07-10-08: Kana813 What difference should it make if speakers are made in the united states, the only things that matter are sound/build quality.
PS- I get a kick out of USA direct sale companies like Salk saying of their HT3s, that: "Normally, speakers of this quality retail from $12000.00 to $20,000.00 or more per pair."
MAYBE the original poster is an American that wants to buy American speakers. There are some left that approach purchase that way and it is THEIR priority. People are answering the question he asked and not why he asked it. As far as direct sales like Salk, I know they consider the HT-3's as direct competitors to the Joseph Audio Pearl which sells for more than $20,000. Whether that is a valid comparison I can't say as I have not heard the Pearls. As far as the Sasons go, I heard several speakers that cost more than $15,000 at the Audiokharma show that IMO did not hold a candle to the Sasons. I've heard 15 to 20 speakers that are more than the RSA's asking price and at least half of them are more than the MSRP listed on their site. From what I've heard, the Sason's would be my choice hands down. They would still be my choice if they were $14,000 a pair and money were not a consideration. Their sound and build quality are unmatched in my somewhat limited experience, built in the USA or not. It is a bonus that they are indeed built in the USA.
What difference should it make if speakers are made in the united states, the only things that matter are sound/build quality.
PS- I get a kick out of USA direct sale companies like Salk saying of their HT3s, that: "Normally, speakers of this quality retail from $12000.00 to $20,000.00 or more per pair."
or Ridge Street Audio Designs saying their the Sason Ltd should retail for $14295.00/Pr
I love the sound of "full-range" single-driver speakers ... have had Cains and now using Almarro M33A's ... and KCS speakers ... just no way to go wrong, especially if using tube amplification
KCS offers a few models with all US sourced parts. Loudspeakers are designed and constructed in WI USA. We do offer models with some imported parts but when a US suppler is available we always opt for US unless performance would suffer. I do know many US manufacters have product built in China or at least the cabinets. Keep in mind its a world market somethings are just not available from US sources...
I heard the Ridge Street Audio Sason's at the Audiokharma show in Detroit and then later at a private listening session in an owner's home. Absolutely incredible sounding speakers, the most natural sounding I've ever heard. All of the audiophile buzz words apply while still maintaining an incredibly musical presentation. A MUST listen if you get the opportunity.
I agree with Mrtennis. Your post reads like an ad and says nothing at all really. I'm amazed that it was even posted by the censors who discard so many of my comments.
I will put the Proclaim 100's up against any other US speaker regardless of price. I guarantee they will hold their own vs. any of the competition, understanding that it is all subjective.
LOL. Macrojack. The marketing hyperbole is all manufactured in the USA and the assembly of foreign built parts is also done here - that is what counts!!!
What do you mean by "MADE IN THE USA"? Designed in the USA? Designed and Assembled in the USA? Designed, Assembled and all pieces Fabricated or Manufactured in the USA including: Rubber, Plastic, Paper, Metal Frames and Other Parts, Wires, Wood and Various Other Exotic Materials and Components? If you mean the later, then this is a very tall order and there are probably very few if any speakers that qualify as "MADE IN THE USA". Perhaps that is your point?
How about Platinum Audio (now out of business)? Phil Jones is now with Soliquy and fomerly with Acoustic Energy. I still have a pair of Platinum Solo's which everyone raves about.
Two excellent companies I have had the pleasure of working with in reviewing are Bill Dudleston's Legacy Audio in Illinois and Bruce Thigpen's Eminent Technology in Florida.
Barefoot MM27 active monitors(using Bryston amps).The new reference monitors for recording studios worldwide...yes,they are that good.Hand made in California,USA.
Green Mountain Audio Calypso Hyperion Sound HPS 968 Zu Cable Definition Pro Cain and Cain IM Ben and Bailey subwoofer Devore Fidelity Silverback Reference Ohm Walsh 5-S3 Vandersteen Model 5A Magico Mini 2 Revel Ultima Salon 2 Magnepan 20.1
Perhaps not the most expensive, but the "Best U.S.A. speakers" IMO. There are actually a lot of good speaker "systems" designed and assembled in the U.S.A. There are not a lot of DRIVERS designed and manufactured here any longer - although at least some of these speakers feature unique or custom in-house designs. It's in the higher volume stuff where The U.S.A. is totally left in the dust...
>> 07-03-08: Tvad >> Are there any US manufacturers left off the list at >> this point?
Tvad, to answer your question: yes! We have left out Green Mountain Audio (of Colorado Springs). Of all the speakers that I have heard so far, I would say that the Green Mountain Audio speakers are one of the best (if not the best) when it comes to cone driver type speakers. I was at the RMAF 2007 & I heard MANY, MANY speakers so I'm citing my opinion from 1st-hand listening experience. I must add that I am a Green Mountain speaker owner FWIW. As usual, YMMV. IMHO.
Maxhammer4, do ensure that you consider Green Mountain Audio speakers. You will not be disappointed at all w.r.t their sonics & you will not find a more humble & genuine person than Roy Johnson (the owner & speaker designer). IMHO. FWIW.
I recently bought the Ohm Acoustics Micro Talls and I am AMAZED at how good they are and I have owned MANY speakers. Ohm does not receive near the recognition they should because they are a low key direct purchase company that doesn't advertise and does not get reviewed besides SIXMOONS.COM.
Evolution Acoustics MM3 Sonicweld Pulserod ESP Concert Grand There are 2 others that come to mind, but I can't think of thier names now. I guess I'm getting old.
I almost forgot to mention Edgar Horns and Classic Audio Reproductions (American?) T-1 and Hartsfield knockoff. I've only heard these at shows, but, they sound pretty good under those trying conditions.
Identifying the Best American speakers is sort of like the Akroyd character in the Dragnet movie identifying the Yugo as "the cutting edge of Serbo-Croation technology." There just isn't that much out there.
My entrants are:
Soundlab U-1 Revel Salon 2 Vandersteen 5a Magneplanar 20 Magico Mini
I respect the engineering and build quality of Wilson but many of the speakers leave me cold. I didn't like any of the Watt/Puppy versions until the 6 came out. I have never liked any of their big models. I've always liked the Sophia in both of its' iterations.
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