Speaker Brand Tier List

[@tommywingate7186]

The A list is perfect !! Close your eyes and pick a model from any of these lines and you won’t be disappointed.

[@yopajo]

As an owner of vintage stereo equipment myself - nothing outrageous - but solid equipment that I grew up with - I appreciate the time you put into these videos and the information - seems fair and honest and appreciated.

[@LakeNipissing]

How about Cerwin Vega ! ??

[@JR-ho5qm]

Absolutely!!

[@edd2771]

As a lifelong ADS owner, I love the list.

[@gevowavemagnet]

I'm listening to Miles Davis at the moment on a pair of ADS L500's that I bought new in 1976. All my other gear has came and went but those ADS have remained a constant.

[@edd2771]

@@gevowavemagnet sake for me. L710s bought in 1981

[@stevezeidman7224]

Bought my L710s in 1979. Still great.

[@stevevickerman9586]

Love my ADS 910’s

[@johnboyle1425]

A lot of very good speakers are made here in Canada. Brands such as PSB, Paradigm, Energy and perhaps Axiom would certainly be high on your list if they had come through Des Moines. I've had the original Alphas for over 20 years - an excellent bookshelf speaker.

[@LakeNipissing]

PSB and Paradigm are decent. Energy were often included in specials from "The Brick" furniture store, where you "do not pay for three years".

[@t-mar9275]

Another couple of well regarded vintage Canadian loudpseaker brands were Mirage and Totem.

[@Kane26510]

I totally agree. I collect two brands of speakers as I find them for cheap - B&W and PSB. I have a set of Paradigms in my garage demo system - really outstanding for their size and what I paid.

[@carriestuart9921]

The earlier Energy brand, before it was bought out by Klipsch, were superb speakers. The Energy 22 Reference, Connaisseur and Pro 22 were the very best from that brand. After Klipsch bought the brand, they made garbage cheap speakers that capitalized on the Energy brand name but weren't anything like the originals that established Energy as a very respectable brand. Thanks Klipsch. I took a friend shopping for a stereo system in the early 1990s and recommended he listen to the Energy 22 Pro monitors with an amp that produced at least 50 wpc. He loved them and bought them. When he was moving away and was not going to take his speakers with him, he offered them to me first. I jumped on them, and am running them as my mains with a circa 1988 Yamaha Receiver that puts out 85 wpc. They sound amazing!

[@carriestuart9921]

@@LakeNipissing Those were the Energy speakers post Klipsch buying the brand. They were crap speakers. Not at all the same product as their original 22 Pro monitors.

[@CDNUSA]

As a Home Grown Canadian living in the USA for the last 26 years, I am sad that the US has not been more exposed to psb speakers. Upon getting married in 1981 my stereo system purchase was a pair of psb Passif II speakers with Luxman amp, tuner and turntable. These speakers are fantastic. Kevin re-foamed the speakers (about 40 years old at time) and cleaned up the amp and turntable (later to install Grado Red 3 cartridge). Three hour drive one way. I have never had anyone not be amazed by the sound (and not just being polite). This system sits in sunroom. Wanted a system for family room and was not about to deviate on speakers. Enter psb X2T's paired with nad C388 BluOS-2i, Marantz CD6007. For the money they are a win-win. I would rate them tier 1 !! Thank you Kevin. Skylabs Audio is number ONE! and Podcasts are fantastic.

[@larrysmac]

But why!?! I have longingly gazed across the Detroit River for years.

[@danwheetman6914]

ADS! Yes, I love them and nobody talks about them. Thanks

[@lobstame]

Thanks for the effort Kevin, no one will come up with identical tier lists but thanks for getting us reflecting back on these. I hung out in the audio showrooms from waaay back late sixties and seventies when the speaker craze was just ramping up. It’s hard to compare as everyone had such a large number of electronics being introduced as well. The mix and match of the source equipment and subtle room acoustic influence alone make comparing speakers alone is (as an isolated part of the system configuration) made so much difference for us old audiophiles! Fortunately I still have my CS Thiels, which have been refurbished a couple of times. Jim Thiel’s contribution made the biggest impact for me over the years because I think he, like many early innovators of those days were in a relentless pursuit of their goals. These comparisons, though virtually impossible to do, make this channel most interesting. I rewatch some of your presentations whenever any of my old purchases resurface. Best Regards

[@jeffbrooke4892]

Right now I'm a Klipsch junkie on tubes, but the Boston A series was my gateway drug. I still have sets of early A200s and A150s, and later issue sets of A60s and A40s. Thank for the video!

[@carriestuart9921]

I loved the Boston Acoustics sound as soon as it hit the market. But I'm an old Acoustic Research girl from the mid 1970s. Had a pair of AR2ax coupled to my Pioneer receiver in 1975. Boston Acoustic sounded very similar but more detailed, and needed less juice to light them up.

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

I went from OLAs the masonite woofer ones to the A400s and was disapointed. I should have just stacked another pair of the OLAs. But ADS is superior than the Advents hands down.

[@johnstump2433]

I recently acquired a set of vintage German made Canton’s on my local marketplace and I was pleasantly surprised on how good they sound and I am going to set aside my Cornwall’s for now.

[@chipnadeau5095]

What model?

[@johnstump2433]

@@chipnadeau5095 CT-80

[@colinhughclarke1856]

I can chip in and second being pleasantly surprised at my Canton Karat60 speakers, a bit beaten up aesthetics- speaking but with strong amplification, they are sweet.

[@herbertvorderberg]

if you are interessted in german speakers try WHD, HECO and Klein+Hummel

[@skylabsaudio]

Cerwin Vega, ESS and a few others were on our list, but for some reason their logos didn't make it into the tier list. Sorry! "in my opinion, lol" I'd go Magnapan B-Teir, Cerwin Vega B- Tier and ESS A-Tier

[@JonPaul]

I like your tier list videos, we know it's a personal opinion but you've had enough experience that it's got some general validity. Possibly, the ranking would be easier and more relevant if you focused on "vintage" or "modern" or "state of the art"? For example, the vintage design of speakers vs modern has changed greatly, I think this makes it hard to generalize. Thanks again.

[@zenfort]

ESS were my first higher end speakers that I loved. Their AMT tweeter was a revelation at the time. I have been into KEF speakers since my first Q60 - that I still have in my bedroom. The Q60 makes a great low volume listening speaker or just for background or just laid back listening.

[@powerguymark]

What a fun video! I'm not sure how you came up in my KZbin algorithm, but I'm glad you did. I subscribed to your channel. I grew up in Central Indiana so UK brands weren't really a thing for me either. What are your thoughts on Polk Audio Monitor 10A's? I grew up in the era of sizzle and boom Cerwin Vegas. Tell me the Polk 10a's were a lot more musical speaker.

[@panicrevmaster]

How do you make this list with Jefferson vega???

[@panicrevmaster]

Sorry....auto spell

[@dogratco]

A pair of Allisons in good working condition are outstanding. But finding them in good working condition is becoming difficult. The AR 3a was Roy Allison's work, improving upon the original AR 3.

[@kerryedavis]

The place I worked in the 70s sold Allison, some of their speakers were the only ones in the store that could reproduce a low rumble sound - "spaceship landing" or something - from one of the early Boston albums.

[@johnstump2433]

This was a fun video as usual, and it sure did stir up a lot of controversy (or I should say individuals opinions ) after reading the viewers comments and this is why I love this hobby.

[@stevea.1929]

Hey Kevin. Fun video as always. The only change I would make to your list is bump up Infinity to the A spot. I have several Infinity speakers ( the older models ) and they all sound amazing. My current main setup is Pioneer SX-950 with Infinity Qb's with an AR-XB turntable and Pioneer 707 R to R. My fav in my small room is my Pioneer SX-626 with AR-4xa's. Very smooth sound. Love the video's. Looking forward to the next.

[@stevea.1929]

I love the Kappa's but have not been able to find any in my area.

[@DavidDarrow]

I largely agree with your list. I would bump up B&W and Polk by one notch each, and would have to knock Bose down another peg for all their Acoustimass sins. Other than that I don’t think I’d change anything.

[@kenburlock3772]

After all these years I am still enjoying the great sound of my OHM Walsh 3 speakers on one of my systems, and the great (but different) sound of my ESS Eclipse M102 on another system. Both are driven by Marantz units from the early 80's.

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

Go ADS! I've had the 810s and now, for the last 40 years, the 1230s.

[@bornagainbornagain6697]

Tried most ADS models not the 2030s though LOL and found the 1290/2s to be my favorites. A tiny tiny tiny bit clearer and less tubby than the 810s and 1230s in the upper bass.

[@beercanshooter7680]

Great video, love my AR 3a and 5s Bought the 5s new while I was in Vietnam in 1970 and had them shipped home. recently rebuilt the surround, crossovers and installed new pots. Found a pair of original 3a's at an estate sale recently, they were unfinished wood. Completely re built them just like the 5s and left the wood unfinished.

[@Daniel-79]

I agree with your assessment assessment of Sansui!

[@tmdillon1969]

Are there vintage brands that are easier to restore/work on than others? I see some ratty old speakers on Marketplace and in garage sales and I'm always curious which ones are worth putting the work into. I've built a couple CSS Audio speaker kits so I have a base knowledge and decent woodworking skills to work off of.

[@alanmaier]

My personal picks / changes would be to have Dahlquist, B&W and Martin Logan in the A section. Infinity was once a very high end brand, but Harmon trashed them - Arnie era Infinity would be a solid A, later on is closer to C. I have owned 2 pair of older era Infinity speakers and they were top notch at one time. The only other might be to nudge Realistic up to C. While they catered to the mass market on a budget, the better ones were respectable.

[@simonspeaker]

dude wtf...

[@Chiefonenut]

It's true@@simonspeaker

[@consco3667]

The Advents we bought from you really light up the garage. The Sony receiver, also from you, allows us to crank these things at 80% with very little “noise”. Garage is finished except, of course, for the concrete floors.

[@petenamlook18]

I would also include Cerwin Vega, Magnepan and Monitor Audio.

[@williamculbreath5443]

Hey my cerwin Vega V.S 150 sounds good with my marantz 510

[@elvispresley2695]

Especially Cerwin Vega’s love those speakers

[@JR-ho5qm]

Ya so sad CerwinVega! Wasn’t on the list. It’s almost like people are scared to bring them up, like they will be laughed at.

[@williamculbreath5443]

I don’t have a problem at all The only problem with my neighbors complain a lot my Marantz 510M 700 watts 350 Per channel even make Helen Keller dance

[@Kane26510]

Monitor Audio is an exceptional speaker maker.

[@jgcheak]

I listened to a pair of Sansui SP-1200 and they sounded awesome. I don't hear that model number when you speak of the Sansui's. Thoughts? Still Crappy in your opinion? Thanks

[@hifionthemoon2745]

The Ohm F - the first of the Walsh speakers - were fabulous. Dynaco made four lines: the small A-10; the original A-25; the larger A-35 and the floor-mount A-50's. Jim Thiele told me he pronounced his name "Teel" when I went through their facility in Lexington, KY.

[@jeremiahwells8525]

Those Polk Audio Monitor 7s and 10s with the upgraded tweeter sound better than my high falutin' ELAC and PSB bookshelves.

[@jeffreybrady927]

Model 10s by polk especially with the polk wire amped with nad are awesome. If you can find sda 1s or signatures and nad preamp and power amp you will have the basis for a good vintage system

[@TheFlyingBarrel]

I hope you get an opportunity to get your ears on some MartinLogan Motion series. I really like pairing this series with vintage receivers. That folded Motion tweeter is just so precise.

[@gunsort3242]

I worked at Altec Lansing in the late 70s. I wanted to get a job there because I had heard that the employee discount was massive and I really wanted a pair of Model Nine Series II "bookshelf" speakers. I had previously been a theater manager and we had huge Altec systems on the stager of our theater which were incredible sounding. I came to understand James B. Lansing's (JBL) history and the kinds of speakers he designed. Turned out that bass reflex designs suited my ear perfectly. I love a slightly warmer sounding loudspeaker. Long story short, for my theater system I have mirrored Model 19s (basically A-7 theater systems in a home cabinet) left and right with modern Klipch center, subs, and surrounds. For the music room I have recreated my quadrophonic system of the 70s with Model 9s in the front and Model 15s in the rear. For both setups I have ample Carver and Sunfire power to feed them. Life is good! Cheers everyone!

[@hemicuda9510]

Good stuff! I've settled in on my childhood memories from the 70's with six pairs of EPI's throughout the house. My dad owned a pair of 100's when I was a kid, and they were my first introduction to sound. They always sounded "proper" to my ears. As I got older I owned many other brands. Klipsch, Polk, Infinity, Boston, JBL, and a few others. But it's the EPI sound that draws me in to this day. And I'm talking about the stuff during the gold ring tweeter era, and even the earlier Masonite stuff, not the cheap stuff during the Harman years.

[@daleheiking1295]

I'm curious as to your opinion of Ohm speakers given that they've not been mentioned as best I know. Still in business and building product in NY, still backing their legacy speakers and I understand the owner will actually answer the phone himself. I was given a pair of the Ohm L's and was surprised at how wonderful they sound in my vintage system. Possibly they don't come in often, though I think they sold many conventional speakers? Thanks in advance!

[@mikecampbell5856]

In 1975 I was 18 and in the Navy and had very little money. I bought a Sony TA-1130 amp, an AR manual turntable from a friend who got it from a family friend that owned a radio station, and a pair of BIC Venturi Speakers with the 10 inch woofers. They had a horn mid range and were great for hard rock and especially Black Sabbath. I only got to listen to them when I was home on leave. D'oh! I have owned several JBLs and Klipsch speakers and still do. I'm happy with your list.

[@rotaxtwin]

I found a small pair of Dynaco speakers in the alley once, the veneer was scratched up and the grilles were beat up. I sanded and oiled the veneer and got lucky scoring some black fabric for the grilles. The woofers pushed right out to the edge of the cabinet and the surround was wide, black rubber. Not foam - so they lasted. I think they were A-10s. I ended up selling them but they were a cool retro throwback. The black cloth grilles updated them nicely too. Screw terminals FTW, if that's what you like.

[@Chooman69]

Thoughts on Snell?

[@josermalavejr466]

What about the Cerwin Vegas

[@butchyork9060]

I pulled out some old speakers I have had put away for 35+ years. How can I ask you a question about repairing them, set of AR2Ax, need woofers, Ultra linear 275, also need woofers. A pair of Sonic 4 ways that are in great condition, for free , but no info on them.

[@jfz313]

No ESS Amt?

[@swinde]

Thank you for giving respect the the AR brand. I currently have AR-3a speakers and still love them and their sound. One great thing about the AR line in the 1970s is that their speakers sounded very much alike. I have owned AR-4x, AR-6 and AR-7 speakers and the main difference is the low end from the AR-3a is better and the dome tweeter and midrange help the high frequencies and midrange cover the room better. Otherwise they sound very much alike. I also have a pair of JBL L-100 speakers I bought at a yard sale for $15.00 each. The cabinets are a little rough and of course the foam grills are not present. One of then has a midrange driver out. I use them in my shop and also for the sound of my computer and they sound great.

[@MichaelMcCoy-i4h]

Thanks for making these informative and entertaining videos. I enjoyed this video a lot. As a vintage audio enthusiast and restorer, I've had an opportunity to listen to many of the speaker brands you ranked and I agree with your choices. I'm a big fan of Henry Kloss and just about anything he designed. That being said I personally would have probably moved KLH into the "A" category. I've fully restored many KLH models but my absolute favorites to listen to are the Model 5, 6 and 23. I also own AR-4x and OLA's in my "keeper" collection. I hope to come visit your shop one day. Thanks!

[@kobush18]

Nice👍 What about paradigm loudspeakers?

[@markdickenson]

Any love for Coral or Rectilinear?

[@biueshound]

Picked up some excellent Rectilinear Tall Boys from an estate sale of a Dr. in Lincoln Neb... Made in 1970 or 71 and got excellent reviews back in their day, the sound is excellent, and the furniture grade cabinets are impeccable. VERY HEAVY!

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

The thing I remember most about them was an incredible ad in Stereo Review back in the day, comparing them to some different styles at the time. They showed one with a caricature of a rock musician popping out of the front of the speaker. Not sure if you could resurrect that by searching the internet.

[@bacarandii]

At first I thought those speakers on the floor behind you, frame right, were DCM Time Frames (or Time Windows). DCM got some great reviews back in the day. I'd like to hear your take on some other relatively hot manufacturers right now: Focal, Triangle, Elac, Monitor Audio, Magnepan (which is just out with some new, smaller models)... I have a pair of '90s vintage Spica TC-50s (the wedge-shaped ones) that are impressive, but that company (like Mirage) is no longer around, so they're not all that easy to find anymore except on ebay...

[@stinkenstine]

OHM’s should be in the #1 spot. Their higher end series are amazing. I own original Ohm F’s and those will smoke all on the list. I also own OHM Walsh 2’s and they sit right there with my JBL L-100’s. I can crank the hell out of them. They sound amazing!

[@wjekat]

Lincoln Walsh was an incredibly visionary engineer

[@bobbiejoyamann3981]

I have Ohms as well... Incredible speakers.

[@jamester1ful]

Love my Ohm Walsh 2

[@swinde]

I have also heard the Ohm F speakers and they were fantastic.

[@joshc6080]

I own ohm walsh 2s and frs-11s. I absolutely love the speakers but if some AR3a's came up I would definitely choose them!

[@jamester1ful]

Yes! ADS for me, hands down. I have 6 different models, love 'em all.

[@ufarkingicehole]

Very good speakers. Very expensive

[@jamester1ful]

@@ufarkingicehole I've been pretty lucky (and patient) so I haven't spent an arm & a leg. My most costly pair was $600.

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@jamester1ful nice!! What model?

[@jamester1ful]

@@ufarkingicehole I have l570, l710, l780, l880, l1230, l1590. Also have a pair of l630 in need of repair.

[@stevezeidman7224]

I have multiple pairs as well. L300, L710 (since ‘79), L780. I’d love to hear the LXX90 and the L12-1530.

[@stretchwith]

I remember going to Stereo Sound in Durham,nc I said play your most expensive McIntosh speakers. Then we switched to Martin Logans. It took half of 1 second to be blown away,and life is never the same outside of Martin Logans. Polk audio are speakers that you appreciate more and more the longer you listen to them.

[@danab7472]

LOVE my pair of Celestion Ditton 551. A poor man's Yamaha NS-1000!

[@oluhamilton2121]

What about the early Cerwin-Vega?

[@glennstrouse893]

Have you ever heard any of the Marantz HD series from the 70's? They are really nice speakers. Currently have a pair of the 920's. The HD880 are very desirable speakers. Also, the Ohm's could be in the B list. They make great sounding high quality speakers. Currently have a set of C's. And, they still sell replacements for ANY part of a speaker they have sold. Very pricey, but if you want to keep things factory spec'd, you can do that with Ohm.

[@lexbarton3196]

Have you heard Norman Laboratories vintage speakers. I have run across a few. I would like some opinions on these speakers

[@ethimself5064]

No ESS AMT 3b towers?

[@ethimself5064]

@bozopolis0528 They only make various Hiel Air Motion Transformers for other companies these days

[@fubartotale3389]

Ohm's are unique and excellent, I had the model "L" bookshelf three way and it was very impressive and had very good base for its small size. The "Walsh" series are excellent as well and are totally placement indifferent, place them anywhere, they sound great. Any thoughts on DLK? I just bought a pair #1 1/2s for FBMP for cheap in excellent shape except needing tweeters which I have located. I bought them based on reputation and they serm to be an early MTM design, at least that's the layout

[@spacehopper77]

Interesting video. Where I live we see more UK speakers as such I’d personally bump up KEF and Rogers at A.

[@pathfinderdiscovery9395]

Thanks for all advice sky labs

[@t-mar9275]

While there are a few exceptions, the list generally reflects a rule of thumb that was popular when I bought my first decent stereo system, back in the early 1970s. If you wanted a good loudspeaker, you auditioned a brand that specialized in loudspeakers and avoided brands that were primarily electronics manufacturers.

[@alsayre3]

I was very surprised to not see Genesis on your list. I’ve got a pair of Genesis Model 10s that are absolutely amazing that I love.

[@dalesummers8152]

Genesis was founded by Arnie Nudel after he left Infinity. SOTA

[@kellymorgan1447]

My Hi School buddy had a set of Altec Lansing Voice of the Theater speakers! Massive !! Running an older McIntosh tube amp we would listen to them out in the meadow!!!!

[@richf995]

Hi Kevin. Love the show. I grew up with this stuff in the 70s. What is your opinion of Micca or Dayton Audio? for the smaller bookshelfs. Thank you.

[@chipnadeau5095]

Have owned several models of Cantons over the last 30 years. I believe they were brought to the US via Mr Madsen ( thank you Tom's brother) into the Audio King stores in Minneapolis / St Paul. I currently own Karat 30, (which is the 5th time I have acquired this model) Karat 20, Ergo 90DC and others. I would appreciate any suggestions of other model suggestions. They continue to be under the radar......Glad you included them in your list Kevin!

[@user-zx8de8op9l]

Where is Cerwin Vega? I have had a pair of RE-38's for 27 years. I as 24 when I bought them thinking bigger was better. Bought them from Best Buy. Didn't know what an audio store was.

[@triples4good]

Great list. I have air of Polk SDA 2A that sound fantastic, they are definitely in my B list. Got ADs L810s too.

[@perrywise2188]

I have both too.

[@JR-ho5qm]

It was very disappointing to not see CerwinVega! On this list. I don’t understand why they are such a controversial speaker, they have made allot of great sounding speakers. Definitely better than others on this list 🔈👍🏻 I’m actually a bit mad lol!

[@dejankaric4530]

100% agreed

[@skylabsaudio]

Totally an oversight. We missed a few.

[@aammdj]

Arguably, the most identifiable vintage speaker line. So odd not to see them mentioned here.

[@robjones8733]

They could have shared the spot with Sansui.

[@gameon19712]

..

[@inkeman0917]

Hi Kevin, have you heard HeathKit AS 153 speakers? I have a pair of custom built boxes with these inside.

[@neilmorrison3615]

Because I own the Braun L-1030's, I'm curious why you put the Braun speakers in the "A" column? I've had them for 40 years and I love em!

[@johnvincent4048]

Kevin, I love your tier brand lists!

[@bretthays2674]

Curious about opinions on the Martin Logan electrostatic speakers. Where would you rank those?

[@ptmmatssc13]

We have Bozak show up in my area occasionally. Right now there is a set of DMS 4500 and a set of B-302A for sale locally. They are out there

[@billimbriale8535]

Have you heard any Allisons?

[@popeyesailor9571]

I always wanted to try Advent and KLH but you have them lower. hmmmm I did like one pair of Advent 3 and KLH 23s that I heard.

[@ericschulze5641]

​@@JukeboxAlleyI just saw some 23s at the thrift store for $50. Cabinets 85% new condition speakers?????? What do you call that mess ! They look like crap right from the factory

[@ericschulze5641]

@JukeboxAlley doubt they sound better than my homemade, & I already have 3 sets of speakers, I'll go there on dollar day and see if they're still there, otherwise if I need a set of 10s I'll build them,

[@garymcguire9463]

Great list! I might move Warfedale to the top... and Rogers sound lab for sure!

[@timlane-le9sx]

I have a pair of Fourier one series speakers that i am restoring, they are one of the best sounding speakers i have owned and was wondering if you have ever had the pleasure of listening to a pair of them. I'm looking for a pair of tweeters for them right now.

[@quiksr20]

Another great video, had to treat myself to a shirt as well!! Tons of good brands in this list which many have crossed my path, the ADS & Cantons never left. Another brand I enjoy ( not the best in the world but a fun speaker ) Design Acoustics point source series with the down firing woofers, Real neat speakers. PS' Pauls Infinitys are so cool, id love to hear them as well.

[@jeffhurley756]

Are Frazier speakers too boutique for your list? I can't say I have ever heard them mentioned by you. The Mark V's were very nice. I had my first pair when I was 15 years old along with a Marantz and a Technique turn table. I mowed alot of yards to purchase that setup but nothing compared to the money I spent on Original Mater Recording vinyl.

[@Progressiverockmusicanddrums]

Do you have any opinions on BozakB 4000A Symphony speakers?

[@haqitman]

Haven't heard most of the speakers listed, but regarding the ones I've heard, I get where you're going. I have heard B&Ws in a nice setup and was blown away, so for me they'd go in A tier. And I would add Paradigm, a brand I feel that punches above its weight, to the B tier.

[@carriestuart9921]

Thumbs up given for your Paradigm mention. Great sounding speakers.

[@chrisnovakowski9827]

I would have liked to see Paradigm on the list, but I'm not sure if these Canadian made speakers are common in the US.

[@laidback93]

I'd say Paradigm is fairly common here in the states.

[@johnbrender7635]

Not sure if Magnepan is something you had a lot of experience with but they would be on my top tier for sure

[@gregglavich3754]

Great list and manufactures ratings! As a HiFi nut/enthusiast since the early 70’s you nailed it!

[@Geoduck.]

Totally respect your choices. We have a pair of Dynaco A25’s in a vintage gear living room setup that are darn good except the tweeters were upgraded along with the crossover capacitors.

[@dalesummers8152]

Dyna speakers were imported from Denmark and were built by SEAS. Really nice underrated speakers.

[@hanksta34]

No Cerwin Vega? Love the new KLH Kendall and Model 5. Great value and quality.

[@pupwizard3888]

Hi Kevin, I know this video is almost a year old but could you tell me what those round Pioneer speakers are behind you? My Dad has some of those. He uses them as end tables. Are they any good?

[@stewartashton6997]

Great job on a very thoughtful presentation. For me, after selling most of these products in the 1970's, I would bump B&W, Vandersteen, Dahlquist, Martin Logan and add Magnepan to A. Drop JBL and AR to B. Add Polk Audio, Quad and Ohm to B. Drop Altec Lansing and Yamaha to C. Drop Realiistic to E.

[@beercanshooter7680]

is the empire turntable over your left should going to be up for sale?

[@CapitalJeffDC]

I've had a pair of BA A40 MkII w/a Polk PSW10 as my daily drivers on my SX-737 for 10 years. I love them. The sound is clean, crisp, unadulterated. Great stage and imaging. Perfect for a low-mid power 70s solid state rig in a small to medium sized listening space.

[@paulaj2829]

I've had Wharfdale.. Mordant Short.. Monitor Audio's... But I never hear you guys over the Atlantic talking about anything from over here in the UK & Europe.. Any idea's would be good to chat about with anyone who is just getting into HiFi for the first time..

[@jeditoto3441]

Great Video- I would have put the B&O in at least B. you confirm my gut feeling classification regarding Marantz, MC, Sansui, .. a bit surprised about Braun - but you are probably right 😁. there are some other brands , but may not be popular in the US: Philips, Pierre etienne leon, Cabasse, T+A, Heco, SABA, ITT, .... - any thoughts in the team ?

[@DynastyVinyl]

I love the speaker talk! I've had the baby Advent II's, and they were awesome! I had the Boston Acoustic A60's and I really enjoyed them too. I currently have the Yamaha NS-645 and they are the best speakers I've owned to date. So many speakers, so little time! How about some PSB love?

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

she just imitating her friends

[@BryanHooper]

I have four sets of Bose 601 series 2. Really nice sounding speakers. I have two sets hooked to a pioneer SX-950 and the other sets hooked to a Scott 380R . But you got people out there that doesn’t like Bose. It’s just whatever you prefer .

[@n6dl321]

Great sorting, Vandersteen, yes but not in my budget/hearing range. However maybe I should walk around the corner and visit the shop. The are still located here in Hanford CA.

[@jeffreyharrison2430]

How about Snell?

[@jeffhammond8969]

What about Magnepan and Hartley?

[@SpaceShuttleDiscover]

What about Energy speakers?

[@TexasNEV]

Didn't see Polk Audio in the list. I don't have any, just curious.

[@brooklynknightss]

They are c level

[@JEG6919]

No TADs?

[@amrench]

What about ESS? I remember you mentioning that you really liked them.

[@HomeTheatre101]

What about DCM?

[@dicksnell1557]

Cambridge Soundworks?

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

Aren't they essentially the "Son of Advents?"

[@dicksnell1557]

@@j.patrickmoore9137 Ha! They are!

[@larrycossin6355]

What is your opinion or experience with Utah speakers?

[@jpv2491]

Hey, very interesting and honest opinion., congrats Here in Europe, we will add for sure in the top rows Celestion Ditton, Tannoy, IMF, Monitor Audio, Goodmans… but i understand that you have less chances to have a pair coming in. We' d really like also your opinion on american rarities that we hardly see in Europe: Cerwin Vega (domestic ones; i really like my R10) but also Martin USA, Epicure… And a tier list for integrated amplifiers ? Have a great day, greetings from Belgium.

[@chipsaunders154]

Kevin, I love your listings. Have you ever heard of ESS, and if you have, do you have any thoughts?

[@skylabsaudio]

Love ESS. They were supposed to be on the list.

[@chipsaunders154]

Will you be reviewing them?@@skylabsaudio

[@armaniwest]

What about celestions ditton's? you never heard about them?

[@gregoryandersonmotorsports]

I have a set of infinity bookshelfs next to a powered sub, with the sub turned OFF people will say wow those speakers sound awesome with that sub! They punch way above their weight.