Notable very small loudspeaker companies (other than Tekton!)


Let's give a shout-out to those very small speaker companies that make excellent products.  I'm thinking of true one-man operations (owner-designer-maker) as well as very small ones (owner-designer + a very few employees).

My nominees: Ryan, Prana, Philharmonic, Fritz, Watkins, Vaughn, Chapman, even Daedalus, Salk, Selah.

Who else belongs in this list?

How do they manage to compete with the "big boys", in quality if not in quantity?


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Showing 1 response by dorkwad

A name that is familiar to some is Bob Smith of TDSS parts upgrades for Nuprime and Nuforce amps.  Bob did a level 3 upgrade to my Nuforce Ref 9 V3 SE mono amps.  I've used them with 5 different systems and speakers that are friends of mine.  In each case the sound was absolutely stunning in all ways.  He also had an awesome sounding speaker called the SP Tech Timepiece which receive nothing but raves several years back.  Bob is coming back with a new speaker very soon, possibly the end of May or June under the Aether Audio name.  I've heard his prior speakers he made, and while very good, Bob says the new ones will be his finest speakers to date.  Here is the real good news:  he has a solid financial backer to get him back to building speakers again.  Those that know of his speakers may want to get the early ones as they will be an outstanding value in addition to sounding extremely dynamic with bass no speaker of its size should be able to do, deep, powerful with great texture.   The speakers I heard that Bob made are extremely clear, detailed with NO etch whatsoever--a tough combo to pull off.  His new speakers will be along the Timepiece in size, so a little larger than a standard monitor.

Bob--a very satisfied customer and now a friend, too.  Otherwise I have nothing to do with the company.