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.
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 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.
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 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.
>> 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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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?
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!!!
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.
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