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 Daber
Audio Model 3 Loudspeaker
($1,700/pair):
The Daber Audio Model Three is a real
winner. It combines good musicality and
imaging in a surprisingly sizeable
soundstage. Place them on good stands like
those from Tyler Acoustics and you’ll have
an excellent performer in a fairly
attractive package that outclasses much of
what I’ve heard for less than $2k. (Dave
Thomas)
Dynaudio Sapphire Loudspeaker
($16,500/pair):
About
as well balanced from top-to-bottom as
anything to enter my home, the stunning
looking and sounding Dynaudio Sapphire is a
full-range loudspeaker that can satisfy any
musical tastes. Holographic imaging and
lifelike soundstaging are hallmarks of this
speaker, add the fact that it will vastly
improve the décor of any room it’s put into
and you’ve got something really special. A
true most wanted component. (Dave Thomas)
 Jean-Marie
Reynaud “Bliss” Loudspeaker
($1,895): This is a beautiful, diminutive
creation of a two-way stand mounted design,
producing a sound field much larger than its
modest size might indicate and possessing a
“come hither and listen” sound projected out
front of its speaker plane. The Bliss
invites contemplation into every nuance of
musical line and texture, with a natural
proportionality that was superb. It injects
everything it touches with a vivacious,
captivating feel and I believe at its price
point, the Bliss is at the top of its class,
providing a special conduit into the
contemplation of Music on its most intimate
level. (Nelson Brill)
Oswald’s
Mill Audio New Yorker speaker:
($28k - $34k depending on options).
I
am a fan of high-efficiency speakers, both
for their SET amp-friendliness, and for
their incredible dynamics. Whereas many such
speakers use horn-loaded compression drivers
for the highs and mids, bass frequencies
pose a considerable problem. Low frequencies
require very large horns, which are
impractical in most settings. Many designers
therefore opt for “traditional” woofers, but
this brings its own set of problems, namely
one of integration. The new OMA New Yorker
speaker is a two way design, encompassing
twin 15" neodymium extreme high efficiency
woofers with a conical horn and neodymium
compression driver. The horn is cast in
aluminum by OMA at a foundry in
Pennsylvania, where the speaker is built by
hand using select hardwoods such as
Pennsylvania walnut, cherry and ash. The
main body of the speaker enclosure is
constructed from 25mm Baltic Birch ply,
veneered and finished by hand with Tung oil.
The unique twin woofer configuration affords
a kind of front horn loading, increasing
bass efficiency and minimizing room
interactions to a great degree. An optional
solid hardwood set of baffles or "wings"
further increases this effect. The New
Yorker's unique design allows perfect time
alignment of all drivers.
Overall efficiency is 105db/1w/1m, frequency
response -3db 30hz to 20khz. Pricing for the
New Yorker ranges from $28,000 to $34,000
depending on choice of options such as solid
hardwood baffle, grill or phaser, stands,
veneer, etc.
(Laurence Borden).
Precision Transducer Engineering Phoenix
active loudspeaker system:
$5250.
 For
the discerning music lover who doesn't want
the fuss associated with finding the perfect
amplifier: the Phoenix comes already
equipped with the perfect amplifier.
Remarkable transparency, speed and
sound-stage capabilities. A marvelous
open-window to the music. Changes the game
as far as I'm concerned for loudspeakers in
this price range. (Clement Perry)
YG Acoustics - Anat Reference Studio
loudspeakers
($70k)
Let me be clear and without hesitation –
this particular loudspeaker is without
question one of the most significant
loudspeakers I have had the pleasure to have
in my home. In fact, what started as a
journey of curiosity and exploration has now
turned into a journey of discovery,
fascination and fulfillment. Yes the retail
price of these wonderful speakers is steep
and at $70k – you might question my sanity.
However, I also know what I’m hearing and it
is about as close to musical truth and
honesty as I’ve heard from a loudspeaker.
Are they perfect? Probably not. However,
bottom line – these speakers do wonders for
reproducing music in such an accurate and
authentic manner that at times, I feel like
I now have a speaker that satisfies me
musically and to such an extent that I no
longer am seeking the so-called Holy Grail
of High End Audio. I’m there. Music, real
music is what it’s all about and with these
speakers in place – you too may find they
reach way beyond what you might imagine.
Stay tuned for review. (Bill Wells)
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