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Passive Speaker Recommendations for USA (by @sweetchaos)

Yeah, speakers are tricky. Don't hate on me, but how I select a speaker is I try to get one with the flattest response curve in the frequency range I'm concerned with (60Hz and up) and with the least amount of distortion at moderate levels (80db). I use a sub for low end. After that, it's trial and error really :)
 
ferrellms said:
Anybody can prefer any speaker's sound, it is subjective. When you claim one speaker sounds much better than another it unclear why anyone should make a buying decision based on that. True, listening for yourself is great, but largely impossible in today's market. That is why the speaker preference ratings, that use groups of listeners correlated with objective measurements, were invented. You may not agree with them, fine, but purchasing speakers based on a single person's reported subjective preferences in audio forums is less likely to offer a good choice for most people.
Click to expand...
I don't think it's about subjective opinions. The preference scores and testing that is being done using the Klippel gets us much of the way there but it does not tell us everything about the performance of a speaker and it's quite possible (imho and experience) to have a speaker that scores in the 5~6 range that has clear flaws and would be rejected when compared to another speaker with a similar (or better) score. It's worth saying again, I absolutely will NOT buy any speaker I can't A/B against a similar quality speaker.
 
192kbps said:
Are all Center Channel Speakers passive?
Click to expand...
No, there's no reason for them to be. So long as your AVR supports a centre pre-out, you're fine with an active if you wish. That said, it might be tricky finding a single active speaker for sale - most active speakers I know, outside of studio speakers like Genelec, are sold in pairs, with the brains usually put in one of them. All that's to say: yes, you can do active centre, just make sure you check the details before going ahead.
 
Just wanted to take a moment and say THANK YOU for this. I had no idea about 2-way, 3-way speakers, let alone which brands outside of the one (paradigm) I had tried before that are any good. Somehow the stars aligned and the day I found this thread is the day I found a set of Revel F208s and a C208. From the recommendation on here I bought them sight unheard. It's difficult to articulate how amazing these speakers are compared to anything I have ever heard before. The sound stage is immense, the detail is so crystal clear. I must have listened to music for 6+ hours the first night I had them and never once felt fatigued.

If you close your eyes during a show/movie the center does this magic trick were you cant even tell its there. It sounds like you are IN the scene and not WATCHING the scene. I literally shed a tear when re-watching avatar and they were walking through a short cave and it FELT like you were in the cave with them. I only have a 3.0 setup and could not be happier. Even crummy music off youtube of live concerts sounds amazing.

All this to say. Thank you for taking the time to demo soo many speakers. Thank you for taking the time to rank them and make an EASY button for folks like me who don't have time to go audition 1,2,10 different speakers.
 
I don't understand arranging speakers by price range. I look for the best speaker at the best price.

It seems that some members love to hate on the ps but the only suggested alternative seems to be to listen for yourself. This is not practical as almost nobody has access to more than a few of these speakers and very few people would/could do more than a couple of in-home trials. And I would venture that the ability to do multiple blind ABX tests with any significant number of speakers would be impossible for nearly all. Therefore, I see the ps as a very useful tool. Certainly, considering room size and output level desired vs speaker size is also a big factor one must consider.

I listen at moderate volumes in a mid-sized room, use a sub, and am not super concerned with speaker cabinet appearance. So, it seems the Philharmonic AAM's plus sub are a great choice for me. Why should I buy something more expensive? Really, what am I missing here?
 
Howie Dern said:
I don't understand arranging speakers by price range.
Click to expand...
I do. Not everyone has the same budget.

Howie Dern said:
I look for the best speaker at the best price.
Click to expand...
What is your definition of "best price"?
If you say I look for the best speaker for a given price point, then yes, that's what my list is about.

Howie Dern said:
So, it seems the Philharmonic AAM's plus sub are a great choice for me. Why should I buy something more expensive? Really, what am I missing here?
Click to expand...
A world of wonderful speakers, lol.

I personally don't like the look of Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, so aesthetics alone eliminates this option for me.

People buy different cars (to use an analogy) to get to the same destination. All cars will get you there, but every car will get you there with a unique style.
It's the same with speakers, assuming they're not a broken design. They all make sound, but the experience you'll get will differ with each speaker.

My goal was always to help people narrow down the options, keeping good-enough speakers on the list, and removing broken designs.
 
Let me first say THANK YOU for creating the compilation spreadsheet. It's been very useful to me and, I'm sure, many others. I was not trying to criticize.

I certainly can understand paying more for better aesthetics but this is in the realm of individual preference and not science. I thought the idea of ps ratings was to try to compare with science so that we don't judge a product by price.

The "best price" is the lowest one that meets my needs for ps, output, and aesthetics. If I have $1000 to spend, I still don't want to exclude $100 speakers if they meet my needs.

Again, many thanks for your great contributions!
 
sweetchaos said:
In regards to what's the difference between a score of 5.0 vs 6.0, here's Dr Sean Olive's answer:
Click to expand...
So ... could an argument be made that currently having speakers with 5.7 Preference Score (say, Elac DBR-62) means the next sensible upgrade would have to be in the (at least) 7.0 range? (not turning to mathematics for an excuse to splash more money, ofc :)
 
CauliflowerEars said:
So ... could an argument be made that currently having speakers with 5.7 Preference Score (say, Elac DBR-62) means the next sensible upgrade would have to be in the (at least) 7.0 range? (not turning to mathematics for an excuse to splash more money, ofc :)
Click to expand...
The next sensible upgrade could have the same preference score but have increased power handling or wider dispersion, for example, if the user finds that is what they prefer. These factors aren't reflected in the preference score.
 
Wonder if it means that the higher the preference score, the less deviation between the tonality of different speakers? So perhaps kef reference sounds more like genelec and neuman than kef q series? Then if there were 2 different speakers with 100% score, they should sound identical?
 
maybe, i'm not understanding the list,
I'm reading it as Polk R200 with Sub is better than Perlisten S4B with a sub ?
 
CauliflowerEars said:
So ... could an argument be made that currently having speakers with 5.7 Preference Score (say, Elac DBR-62) means the next sensible upgrade would have to be in the (at least) 7.0 range? (not turning to mathematics for an excuse to splash more money, ofc :)
Click to expand...
A sub would be the next upgrade, IMO.
 
geox said:
maybe, i'm not understanding the list,
I'm reading it as Polk R200 with Sub is better than Perlisten S4B with a sub ?
Click to expand...

It's 6.3/8.3 vs 5.5/8.1. I'd say they are close enough that you'd need to listen to them to really say which is better for you. And the number does not capture everything. The speakers might have much different power handling capability or tonal emphasis. If you read Erin's R100 vs S4B, you can see in his summary differences between the speakers and you might prefer one to the other irregardless of the numbers.

Also, the R200's numbers were extrapolated from difference measurements (the * next to the numbers), so I'd take those with a bit of leeway.
 
sweetchaos said:
I personally don't like the look of Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, so aesthetics alone eliminates this option for me.
Click to expand...
I thought there might be something wrong with me, but they are some caveman looking, old, bastard child stuffy ugly looking speakers. hahaha
 
beaRA said:
This is a great resource btw! Such a shame the price of the Neumi BS5 went up $10 so we still have to see that awful Dayton Audio B652-AIR on the list. I understand why you didn't put it there, but it may he useful for people to know that the Sony SSCS5 is often available in that under $100/pair category.
Click to expand...
What happened to the NEUMI BS5 not in the list? It's on Amazon for 110 bucks.
 
radix said:
It's 6.3/8.3 vs 5.5/8.1. I'd say they are close enough that you'd need to listen to them to really say which is better for you. And the number does not capture everything. The speakers might have much different power handling capability or tonal emphasis. If you read Erin's R100 vs S4B, you can see in his summary differences between the speakers and you might prefer one to the other irregardless of the numbers.

Also, the R200's numbers were extrapolated from difference measurements (the * next to the numbers), so I'd take those with a bit of leeway.
Click to expand...
Erin just measured these, preference score should be adjusted at some point will be interesting.
 
sweetchaos said:
I'm constantly asked which speakers to purchase...so, here you go! :D
This guide is for PASSIVE speakers. For ACTIVE speakers go here.
Click on the "Spoiler" buttons below to expand each section.
What market are these recommendations for?
USA, with USD prices listed below

Does this include discontinued speakers?
No, since i'm only counting speakers that are currently sold at major retailers/resellers in the US.

What is the preference score?
The preference score (introduced by Sean Olive) (also sometimes called "Olive score") is the best science-based representation we have on how to classify whether a speaker (either active or passive) is preferred or not. A more neutral speaker will get the best preference score, and will likely win in a blind listening test, comparing two speakers. You can read about it here.

What are the limitations of the preference score?
1. Distortion handling
Amir and Erin (from ErinsAudioCorner) talk about this in their reviews, so you can take a look there.
Distortion handling of a loudspeaker is usually secondary to frequency response. Meaning, a great frequency response and poor distortion handling speaker will still be preferred over a poor frequency response speaker with great distortion handling. A great example of this is the fact that JBL 305P/306P/308P MKII speakers have higher-than-normal distortion, but because of their relatively neutral frequency response, a lot of people still enjoy them.
2. Loudness handling
Amir and Erin (from ErinsAudioCorner) talk about this in their reviews, so you can take a look there.
In terms of loudness handling, I've made a few notes to speakers below.
3. Your own preference for wide or narrow directivity
In terms of directivity, I haven't added this information below, but I could if enough people show interest.

Accuracy of data:
There are a few speakers in this list that weren't measured using Klippel NFS (that Amir and ErinsAudioCorner have), which provides very accurate spinorama. A less accurate (in terms of resolution) spinorama can be made using quasi-anechoic methods as described in this post.
If you see * => We have quasi-anechoic spinorama or similar, but the speaker wasn't measured using Klippel NFS.

Are you biased in any way?
I purchased PSB Imagine X series of speakers before joining ASR. Read into that what you will.

How did you make this list?
I looked at all the speaker spinorama that we have and their computed preference score and compiled this list.
I also mention a few speakers of note, and talk about which speakers to avoid at a certain price point, based on my own understanding.

What is the limitation of this guide?
Blind reliance on measurements can be misleading ‐ one needs to tie those measurements back to subjective perception. Amir and ErinsAudioCorner both give their overall opinion on speakers, so feel free to read the written reviews.

What am I showing?
Top 3 speakers in terms of preference score, plus other worthy picks (explained in the legend).

Exclusions:
I didn't include DIY type speakers (where you buy the kit, install it yourself, and paint the speaker). Instead, only speakers you can purchase from major retailers/resellers in US.

Do you need an amplifier with these?
Yes, since the speakers are passive.

Assumptions:
I'm going to assume these JBL 4367 and similar speakers are "towers" and not "bookshelves"

Limitation of preference score?
Flipflop: "Using vendor data is not just a problem because of potential credibility issues, but also because some of the data, like the R152 spin, uses a higher amount of smoothing, which results in lower NBD_ON and NBD_PIR values, which in turns result in an artificially increased predicted preference score."

What's the difference between Amir's and Erin (from Erin's Audio Corner) distortion charts?
Amir shows "Non-Anechoic" harmonic distortion.
Erin shows "Anechoic" (using Klippel ISC module) harmonic distortion.
They are similar, but not exactly the same.
Erin explained it in this youtube video
Which makes a direct comparison between Amir's and Erin's distortion graphs inaccurate (unfortunately).
Amir talked about why he stopped doing Anechoic harmonic distortion here.

LEGEND:
ValueDescription
#1Best rated-speaker in terms of preference score. Update: I set the threshold at 3.0, ignoring speakers below it.
#22nd best-rated speaker in terms of preference score.
#33rd best-rated speaker in terms of preference score.
WorthyWorthy picks that either Erin (from ErinsAudioCorner) or Amir measured and recommended. From Amir, I included all "highly recommended panther" award winners, plus the recommended picks (that I chose). Erin doesn't give a 'highly recommended' award like Amir does, but after reading Erin's review or watching the youtube reviews, I get the sense that Erin highly recommends that speaker. Plus I've included a few models that weren't measured by neither Amir or Erin, but still for consideration, since we can predict will be good, based on similar model's measurements.
PSPreference Score (with no subwoofer added). Value can be negative (for really badly designed speakers) and goes up to a 10 (theoretical limit). Higher is better.
PSwSubPreference Score (with theoretically-perfectly-integrated subwoofer added). Value can be negative (for really badly designed speakers) and goes up to a 10 (theoretical limit). Higher is better.
LFXLow Frequency Extension (in hz). This is the bass output at -6db point. This was computed, not estimated. Lower is better.
*We have quasi-anechoic spinorama or similar. However, this speaker wasn't measured using Klippel NFS (that Amir and ErinsAudioCorner have), so it's resolution is less accurate. Warning: This will artificially boost the preference score higher than if the same speaker was measured using NFS.
**No spinorama for this specific model. I'm including it because we have multiple other spinorama from the same manufacturer, so it's not a stretch to imagine these will be good.
RedNew speaker added to the table for this price point.

Bookshelves < US$100/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Dayton Audio MK402X (Amir)3.96.351

Bookshelves < US$150/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Polk Audio XT15 (Erin) 4.47.160
Dayton Audio MK402X (Amir)3.96.351

Bookshelves < US$250/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Polk Audio XT20 (Erin) 4.56.848
Polk Audio XT15 (Erin)4.47.160
Dayton Audio MK402X (Amir)3.96.351

Bookshelves < US$300/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef Q150 (Erin) 4.97.045
Polk Audio XT20 (Erin)4.56.848
Polk Audio XT15 (Erin)4.47.160

Bookshelves < US$320/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Monoprice Monolith Encore B6 (Erin) 4.76.946
Polk Audio XT20 (Erin)4.56.848

Bookshelves < US$330/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ (Amir) (Erin) 5.37.854
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Monoprice Monolith Encore B6 (Erin)4.76.946

Bookshelves < US$400/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (Amir)5.47.751
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ (Amir) (Erin)5.37.854
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739

Bookshelves < US$600/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
JBL Studio 530 (Amir)5.57.441
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (Amir)5.47.751
Klipsch RP-500M II (Erin)5.47.955
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739

Bookshelves < US$650/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Polk R100 (Erin) 5.68.052
JBL Studio 530 (Amir)5.57.441
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1 (Amir)5.47.751
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739

Bookshelves < US$700/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 (Amir)5.67.641
Polk R100 (Erin)5.68.052
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739

Bookshelves < US$750/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef Q350 (Amir)5.77.538
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 (Amir)5.67.641
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739

Bookshelves < US$800/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef Q350 (Amir)5.77.538
Elac Uni-Fi 2.0 UB52 (Amir)5.67.641
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin) 4.47.368

Bookshelves < US$1,000/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef Q350 (Amir)5.77.538
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368

Bookshelves < US$1,500/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef Q350 (Amir)5.77.538
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Kef Q150 (Erin)4.97.045
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin) 4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368

Bookshelves < US$1,600/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368
-Kef Q150 and Q350 are no longer mentioned; since Kef LS50 Meta exists at this price point.

Bookshelves < US$1,650/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368

Bookshelves < US$1,700/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta]6.68.336
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin) 6.17.733
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368

Bookshelves < US$1,800/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta]6.68.336
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin)6.17.733
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir)5.87.638
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368

Bookshelves < US$2,200/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta]6.68.336
Kef R3 Meta6.38.036
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin)6.17.733
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
Revel M106 (Amir)5.88.046
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir)5.87.638
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368

Bookshelves < US$3,900/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (Q/C issues found on June 2022)7.08.633
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta]6.68.336
Kef R3 Meta6.38.036
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin)6.17.733
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
Revel M106 (Amir)5.88.046
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir)5.87.638
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368

Bookshelves < US$4,400/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (Q/C issues found on June 2022)7.08.633
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta]6.68.336
Kef R3 Meta6.38.036
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin)6.17.733
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M126Be5.9*8.2*47*
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
Revel M106 (Amir)5.88.046
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir)5.87.638
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368

Bookshelves < US$7,000/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (Q/C issues found on June 2022)7.08.633
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta]6.68.336
Kef R3 Meta6.38.036
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin)6.17.733
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M126Be5.9*8.2*47*
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
Revel M106 (Amir)5.88.046
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir)5.87.638
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368
Revel Ultima2 Gem2******

Bookshelves < US$7,500/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (Q/C issues found on June 2022)7.08.633
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta]6.68.336
Kef R3 Meta6.38.036
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin)6.17.733
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M126Be5.9*8.2*47*
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
Revel M106 (Amir)5.88.046
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir)5.87.638
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368
Revel Ultima2 Gem2******
Kef Reference 1 [Discontinued. Replaced by Reference 1 Meta in Feb 2022]******

Bookshelves < US$8,000/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (Q/C issues found on June 2022)7.08.633
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta]6.68.336
Kef R3 Meta6.38.036
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin)6.17.733
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M126Be5.9*8.2*47*
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
Revel M106 (Amir)5.88.046
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir)5.87.638
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Perlisten s4b (Erin) 5.58.158
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368
Revel Ultima2 Gem2******
Kef Reference 1 [Discontinued. Replaced by Reference 1 Meta in Feb 2022]******

Bookshelves < US$9,000/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef Reference 1 Meta (Erin) (Using Long Port) 7.08.430
March Audio Sointuva (Erin) (Q/C issues found on June 2022)7.08.633
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-LX6.88.636
Kef Reference 1 Meta (Erin) (Using Short Port) 6.78.436
Kef R3 (Amir) (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R3 Meta]6.68.336
Kef R3 Meta6.38.036
Philharmonic BMR v2 (Erin)6.17.733
Ascend Acoustics Sierra-2EX V26.08.042
Revel M126Be5.9*8.2*47*
Revel M16 with sealed port [readme] (Amir)5.9????
Revel M105 (Amir)5.98.351
Revel M106 (Amir)5.88.046
JBL HDI-1600 (Amir)5.87.638
Elac Debut Reference DBR-62 (Amir)5.77.843
Kef LS50 Meta (Amir)5.77.843
Revel M16 with open port (Amir)5.67.745
Perlisten s4b (Erin)5.58.158
Polk Audio Signature Elite ES20 (Amir)4.86.739
Arendal Sound 1723 Bookshelf S THX (Erin)4.87.662
Arendal Sound 1961 Bookshelf (Erin)4.47.368
Revel Ultima2 Gem2******
Kef Reference 1 [Discontinued. Replaced by Reference 1 Meta in Feb 2022]******

Towers < US$300/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Polk Audio T50 (Amir)4.05.941

Towers < US$500/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Polk XT60 (Erin) 4.86.739
JBL Stage A180 (Amir)4.76.335
Polk Audio T50 (Amir)4.05.941

Towers < US$700/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Polk XT70 (Erin) 4.86.739
Polk XT60 (Erin)4.86.739
JBL Stage A180 (Amir)4.76.335

Towers < US$1,200/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin)5.87.332
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Klipsch RP-5000F II (Erin) 5.27.241

Towers < US$1,400/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin)5.87.332
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Aperion N5T (Amir)5.36.935

Towers < US$1,500/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin) 6.07.836
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin)5.87.332
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Revel F36******

Towers < US$1,700/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin)5.87.332
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin) 5.17.551
Revel F36******

Towers < US$2,000/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin)5.87.332
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Revel F36******

Towers < US$2,600/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Emotiva Airmotiv T2+ (Erin)5.87.332
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Revel F36******

Towers < US$3,600/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by Kef R7 Meta]******
Revel F36******

Towers < US$3,900/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta]******
Revel F36******
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH)******


Towers < US$4,000/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef R7 Meta7.0*8.5*32*
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta]******
Revel F36******
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH)******

Towers < US$4,800/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef R7 Meta7.0*8.5*32*
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta]******
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta]******
Revel F36******
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH)******

Towers < US$5,000/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef R7 Meta7.0*8.5*32*
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta]******
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta]******
Revel F36******
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH)******

Towers < US$5,500/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef R7 Meta7.0*8.5*32*
Revel F208 (Amir)6.67.726
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta]******
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta]******
Revel F36******
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH)******

Towers < US$6,500/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef R11 Meta7.1*8.5*30*
Kef R7 Meta7.0*8.5*32*
Revel F208 (Amir)6.67.726
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta]******
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta]******
Revel F36******
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH)******

Towers < US$7,700/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef R11 Meta7.1*8.5*30*
Kef R7 Meta7.0*8.5*32*
Revel F208 (Amir)6.67.726
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F226Be (Erin) 5.87.943
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta]******
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta]******
Revel F36******
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH)******

Towers < US$11,000/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef R11 Meta7.1*8.5*30*
Kef R7 Meta7.0*8.5*32*
Revel F208 (Amir)6.67.726
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Revel F228Be (Amir)6.27.630
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F226Be (Erin)5.87.943
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta]******
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta]******
Revel F36******
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH)******

Towers < US$14,000/pair:
NamePSPSwSubLFX
Kef R11 Meta7.1*8.5*30*
Kef R7 Meta7.0*8.5*32*
Revel F208 (Amir)6.67.726
Revel F2066.4*8.1*36*
Revel F228Be (Amir)6.27.630
Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary (Erin)6.07.836
Kef R5 (Erin) [Discontinued on Feb 2023, replaced by R5 Meta]5.97.533
Revel F226Be (Erin)5.87.943
Revel F35 (Amir)5.77.639
Arendal Sound 1961 Tower (Erin)5.17.551
JBL 4309 (Amir)3.75.741
Kef R7 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R7 Meta]******
Kef R11 [Discontinued Feb 2023, replaced by R11 Meta]******
Revel F36******
Kef Reference 3 [Discontinued. Replaced by Reference 3 Meta in Feb 2022]******
Philharmonic BMR Tower (AH)******


See post #2 for more tower speakers

RAN OUT OF CHARACTERS... CONTINUED ON POST #2
Click to expand...
That's a great list but I have some questions:
  • Is it limited to what can fit into the Klippel measurement device?
  • Is anything above $14k not considered? Is that why there's not a single famous US name like Wilson, Magico, Devore Fidelity, etc.
  • Why are electrostatic speakers not being considered (most natural sound according to many)?
 
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