Devore O vs Audionote

I auditioned the Devore O96s a few months ago and was very impressed. Very musical and wouldn’t hesitate to purchase them except for the WAF. While I like the way they look, they are just too big for my wife’s taste. She doesn’t want our living room focused on the stereo.

Have never heard a pair of Audio Note speakers.

Regarding prices, you picked a rather low bar to complain about. We have DACs costing $30K plus, amps double that and more, and no shortage of speakers easily breaking the $100K mark. All are good examples of a free market economy. The maker is free to charge what they wish, and we are free to buy -- or not.

There is also the issue of overhead and fixed costs for small, niche manufacturers. They don't have the volume of larger or mass market manufacturers over which to spread these expenses.

I've heard the Devore O96s and they are an excellent, musical speaker. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a pair if I were in the market for new speakers and had the spot for them. As with anything audio, YMMV, but as noted, you have lots of options if you're shopping for speakers, or anything else.

Another example of differences in taste. I've heard lots of Klipsch speakers over the years (one of my best friends has had a set of K-horns from the 1970s) and I've never been impressed.  He likes them, though, and that's all that counts. Getting a better price on something that doesn't impress me is not a way to save money.  That's what the YMMV comment is all about. 

However, I do agree with you on Schiit products -- great sound for a great price.