BEST AUDIOPHILE SPEAKERS of 2024

[@bobsacamano9219]

Thanks Steve for featuring my system in this video. I’m honoured!! 😊

[@garychauvin89]

Thanks Steve After being a audio enthusiast since the 80s have finally made my last amplifier and speaker purchase with current 275 into Klipsh forte 4s fed by PS audio direct stream dac and I am simply loving my music and searching for new music with streaming format which has truly ignited my hi fi passion again .

[@blugato22]

I had the original AMT-1T transmission line speakers from ESS back in the 70's. They were really good.

[@roccobruno8027]

If I had the space the Pure Audio Project Trio 10 Heil AMT and the Diptyque DP140X would definitely be at the top of my "must listen" speakers.

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

Enjoyable video, thanks Steve. For the first time in a decade, this year I bought a new pair of speakers. These are near-field for use with my PC. The Sound Artists were tempting but I didn't want to buy speakers without an audition. The "real" LS3/5A speakers start around 1800GBP which is a little above my budget. I auditioned a pair of ATC speakers and bought the "entry level" 7 litre SCM7. These little speakers have the family sound signature of "neutral and dynamic" presentation and I am a very happy audiophile.

[@keplermission]

Well ... I'm wondering what your system is because ATC SCM7 are very expensive and you seem to be a very modest buyer. So your PC is driving these with no amplifier? What PC does that?

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

@@keplermission The PC feeds a DSPeaker Anti-mode room correction DSP box via USB. That feeds a DAC (currently a FIIO R2R with a linear power supply and a Denafrips on the horizon) via an optical link. Amp is a Rega IO. SCM7s sit on ISOacoustics desk-top stands. A small Tannoy sub adds a little support for the lowest registers. Total cost (excluding PC) a little under 3K GBP. My main system is a pair of (much modified) Bottlehead ParaSEX triode monoblocks feeding a reconditioned pair of Lowther Acousta 115s sporting silver-coiled DX3 drivers. Source is a Bottlehead DAC (only 55 in existence) with a custom shunt-regulated power supply served over USB by a Raspberry Pi single-board computer running Volumio software. User frontend is a tablet or smartphone via a WiFi web link. The neutral dynamics of the ATCs are very similar to the Lowther horns to my ears. I spend a lot of time listening to music at my home office desk as my main system lives in the TV room where I am in competition with my family.

[@g-mail4743]

@@TheRealWindlePoons optical always softens the sound in my experience, have you tried a good silver plated copper coax cable before? SCM7 is a nice alternative move to ls35a!

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

@@g-mail4743 I have indeed used a decent co-ax and would always use plated copper co-ax by choice - but the "DSPeaker Anti-Mode 2.0 Dual Core" I am using only offers an optical output. This device offers an analogue input and an analogue output, which I started off using with a Meridian Explorer 2 DAC to the input. Running USB straight into the DSP was a significant improvement. I then found that using the optical output into an external DAC was another big step improvement, so now the DSP is used in digital mode only. The DSP makes such a big improvement that I am not tempted to run my "desktop HiFi" without it. A more recent model, the Anti-Mode X2D has a co-ax output. I have the current Anti-Mode on loan from my son so I may upgrade to the new model and hand back the one I am using. Denafrips DAC first though.

[@kennethjrgensen2087]

Hey, I've got these Dali Rubicon 6 speakers, and they sound absolutely amazing! I'm so stoked with them.

[@keplermission]

Wow ... Dali Rubicon 6. I looked them up! What amplifier are you driving them with? 88db SPL at 4 ohms. They're for small rooms, 8 inches from a rear wall. They look like Home Theater speakers.

[@kennethjrgensen2087]

@keplermission NAD C298. I got the best results with 2" from the back of the speaker to the front wall.

[@kennethjrgensen2087]

@@keplermission nad c298

[@bobsmoot8454]

I had 15 ohm LS3/5as decades ago and I enjoyed them, but they sounded meek and when used with the Satterburg woofers you got more bass but the mid-bass took a hit. The price of $570/pair is a steal of a deal, might buy them for my son-in-law. The best speaker I’ve heard recently is Altec VOTT A2x, clean and dynamic - better than a lot of highly touted vintage and new speakers

[@keplermission]

Yeah ... how about that, with the Satterburg woofers ... you know what does that even mean? So you took out the crossover from the LS3/5A and the tweeter and you used the Satterburg woofer in its T/S loaded box with the LS3/5A tweeter and x-over and the mid bass took a hit? Maybe you used a subwoofer x-over with the Satterburg boxes and you know it's incoherent but Steve loves it anyhow.

[@Hiluxtaco]

Happy Thanksgiving, Steve!! 👋👋

[@keplermission]

Happy Thanksgiving he says and all the time it was past. 28 Nov 2024. 2 days ago was the 30th.

[@Hiluxtaco]

@keplermission I know it had passed. Duh. It's not like I can go back in time before the holiday and type it.. 🙎‍♂️

[@mikeb8750]

ATCs are incredible. They don’t have a flashy appearance but they have this soundstage depth and width with fantastic detail that can’t be beat.

[@keplermission]

Can we know what the rest of your system is?

[@johng3593]

Steve, I enjoy your music selections as much as your equipment reviews. Please make a video of just your favorite/top music you use for demos.

[@cpfwriter]

Steve, I just wanted to thank you for your channel, I've enjoyed it for several years now. And another thing--I'm fascinated by quality audiophile systems (I guess, obviously!) and it's in the nature of things that most are going to be either expensive or *very* expensive. But you always keep your eye out for a more affordable but still worthy options, and I appreciate that as well. All health and love to you, Happy Holidays!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thank you so much, have a great new year.

[@miket8787]

For me, it's Legacy Audio Master Collection, Focus XD. These are amazing! Legacy Audio has been in business for 43 years, that's a statement in it's self!

[@AllboroLCD]

I cant tell if your purposely doing it Steve but the OJAS is a tribute speaker. The tribute being to the Altec Valencia\Flamenco\VOTT. A speaker you cant necessarily buy brand new, but this gem of a collaboration brings you the next best thing. I do like your picks either way though!

[@DeepHorizon3773]

Finally a Major-Breakthrough for Loudspeakers ! New Treble Clef Audio TCA-M Active Loudspeakers !

[@spill_the_beans365]

2024, where have the years gone. Steve you should wright a book on all you've seen and all those you've met over the years.

[@asan1050]

Thank you very much! Steve!

[@detlefgrooss5649]

Hi Steve! I am a big fan of your channel, even bought Pro-Ject CDBox RS2T and Dacbox RS2 after your review, totally happy with it (by the way: sound probably a universe better with their upgraded power supply unifi 4way). I highly recommend you to check on the ATC SCM40. In my opinion the best value for money of all ATC speakers. their smallest speakers with their legendary midrange dome built in... I own them, passive version, were this spring under 6k here in Europe. they amazingly natural in sound. as a professional musician I know, how a violin sounds. once well set up they comes as close as it gets...

[@josefbuckland]

I was completely surprised with all those choice. I can’t say any of them tickled my ribs to take a further peep. Hats off to you for saving me money again Goots .

[@SubashSL]

Another awesome video! Can't wait to listen to the Klipsch Ojas, Diptyque and the LS3.

[@analogguy5548]

Don’t know why I enjoy this channel so much🤔 I “used to be an audiophile” - Haven’t “upgraded”any equipment in over ten years! Late 60’s McIntosh pre-amp & power amp, 15+/- year old NAD CD player, 1990’s Denon turntable w/Grado cartridge, 15+/- year old Revel M-22 speakers, all connected by generic cables. I’m very happy and much better off financially since I stopped chasing the latest and greatest 😁

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Well thank you so much for watching! People don't just watch these things because they're going to buy anything, that's not the main point. I am trying to provide information and entertainment, with emphasis on the second part.

[@majsterV]

About SoundArtist, people over the world should be aware, there are still old stock of those speaker selling. Depending on your location, you may still get old version, thinking you get new version. Steve obviously got new version. Supposedly improved tweeter with one red and one black wire. Old version have tweeter with both black wires.

[@TheTrueVoiceOfReason]

Hydro-dipped is the way they finished the cabinet. It involves a large vat of water on which they float the paint/finish, then they push the object being finished through the paint. When it is removed (almost immediately), the finish has adhered to the surface. You should look up some videos of the process, its quite interesting.

[@robertyoung1777]

My approach is to listen multiple times with multiple sources and various recordings before purchasing any piece of audio equipment. Some interesting ideas here but there are many other options available. We live in a time of many options but limited ways to audition those options.

[@NathanHersch]

Steve, you should really try Dynamikks’ Monitor 10 out of Germany. Incredible horn and woofer speaker with super wide soundstage, details of a live performance and naturally deep bass.

[@plaubelmakina8916]

I listened to the Diptyque DP140X at the Nations Audiofest and was impressed. I asked the rep something and he said "lift that speaker up."That speaker is solid as a rock and weighs a ton.

[@keplermission]

Well they used to say that about Realistic Minimus-7 at the Radio Shack place.

[@plaubelmakina8916]

@ lol. Not saying it was good because it’s heavy. It was good. But I think it’s made out of granite of something. It felt like it was bolted to the floor.

[@FOH3663]

Steve's b-roll image he included showed one opened up, ... appears to be some type of HDF or MDF at its core perhaps.

[@middleman9183]

Delighted with my second hand Spendor Classic 4/5's this year. Wonderful synergy with my Cyrus amplification. Exciting but non fatiguing 👍

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Speakers for me this year were limited to just 2 new pair. Revel M126Be which sound excellent. I love the beryllium tweeters. Great highs without sibilance. Surprise attack from the woofers. Running with 2 subs so it frees them up in the mids. The other pair are outdoor weather-proof rock speakers. A sub main unit with 2 satellite speakers or chips off the boulder. They do what they’re supposed to do which is play loud around the lake and look cool. Thanks the the reviews. One of the nice things about year-end is recap videos. Rock on!

[@ajv802]

Ah, the annual ritual of sharing your modest speaker selection-how utterly charming! Two new pairs, you say? What a spectacularly pedestrian endeavor! Allow me to offer my sincere congratulations on your delightful acquisition of the Revel M126Be. How avant-garde of you to join the ranks of audiophiles who have discovered the wonders of beryllium tweeters. It’s almost like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem that only a select few could ever appreciate. But let’s unpack that little revelation, shall we? The Revelation of Beryllium Tweeters So, you love the highs without sibilance-how groundbreaking! Beryllium tweeters are known for their crisp and detailed sound, but your description makes it seem as though you’re describing a rare and exotic species rather than a commonly praised technology in the audiophile community. It’s almost adorable how you’re treating this as a novel discovery. Perhaps next you’ll regale us with tales of your extensive research into silk dome tweeters? And as for the “surprise attack from the woofers”-how poetic! It’s almost as if you’ve been transported to a sonic battlefield, where the woofers leap out to ambush your senses. But tell me, is this surprise attack something you anticipated, or did you simply not pay attention to the specifications before you bought them? I can only imagine the sheer thrill of your first listen as you braced yourself for what must have been an earth-shattering revelation: woofers can produce bass! The Outdoor Weather-Proof Rock Speakers And then we come to your other pair-the outdoor weather-proof rock speakers. Bravo! You’ve successfully merged function with aesthetics. Because nothing says “I have discerning taste in audio” quite like “chips off the boulder.” I must commend your commitment to blending in with nature while blasting music around the lake. Truly, nothing screams sophistication more than weather-resistant speakers that mimic the local landscaping. One can only assume your friends are in awe of your impeccable choice of decor. I do appreciate your pragmatic assessment that these rock speakers “do what they’re supposed to do.” How wonderfully practical of you! Because we all know that when it comes to outdoor audio, it’s not about the nuances of sound but rather how loudly you can project your choice of tunes to the nearest lakefront property. You’ve unlocked the true essence of outdoor living, haven’t you? Year-End Recap Videos Ah, and let’s not forget your mention of year-end recap videos. How quaint! It seems like you’re really tapping into the zeitgeist of the audio community. What a special time of year it must be for you as you gather around your speakers and reminisce about your daring forays into the world of audio equipment. Who knew that year-end reflections could be so profound? Conclusion In conclusion, thank you for sharing your triumphs in speaker selection with us. It’s not every day that we encounter someone who can successfully navigate the complex world of both high-end beryllium tweeters and practical rock speakers. You truly embody the spirit of the modern audiophile, with your eclectic tastes and varied listening environments. Rock on, indeed! Just remember, while you may be reveling in your discoveries, there’s a vast universe of audio excellence waiting to be explored beyond the confines of your lakefront escapades.

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

@ Thank you your over the top praise is making me blush. Please let me know if there are other ways I can help enlighten you. Rock on!

[@ManuelTrinidad-it8kt]

Thank you, Steve. Great review as always. Got interested on the Sound Artist LS 3/5A.Will check it out.

[@johncain3212]

I would like to see Klipsch offer those Klipsch Ojas speaker stands for sale as an option for people who own Klipsch Heresy IV speakers. Those Ojas horns remind me of the old Altec Lansing Voice of the Theater speakers of the 1970's.

[@d.charlesberti9002]

Recently purchased the Wharfedale Super Lintons. I've had some pretty good speakers, but these may be end-game for my main system. In my room, with my equipment, I can't imagine something bringing me substantially more enjoyment. I don't know how many more good years of listening that I will have, so i'm going to concentrate on enjoying these for as long as possible. Subject to change, of course, depending on Lotto results, etc.😂

[@quadgirl1011]

That sounds great! May I ask what speakers you came from and what equipment you’re using with your new Super Lintons?

[@d.charlesberti9002]

Hi, I had Totem Forests for a while, then Linton 85th Anniversary Editions, and now the Super Lintons. I have an Eversolo DMP-A8 preamp/streamer and a pair of Schiit Vidar 2 monoblocks. I still like CDs, so I have an Oppo universal player for that.

[@quadgirl1011]

@@d.charlesberti9002 Thanks! I also have an oppo, but use a denon 4310 receiver. I really am interested in Super Lintons, but coming from a very neutral Axiom Audio v2 tower speakers that are a tad fatiguing for long listening like through my rega planar 6 with dv20x2 low cart and Sutherland Ph3d phono stage. Super Lintons should be plenty revealing and not too warm. My other speakers are Klipsch La Scalas with ALK crossovers. I am ready to find great soundstage depth and breadth, clarity, and accuracy, but great tone. Your previous speakers are awesome from what I have read, so these Super Lintons must be really nice. Thanks for the info.

[@jean-philippemacioti-ducha3994]

Can we please have a Steve’s best shirts of 2024? They’re always a highlight for me. The Rogue Cronus Dark shirt is my best shirt of the year. Thank you for sharing the knowledge and the passion Steve. JP

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks!

[@ashokeb]

Surprised the Clayton Shaw Caladan didn’t get a mention here, since you seemed pretty keen on them.

[@saford13]

I ordered Caladan’s, hopefully will arrive March/April 😁

[@ashokeb]

@ Same here!

[@tgrady61]

It took almost a year, but I have had my Caladans for 2 months and they are life changing.

[@ashokeb]

@ “life changing!” I’ll look forward to that!

[@HxThomison]

I'm happy with my speakers, 25 year old TAD 1601c woofers, 65 year old altec 288c compression drivers, and Gauss 1502 super tweeters. They ain't pretty but they do that magic.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Wow!

[@westernartifact580]

Nice.

[@jefflashway6644]

I'd be curious to hear the Dyptiques. As a Maggie fan and owner,I've found that when people claim something is better, turns out, it isn't. Also...GREAT to see something inexpensive talked about!

[@JohnVander70]

Thank you Steve.

[@2ChukBuk]

I'd love to listen to the Klipsch/OJAS. The horns have that nice vintage Altec Lansing 'Voice of the Theater' vibe.

[@PedroKing99]

I love you and your show, Steve❤ That is all. Love!

[@Trebor2024]

You missed Serhan Swift Mu2 mkll speakers! Absolutely wonderful! 👍😎

[@OgamJan]

Loving the enthusiasm, and there have been some lovely speakers on your channel this year. I may get the Sound Artist sc8b in the future.

[@omrigino]

I love my pureaudioprojects :)

[@pogdog31]

I came across your channel after watching your extremely enthusiastic review of the Kef LS50 meta from 4 years ago. I wonder, does it still stand up compared to newer speakers?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes

[@jeffreythurston1822]

I was fortunate enough to audition a lot of speakers this year to find my ultimate end game speaker. I chose the new Wilson WATT/Puppy. It is by far the best speaker I have ever heard.

[@stephencosta6814]

I thought for sure you would have included the Vandersteen Speakers. You really liked those and you got me very intrigued by them.❤❤

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Well, I didn't review them this year, I did last year! And they were in last year's best of list.

[@stephencosta6814]

@ Thank you, Steve for responding back so quickly you are the God of Audio reviews seriously I’m a big-time fan of yours always was. Did you ever get a chance to to check out the mon acoustic PlatiMon Stan mount speaker. Everybody’s really raving about them. I’m really intrigued. Would love to hear your thoughts on them.

[@keplermission]

@@stephencosta6814 I looked up these Mon Acoustic Platimon and uh ... well, the bass is boosted up between 60Hz and 100Hz and it basically a box that only goes down to 60Hz, just like a Realistic Minimus-7 that also uses an aluminum box. Rest of the frequencies are lumpy like an old 1960s twin cone speaker, these are colored and who'd buy them? Very peaky sound as if you're using a Graphic Equalizer. I mean we could get as good with a tricked out Minimus-7.

[@michelcouture7026]

YG TOR with there stands. Very nice on VTL, AYRE and Meitner electronics. Very nice!

[@cutlets6152]

Not much about ProAcs anywhere. I like their clarity and "performer in the room" aspect. The Scan Speaks they use as drivers are some of the best around imo.

[@thebiffer100]

As for the Diptique I researched long and hard before ultimately deciding on the Magnepan 20.7x. The biggest reason I suppose is I felt nervous buying a more or less well known brand for one thing and manufactured out of the country especially an exotic such as ribbon panels. In reality the tradeoff (if any) was worth it not just for peace of mind but Magnepan has been in business since 1969 and can provide support anytime and the ability to always talk to a factory tech rep. I take Steve's word on his take on a better build quality with Diptique but in my opinion between the two it's like comparing Coke and Pepsi. And as mentioned these panels need to be fed serious power...and when applied well worth it. Thanks Steve.

[@AN-ce1nd]

Where are the Corian countertop cabinet maker Wilson’s with drivers built by other companies? 14:32

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Love to hear the Ojas speakers

[@pavlo687]

My bang for the buck would have to go to the HECO Aurora 1000's!! About $550-600 each but sound about as good as Polk R700's. Better in upper mids, but 5% less in bass.

[@newdevilman1167]

A great video!! You should review PlatiMon speakers from Mon Acoustic. They are heavy though. I liked Dyptique sound at the show as well.

[@soundguy71.]

Steve, blessing to you and your wife this holiday. Just ordered RZ50 &polk R700, did i do good Steve

[@torstenjaeckel5414]

Thanks a lot for your video!

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

I'll echo that i also like all your picks.

[@markkilpatrick7951]

I like your shirt Steve.

[@54tristin]

Maybe it’s time to make two lists 1 The top ten speakers for people who get free samples of speakers the cost what a car used to cost 20 years ago 2 The top ten speakers that music lovers can afford and not have the house repossessed .

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

It's fascinating that people who don't trust me watch my videos anyway. Which is fine with me, I get paid by how many people are watching, so thanks for the support.

[@Justwantahover]

Or you could watch big Jay if you want your house mortgaged, or watch Cheap Audio Man, if you want to keep your home. 😂

[@peterbuckley9731]

Fare comment

[@peterbuckley9731]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliacI find it fascinating you would say this about people who listen to your channel… I’m out.

[@davidestabrook5367]

​@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac His comment was a fair and considerate point of view. He wanted to see a list of speakers for oligarchs and a list of speakers for everyone else. He didn't say he didn't trust you. Instead he gave a helpful video suggestion idea.

[@JeffreySaunders-h7b]

Recently acquired Magnepan 2.7. Full Ribbon. Wonderful step up from 1.7s. Steve, could you review?

[@Justwantahover]

6:36 I saw and heard pair of speakers with one 10" woofer and a very similar looking tweeter in the '70s! 🎉

[@dougg1075]

I have the Sound Artist. Super tasty speaker. I’ll have them forever

[@rickmilam413]

My personal choice is Vandersteen Kentos. Do the great Vandersteen stuff they're known for and yet do a decent job of addressing what Vandy's have never excelled at. More dynamic, less compression which is enough improvement over the traditional Vandersteen "sound" to make it really special, at least for me. Lots of acoustic jazz and classical but occasionally something Like Johnny Winter's INCREDIBLE first album from 50 plus years ago. Raw visceral and the Kentos made it connect.

[@luisrodriguez8639]

11:45 that horn is almost identical to the altec 811b

[@glenncurry3041]

Interesting that your channel came up in HiFi Huff's review of the Pure Audio Project Duet 15. He mentioned you using them as your reference. And he loved them.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

He loves everything

[@billybunter3753]

He likes the Qualio IQ Ultras the best! They're his new next level end game speakers...

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@billybunter3753 This week

[@brucehazen8982]

Steve, any chance of a review of the Chesky LC1's? ... It *appears* young Lucca has delivered a revolutionary performance-for-$ speaker.

[@martlet530]

Is there such a speaker as one that is new but sounds old? All of my equipment is relatively new (Parasound JC1 Amps) with the exception of the speakers (KEF REF 104.2). As I recall the KEF's are ones you sold many years ago (correct?). I love their warm sound but am wondering what new speakers approximate that old style warmth. Thanks for another great video.

[@MikeNMaui]

Hey Steve, ask your wife to make you a shirt that matches the pattern in your wall treatment. Then it would disappear and you’d be a floating head! Very cool. Keep up the good work with the reviews, amigo.

[@ohadschwartz4798]

The ATC are the best I've ever heard. But wonder why the Radiant acustic didn't make it to the list ? I'm missing ~$5k stand mounts..

[@keplermission]

Well ATC ... Radiant Acoustic, I guess. Ever heard a Realistic Minimus-7?

[@Spawned-in60]

What is the material used BEHIND the diffusers on the wall ? TIA,

[@FoxGhost7]

If you haven't heard it yet, the Audiovector Trapeze Ri has been my favourite speaker of this year by a landslide.

[@x-techgaming]

Ascend Acoustics anything = every year's winner.

[@davidclark1182]

Steve, I think we’re the same generation (I’m 73). I once heard some home speakers that showed an increased soundstage with higher volume (have never heard it since! And I was 20 yo!) Would th Klip-Ojals do that?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No, I don't have any recollection of that

[@stephencosta6814]

❤❤I love you, Steve those two guys got together and had a baby. I thought that was virtually impossible.😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤ I really laughed out loud

[@WoodstockG54]

Have you ever listened to the Hyperion 968? If so, any thoughts about them, that if you can still remember?

[@renatomorais8136]

Couple of cheaper speakers I've heard this year that impressed me were the Dynaudio Evoke 20s and the Quad Revela 1s. The Dynaudios have been around for a while but I never heard them. The good thing about this is that they are often on sale so they end up being quite the bargain.

[@gavinhadley7672]

..enjoyable video..thanks

[@dbert5963111]

with the klipsch/ojas speakers,what size room are they designed for?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Small to midsize 15 x 25 or so

[@meowhsu]

I like my Omega and Decware combo. Seems like so few KZbin reviews on the Omega speakers. I think they are pretty good

[@EricBehrens-bs7wb]

Agree. I've also been using Omega speakers with Deware for the past year and it sounds great. Would be interesting to see what Steve thinks of the Omega + Decware combo.

[@bobsacamano9219]

Me too! Was delighted to have my system featured in this video 😊. Right now I have both the new Junior Alnico’s as well as a pair of Super 3 High Output XRS towers. Trying to figure out which ones I want to keep.

[@HxThomison]

nothing like a good single driver speaker

[@anxiousappliance]

Love your channel, but I'll stick with my small dsp (5x)class D 2.1 wireless system. Sounds super nice to me, and another venture into components - I won't come out alive. LOL. I'd also have trouble listening to a band through speakers that cost more than they probably earned in the music business... I do appreciate your work though.

[@alialamri8525]

Hello Steve, I thought you like the Clarity 6.2, may I ask why u didn't mention the speaker in the video?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

It was a terrific speaker, but when it was gone I wasn't wishing it was still here. That's the key to why some speakers make the less than others don't.

[@madisongraham9307]

Do I sense a new horn loaded reference for your listening room?

[@alessandroceoloni5665]

Hi Steve, I always follow your reviews that I find very interesting. A question: if you had to choose between Harbeth C7XD and Magnepan LRS+ at the same expense which one would you take? Thank's

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Interesting question! LRS+ is $1k, the Harbeth $5k. The LRS+ is brilliant, I know a few guys with $100,000+ systems who love the LRS+, bought it out of curiosity and continue to be amazed by its transparency, midrange and treble tonality, and hyper detailed, very open soundstage. But LRS+ only sounds best paired with the best electronics and sources, and placed well out into the room. It's a $1K speaker that "needs" at least a $20K system to really sing. Of course, many LRS+ owners are perfectly satisfied with far less costly systems. As for the Harbeth, it's far less demanding, and a more full range sounding speaker, much easier to live with.

[@raynabozny2338]

Steve , Have you ever heard the Watkins Gen 4 ? Made in USA $3K for the pair and I'm told smokes the original LS5

[@mrcarpentersc]

Best speakers I've heard so far this year are the CSS 3TDX and Typhon.

[@fletchermunson6225]

Just bought a pair of Cabasse Muranos. Per your review (Thanks) I love them. I also heard some Fritz Carbon 7 SE speakers and really impressive.

[@shadyoptics]

I like my Maggie’s but looking for something more dynamic and open baffle like pure audio project. Curious if the sound stage is lower than Maggie’s since the speakers appear shorter?

[@declanfarber]

OMG, that Klipsch looks so DIY! Then again, that might be a feature, allowing people to boast that they did indeed build those speakers themselves out of plywood.

[@dannyb5874]

$6.800 DIY job :D :D :D

[@BostonMike68]

That's an insult my diy s look much better than those

[@declanfarber]

@@BostonMike68 yes, anyone with a modicum of self respect would take a spray can and try to sex that up.

[@BostonMike68]

@@declanfarber I don't understand what that has to do with anything

[@michaelp7185]

I know you didn't review the Ohm Walsh this year. Review them again in 2025 so they can be on your list next year. I love mine.

[@asphaltcandy]

Steve! You are bar none!!!! THE BEST AUDIOFILE REVIEWER ON KZbin! I can't afford most of your equipment BUT I have learned so much about the sound! For me that is priceless! Thank you from us old timers. Your demeanor brings it so anyone can understand and appreciate the sonic journey! 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks!!!

[@cremersalex]

Looking at measurements, the passive ATC 50 is on the bright side of neutral and the treble is very extended, which could explain why bright recordings won't sound all that great on them.

[@drunkenhearted7256]

I think bright speakers aren’t nearly as bad as people would have you think there’s a difference between a bright lively sound, and overly bright and etched sound in my humble opinion.

[@ianjohnhorwood2605]

No ATC's don't measure bright 🤣🤣🤣 , that absolute bollocks , they don't measure bright in their measured response . They are meticulously rounded In their sound response characteristic of their 3 output frequencies 🤣🤣🤣 .

[@cremersalex]

@@ianjohnhorwood2605 Measurements do indicate that it's, let's say, a lively speaker. The whole treble region is lifted. Same for ATC 19. Most of the time when people say they are hearing so much detail, or things they never heard before, it's simply the result of bumps or exaggerations in the frequency range. Don't know why you are laughing so hard. Are you okay?

[@keplermission]

Well you know the British Mullard EL34 was on the bright side of neutral for an EL34 sound and was Billy Woodman's way of earning a crust before he set up A.T.C. So these bright, shrill Mullard EL34 that work so well with Billy Woodman's's 'M range' Goodmans speakers, were liked for brass Jazz music but...

[@25-8]

Hey Steve are you going to get a chance to review the new debut 3.0 from elac? 😮

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Sorry no

[@matzeflamingos]

Backes&Mueller active speakers from Germany. I owned for six years the Prime 14. This summer I made an upgrade to the Line 20. The depth of the soundstage is so big - now I can "see" so deep. I'm done with these speakers.

[@teddine7366]

the ls3/5a are on sale at aliexpress for 368. And I thought when klipsh first started making the heritage speakers they used birch and then switched woods. guess im wrong.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes, you are wrong. They back in the day were made with Birch, but I don't know how far back that was exactly.

[@teddine7366]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thanks for the reply back and setting me straight on that one. Klipsh are one of my favorites makes of speakers. I wish I didn't switch out my Heresy's. I'll get another pair someday.

[@samgordon8315]

I remember ESS speakers

[@jsmdify]

I am seriously considering the Diptyque reference or the magnapan, MG 30.7. This spring. Having owned lots of Maggies I know what they sound like and I assume the French rival has a similar sound although the reviewer describes it clearly as Fuller and Richer, particularly in the lower octives. my gripe is that the reference sells for $50,000 and it’s just very hard to reconcile That price with the materials that go in to making that speaker. Maggie’s are great speakers, but from a technological and production standpoint, they have made very few changes over the decades, and frankly when you compare the guts of both speakers, the Maggies look like something somebody made in their garage when compared to the frame mylar membrane and wiring in the Diptyque speakers. Irrespective of this I still think this French speakers cost as a bit too high, but I may just end up swallowing and buying them to me. Nothing else sounds like real music, then a planer magnetic speaker. My last set was a $90,000 set of YG speakers and a rebuilt set of Magnepan Tympani’s embarrass them when it came to voice production, and the sound of plucked instruments in particular.

[@scottchristopherwilkie1664]

I'm considering both the PAP duet and the trio. How to decide without hearing them?

[@annebokma4637]

Look at your bank account first. If you can afford either just ask them what they would advise based on room size, other gear and sound preference. Choosing the mid high gives way more possibilities in the trio. Which also makes it easier to upgrade later.

[@Harrisongrey19]

I have the trio and they sound fantastic, as long as your room can accommodate the speakers you will not regret the purchase.

[@westernartifact580]

Get the trios with either the full range coaxial or the horn if you know you like horns. Don't get the voxative.

[@anonymousdonor8084]

I really don't get where you think that electrostatic speakers are not dynamic. I was driving a pair of Accoustat 3+3s with a Bryson 4B. I guarantee that combo was 10x more dynamic than any of the under $5k loudspeakers that you recommend. The one valid criticism Is that they require. a large room and a lot of power which is why I had to give them up.

[@that_damn_racket]

Hey Steve. Did you try the Decware se84ufo with the Ojas/Klipsch?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes, briefly, and it was good. But I need to spend more time with that combination.

[@DQ-su6qf]

Bring back the SpeakerLab Super 7’s..,

[@paulrichardson2852]

Why didn't the Radiant Clarity 6.2 make this list?

[@JoseGarcia-oo4mc]

Excelente 👍

[@RacerCCS]

I'm all excited, thinking I'll know what speakers to get ,then this review starts with speakers for ELON MUSK ! I had a "KRACO" POWER BOOSTER From Kmart pioneer stereo with Jenson speakers in my 68 CHEVELLE. Home Stereo's with a start of $22,000 for just the speakers. I may as well buy a ACURA NSX. I DID NOT GO any further in your video. Thanks for hearing me gripe. Must be nice to be rich

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

So you didn't see the part where I raved about the $570 pair Sound Artist speakers! BTW, the list is titled The Best," not the most affordable speakers of 2024. One more thing, a few weeks ago I favorably reviewed the $70/pair Dayton B65 speakers...

[@jumpingwhale]

i heard d'audio dipool speakers, open baffle, they where nice