top 10:speaker systems

Number 10

Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 9

One of the original firms to set standards for audio reproduction with high style, Denmark's Bang & Olufsen has capitalized on the success of their renowned BeoLab 5 speaker with the $9,000 BeoLab 9. Here's proof that premium audio doesn’t have to command premium dollars (relatively speaking) nor require much real estate. The BeoLab 9 stands about two and a half feet tall but outperforms many towering loudspeakers, thanks in part to its self-optimizing performance no matter where it’s placed in a room.

Number 9

Steinway Lyngdorf Model D

Arriving this fall, the unusual collaboration between legendary piano crafters Steinway & Sons and Peter Lyngdorf of Lyngdorf Audio has yielded lust in black lacquer: the Steinway Lyngdorf Model D. Admittedly, the finish with gold trim doesn't mesh with just any décor, and the design is subject to the beholder’s eye, but there’s no argument about what these speakers do for the ears. It’s sad, then, to note production is very limited to several dozen sets only. The best we can hope for is to catch an owner’s scorned wife dragging them to the curb. Sorry gents, but given the chance to snatch up a set of these $150,000 beauties, we’d be inclined to side with the ladies if it means giving them a good home.

Number 8

MBL 1-Xtreme

Though a relative newcomer to the premium audio market (being established in 1979), Wolfgang Meletzky’s Berlin-based MBL has quickly become an industry favorite. When a company’s “basic” model line retails in the $10,000 range, you might suspect they’re fanatical about their products. Indeed, the 1-Xtreme is a product of that passion. But don’t expect a pair to set you back 10 grand. In fact, that would be less than a 10% down payment. These will ring to the tune of $180,000 when all is said and done -- but what a tune they will ring. They have been designed to radiate sound in all directions, creating more natural sound replication in all ranges. The effect is a “right there” feeling -- you can close your eyes and easily imagine yourself in the studio or concert hall.

Number 7

Kharma Grand Exquisite

At $220,000, Kharma Grand Exquisite speakers do not answer the needs of budget audiophiles. They are, however, an exceptional bargain compared to the aforementioned million-dollar Grand Enigma. The Dutch firm’s best-for-the-rest-of-us aren’t half bad, either. The proprietary Kharma connectors are said to offer better reproduction with much less lost in translation. We concur, and feel these are speakers with which you can really develop a long-term relationship. That’s because in addition to the hefty price, each Grand Exquisite weighs 880 pounds. Once they’re in place, you’re not likely to rearrange the room on a whim.

Number 6

Goldmund Epilogue

We’ve long appreciated the Swiss for precision timepieces, but less so for precision audio. That’s changing with Goldmund, established in 1978. A unique concession we appreciate is Goldmund’s admission that not everyone who appreciates the Epilogue system is willing or able to spend the full $268,000 in one go. Therefore, each speaker within the setup has been designed to function as efficiently as possible on its own. Owners with limited needs, space or budget can then acquire and configure over time. And yes, this follow-up to the successful Apologue model is worthy of the name, additionally offering terrific versatility as an audio or home theater system.

Number 5

Cessaro Horn Acoustics Gamma 1

There’s something about the Cessaro Horn Acoustics Gamma 1 that appeals to the mad scientist in us. Come on, we dare you to power them up without laughing maniacally and shouting, “It’s alive!” But then, when you spend $250,000 on a set of speakers, you can damn well do as you please. And you will be pleased with these German works of art -- now and in the future. Each Gamma 1 is adjustable for angle and rake to the customer’s optimal listening position. If and when that changes, the speakers can be fine-tuned for the new setting, guaranteeing they’ll be alive as long as you are.

Number 4

Cabasse La Sphere

If only Andy Warhol were still with us, we’re sure these would grace his studio. In any case, you’ll want to hear these French loudspeakers for longer than 15 minutes, and not just to get a little R.O.I. on your $145,000. Sure, the design looks mod, but it’s really form following function. La Sphere’s design translates to less distortion, greater range and ingenious efficiency requiring far less internal damping. What damping there is consists of aerospace-grade material. Even the stand was thoughtfully designed and thoroughly tested so as to complement the speaker’s look without inhibiting its performance.

Number 3

Perfect8 Technologies’ The Force

More than a few of our readers are fans of Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired designs. If you’re one of them who happens to also love Perfect8 Technologies’ The Force speakers, we’re afraid this will present a bit of a quandary. These six-and-a-half feet tall, $260,000 speakers could really pose installation challenges -- but the greater the challenge, the greater the reward. And these glass-and-gold loudspeakers do indeed reward. After careful reflection, ol’ Frankie wouldn’t have objected to creating some overhead clearance by installing skylights, right?

Number 2

German Physiks Gaudi Mk II

The name of the game in reference-level speakers may be the quality of reproduction, but German Physiks doesn’t leave well enough alone. Their Gaudi Mk IIs have been engineered to maintain acoustic integrity and crisp response at up to 120 decibels, easily within the range of a live -- and very loud -- concert. To demonstrate this, the company likes to use Gaudi Mk IIs as loudspeakers for a live jazz band. In the home, Gaudi Mk IIs look great with their veneered and lacquered finish. They’re also not very fussy about room placement, since the DDD driver is omni-directional. For $250,000, it’s the least they could do.

Number 1

Wisdom Audio Infinite Grande

Consider 110 decibels. That’s in the range felt when experiencing a concert in person. Now consider a speaker system operating at a fraction of its capabilities at 110 decibels, and you have the Wisdom Audio Infinite Grande. Still, for its sheer capability, the system is amazingly crisp and precise. Despite your good fortunes, your disposable income and your insatiable craving for all things ungodly loud, we suggest you think twice about installing this system in your cozy den. The tallest of the multiple speakers tower a staggering 13 feet high and the total system weight closes in on two tons. It will also take a couple tons of cash to acquire: $700,000. Still convinced it belongs in your office? Don’t say we didn’t warn you. May we at least suggest making an appointment with an audiologist first?