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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Another couple of well regarded vintage Canadian loudpseaker brands were Mirage and Totem.
@Kane26510 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@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.
@lobstame Жыл бұрын
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
@CHIEFS821410 ай бұрын
I'm watching the Packers/49ers play and came across your video 👍. As a 70 year old guy it took me back to college days. My buds all bought JBL's , while I went to ElectroVoice, Marantz amp, Dual turntable, Pioneer receiver. All purchased from Keif's in Lawrence KS 😢. Purchased Infinity's after grad school and Bose 901's with first house. Been many, many years since I've shared the experience of listening to one anothers layout/music. Great memories and information.
@yopajo8 ай бұрын
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.
@MarkMiller-i8q Жыл бұрын
Go ADS! I've had the 810s and now, for the last 40 years, the 1230s.
@CDNUSA Жыл бұрын
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.
@larrysmac2 ай бұрын
But why!?! I have longingly gazed across the Detroit River for years.
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@powerguymark3 ай бұрын
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.
@panicrevmaster3 ай бұрын
How do you make this list with Jefferson vega???
@panicrevmaster3 ай бұрын
Sorry....auto spell
@DavidDarrow Жыл бұрын
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.
@jeffbrooke4892 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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.
@stevea.1929 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
I love the Kappa's but have not been able to find any in my area.
@stretchwith9 күн бұрын
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.
@edd2771 Жыл бұрын
As a lifelong ADS owner, I love the list.
@gevowavemagnet Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@gevowavemagnet sake for me. L710s bought in 1981
@stevezeidman7224 Жыл бұрын
Bought my L710s in 1979. Still great.
@stevevickerman95869 ай бұрын
Love my ADS 910’s
@johnstump2433 Жыл бұрын
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.
@alanmaier Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
dude wtf...
@Chiefonenut10 ай бұрын
It's true@@simonspeaker
@beercanshooter7680 Жыл бұрын
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.
@kenburlock3772 Жыл бұрын
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.
@hemicuda9510 Жыл бұрын
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.
@swinde Жыл бұрын
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.
@johnstump2433 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
What model?
@johnstump2433 Жыл бұрын
@@chipnadeau5095 CT-80
@colinhughclarke1856 Жыл бұрын
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.
@herbertvorderberg25 күн бұрын
if you are interessted in german speakers try WHD, HECO and Klein+Hummel
@rotaxtwin Жыл бұрын
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.
@stinkenstine Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Lincoln Walsh was an incredibly visionary engineer
@bobbiejoyamann3981 Жыл бұрын
I have Ohms as well... Incredible speakers.
@jamester1ful Жыл бұрын
Love my Ohm Walsh 2
@swinde Жыл бұрын
I have also heard the Ohm F speakers and they were fantastic.
@joshc6080 Жыл бұрын
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!
@danwheetman6914 Жыл бұрын
ADS! Yes, I love them and nobody talks about them. Thanks
@gunsort32422 ай бұрын
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!
@dogratco Жыл бұрын
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.
@kerryedavisАй бұрын
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.
@Daniel-799 ай бұрын
I agree with your assessment assessment of Sansui!
@mikecampbell5856 Жыл бұрын
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.
@turbodrawspeed7 ай бұрын
Great video. I mostly agree, but feel a lot of speakers vary by era. For example, Jensen's later stuff is probably a "D" ranking, but their early 70s stuff, like the LS-5 were amazing.
@jamester1ful Жыл бұрын
Yes! ADS for me, hands down. I have 6 different models, love 'em all.
@ufarkingicehole Жыл бұрын
Very good speakers. Very expensive
@jamester1ful Жыл бұрын
@@ufarkingicehole I've been pretty lucky (and patient) so I haven't spent an arm & a leg. My most costly pair was $600.
@ufarkingicehole Жыл бұрын
@@jamester1ful nice!! What model?
@jamester1ful Жыл бұрын
@@ufarkingicehole I have l570, l710, l780, l880, l1230, l1590. Also have a pair of l630 in need of repair.
@stevezeidman7224 Жыл бұрын
I have multiple pairs as well. L300, L710 (since ‘79), L780. I’d love to hear the LXX90 and the L12-1530.
@ewoutbuhler5217 Жыл бұрын
Thanks, great video and I love your perspective at American as it is. I live at the opposite end op the spectrum, where B&W, Wharfedale, Mission and KEF are very present, also German Canton, Magnat and Teufel to name a few. More on the vintage side there are the Philips models that many people still love and cherish. Many passive models but one technology that never really went away are MFB loudspeakers, Motional Feedback active loudspeakers that actually are able to pack a lot of bass in a very small enclosure The technology was invented by Philips in the Seventies and was produced into the Eighties. One brand that is using this to create High End sound systems is Grimm Audio. Last ten years Dali became very visible, actually helping to put Hifi back in the Livingroom, one way or the other. My personal favorite must but the Pioneer HPM-100 because I own them, I inherited them from my father who got them at the end of the Seventies at an US Army PX. The are a sweet childhood memory, I played in the cardboard boxes they came in. And they sound really nice.
@MichaelMcCoy-i4h Жыл бұрын
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!
@danab7472 Жыл бұрын
LOVE my pair of Celestion Ditton 551. A poor man's Yamaha NS-1000!
@consco3667 Жыл бұрын
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.
@bacarandii Жыл бұрын
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...
@petenamlook18 Жыл бұрын
I would also include Cerwin Vega, Magnepan and Monitor Audio.
@williamculbreath5443 Жыл бұрын
Hey my cerwin Vega V.S 150 sounds good with my marantz 510
@elvispresley2695 Жыл бұрын
Especially Cerwin Vega’s love those speakers
@JR-ho5qm Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Monitor Audio is an exceptional speaker maker.
@larryclark6977 Жыл бұрын
Celestion, do that name ring a bell?
@triples4good Жыл бұрын
Great list. I have air of Polk SDA 2A that sound fantastic, they are definitely in my B list. Got ADs L810s too.
@perrywise2188 Жыл бұрын
I have both too.
@jeremiahwells8525 Жыл бұрын
Those Polk Audio Monitor 7s and 10s with the upgraded tweeter sound better than my high falutin' ELAC and PSB bookshelves.
@jeffreybrady9279 ай бұрын
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
@haqitman Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Thumbs up given for your Paradigm mention. Great sounding speakers.
@glennstrouse893 Жыл бұрын
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.
@jpv2491 Жыл бұрын
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.
@JR-ho5qm Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
100% agreed
@skylabsaudio Жыл бұрын
Totally an oversight. We missed a few.
@aammdj Жыл бұрын
Arguably, the most identifiable vintage speaker line. So odd not to see them mentioned here.
@robjones8733 Жыл бұрын
They could have shared the spot with Sansui.
@gameon19712 Жыл бұрын
..
@gregglavich3754Ай бұрын
Great list and manufactures ratings! As a HiFi nut/enthusiast since the early 70’s you nailed it!
@alsayre3 Жыл бұрын
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.
@dalesummers815210 ай бұрын
Genesis was founded by Arnie Nudel after he left Infinity. SOTA
@BryanHooper Жыл бұрын
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 .
@TheFlyingBarrel Жыл бұрын
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.
@chipnadeau5095 Жыл бұрын
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!
@CraigHollabaugh Жыл бұрын
I didn't even need to watch this - B&W, Infinity and JBL are in my top tier. No question for me. Ive have infinities and now have B&W Series 3 and JBL 4425s. Life is good. Thanks for the video, enjoyed seeing all the speakers names from my past.
@CapitalJeffDC Жыл бұрын
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.
@spacehopper77 Жыл бұрын
Interesting video. Where I live we see more UK speakers as such I’d personally bump up KEF and Rogers at A.
@t-mar9275 Жыл бұрын
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.
@sirsuse Жыл бұрын
Speakers are so subjective. No two people hear the same.
@kerryedavisАй бұрын
My argument would be that speakers shouldn't be trying to make up for peoples' hearing problems. There are other ways to address that, which are less permanent.
@skippythetubrat Жыл бұрын
I have a set of Vandersteen Model 2Ce Signature (series i). That would be 2001-2007. They're the best speakers I've heard in my life. Of course, I've not spent a bunch of time in stereo/audiophile shops.
@Geoduck. Жыл бұрын
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.
@dalesummers815210 ай бұрын
Dyna speakers were imported from Denmark and were built by SEAS. Really nice underrated speakers.
@hifionthemoon27459 ай бұрын
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.
@karaDee2363 Жыл бұрын
Hey Kev, hope you had a great Labor Day weekend. Overall, I agree with your list, except I would definitely move Bose up.^ Many of those brands I never heard of, and there's other brands not mentioned. Such as Clarke Systems, which made some very respectable speakers back in the 80s on the East Coast. I had a pair and used those as my B speakers, used with my AR speakers as my primaries (A), when I had my Onkyo system .But I no longer have any of those and use Polk Towers with my Pioneer 780 receiver now, which isn't my ideal system but that's all I have right now. I also used to own some Advents and still have a pair of old KLH's in storage.
@ChrisBrooke-l8i8 ай бұрын
No highs, no lows-Bose. When someone came into our shop asking for Bose, I pulled out some Christmas bows to show.
@jjjcmo Жыл бұрын
Fun video, sure to stir up discussion. I mostly agree with the A category. The Brit speakers are under represented in this format because they co$t a bunch so you wouldn’t see many in your shop. I have listened to the KEF LS 50’s and they are astonishing!
@magichand72 Жыл бұрын
Over 50 years I’ve built 7 speaker kits. Most have been exceptional. The quality of the crossovers and drivers is beyond much of these commercial units That being said I enjoy ESS / Cannon west coast rock speakers. If you want a mighty little transparent 3 way. Amazon sells the Swan 3.1 DIY with cabinets for $300. Upgrading the crossovers. You’d be impressed. Thanks for a great list
@pplebite8844 Жыл бұрын
It amazes me the number of people that claim to hate Klipsch, that never heard the Forte' series. I've heard the Original and Forte' II, many can vouch for 3 and now 4. If you're on the fence about getting some Klipsch, at least give the Forte' a chance.
@johnvincent4048 Жыл бұрын
I have a pair of 1990 La Scalas. Owned them for 23 years. I know Kevin takes away points when adding a subwoofer. I added a Klipsch sw12 ii to mine and are driving them with a Bottlehead preamplifier and Quicksilver Horn Mono 25watt tube amps. Incredible sounding! I also have 1996 Forte ii. Driving those with a vintage Mcintosh C26 and a Decware 2watt amplifier. Sounds incredible too!!
@LakeNipissing Жыл бұрын
How about Cerwin Vega ! ??
@JR-ho5qm Жыл бұрын
Absolutely!!
@billsmith516611 ай бұрын
It's so interesting to see what someone else with a lot of listening experience thinks about speaker manufacturers. It's also interesting to see how history often seems to skew certain brands. I've owned Altec VOIT, AR 3a, KLH 5, EPI, Advent, and I've heard most of the others listed and I'd put most of the ones I mentioned in the C range (at best), even so, they are mostly that high for their early entry into either HIFI in general or because they were the first in a niche, and not because they sounded especially good. The Altec I'd put in the D range, but they certainly impressed my friends. I kinda liked the Bose 901s but not another single speaker that they ever made, but I suppose that could change. I'm sorta surprised that you left off Magneplanar/Magnepan. They were kind of a big thing back in the 70s and 80s. I suppose they still are. I'd personally put them in the A category. Strangely I never caught either the JBL or Klipsch bug. I'd say the JBL were Bs and Klipsch were C. I owned some metal grilled teensy ADS/Braun speakers (about the size of the Optimus with the ribbon tweeter) that were astonishing back then. It would have been around 1980-1983 I think? I've always wanted to find another pair, but I'm afraid they wouldn't sound as amazing. OTOH, I think the Polk SDA and Monitor 7, 10 and 12 are all best in class for their price range, especially in that time frame. They would top my list and be all by themselves in an A+ category although the speakers they developed after 1990 or so would be placed in the C category by me. They are a very divisive speaker for some reason. I think it might be because many see the umbilical as a gimmick. It's weird. I know you won't read this but were any of you associated with Audiolab (s?) in Des Moines? That was the Mecca for all we teens from North Central Iowa. I bought some stuff from them back in the day. They were my first exposure to non-mail order speakers (other than Team, which didn't really count). It was definitely a plus to be able to hear before buying! PS: Do you know anyone that ever owned the Rectilinear Wall of sound speakers? This guy! There's a sucker born every minute.
@djijspeakerguy4628 Жыл бұрын
I would add a few of the made in Canada brands to this list for their dominance in the 1990s when most other brands were producing a ton of junk. These days, old Paradigm are some of the best deals in audio equipment. Especially, Paradigm Atoms are small, inexpensive, and easy to find these days. Those speakers were probably better than the Boston HD5s of the time, due to featuring dome tweeters and cast frame woofers. They do need new foam surrounds these days, but I run repaired atoms and titans all the time on my sound systems. I call their sound a perfect blend of detailed and fun. I would describe their sound as flat enough that you hear the details of the music, but not flat enough to be analytical or boring sounding. They sound incredible with all content, and really sound better the louder you turn them up!
@jhschmidMD48 ай бұрын
Thiel and Dahlquist deserve A tier, and would be that way on my list. I have the Dahlquist DQM-9c's and Thiel CS 3.5's Both are awesome in different ways. Kevin - you should get a pair of DQM-9's or DQM-9c's in your shop. Based on what you say you like, I think you will LOVE those particular Dahlquist speakers!
@johnvincent4048 Жыл бұрын
Kevin, I love your tier brand lists!
@jamesblancing Жыл бұрын
Altec Lansing should be in the A section, top notch American quality, right up there with JBLs
@leonardkrasner5811 Жыл бұрын
Back in the mid 70’s I chose the altec model 3 over the jbl L82, just sounded better to me. The model 3 through model 9 are great speakers.
@glennwagner1095 Жыл бұрын
Have a pair of Model 19's, they are awesome some of the best I've heard. DSOM sings on these if you have room
@martyh93099 ай бұрын
Have to add Epicure! Loved mine!!! High quality and great sound! I also had a set of Onkyo speakers with titanium tweeters and enjoyed them for years too!
@johnbrender7635 Жыл бұрын
Not sure if Magnepan is something you had a lot of experience with but they would be on my top tier for sure
@DennisRichardH Жыл бұрын
I used to have a Realiatic STA-2280 with a pair of Realistic Mach IIs. Quite a powerful combo and a great stereo for the prices. I wish I still had that system. I don’t even know what I did with any of that. Crazy. Gettin old friends
@kraig7777 Жыл бұрын
Boston Acoustics A100s for life! I've had mine since 2008, and I bought those to replace a set I bought in the early 80s that I lost.
@pathfinderdiscovery93956 ай бұрын
Thanks for all advice sky labs
@PhillioDoede Жыл бұрын
Forgot DCM. Iconic brand Michigan brand from the late 70s early 80s. I grew up with Timewindows in the house, none of my friends had anything that was even close.
@sounddoctor5decades8 ай бұрын
Hey Kevin, thanks for the list, and as you noted, Speakers are totally subjective and you'll never get folks to agree! I spent decades in the industry and sold the vast majority of the brands listed as well as a TON of the ones not listed, I just want to mention that "in my opinion" take that for what it is, nuttin', I concur with your opinion on the ADS speakers. I sold them from the days that Godehard Guenther transitioned from the German Braun manufactured drivers to the in house drivers (L500 - L910) class products, until the 80/90 class products. I personally use the L1530's driven by a Crown Studio Reference I, I've used them as my reference for over 40 years, I also have a spare set for spare parts. I have listened to stuff more expensive by orders of magnitude, and to this day have not found anything I like better. With the Crown amp, I can play them at Klipshorn (which I sold and used to own) volume levels and dynamic levels, but they actually sound good with unmatched frequency bandwidth. It's a shame they did not survive and are getting to the point of being unserviceable. I also own every Telarc album in both vinyl and CD/SACD that were mastered on the 1530's, a match made in heaven.
@DynastyVinyl Жыл бұрын
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?
@iikatinggangsengii247111 ай бұрын
she just imitating her friends
@pathfinderdiscovery93956 ай бұрын
I just paired a set of AR4x speakers with my newest onkyo receiver of 120 watts it’s an T65 digital display receiver but man , those AR’s are so good to my ears an I stole both really the AR’s I got for 100 bucks an they beautiful, cabinets flawless , speaker grills great shape but missing one AR acoustic badge but I am ordering one an it’s 20 bucks lol , an the onkyo I got for 30 bucks , guy just didn’t know how to operate it with out remote so I stole it because it’s in great shape , skylabs man I’m glad I found this channel, to help me make best decisions on vintage and non vintage, you rock dude !!! ❤this channel an one day ima support ya more when I get my collection built like I want , picking up a pioneer GR j300 Thursday for 50 bucks no turn table nor speakers but integrated amp 7 disc dual cassette an receiver , an EQ an some bookshelf infinity’s for 25 need tweeters tho , I am loving this
@matthewgilmore5307 Жыл бұрын
back in the day i had a pair of Tamon speakers 15" subs , they where awsome, my buddy 3 houses down would show up to jam with me but he didnt have to they sounded great there
@biueshound Жыл бұрын
Celestion Ditton line of speakersk Made in England... I bought the 33's while in high school 1975, great performers. Ive since picked up the 66's the big brother to the 33's and the 66's easily outclass the 33's. I guess I was surprised to not even see them mentioned. We had a high end store in Lincoln Nebraska, but it closed shop however there is still a Sound Environment store in Omaha I think they had a decent Nebraska following.
@larryfranklin2 ай бұрын
DCM made some of the finest speakers I ever owned, and I've owned a boat-load. I'd would say that next to the Apogees, my Time Window 3's were my personal favorites.
@larrysmith5413 Жыл бұрын
A worthy overview but I could make an argument to move B&W/Wharfdale to level A. (I own B&W CM10, CM 5 CM Center and a pair of JBL L82 Classics so I get the contrast). The UK brands do tend to be analytical (assume thats what you mean by “boring”) so it really depends on your music preferences. The Advents in Combo with Bose 301 was a popular pairing back in the day. Buddy of mine, scrounged up a system a few years back anchored by a Pioneer SX 737. I smiled when I saw he had arrived at the same combo. Perfect system for 70’s rock.
@aidanderson53X7 күн бұрын
Big fan of kef. Once i haard the r11s i was blown away.
@edwardgonczy3170 Жыл бұрын
Advent could easily creep into "A". They were just so good for how little you paid: so intelligently engineered. The EPI M100 was the "giant killer". And JBL. Pretty much very late 60's until about 1979 (you can forget the Aquarius Series EXCEPT the S109 Aquarius IV. Magnificent; the Bose killer). Actually, the L50 is my favorite: 1978. They actually had a crossover of sorts as against most of the others that just relied on the natural "roll-off" characteristics of the drivers and an L pad. And ADS. Their greatness was a pretty short run. Oh, and don't forget Allison Acoustics as another viewer states.
@72vespa Жыл бұрын
in my opinion, the Realistic Optimus 5b/Nova 8 are a real sleeper pair. Basically a KLH 5 clone from the late 70's. I still have/use the pair that I bought as a teenager and they still rock (crossovers need to be recapped). I have them paired with B&W 602's and they sound fine when played together .....
@joshc6080 Жыл бұрын
I own some very nice 5-bs and some nova 7s. Great speakers!
@BarryMcKee39062 ай бұрын
Love my Akai SW177 speakers bought in 1977. Paired with Akai AM2800 amp.
@joebass51634 ай бұрын
I have had a pair or Mordaunt Short MS-904 two way towers since 2001. My next speaker purchase was the Dayton B652 in 2012. Now due to watching KZbin videos I have DCM Timepiece, Polk Tsi100, Bose 201, Bose 141, Bose 301 iv, Baby Advent II. I recapped the DCMs and they sound better now. I had to refoam the Advents and wow what a good sounding speaker. My hearing rolls off at 14-15khz so extended high end doesn't matter as much as midrange quality. I'm eyeing some RTRs local to me for a decent price.
@joebass51634 ай бұрын
I added my 12'" earthquake supernova sub to my 2 channel system and threw on the DCM Timepieces. Holy ****! I can't believe how good these speakers from the 80s sound. Played mostly metal for this test and yeah these babies rock. I believe they have a coated cloth surround so no foam rot to worry about. Not bad for a 6" woofer and tweeter.
@joebass51634 ай бұрын
My receiver is a Yamaha AX-592 and I used Amazon Ultra HD as a source.
@jskobe8089 ай бұрын
I own a set of JM Labs Cobalt 816. They are a very bright speaker but matched with my Marantz 2252b sound awesome.
@BrianLarson13262 ай бұрын
MCS Linear Phase speakers with a AU7900 worked well for me, as long as I kept the levels down, lol. Jensen JP1800 speakers ruled the roost here for years driven by a Peavey i4B mixer. Cervin Vega 2 ways with 12 in drivers and their signature rearward fireing bass port, with JP1200's on top, hooked up to a Yamaha NS receiver bring everything to life now hooked up to my PC.
@johnbrender7635 Жыл бұрын
I think you pretty much nailed it. Especially ADS JBL and AR' in the A Tier
@stevezeidman7224 Жыл бұрын
Loved seeing ADS up top. Only had the American ADS, never heard the German Brauns.
@martyh93099 ай бұрын
I completely agree with your B&W comment!!!
@ptmmatssc13 Жыл бұрын
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
@jimbo4203 Жыл бұрын
When I was in highschool in the 70's I had some Bose 201's hooked up to a Pioneer tuner and it was awesome
@lechiffre261711 ай бұрын
Onkyo specter series speakers are some badass killa speakers ! Altec A7 VOTT are the most incredible speakers you can ever listen to !
@donalddeorio2237 Жыл бұрын
I owned a pair of Dahlquist DQ20s they were wonderful my now ex wife tormented me until I sold them, should have gotten rid of her then. I have an Infinity Interlude system now and I'm very happy with them. They were during the Dr. Floyde Toole days of Harmon. I've had them 20 years now not looking to part with them.
@larrysapp29782 ай бұрын
Quad is back in the 70s. One's I heard sounded pretty good hooked to a quad amp. Quad stereo. One of the best separated sounds .
@davidalmieda6617 Жыл бұрын
Speakers are the most subjective part of any system. I can understand the difference in location. In the Northeast, we had more exposure to the "East coast" and European sound. I personally landed on Mission 770 Freedom Mk 5. I'd say just on the edge of "audiophile". After 30+ years, they still thrill me. That's the most important feature to me.
@davidalmieda6617 Жыл бұрын
Oh, and a good speaker, not on the list, Jamo. Again, European.
@3184Patrick Жыл бұрын
Well as a big AR fan and owner of way too many AR's i'm glad to see them at the top!
@jfz313 Жыл бұрын
No ESS Amt?
@stevem2142 Жыл бұрын
I very much appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us. Your list was good and encompassed a lot of brands. I have a vintage pair of Koss CM 1030 speakers that sound fabulous. If you get a chance to pick up a pair that have been rewired buy them. Huge weighty speaks that sound A level.
@kerryedavisАй бұрын
That Leak speaker sounds like what Technics did with their Linear Phase models, aligning the tweeters with the woofers. But Technics did it differently. I really liked my SB-6000a speakers. I go with Polk now, the RM-3000 are some of the best I've ever heard.
@davidjamespeterson Жыл бұрын
Pretty much agree with this entire list. Only obvious change for me would be to move Yamaha to the top, if only for their NS-500s and NS-1000s.
@kevinyoungM14EBR6 ай бұрын
Great list, I currently own ADS, JBL and Klipcsh.
@jordandentscheff393Ай бұрын
You should include Dunlavy speakers. Hand-made, drivers sound- matched, tested in anachoic chamber, and well built, John Dunlavy made tremendous speakers.