Best Ever Audiophile Speakers, for REAL! 

This list is comprised of ten emotional favorites, out of many hundreds of speakers I've experienced. So sure, many dozens of excellent speakers are left out.

1:50 KEF LS50 (and LS50 Meta) 2:40 ZU Druid Mk IV (and Zu Dirty Weekend and DW6) 4:15 Dynaudio Special 25 (with REL britannia) 5:30 Gallo Nucleus Reference 6:33 TAD ME1 (and TAD reference) 7:44 Wilson Watt 3 Puppy 2 8:27 Snell Type A II 9:17 Klipsch RP600m (and mk II) 9:49 Klipsch Forte IV and Klipsch Cornwall IV 10:15 Vandersteen 2C (and 2Ce Sig III) 11:23 Magnepan LRS+ (and original LRS) 12:30 Pure Audio Project Duet 15

I am 70 years old. I got into high end audio in my early 20s. I've own several speakers over the last 50 years. The speakers I fell in love with from the time they came out are the Dahlquist DQ 10. I bought a pair as soon as I could afford them. That was probably about 35 years ago and I still own those speakers. I just could never part with them. They are the only speakers I have owned that I can listen to all day without a hint of listening fatigue. I listen to those same speakers I bought all those years ago to this day.

Back in the very early seventy's, I was privledged to listen to a pair of Klipsch Klipschorns driven by a modest MacIntosh amplifier. The music being played was Tommy, the Rock Opera by the Who. I was totally and completely blown away. To my mind and to this day, they were and still are the ultimate speakers for Rock and Roll. I will never forget the that experience.

No audio reviewer beats Steve’s wonderful enthusiasm and passion 👍

My grandfather has a pair of the Special 25's... Recently a driver went out on one of them and Dynaudio went all the way sorting it out for him. They, would you believe it, made a run of drivers just for him, with a few spare, and wouldn't take a penny as the 25 year warranty was still in force. Of course they gave him two drivers, one for each speaker, because the possibility of mismatched sound was out of the question. Great things, I'll inherit them one day, though I'd rather have my 100 year old grandfather.

My favorite speakers were a pair of Altec Lansing 19's. I purchased them in 1979 and had a large room 20'x28'. I just grooved out on the music of the day. I remember Ry Cooder's Bop 'til You Drop like it was yesterday. The clarity and power of those were incredible. Unfortunately, I had to sell them when I moved into a small apartment during college years. They were indeed monstrous in size and perhaps my memory is fuzzy, but I cannot recall ever being so impressed with sound.

Purchased the Klipsch RP600 a couple of years back because of your review. It has brought me and my family a ton of joy and has been the backdrop to many special memories. I have them paired with my vintage Harmon Kardon 730 by the way. Thanks Steve!!

I still have memories of the great speakers that brought me into this hobby. I worked in a stereo store as technician in the 60s and the speakers that blew me away were the JBL System 8 (AKA S8). If you know the L300, the S8 used similar components (JBL drivers 136A, LE85, 077) but in a larger cabinet (four feet wide) that used both the 15" woofer and a passive radiator, the PR15. The concept of a subwoofer hadn't been invented yet, and the bottom end on this guy was simply awesome compared to anything else at the time. The mid-range and tweeter are both horn designs and they sounded super and wonderfully transparent. I played every kind of music on these speakers and they responded beautifully to everything. The store was a McIntosh dealer, so I listened to these with the equally awesome MC275 amplifier. Of course I could never afford these speakers, or the amplifier either, but they still remain a fond memory!

I loved when you said the word transparent. I went to a friend’s house twice and listen to his dads flat tall thin speakers. The sensation I felt was exactly that. Transparent. He played Dream On loud, it was also the first time I heard that song. I felt like I’ve entered another dimension. It was magical.

Absolutely fantastic content ..love it Thanks Steve , the enthusiasm you had and still have for what you do is infectious Keep em coming 👍

Steve your audio reviews are greatly appreciated! Thank you! 👍

Wow…to have walked your path and delved deeply into the sonic world, mercy! As a lifetime musician but a recent audiophile (and a fan of your approach…to thine out self be true…) it’s like me creating a top ten list of vintage instruments I have owned and played. Love it. Thanks .

Because of your review Steve, I own and love the Klipsch RP 600M. With a 10" sub it provides everything i need in all genres of music. For my ears it's perfect

TY for the photo of yourself when you were a young sapling. I have followed you for decades, your writing, etc. Nice to see some groovy old photos.

I have followed and appreciated your humor, insights and contributions for decades. Thanks Steve! I straddle the studio, mastering, media labs and audio den/salon environments, as well as high end live indoor and outdoor performance environments. From my weird cross-over experience, a couple gems you may not gave listened to: Kii Three, DragonFire, The LRS+ with Hegel 95 or above, as well as Martin Logans are sheer joy.

There’s some love in this list. I’ve heard a few of these :-) Back when I heard the Vanderstein’s I was seriously auditioning the B&W 801 Matrix. Fond memories.

The Vandersteen 2 has always been one of the benchmark speakers in its price range.

Klipsch make phenomenal speakers for the money. Very happy with my RP 6000F II's

I haven't had a ton of speakers over my 54 years, but I am ecstatic over my Audiovector QR3 paired with a Martin Logan Sub (12" sealed). To me, it's some of the best audio I've enjoyed and seems to punch WAY above it's price point. This setup fills my massive listening area well, and sounds great at any volume level I throw at it. Back in 89 a work colleague of mine had those Vandersteen speakers and LOVED them.

I haven't heard any of these but enjoyed this overview. I remember back in the late eighties buying the components that would make my vinyl only system and leaving the speakers until last. They were Townshend Glastonbury II's and were exceptional in every way, sound quality, appearance build and value. Sadly I had to sell them to raise a deposit for a house and always regretted it because they are rare as hens' teeth now. The only other speakers that I have enjoyed without compromise are JBL L100's, and Apogee Duetta Signatures

great video Mr Guttenberg thank you so much

Fav speakers until next week, omg it never ends!

We've had a pair of Klipsch Chorus II's since 1998 (1996 models) Haven't changed since and still amaze me when doing serious listening. But ...living in the sticks of nowhere Montana, haven't listened to other speakers for so many years, so they are all we know now. We do have a Decware amp on order that looks to ship maybe December as we are finally on the of the first page with 180 in front of us..Your review did this to us Mr! 😉 You do a great job conveying quality of sound & reviewing. We enjoy your channel. All the very best to you and yours. Mike & Kathy

Hi Steve, Great Video! Definitely enjoyed hearing an all time best list from your perspective. It is one of my favorite audiophiliac videos!

Altec Model 18. Took 40 years for me to find this type of sound. Presence, dynamics, great tone, reasonably full range, 100 dB sensitivity, and terrific imaging w very low power tube amp. Built in ~ 1977, Close to unobtainable, I’ve only seen one other pair available in the last 10 years.

In high school, somehow was able to save up enough to buy my first "real" stereo system, Pioneer SX1050 Receiver, Pioneer CTF9191 Cassette deck and the Pioneer CS 99A Speakers with the 15" Woofers, 4 and 5 inch midrange, Dual HF tweeters and tweeter horn. They were jamming as much into this cabinet as they could! Probably looked cooler than they sounded.

Remember hearing, at a dealer, the Martin Logan CLS back when it came out. It took my breath away the brief time I listened. Every once in a while a loudspeaker will come along that, if used on the appropriate music, will seem special.

I see a long listening session with the LRS+ speakers in my future. Thanks for the excellent review, Steve.

I laughed out loud when you finally got to the Magnepans. I'm still enjoying my MG-III's from the mid-80s (when I was working in a store). They were the first speakers with the 6' ribbon tweeter, and I still have trouble finding anything I like better. While they do like power, I find that a 200-watt Adcom GFA-535-II is able to (just barely) bottom them out right at the edge of clipping. The fact that they are natively (and best) bi-amped helps to make up for the fact that, as you said, they really like a _good_ amp. So I have always used reasonably-priced high-current amps (like Adcom) for the bottom, and something with more subtlety for the top, where 50 watts is really plenty, and even 30 is good (the NAD 3140 was lovely, while it lasted). I am as happy with them as I have always been, though I only use them for music, and have a "normal" 5-speaker setup (with 2 subs) for home theater. One thing I should mention: Magnepan has been great whenever I needed them. I had to replace the ribbon tweeters at around 20 years old: they sent directions for how to pack them with inexpensive materials from Home Depot, and re-built them (with the newer ribbon) and sent them back to me (in a really nice box) for $100 apiece, IIRC. They seem to enjoy taking care of their customers.

back in the day, i had watt 3 and puppy 2. It was incredible!

I put the Klipsches on my list after your review. For 600e i thought they would be very interesting. I got them for 359e brand new last year (around the time of the mark 2 release) and though I couldn't test them long, with my Vincent 226 they were really really good. I found that they were good as well with my vintage Pioneer SX550. So thank you Steve for putting them on my path. I can't wait to move out so I can finally have my listening room with gear.

Back around 1966, Audiophile was fairly few and far between. My brother ran into a guy who worked at Lafayette E. in Tallahassee who had built two big cabinets that each had nine speakers in them. He had also built two cabinets that each had a JBL D-130 guitar speaker. My brother and I played Fender electric guitars in a band, and he had us over one night to A/B the two systems. Somehow, we plugged both guitars (a 1960 Jazzmaster and a 1954 Stratocaster) into his system and all three much preferred the JBL's for both pre-recorded music and our guitars.

Steve I really appreciate your reviews and commentary immensely. I’m sure I’m not alone in that appreciation. Question: will you consider doing an in-house review of the BACCH SP? It’s so amazing imo and I feel your audience would greatly appreciate your feedback on what is such a revolutionary technology…take care. :)

I'm loving my Cornwall IVs!

Steve, great video. Really got me thinking of speakers I've heard over the years that really stuck out. In college some small ESS bookshelf monitors were my first oh wow boxes. Later a pair of ESS AMT 1b's with the Heil tweeter the guy in the apartment above us had. The first serious three-way outfit was from Fried but I don't recall the model. Great imaging and base. I've owned some Maggie MMG's but let go of them for a second set of B&Ws. First we're some DM4s, John Bowers riff on the LS3/5 boxes. Nice but now I've got 603 S3s floorstanders. I've had them since 2005 and occasionally think I'll replace them but darn they sound good. I fuel them with a Node 2i running through a Rogue RP1 and a NAD C298 which is a lovely beast. Just simply great sound. Thanks for the video. Keep them coming.

great nostalgia, great recap!!! Thanks Steve!!

My peronal best was the Pioneer 4-way, 4-speaker sound systems from the early (1980s): I had the Pioneer CS-603 with 12-inch woofer, (5 inch) midrange driver , tweeter, and super tweeter. I used the system with a Sansui set up. Brilliant combo! Maybe you haven't sold the Pioneer series. I love this video, so I shared it on my twitter. Thank you so much!

Steve, could you please do a video of your favorite amplifiers that have passed by your way over the years? The models that just blew you away, regardless of their price tag?

great content, as usual, but super props for including that wonderful shot at 2:00 with a "Eraserhead" poster featuring Jack Nance in his instant classic pose ... that movie from Lynch includes some amazing, dark, industrial sounds as he's walking thru a nighttime city

Always wanted some Snell A’s. I’ve owned 3 pairs of E/III’s and use them currently. Love the old Snells..

I agree about the LS50 Meta. There is a certain effortlessness about it. It's clear but not fatiguing. Unless I want to listen to something extremely loud, they're usually my go-to speaker. Paired with my Denafrips Pontus II and Rotel RA 1592 Mark II, it just sounds perfect in my room. Don't think I'll upgrade anytime soon.

I’ve been around longer than You & I too was in the Industry !! At the CES Convention in Chicago, mid 70’s I heard a Demonstration of a pair of speakers from a Company named Infinity !!! I Believe they were called: “The Servo Static One A” ??? WOW !!! A few years later I Bought The Infinity QLS-1. WHICH STILL IMPRESS ME AND BLOW ME AWAY !!!

Thanks Steve! - Cheers!

This is a good list, I have heard many of the speakers in this group. I have had many speakers over the years. Celestions, JBL, infinity, Klipsch B&W, Cerwin Vega, Yamaha. All sounded good and different. My favorite speakers are ADS and I currently have L710's built in the 70's. I haven't had the budget or room for truly high end speakers, but have owned the 710's for 35+ years.

Steve, I like the KEF LS50 Meta's especially for near-field listening. Small medium sized room, they where great, did I miss something in your video I thought you where a avid Magnepan fan. Lately I been reviewing and trying "Bang for your Buck" off the charts good stuff and I would say Triangle Borea 03 and newer LSR+ Magnepan knocked my socks off so much I recently bought a pair. I had several SP25 over the years, my current HT system is all Dynaudio's. Good stuff....

Steve, I bought the Klipsch RP-600m II based on your recomendations and other reviews and I'm really in love with them, especially when playing with my vintage Tube receivers and amps. Next on my list of already 12 pair of speakers is the Magnepan LRS+

I snagged a used pair of Vandersteen 3A signatures 2 years ago. Absolutely love them. Spoke with a guy at Vandersteen prior to purchase gave him the serial numbers to see what vintage they were etc. We had a nice conversation he said the 3A sig hasn't changed in over 20 years because there was no need lol. Mr. Vandersteen gave him a set as a wedding gift nearly 20 years ago and he still has them.

LS50's are a no-brainer - they are great now and they will be great three decades from now.. and I have owned Magnepan and most of the others

Thank you Steve The Jbl 4435 blueface blew my socks off ! One of my all time favs And Me a Kef lover as well ' imaging is so dam good

This is going back into Memory Lane much further than most will understand or believe. In 1957, the family moved to the SF Bay Area. I mention 1957 because that is the year James Gabbert and Gary Gielow brought online KPEN FM 101.3. I had had become an electronics hobbyist and loved music. In 1963(?) the Cow Palace hosted the HiFi Stereo Boat Show. I wanted to go because I wanted to see the Stereo equipment being released that year. Dad wanted to see the boats. Mom and Sis tagged along so neither Dad nor I would spend money. One of the booths was the JBL/Macintosh booth. Who should be having a Remote broadcast from the booth? KPEN. As we entered the booth of course there was music playing which was being broadcast by KPEN. My Mom was really interested in them music and was trying to look over the crowd. My Dad asked her "What are you looking for?" Mom answered "The Jazz combo of course" The set ended and the crowd moved on and as the room cleared my Mom asked "Where'd the Jazz combo go, where are the performers?" Dad - "It was recorded music and the speakers on the stage were making the music" Sitting in the middle of the stage was a JBL Paragon C44 speaker system along with several other pairs of speakers. I went into stereo sales also and in my 30 years in the industry I've never heard a more realistic and at the same time mellow speaker system as the JBL Paragon C44. Almost everything else that has come out is brash and harsh by comparison.

B&W 801 Matrix IV Unbelievable Sound! I remember hearing them being auditioned by some other people and I was standing to the side not even close to the sweet spot for stereo imaging and it seemed like I was not listening to a sound system but a fully immersive 3D holographic sound field. I owned some B&W DM series which were very good and affordable speakers which also used the same tweeter in the 801s! Amazing detail and extended high frequency response. Which it turns out is needed for musical realism to reproduce high frequency harmonics (an accurate copy of the harmonic envelope)of cymbals, pianos or flutes that extend beyond 20K hz. But this a tricky balance because it is also easy for that kind of frequency response to sound too hard or hot or have a lot of harsh irritating noise and hash in the high registers. Interestingly I think my NAD PE receiver (modestly powered but with good current output capacity and high peak power dynamic headroom tested with complex waveforms under real world load conditions)may have unexpectedly unintendedly helped in this area because it contained a special design feature of a soft clipping circuit!

I went to a Audio Show and stood in front of Infinity's Kappa 9... shell-shocked! Now, nearly 50 years later, I still get goosebumps listening to the Kappa 8's which I bought after my encounter at the show! 😊

Even if Steve were not the best reviewer on the planet, he would still get more viewers than anyone. It wouldn't matter if he were reviewing sox. He's like a Jay Leno of the audio world. The two of them are simply loved by everyone. Both are the human equivalent of comfort food🙂 I must add that Mrs. Audiophiliac is the perfect mate and a perfect Angel.

Based on your review and a couple others, I bought a pair of the Klipsch RP600 M speakers and they arrived today. Absolutely fantastic addition to my shop where I do artwork. Extremely clean and clear sound. Very impressive bass- so good that I turned my sub down a couple of positions. Thank you for the great, informative reviews with a practical approach.

I havent begun listening yet but my memorable speakers are the early 1980's KEFs, the Mission 700's, the Pro Tannoy & the Bose studio monitor range blew me away.. But my fave speakers of all time are the Wharfedale E range..the E30's in my own experience. They have a most unique presence about them and after 43 years they're maturing just lovely. Now I'll watch the vid and kick meself in the head for forgetting some diamond blasters.

Excellent review~ Remind me of my old days bringing my favorite CDs to audition new gears at the Sound by Singer store. And the viewer system of the day looks very cool and contemporary. I wonder how the owner makes the movie screen pop up at the book case. Greatly well executed and neat and beautiful with the Maggi speakers.

These are interesting choices. The LS50, Magnepan and Vanderstein speakers are the only ones I've listened to out of this group. I think I heard the large Snell's too, but I don't recall their sound. That's as near as a miss 😉 I like the ones I've heard in common with your list. I'm fascinated by the Zu speakers. I think I would like to own a pair. I already own too many speakers. I need to sell a few.

Been in the hobby over 20 years. Bought a pair of active Genelecs about 1 year ago. They have made me forget all the speakers and amps I have ever owned. I listen to more music now, and enjoy it more than ever. Cheers!

Thanks for sharing your top 10 + 1 speakers 🔊 Steve

They're not "the best", but I did get the opportunity to buy the actual speakers that got me into the audio hobby as a kid so so many years ago. A pair of Celestion Ditton 66's. They we're owned by a family friend who has since retired and is moving South. He didn't want to take the whole system with him, so he made me an offer I couldn't/wouldn't refuse. And I'm happy to learn that it wasn't a case of rose tinted glasses. They still sound awesome today.

I was lucky enough to own a pair of ESS speakers with the AMT air motion transformer. Made listening to music a luxurious experience.

Thanks Steve. I'm gratified that my two main speakers bookend this list. I also own the REL sub pictured (among others). Living room system is LS50+RELs, Music room is LRS+RELs . I realize that the Newer models are probably a bit "better" but I am happy with the MUSIC these systems produce. 🎵🎶😊🎶🎵

In the late 80's I got a pair of Carver Amazing Platinum Speakers (60) inch ribbons and that got me hooked even tho I only had a Bob Carver 1.5t amp to drive them and needed more power....

The "original Advent DOUBLES" (a pair on each side). They were legendary.

Steve, do you remember the early Infinity towers? I have a very early set with a separate mid enclosure, some unusual piso tweeters (front firing and back firing), and two 10 inch woofers, one firing forward and one firing downward. These speakers are fused to protect the drivers but handle high power very well. They had a glass insert on the top. I compared them to the original JBL Centuries over a pretty long listening session and eventually went with the Infinity towers.

I remember when you use to write for stereo review and high fi news. I'm so glad you're still in the beautiful world of hi fi. ❤

I love love love my Klipsch heresy 4s. They sound so good with most every style of music. Plus they are super sensitive and will work with almost any amplifier which makes it fun for trying stuff.

Glad to see the LS-50 on the list. Amazing small speakers when paired with appropriate amp.

For me, it all starts with the speakers. Find the most expensive pair you that can eventually afford that give you emotional chills, and then start putting money aside until you can afford them. Or make interest free payments to the store under contract until you get them (that saves against a price climb). Buy once and slowly add a system. Speakers first, amplification second (separates or integrated - both are fabulous), and finally a source unit.

I loved the early/mid 80's Acoustic Research speakers. Had the 58's and AR9Lsi's.

Steve, You brought back some memories of those early days at sound by singer Lexington Ave and the magnificent Snell Type IIIa's

Apogee Scintilla’s full range ribbons blew away anything I’ve ever heard. Powered by Krell 100 watt class A mono blocks .

The first speaker I fell in love with was the Pioneer HPM 1500 in the late '70s, playing "September" (Earth Wind & Fire). Sounded unbelievable. I was just a poor young man back then, never had a prayer of owning them. I wonder how they would compare with the one on your list.

Sir you have a kinky list of favorite speakers. I am glad I came up with more classic vintage speakers. Haven't owned or heard anything you mentioned. You are out there in some esoteric space.

Outstanding! Thank you sir.

Polk Audio SDA SRS's fantastic speakers

With great respect. We are getting old. Our hearing isn't up to this kind of subtle comparison. I have been in recording for decades and although I mix at low volumes I have hearing loss beyond what is expected at my age level. You've seen the frequency drop off charts based on age for the average population. I don't know how you can trust your ears to the level that you do. Maybe you are truly an exception. They are out there. I am not.

Bought a pair of Acoustic Research 93’s in 1981. Probably worlds away from what you guys listen to but they crushed my living room. Still have them today although they could use a refresh.

Like beauty, audio is a personal preference

My issue with horn loaded speakers is the acoustic glare they produce. They’re great at reproducing dynamics, but oftentimes you leave a listening session with a headache. My all time favorite speakers are the Dayton-Wright electrostatics. These days they are extremely rare.

I was lucky enough to hear the Infinity ISRV speakers at a dealers when I was looking to upgrade my stereo equipment I also heard the Infinty Kappa 9's that were amazing! No way could i afford either one and ended up with the Dunlavy SC lll's

This vid made me feel good! I am new to better sound and learning and enjoying more every day! As I was building my knowledge of higher end audio components I learned Dynaudio drivers were used in other companies speakers so I bought a pair of Contour's second hand and I love them!

I'm still running my Yamaha NS-1000 Monitors from the late 70's I purchased in high school. Black cases weigh nearly 100 lbs. and still have original cloth front covers. Best speakers ever made in my opinion. Driven by my original Yamaha 2040 receiver. Hooked up to Sonos! Equipment is over 40 years old!!! Still use it all the time. Priceless!

Awesome sharing. Bought Klipsch RP-600M partly because of your Mk1 review. Yes, it's a very dynamic and enjoyable speaker. However, can be a bit bright due to the physical room. Tone control or EQ will be beneficial to the setup. It's a very value for money speaker and worth it.

My youthful investment was a Marantz receiver and pair of AR15 speakers… about 45 years ago.

My personal favourite speakers are the Wilson Benesch Discovery standmounters. Incredible imaging and bass slam.

Darn good list , I agree with 60% of them as Desert Island level transducer systems. Thank you for the insights.

Fun and relatable video! My main listening setup is Magneplanar MG IIIa, JBL B380 subwoofer, BX63 crossover driven by two Adcom GFA 555s.

My current favorites giant killers are the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX and the Philharmonic BMRs. Both direct to consumer. The 2EX is about $1600 / pair and the Philharmonics are about $1900 for the super nice curved cabinets. Their floor standing speakers at $3500 are world class. So many cool speakers. I'd also like to try the Magnepan LRS+ and find a really tight sub for them.

I can no longer afford to listen to this channel !!! :)

My Dynaudio 1.3 SE are the greatest single sound to come out a Twitter and woofer than you could ever imagined. 3 feet from the walls and HarmonicTech cables throughout and too much more to add. After a couple REL 9s to keep up with the speed. It is just too beautiful with all types of music. You just cannot imagine our daily listening sessions my wife and I have every day now that we are retired. Cheers

Great to listen and watch , thanks for sharing your experience . subbed . 👍

I remember the first time I heard the Dynaudio Special 25. There wasn’t a sub but I spent 5 minutes looking for one. They were incredible.

Great list. Love it! I'm no audiophile, but I used to sell the gear in college. Memorable speakers from that time were the Infinity RS1's and Acoustat 2+2's. I ended up buying a pair of used 2+2's later in life and ran them on a pair of big bridged NAD amps. They were plenty "dynamic". ;-)

I just purchased the Magellan LRS plus and teamed it with the Legacy Mono block 2’s thanks for the recommendation sounds amazing.

You’re the best ever Steve!

Yamaha NS 1000M. The most agile and transparent speaker I have ever heard. Needs tube amps to tame the extended top end and midrange as both are Beryllium drivers.

My all time faves were/are: Electro Voice Interface As, K Horns and Electro Voice Pi153s.

I've been a musician since 1960. And a hi-fi equipment nerd since the mid 1960's. I've owned dozens of rigs from vacuum tube Heathkits / Eico / Dynaco / Fischer. Solid state rigs : Conrad Johnson, Parasound, SAE, etc... Speakers back in the day I owned Klipsch Heresy / Cornwalls / Electrostatics / JBL Century 100's etc.. But my emotional favorite speakers were the Altec-Lansing A-7's. Ridiculously large for the basement 30' X 40' room, but oh, the clarity, airiness and imaging of the sound was so thrilling. Every Lp sounded like it was being performed in a concert hall or open air. NY philharmonic conducted by Leonard Bernstein on Columbia pressings sounded amazing. Never had a need to crank the A-7's to deafening levels. Today I'm a mid-fi home theater / music component guy: Pioneer 7.1 channel receiver, Sony ES series speakers. Good enough for streaming NetFlix and Radio Swiss Jazz. But thrilling sound it is not. My wife would never accept nor tolerate a pair of A-7's in the house. Old guys do revel in the memories of their youth.