Price: AU$11,000 per pair
Website: www.dynaudio.com
Edgar said: In my opinion, its beautiful, simplistically-Nordic aesthetic coupled with driver and crossover technologies resulting from sophisticated engineering has produced an extraordinary communicator.
Read the SoundStage! Australia review.
The gist: Edgar thinks this model will be a classic.
Price: $5990 per pair
Website: www.focal.com
Doug said: This fairly large speaker was easy to drive to high volume levels, and could deliver a big, bold, effortless sound without ever sounding strained.
Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.
The gist: A little bright, but plays plenty big.
Price: AU$9990 per pair
Website: www.harbeth.co.uk
Vedran said: In many aspects, they are truly timeless.
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The gist: Classically beautiful, both sonically and physically.
Price: $10,000 per pair
Website: www.heavenlysoundworks.com
Gordon said: . . . what stood out far more was these speakers’ impressive dynamics, lively sound, revelatory detail, and deep, authoritative bass.
Read the SoundStage! Simplifi review.
The gist: Good first effort from a new manufacturer.
Price: AU$14,999 per pair
Website: www.jblsynthesis.com
Edgar said: JBL’s 4349 Studio Monitor is a timeless high achiever embellished by modern technologies.
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The gist: Get your retro looks and excellent sound quality here.
Price: $5199.98 per pair
Website: www.paradigm.com
Doug said: If the other Founder models offer similarly formidable combinations of sound, appearance, and price, I suspect that this series will become the sweet spot in Paradigm’s entire range of speakers.
Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.
The gist: The best Paradigm has to offer.
Price: $7999
Website: www.sony.com
Gordon said: Throughout my listening, I admired their bold, effortless dynamics; their wide, deep soundstages; their precise imaging; and their wonderful microdetail.
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The gist: When Sony decides to do something really cool.
Price: $5200 per pair with control unit
Website: www.theoryaudiodesign.com
Vince said: Although the Theory sb25 is designed to be part of a home-theater system, this stereo-only review of the system proved to me that anyone with space constraints need not miss out on the high-end-audio experience.
Read the SoundStage! Access review.
The gist: Wall-mounts that behave like good bookshelf speakers.