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In House Manufacturing vs. OEM Sourcing

I've been away from the hobby for quite some time, and my recent search for a new pair of loudspeakers has my head spinning.  I never realized there were so many companies making loudspeakers these days.  I've never heard of 60% of them.

What I do see is that the vast majority are using drivers from OEM manufacturers.  While some claim that the drivers are "made to their specifications," the skeptic in me thinks there's a bit of smoke in the air.  I'm sure someone like Wilson Audio is an exception, but I don't believe that's the case for most of them.

I would imagine that companies that manufacture their own drivers (Focal, Dynaudio, etc.) would have a distinct advantage in developing and voicing a loudspeaker.  I'm not saying there there aren't some exceptional speakers out there that use OEM drivers, but it seems that distinction is limited to the ultra high-end.

Thoughts?
seadweller

Showing 2 responses by czarivey

czarivey
5,707 posts
 
One of the examples is Totem speakers that use Dynaudio drivers.
Most Totem speakers sounding more superior to Dynaudio.
In fact Dynaudio drivers are not only used in Totems. Some companies use drivers from different companies as well.


czarivey
5,707 posts
 
Whoever mentioned Scanspeak or Vifa is right to the point. I don't know any of their own house speakers at all. They mostly manufacture drivers only, but many manufacturers and DIYers using them.
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