Best HIFI Stores LA/Orange


Trying to find the best of the best Hi-Fi stores in Los Angeles and Orange County CA.  Getting to the end of my HiFi journey and really need to update my speakers.  Looking for extremely high efficiency drivers at 8 ohms for my 300b amplifier.  Willing to spend $$$$.  I’ve been to Common Wave-excellent store and help from the owner Wes.  Have listen to Devore and Acora.  But I can’t find any other stores that present really high end speakers.  So would appreciate your recommendations.

langla4

No B&M retailer can give you a big selection of high end speakers.  Go to an audio show to narrow it down.  Then visit.

+1 for Upscale Audio, huge selection of speakers: B&W, Divialet, Focal, Fyne, JBL, Klipsch, KLH, Monitor Audio, Spendor, Tannoy, Wharfedale

I'm a big fan of high sensitivity speakers.  I haven't liked horns and also have been unimpressed by the single/coaxial driver full range speakers out there.  

High end audio stores lean strongly toward the low sensitivity speakers.  I have my ideas why but that is another discussion.

First, you don't need to stick to 8 ohm speakers unless your amp has specific limitations (low current capabilities).  Most sensitive speakers are 4 ohm.  They do need to be well designed so that they don't' have low resistance dips.  But the 3 speakers below are well designed.

I know of three good options: 

1.  Legacy audio Focus SE.   A very nice full range speaker 95.5 db/m.   

2.  Aric audio is making a new full range high sensitivity speaker specifically for his line of SETs.  I think these may turn out to be a good option but isn't available right now.

3.  Tekton's line of full range speakers.  the Ulf is 100db/m.  Moabs and Encores at about 96 db/m.  Great full range speakers with excellent midrange.  They use 2 sets of midrange drivers with excellent results. They also have started offering upgraded crossover components as a result of enthusiasts doing their own upgrades.  The downside is they don't' do fine woodwork so if paint isn't good enough for you, you're out of luck.  

Jerry