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

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

My local list of shops now include Common Wave, Sunny Components (Covina), Alma Audio (SD), Upscale and Destination HiFi.  They offer Stenheim, Acora, Legacy, Devore and Coherent.  Aretai makes a speaker that fits my needs but I have to go to Oregon to hear them. All speakers in the $15K to $25K range.