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What companies, out of Business, did you LOVE???

I had just sold my Proceed PAV/PDSD combo, with a trio of Jeff Rowland Model 7s, and EAD Theatermaster. While I was waiting for my new system (Cal Audio CL-2500 pack) to arrive, I realized I needed some tunes and went to the yard to see what was 'laying' around. What I found was not only fun, but the idea to begin this thread. Personally, I am interested in this question from a Home Theater standpoint, but welcome 2 channel responses as well.

What is the BEST systems or pieces you have heard from companies that are no longer in business!!

I went to the garage, and pulled up a Golden Theater GTX-1 I had purchased a few years back. Solo Electronics went under about a year into these units. They received rave reviews from the magazines, but they just didn't hang around for a curtain call. I then pulled out an older 5 channel amp and here is what I gathered!

The DTS/DD Golden Theater GTX-1, which is STUNNINGLY good in 2 channel (what everyone loved about this unit!) was the start, and I paired it with a Chiro 5 channel C-500 amp.
I thought, hey, this company is also out of business too!!!
This amp was also favorably reviewed and when I put this system together, I realized how good they both were, specifically in 2 channel!! These companies both had GREAT products and when matched together, WOW! Obviously this set didn't chase the Proceed/Rowland gear out of my house, but you know, it did give it a run for its money!! Here is my thoughts on the BEST OutOfBusiness Home Theater!!

Golden Theater GTX-1 (DTS, DD)
Chiro C-500 (140 x 5, THX (for whatever that is worth)
Hales Concept 5 (owned these 250 lbs monsters some time ago) and for a center channel
the Hales Rev 1!!

This system would be stellar for music and if for music, it would kick butt for Home Theater!! The Hales are fabulous speakers, require substantial power (like the Aerials I run now) but if fed properly, even the mother of 'The Fridge' would be proud!

Put your best OutOfBusiness (OOB) companies down!!!

Dan

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Showing 5 responses by larryi

larryi
3,780 posts
 
I don't know about "love" but, I sort of miss the following:

Western Electric
Brooks
Melos
Vacuum State
Joule
Acoustat
Apogee
larryi
3,780 posts
 
I think you might be correct. I am thinking of the 1950s tube amps. I also like amps by the Canadian affiliate of Western Electric (Northern Electric). By the way, I also like the Ohm speakers that Lincoln Walsh developed.
larryi
3,780 posts
 
Thanks for the information Al. I would also add to my list a small, local to me (Northern Va.) speaker company named Metaphor. They made speakers to compete with the likes of Thiel, but, to me, they sounded more natural than the equivalent Thiel. Unfortunately, even in my area they did not sell well because a lot of prospective buyers NEED the reassurance of positive reviews and reputation. I was at a dealership that sold both Metaphor and Thiel and watched a couple making a buying decision. They both loved the Metaphor and thought it was better than the Thiel, but, they bought the Thiel instead because they just didn't "know" about the Metaphor. I suppose this is valid for someone who is concerned with resale value, service, etc., but, I would personally go with the better sound.
larryi
3,780 posts
 
I have no problems with reviews and people relying on reviews to be informed about a product. I do find it a bit odd that once people hear something for themselves, they don't trust their own judgment. It is pretty simple to me, if you like something better than another thing, it IS better to YOU, and your preference is the only one that ultimately matters.

Can I "trust" my own ears after just an hour of listening on unfamiliar gear? No not really, but, I certainly trust my own ears in that circumstance more than I do any reviews. In such circumstances, I give something sounding "bad" the benefit of the doubt; if something sounds good under those circumstances, I know that the speakers are good (given the right equipment and environment).

There are FAR too many positive reviews of gear I have heard and don't like for me to trust any kind of "rave review." I at least know what I like, it comes with experience, which is not the case of everyone looking for gear.
larryi
3,780 posts
 
Shahinian is still around making pretty much the same speakers they have been making for the longest time.  If you got the right formula, no reason to make a change just to appear to be making progress.
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