Idea Book |
Stereo Speakers
Some stunning speakers, both sonically and style-wise, to go with your vinyl—or other two-channel—listening
by Tom Methans
May 13, 2022
With all the amazing concealed surround-sound systems, it’s a wonder anyone still buys speakers that take up half of the room. But there are good reasons to still savor two-channel listening. First-rate speakers are marvels of sound engineering that fully engage you with music. They can also be exquisitely designed pieces of functioning art that share your space and allow you to shut out other distractions and focus on the unrealized depth, nuance, and complexity of your favorite recordings. To set you on the path to building a musical sanctuary/dedicated listening room, we’ve compiled a selection from ultra-traditional to sleekly modern in different sizes and designs. The only way to know which is right for your musical tastes and space is by auditioning as many as you can.
Martin Logan Neolith
Electrostatic speakers have a dedicated following but often lack punch for more demanding music passages. The Neolith combines the crystal-clear high frequencies and warm midrange of an electrostatic panel with thunderous bass from a 12-inch mid-bass driver and a 15-inch woofer. The rigid phenolic-resin polymer cabinet comes in a variety of automotive-grade paint colors that can either stand out or blend into your space.
75 x 30 x 42″ (h x w x d) | 385 lb. | $99,999 | martinlogan.com
Harbeth M40.3 XD
This might appear to be just a conventional-looking three-way speaker, but the Harbeth is a reference monitor built on decades of BBC studio tradition. Designer Alan Shaw has gained fans all over the world for the quality of his cabinets and drivers, and for his speakers’ lifelike sound. Despite its modest footprint, the 40.3 XD isn’t meant for bookshelves or random corners. These 84-pound speakers require floor stands and sufficient breathing room in order to sound their best even in smaller spaces.
30 x 17 x 15″ (h x w x d) | 84 lb. | $24,000 | harbeth.co.uk
Steinway Lyngdorf Model D
Named after the largest Steinway & Sons concert grand piano, the Model D delivers both performance and convenience in this all-in-one digital package of speakers, amplifiers, and a central processor that includes multiple audio video inputs and streaming options. I listened to the Model D system for two hours with Ed Gilmore at Gilmore’s Sound Advice and heard sound that was open, airy, and seductive. As a result of the fully digital signal pathway, high volume is perceived as “liveness” rather than “loudness,” making you feel like you’re conducting an orchestra, sitting in the studio with Stevie Ray Vaughn, or watching The Allman Brothers Band at the Fillmore East.
81 x 18 x 31″ (h x w x d) | 384 lb. | $266,000 | steinwaylyngdorf.com
Idea Book |
Stereo Speakers
Some stunning speakers, both sonically and style-wise, to go with your vinyl—or other two-channel—listening
by Tom Methans
May 13, 2022
With all the amazing concealed surround-sound systems, it’s a wonder anyone still buys speakers that take up half of the room. But there are good reasons to still savor two-channel listening. First-rate speakers are marvels of sound engineering that fully engage you with music. They can also be exquisitely designed pieces of functioning art that share your space and allow you to shut out other distractions and focus on the unrealized depth, nuance, and complexity of your favorite recordings. To set you on the path to building a musical sanctuary/dedicated listening room, we’ve compiled a selection from ultra-traditional to sleekly modern in different sizes and designs. The only way to know which is right for your musical tastes and space is by auditioning as many as you can.
Tannoy Westminster Prestige Gold Reference
Synonymous with British public address systems since the late 1920s, Tannoys were installed at Abbey Road Studios in 1973 and used to record Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. A 15-inch driver incorporates high and low frequencies that breathe through Westminster’s two long interior horns to surround a big room with any type of music. With its sophisticated walnut-veneer cabinet and timeless design, the Westminster is certain to become a family heirloom.
55 x 39 x 22″ (h x w x d) | 304 lb. | $50,000 | tannoy.com
DeVore Fidelity Orangutan Reference system
The Orangutan Reference system is comprised of two speakers and two powered Bassmachines (subwoofers), with high-gloss wood veneers, brass, and bronze disguising these elegant beasts. “They absolutely kill with rock, metal, rap, and electronica,” states designer John DeVore. “Their dynamic range and bandwidth are addictive.” If the four-piece O/Ref is too much for you, the Bassmachines can be customized as in-wall units. Whatever the configuration, the DeVore system sounds great playing any genre in a variety of room sizes.
36 x 18 x 12″ (h x w x d) w/stands | 110 lb. avg. per cabinet |
$88,900 | devorefidelity.com
Klipsch Klipschorn AK6
The Klipschorn is an iconic American speaker that has been in continuous production since 1946. The massive triangular cabinets with a three-way horn system fit neatly into corners of a room and rattle your bones like a muscle car. Is it considered an “audiophile” speaker? Maybe not, but it’s a tube-lover’s dream that plays Miles Davis, Led Zeppelin, and Richard Wagner effortlessly.
51 x 31 x 28″ (h x w x d) | 220 lb. | $16,498 | klipsch.com
Tom Methans is a writer based in New York. As a Fulbright Scholar, he traveled all over Germany to see heavy metal bands before receiving his Master’s in Library and Information Science. He followed that with a 20-year career in the wine industry and now writes about music and audio equipment for Copper Magazine. When not watching 1970s movies, Tom listens to records on his vintage Japanese turntable.
© 2023 Cineluxe LLC