so please don’t make fun of me.

[@jlmain5777]

Steve, that reminds me I have to write my will.

[@hobononono3435]

ATC 100 ASL. Big Ugly but jaw droppingly good. Everything I do now is built around these speakers. I've had countless speakers but for me these things tick all my boxes (literally). The only way no I see changing these is if I change the room (and then it will be 50's or if I’m very lucky the 150’s). It's been a journey and a fun one but I'm there now and more than happy.

[@reddogskorlatowski6981]

I feel as though Steve just talked me through my last dozen relationships

[@magic3817]

I bought my last speakers in 1978 or 79. They are Fried dB/2 with 10 inch subwoofers in a transmission line box. They still sound good today and move a lot of air. The sound they produce is a real presence in the room. I have played everything through them from opera to rock on cd and vinyl. They are the best audio purchase I have ever made.

[@williamschaefer7399]

Just received my 40.2's. Not sure there is anywhere else to go. Magic.

[@charlesgrubbs2101]

Top of my audition list for my "end of life" speaker list.

[@WeLuv9x5]

In the late ‘80’s I heard a similar comment, “This will be the last speaker in your life that you’ll ever need.” So, I purchased them: Polk Audio SRS-SDA 1.2tls (they are paired with two Carver TFM-45s, bridged and two Velodyne FSR-15 subs). Since first buying my 1.2tls, they have served me well! Next month I turn 55. My gift to myself are Polk Audio L800s and two SVS PC-4000 subs. The Carvers have been refreshed (and my Sony TA-E9000S processor remains flawless), but it may be time to upgrade to some McIntosh gear 😎

[@Primeanaloggourmet]

Got my last two pairs! B&O 6000 since I love the way they sound paired with my B&O beocenter 9000! My main “last pair” are my Klipsch Cornwall’s and I listen to all my vinyl through them!

[@sheffsteel7]

I find that speakers have different flavours, different strengths and weaknesses. You initially enjoy the strengths but gradually your ear adapts and the weaknesses then niggle away at you. You then come across a speakers that addresses all the weakness and you’re really impressed and want to buy them but then gradually new weaknesses are noticed that weren’t apparent on the 1st speakers. Then the merry-go-round begins. Also some speakers major on certain types of music but are poor at other types of speaker. Sometimes I think it’s best to buy 3 or 4 sets of high end headphones to cover all bases.

[@iamsabit1337]

Steve is high AF in this video, look at his eyes lol! Anyways, another great video Steve. Thank you sir!

[@henryrogers5500]

Great video! I bought my “last” speakers in the mid 1980s. I’ve purchased vinyl LPs since 1965. I’m 65 years old. Now back to my “last” speakers. They were a very cheap set of stereo 3-way speakers in large boxes. They contained a 12” woofer, a paper midrange and a paper tweeter. Not long after my purchase, I blew the woofers. So around 1987, I decided to take them to an audio/electronics store and one of the staff there also moonlighted building audio systems for Lamborghini automobiles, etc. He custom-built my speakers for me, completely gutting my speakers and only using the box and grill covers. He ported the backs and I hand-picked my parts. All new wiring, crossovers, resistors, capacitors, egg-crate foam insulation, Pioneer 12” woofers, Dynaudio fluid-cooled dome midranges and tweeters. Today, they would retail for about $3000. Although, back then, I paid much less to have them rebuilt from the ground up. They weigh a ton and they sound fantastic! I am so happy I made the decision to do that. A couple of days ago, I upgraded my turntable to the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo. I also purchased the u-turn Audio phono preamp for it. Can’t wait to hook it up!!

[@dq1043]

Next Topic: What speaker would you like to be buried in...

[@mattb9664]

And how to fit you in the cabinet...

[@veryskeptical2409]

Just take out the 15" woofer and drop me in, the shovel on the dirt...

[@thjs]

could be a 2 meter transmission line (not folded kkkkkkk)

[@aaronsjones5887]

You must own a Klipsch Cornwall

[@veryskeptical2409]

Cheaper in a monitor speaker,,,cremate me. Please no beryllium tweeters. Thank you

[@GameEscape]

I recently bought a pair of Ohm C2s, recapped them, and replaced all the drivers with the Ohm's updated replacement drivers sold on their site. These speakers sound incredibly good and have a lot of the qualities that make them a candidate for a last speaker: good transparency, smoothness, musicality, power, and acceptable performance as HT fronts. Can't say if they will be my last ones, as I rebuilt them more as an experiment, but right now I am enjoying them to the point that I am not looking for the next best thing.

[@leekumiega6576]

My Ohm Walsh 2's I got in 1986 were my last speaker . In the years after I've listened to over a hundred speakers and none of them sound as good overall. Some had clearer highs or lower bass.but my midrange for all vocals are the best, And none image with the huge soundstage i get with the Walsh 2's or where any seat in the room is the sweet spot.

[@tawaunwilliams7002]

I grew up on these my dad bought them in 82 the first year they came out I was 8 years old, from that point on I was hooked on Home Audio, I never really cared when he had his quad set up with his Realistics, the Walsh 2's threw a spell on a kid they are the reason why I'm junky the way I am...lol

[@WowIndescribable]

YES! See my comment just posted!

[@no_bull]

I just bought another pair of Tannoy! The I8 series. It's a Tannoy Prestige Sandringham 8 inch Dual Concentric driver put in a professional stage enclosure. I can't stop if I see something I like, I want it in my house. There's always a good corner for a Tannoy to live in 👍🇬🇧

[@MangoZen]

I’ve had my last speaker for 27 years. The Apogee Stages. Found nothing that brings me more joy

[@MangoZen]

Gumshoe Beaumont LOL. Urban legend. You must be thinking about the legendary Apogee Scintilla. The Stages are not as demanding to drive. I use both a Van Alstine Fet Valve 400R (200wpc) and an all tube class A Margules U280SC Black (50wpc)...and yes, they can play loud and give you surprisingly musical bass; but ultimately it’s all about the midrange!

[@MountainMetal]

I grew up with Jensen G610 triaxials in the big Imperial folded horn cement lined cabinets, about 800 lbs and the size of refrigerators, the very speakers used in one of the first demonstrations of stereophonic sound put on in the US, which my dad arranged. 10 watts through these things can threaten the foundations of your neighbor's house, and they're rated at 30. The drivers alone were $385 each in the Zack radio catalog in the mid 50s. A pair can now command $5,000, easily. Not bragging, just sharing how blessed I've been.

[@mikelinneman8799]

Jeezus...audiophiles are never ready to buy their last speaker it's an addiction my friend you should know that by now!!

[@paf1001]

I like this idea of "The Last Speaker". Through the years I have owned a lot of speakers, probably somewhere around 20 different pairs. This is, for the most part, due to the fact that our living room is very problematic soundvise with standing wave issues etc. Last year I bought a pair of Tannoy Stirling GR second hand in perfect condition and it solved most of my room issues and sound fantastic. I believe these are my final speakers, but I don't think my wife believes it as she sais I have said that before...

[@carlitomelon4610]

Probably the ones they let me take to the nursing home...

[@marcus1970]

Likely headphones then.

[@midnitematador6249]

Lol

[@IronCan88]

Sony alarm radio :)

[@LP-gs3xj]

I bought a pair of Klipsch LaScala when I was stationed overseas in the late 70s. Gave to my son and they are still rocking

[@douglasyong6939]

All my life, my idea of final speakers are custom made floor to ceiling giants...So that when my eyes are closed, feels like I am at Queen's concert!

[@bottomendbliss]

lol that would be awesome. Bill and Ted style.

[@krugmeup2162]

He’s dead so that will be hard

[@1061shrink1061]

My monitor audio studio 20 SE. Now some 25 years old, and still capable of utterly staggering amounts of detail resolution and clarity that ive found hard to better for sensible money. Built like few speakers are these days (they veneer the insides of the cabinets as well as the outside to allow equal moisture absorption). Slim and (somewhat) compact, yet capable of genuine bass in the low to mid 30hz range. I suspect I’ll end up keeping these for the long run and just putting ever Increasingly better amplifiers and front end sources on them. They are pretty ruthless so an amp with a little generosity in sound helps. Right now I use a peachtree nova 125, but I’d love to here these on the end of an accuphase class A (I used to have an e-550 and would have suited these well). They do most of the magic tricks we expect from high end speakers, image stability, soundstage depth, keeping sounds free of the boxes, both focused yet wide soundstage etc etc. Not sure what else I’d want from a speaker.

[@theovanroosmalen984]

Mine too! + the monitor audio studio 2 SE.

[@VintageLuxmanStereoCollector]

Steve, thanks for keeping us motivated and interested our gear. My last speaker could be my KEF 104/2 floor standers from 1984.

[@gregglawrence3377]

I too purchased a set of KEF 104/2 Reference Speakers back in the '80's..... (For way more than I could afford then!).... And I enjoy them so much that I'm about to buy another set that I stumbled across on the web for a 2nd System that I now have. Love my KEF's!

[@5333092]

Mine's the Classic Audio Loudspeakers T1.4. It's checked all reference requirements: Waveguides on the mid/hi, beryllium diaphragms, 15" woofers and most importantly, all drivers use field coil. They arrive next week.

[@tawaunwilliams7002]

Niceeeeeee!

[@chet7219]

I just bought my first speakers!

[@chet7219]

Micca OoO

[@Gregor7677]

Good for you. Enjoy.

[@donk1822]

Cool, I bet they are a bit better than my first pair, Goodmans Q90's.

[@trog69]

Whether or not they are my "last" speakers, these ADS L810''s have raised the bar so high for any others that might compete against them. Great efficiency; incredible highs and mids with huge soundstage (though not the greatest speaker for soundstage); deep, usable bass from a very large, sealed bookshelf; and, for dessert, incredible bargain prices, if not exactly easy to find near you.

[@bobcathey8903]

I purchased a pair of ADS 710s in 1982. They have the original drivers and sound great. I have since bought three sets of Paradigms plus two Paradigm subs, and recently seven Polk speakers for my first 7.2 system powered by my Yamaha Aventage receiver. I still think I have one more set of speakers to go.

[@GBS-nt4tt]

Ahh the l810, those Braun drivers the best, smooth as silk. Braun invented dome tweeter

[@trog69]

@@GBS-nt4tt A year after I posted this, I purchased a pair of speakers that are much superior to the L810s; an immaculate pair of 910s with original stands. They are my end-gamers! I still feel very lucky after a year of listening.

[@afdk1]

My last speaker is the KEF R3, which I purchased in October, 2019.

[@johnt.9910]

I found my last speakers nearly two decades ago. '82 Lascalas. Rescued from an abusive home in West Virginia (driven hard, 400 watt amps), nursed them back to health. Now the quest is the last amplifier. After 9 years with 2A3 I'm building a 300B. I'm more concerned about where they will go when I'm gone.

[@seraphthecreator]

You need to know the joy when you have a system (amp and speakers) that you can live with forever. Then you can give up being an audiophile and listen to music instead of the sound of your hifi.

[@mydogskips2]

I hope I can get there someday, maybe when I make another $100k, or raid my 401k ??? What, wait, I don't have either. Oh well, one can still hope I guess. : )

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Agreed. Great place to be. Does not mean you often marvel at the sound of your system as you listen to the music.

[@seraphthecreator]

@@user-od9iz9cv1w yeah, I can't help but grade new albums on a production/engineering scale.

[@johnlebeau5471]

I bought my last speaker in 1984. The Sound Lab A-2 electrostatic. It was almost forced on me. I didn't know then it was my last speaker, it was only my second speaker. I tried to replace it many times only to find I liked nothing else more. Finally I gave up. I recently had the electronics gone through, the work was done by Dr. Roger West, the designer of the speaker. I'm on my fourth amplifier for it, this one probably the last, a pair of Mark Levinson ML-2s from 1978. And now I have a second last speaker. I wanted something full range to go with my beloved 45 single ended triode amp (2 glorious watts). I built a large horn system with Altec theater horns and a ribbon tweeter. The two speakers share a common source and the one I listen to depends on my mood, all I have to do is flip a couple of switches and turn my chair around.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Serious stuff there.

[@cremersalex]

Haven't bought a new pair of speakers in 12-14 years since I got the Dynaudio C1.

[@tawaunwilliams7002]

One of my favorite speakers of all time.... definitely my favorite Standmount....👍

[@oveabildgaard5618]

Right now my ProAc Response 4 are playing. They play so convincing that I have stopped thinking about new speakers. I have a pair of ProAc D38 too , as well a pair of Harbeth Shl5 super anniversary edition. All good speakers - especially the Harbeth plays with a wonderful tone - the best speakers for small rooms.

[@tawaunwilliams7002]

Nice collection....👍

[@pagustin32]

Bought my Klipsch LaScalas in my 20s and won't ever get rid of them. That being said I have different reference speakers in different rooms, so the last pair of speakers can also depend on your last home

[@DannyHoffman57]

Did it. Not just my last speaker but my last system. Figured out my max budget, thought hard about what type of speaker would work best in my room, and about what I like. Listened to lots of stuff. And then I bought...Kii Threes. Not planning on buying anything else, and can’t afford more anyway. And I’m happy. Even happier I’m off the audiophile nervosa merry go round.

[@stephenhuffman8044]

I retired at the end of 2017. Spent some of my retirement money (5k plus trade-in of old amps and speakers) to upgrade my audio system. Purchased Rogue Audio Sphinx II and DALI Rubicon 5. I will be quite happy living with this combination for the remainder of my life. Excellent sound from a relatively inexpensive system.

[@lovesmusic5504]

Stephen Huffman I have Rubicon 6’s. That whole range is EPIC!!

[@a.dejager7062]

Enjoying my set of B&W DM14 for almost 30 years.

[@TheMeridian808]

I'm ready, although maybe not the last, but I'm ready to commit for at least a decent amount of time... It's going to be JBL L100 Classic...

[@markrodriguez9882]

Had the original JBL 100s. Just magical.

[@stephengarratt5076]

Bought my last speakers in 2018, still stun me today.. A pair of Tri-Amped ATC SCM40s, honest open sound which impress all who hear them.

[@gil3green]

Haven't thought of it like that but every 15 to 20 years I change speakers. Focal Sopra No 2 is what I believe is the winner and likely last pair. Polk 10B in 1984, Meadowlark hot rod Kestrals in 1999.....

[@spiralmovement]

I lately bought a 2nd hand Dahlquist DQ 18 and I think it will be difficult to top them ; probably one of the best underrated American speakers ; simple amazing sound n detail n bass never going back to bookshelf .... Cheers from Beirut

[@salmonline]

Remember when "State-of-the-Art" was a thing? What ever happened to that?

[@TheRazmotaz]

salmonline it’s been replaced with the “state of confusion” from all of the choices.

[@miepmiepzoefzoef]

It's not inclusive and diverse to the older models. It's just not woke enough

[@Invictus96vid]

Within the consumer market, "State-of-the-Art" has always been more of a marketing term than a "real" thing. Even objectively real "state-of-the-art" technologies are quickly replaced by newer, often disruptive, and frequently superior technologies. The fleetingly brief currency of "state-of-the-art" makes it a term not to be taken seriously. That being said, those of us who prefer mechanical/artistic applications of any "state" are completely entitled to our personal choices,

[@bottomendbliss]

It was replaced by Audiophile and gobbledigook like imaging etc next they'll be applying colors to sound repro.

[@benjy288]

I've already got my last speakers, Legacy Audio Signature SE, I'll own them for as long as they last, I love that AMT tweeter, lots of detail, very crisp, very open and airy, without being bright, and relatively affordable as far as hifi speakers go, the good thing about Legacy Audio is they use the same tweeter on their Signature SE's as they do on their high end Whisper's, where most manufactures use cheaper drivers on their cheaper speakers.

[@3rdaxis649]

I'm very much thinking about suggesting the Walsh Ohm speakers to my cousin. I think they would be a great fit for him.

[@kohnfutner9637]

They're so expensive though. What's the efficiency of them?

[@dancalamari2675]

still listening to larger advents i bought in 1972. recapped and refoamed through the years. even bought another set about 10 yrs ago... for parts. still love them.

[@WowIndescribable]

How do you know when you've found your 'last' speaker? I have had a pair of Ohm Walsh IIIs since I bought them in Los Angeles in 1986. At the time I was young and had some money and decided I would buy the best sounding speakers I could find, regardless of price. As a reference, I brought with me wherever I went to try speakers out, a CD of Sade's Diamond Life. I'm also a bass player and low end quality has always been very important to me. I tried dozens of pairs of high-end speakers that year and by far, the Ohm Walsh IIIs were the best for me. Maybe the only one's marginally better to my ear were the Acoustats costing 10 times more. However, they lacked the low end and I did not want to get into sub-wooferville. I enjoyed the Ohms until 2002. Then I moved to Ireland and I shipped the Ohms there with the rest of my things in a shipping container...fortunately I had saved the original packing materials for the speakers which worked a charm for the move. I'm still enjoying them every day and am not tempted to replace them at all, they do it all in my main listening space. I've been considering another set of speakers for a different living space but haven't made any decisions yet. So, 34 years isn't too bad, is it? Curious why...I almost never hear references to Ohm speakers. Why is this? Are they still in business? Were they just 'small' and never garnered attention? What do others think of them???

[@timcurry192]

B&W Matrix 801s. Nearly 30 years old now and I wouldn't trade them for anything I've heard before or since. Which, I guess, is your point.

[@skwrttj]

Tim Curry.... those 801’s are what I wished I could have afforded... best thing I’ve ever hears. But, my AR9’s come close. Presently not hooked up, because my amps headed south and propriety parts I need are not available. 😢

[@dwightballard3868]

I had a pair for quite a while. I loved them. I did end up trading them for the Genesis II's- which I still have 25 years later. Glad you are enjoying those great speakers!

[@NickP333]

Have you found your last speaker yet, Steve? That, I’d love to know, as you’ve likely heard more than any of us.

[@andrew5200]

So happy with my Maggies, won't say they will be my last, but the constant lookout for new speakers has for once just gone away.

[@jaxmeister7199]

My father is in the 60s, he has owned alot of speakers since he started with hifi in the 70s, he hasn't change our JBL LS80 for years, he will have them until they stop playing, they are the right for him.

[@protestagain]

I have Quad Z3 speakers, and very satisfied with them. I'm nearly as old as you, Steve, and I have a slightly hope to survive longer than my speakers.

[@torchbox]

Rather than last, the “right” speaker for me at my home for my current listening room is B&W 802 D2. Unless I move I cannot imagine replacing them although I still miss Maggies.

[@Alex.R.O.P]

Damn those 802 d2s are expensive.. i didnt expect that pricetag haha ..

[@midevil1980]

My dream speaker setup... 😉👍

[@torchbox]

Alex Petersen I’ve got the matching HTM2 center channel as well which is why I hope they will be my “last” speakers 🙏🏼

[@midevil1980]

@@torchbox - Very nice! 😍

[@ronbeerman9584]

I have been pursing HI-FI for about 55 years. A couple of years ago I was fortunate to land a pair of Altec 604 8g's in Altec type 17 cabinets. Once I heard them in my listening it was apparent that they would be my last speaker. The speakers are hassle free. Just put on a source and just kick back and enjoy. It is freeing not having to worry about keep up or endless tweaks. Happy bliss.

[@mrcoolsun3142]

One that's on my last list is LS3/5a

[@PureMoods85]

Just bought probably my last pair of Speakers Tannoy Revolution XT 8F .... They're extraordinary Speakers for the price !!

[@denniswade4998]

I guess my "last speaker" will be the one that happens to be there when I die. Other than that, they are all "fair game" for upgrade!

[@warunagomis]

Hi Steve, Thanks for this nice post. I've had a pair of B&W 802 Diamonds running with Pass X600.8's and MSB Technology DAC and transport for 6 years and realized they are not for me. Sold 'em off (and was so happy to see them leave the home) and went to see whats right for me. Fell in love with an Audionote AN-E / Spe HE in Singapore and never looked back. For the first time I realized that analyzing and philosophizing is only when the sound is not right and the stupid brain takes over. When you hear 'Music' for the first time things let go on their own accord and you just mellow into the music. And that's happened and it was a great feeling.

[@sambalsamurai9672]

Replace the word _"speaker"_ with _"woman"_ to get a better sense of how big a commitment this is, for audiophiles.

[@davidrapalyea7727]

I got rid of two wives but still have my speakers.

[@koblongata]

@@davidrapalyea7727 For real, good speakers don't change its characteristics too much over its lifetime.

[@TaswcmT]

And to date, no speakers have consumed half your assets when you get rid of them.

[@gabrielgarcia7561]

@Fat Rat 🐀✌️

[@skunk12]

I go through women way more often than speakers, but then again, i love me some new puss puss.

[@kirkcalma4365]

Still have my Infinity speakers since 1985. Replaced the woofers twice. Still love 'em.

[@joshuasterling2144]

Nothing wrong with Infinity, I have been running their car audio gear for 10 years.

[@BinaryReplicant]

My 30th anniversary Paradigm Inspiration's continually amaze me with their phenomenal detail, their impressive imaging and transparency and the sheer scale of the soundstage. The midrange is absolutely palpable and the high-frequency delineation and smoothness from their pure beryllium tweeter really is special.

[@ralex3697]

I purchased the Persona B, very nice

[@ridirefain6606]

In 1998 I heard the original Legacy Focus. I was hooked, by their sense of scale and deep, powerful bass. They have been a dream speaker of mine ever since. Recently, scored a pair of the SE's, which thanks to the AMT tweeter, I like even better than the original or 20/20. Unless there is some radical improvement in the design, most likely these will be the last speaker I will ever own.

[@baldmann1]

Got mine a few weeks back, Harbeth 40.2s in rosewood. Amazing.

[@net_news]

wow man, congrats those are my end game speakers speakers if I become rich... they are a piece of art. Enjoy them!!!

[@baldmann1]

@@net_news Thanks!

[@joakimolsson1024]

Already bought my last speakers: XTZ 99.36 - they are just... perfect... at least for my ears! Can't imagine anything sounding better without spending big cash! What i like best is their smooth, yet detailed sound. Detailed without being harsh. Balanced. Just very very nice to just sit back and listen to. Paid about $900 for the MkII version on sale, and picked up another pair used for about $450.

[@thomosburn8740]

I don't really believe in a "last" speaker. In the last year I've bought Klipsch reference bookshelves, a vintage pair of Ohm Walsh 2's and a second pair of Vandersteen 2's. Of course I still have my 2 pairs of Magnepans. More than half the fun of this hobby is "rediscovering" your records after a tweak to the stereo.

[@pauld7069]

LOL, after listening to owning / multiple different speakers over the years I'm now running 6 different pairs of Paradigm speakers combined with vintage Luxman electronics. C-02 / M-02 C-05 / M-05 etc. The Luxman / Paradigm combo sounds magical to my ears. The goal is to have everything I listen to sound engaging at low to medium volume levels.

[@canillocanillo3371]

Got my tekton double impacts and never looked back!!

[@scottengh1175]

Bought my JBL L65s in 1978. Just had them refurbished. New subwoofers new suspension and interior electronics. Was offered more than I would pay for them, but not for sale.

[@GamingNorthGaming]

I love the old school Jamo speakers. They have a really cool look. I own Jamo BX 200 and Jamo Power 180. In perfect shape!

[@h-jg7730]

I have a pair of mint Jamo 507 a from 1993 and i Love them. Look and Sound .

[@GamingNorthGaming]

@@h-jg7730 I remember them! Very nice speakers!

[@h-jg7730]

@@GamingNorthGaming the 707a are to big for my room so i have the 507a and a Subwoofer whit two 8" drivers in a closed Box. This bring's much clean and missing bass.

[@ufarkingicehole]

People really don't understand. I have the C607 and I haven't heard a speaker i liked more under the $2500 mark. With the right power they are incredibly good especially for the price.

[@thetigergamer4644]

Oh, and I'm 15 and already been through Argon alto 4, Monitor audio bronze 1 and currently using Klipsch RP-160M. for subs, I've been through Yamaha YST-SW012 or whatever that junk box is called. Dynavoice Magic Sub 8 EX v.3 and now I'm using the SVS PB-1000 which still makes me impressed for a 10 inch. Had the NAD D3020 v2 but they weren't powerful enough and distorted with my MA bronze 1's (88dB efficiency). Sold it for a very good price and got the NAD D3045 and the Hegel HD11 32-bit DAC. In love with this system. Currently broke.

[@512bb]

I have had many speakers over the years & actually still do as a addicted collector but I really got lucky back in 2004 when I bought the last pair of only 11 Tannoy Churchill's Widebands ever produced & the magic of SET amps & man it was then that I knew I hit pay dirt. I still go to many of the shows until this day & although I have heard some nice systems I still haven't found a speaker that I would trade my Churhills for, they really are that good.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Congrats. I know that feeling.

[@franciscoortiz6980]

I was very lucky ... as a young man in 2000 with a raise I decided to splurge on a nice audio system. I walked into a Audio shop with my wife, I heard the b&W Nautilus hooked up to Macintosh tube amp. I cried for the wonder my ears heard. My wife SCREAMED WITH FEAR and vetoed them immediately, claiming they would scare the $h!t out of her in the middle of the night. After begging fruitlessly, I looked around some more, noticing a pair of B&W 805 Nautilus that were hooked up as "surrounds" for the "escargot from outer space". They also sounded magnificent, they looked beautiful with shinny black teardrop cabinet. I bought a NAD c370 amplifier and enjoyed them immensely. I named the speakers Betty and Boop, named the c370 NED, Ned had an episode of infared failure in 2015, Ned lived in manual mode for until 2017 when I could no longer stand up every 5 minutes to change the volume. A Pioneer elite with ipod support now drives Betty and Boop. I never punish them so I hope they last another 20 years. Amazing thing is I bought them for 1200 pair... I think I can sell them for TWICE that now.

[@bc527c]

Perhaps I'm wrong, but it seems many people are realizing that old style speaker stuff was really great (large paper cone drivers rule...) and the new small high tech driver stuff may not really be the bee's knees... maybe it just seems that way because that's where I've recently arrived at.

[@cadman8300]

When it comes to home theater speakers I definitely found my last speaker in the BP-9080x by Definitive Technology. Very few things justify the expense, but these do in every sense of the word. For music, I’m still searching for the ideal speaker that hits the sweet spot of performance and esthetics. So far my search has taken me from electrostatics like the Martin Logans, bigger floor standers made by Monitor Audio, to thin tweeter bookshelf designs made by Gallo Acoustics.

[@AdrianIII]

Interesting that, so far, nobody has mentioned the Ohm Walsh 2000 as a candidate for "last speaker."

[@markanderson8119]

Adrian S Ohm Walsh 2000

[@deronlackey2083]

I have not been fortunate enough to hear them, but from all I’m reading, it seems like the right choice Can they get loud?

[@ReflectedMiles]

They were right for the last speaker--as in the previous one--but, for me, it would probably come down to something like the Tannoy 15 or something very similar, probably from the pro side.

[@twenty4seven368]

Ohm Walsh might be the last speaker because it’ll likely fit into the the room decor and the wife won’t nag you to replace it.

[@armandsepanski4843]

KEF Concerto 1969 bought pair in Hong Kong and still have today! Superb!