#: No. 25: Quad ESL $2,850 -$7,999/pair

No. 25: Quad ESL $2,850 -$7,999/pair:

Performance 81
Longevity/Relevance 14
Value 14
Aesthetics 15
Lust 17
Total Score 141

These British electrostatic speakers basically defined the category for many audiophiles. Top speaker engineers are known to own Quad ESL 63s as part of their personal reference systems. Their warm sound and longevity have made them one of the most sought-after speakers ever.

#: No. 24 ���Meyer Sound X10 $51,120/pair

No. 24 ���Meyer Sound X10 $51,120/pair:

Performance 84
Longevity/Relevance 16
Value 14
Aesthetics 10
Lust 18
Total Score 143

The Meyer Sound X10 is one of the best audiophile loudspeakers that no audiophile has ever heard. This powered, pro audio speaker has more dynamics than any speaker on the list and will make people rethink what a speaker can do. Top studios use these speakers as do people like Stevie Wonder and Hans Zimmer.

#: No. 23 ���RBH T30 ��� $15,000/pair

No. 23 ���RBH T30 ��� $15,000/pair:

Performance 83
Longevity/Relevance 13
Value 15
Aesthetics 19
Lust 14
Total Score 144

These limited edition speakers from “the other speaker company from Utah” provide a big-tower sound with impressive bass, highly respectable audiophile sound and amazing wood finishes, all at a good price.

#: No. 22 ���VonSchweikert VR-4 $5,995/pair

No. 22 ���VonSchweikert VR-4 $5,995/pair:

Performance 83
Longevity/Relevance 18
Value 20
Aesthetics 12
Lust 13
Total Score 146

Talk about a speaker company that reinvented itself. Without its Internet direct business model – we don’t think they would have made the list, but the increased value of a lower price point helped these speakers quite a bit.

#: No. 21 ���Avalon Acoustics ISIS $62,000/pair

No. 21 ���Avalon Acoustics ISIS $62,000/pair:

Performance 84
Longevity/Relevance 16
Value 14
Aesthetics 20
Lust 15
Total Score 149

What a well-balanced loudspeaker system. The Avalon Acoustics ISIS does everything well. In many ways their overall performance reminds us of a Mercedes in that they don’t blow you away with performance alone but the whole package.

#: No. 20 ���THIEL CS 3.7 $12,900 -$13,400/pair

No. 20 ���THIEL CS 3.7 $12,900 -$13,400/pair:

Performance 79
Longevity/Relevance 18
Value 19
Aesthetics 17
Lust 17
Total Score 150

The THIEL CS 3.7 is arguably the best loudspeaker the late Jim Thiel ever designed, which is no doubt how they’ve managed to capture the number 20 spot on our list as well as the hearts of many audiophiles the world over. THIEL CS 3.7 speakers can be hard to drive without a powerful amp but in their sonic window – they sound pretty sweet.

#: No. 19 Definitive Technology BP7000 $5,700/pair

No. 19 Definitive Technology BP7000 $5,700/pair :

Performance 83
Longevity/Relevance 20
Value 21
Aesthetics 14
Lust 13
Total Score 151

Sandy Gross’ best speaker design/product at Definitive Technology is without question the BP7000 Super Towers. While their lower price and somewhat drab look don’t scream audiophile – their sound absolutely does – especially in the bass where BP7000s rock in ways many higher price speakers on this list can’t compete with. The BP7000 and the rest of the Super Tower lineup are truly some of the best values in all of high-end audio.

#: No. 18 ���MBL 101 ���$70,500/pair

No. 18 ���MBL 101 ���$70,500/pair:

Performance 86
Longevity/Relevance 16
Value 10
Aesthetics 19
Lust 22
Total Score 153

Talk about a dramatic loudspeaker: the German-made MBL 101s are just that, dramatic and a bit over the top. Their omni-directional performance makes for an audio experience that is unlike anything else you will hear in the ultra high-end class of speakers. And when it comes to “Lust Factor” this is why we created the category. You just WANT MBL 101s. Badly.

#: No. 17 ���Magnepan 3.7 ��� $5,500 -$5,900/pair

No. 17 ���Magnepan 3.7 ��� $5,500 -$5,900/pair:

Performance 81
Longevity/Relevance 21
Value 22
Aesthetics 12
Lust 18
Total Score 154

The Magnepan 3.7 is the latest version of one of the longest running speakers in audiophile history. In the zone, with the right music and enough power, the Magnepan 3.7s make for a compelling musical experience, one that continually captivates audiophiles in ways few other speakers have.

#: No. 16 ���Revel Performa F52 $6,498/pair

No. 16 ���Revel Performa F52 $6,498/pair:

Performance 83
Longevity/Relevance 20
Value 23
Aesthetics 13
Lust 16
Total Score 155

Harman gets a lot of ink for their Revel Ultima Salon line of speakers; however their “butter zone” in their product lineup is in the Performa F52 speakers. With full range performance, excellent cabinetry and top of the line drivers, these speakers bring 90 plus percent of the high-end audiophile experience to the table for a fraction of the price.

#: No. 15 Dynaudio Evidence Temptation $44,000/pair

No. 15 Dynaudio Evidence Temptation $44,000/pair :

Performance 89
Longevity/Relevance 16
Value 22
Aesthetics 19
Lust 18
Total Score 156

Real speakers do best when playing real music and over the years Dynaudio has proven that point. With a high lust factor, these slender speakers whisper sweet nothings into your ears in ways that make you not just want them –but also need them.

#: No. 14 Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento $15,000/pair

No. 14 Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento $15,000/pair :

Performance 83
Longevity/Relevance 18
Value 15
Aesthetics 22
Lust 20
Total Score 158

These Italian speakers are one of many in the Sonus Faber line that bring absolutely stunning craftsmanship to the table while never forgetting audiophile performance. So many other speakers do one or the other but rarely does a company get both elements so right. For imaging, these small speakers must be considered some of the very best speakers available.

#: No. 13 Magico Q5 $59,950/pair

No. 13 Magico Q5 $59,950/pair:

Performance 91
Longevity/Relevance 16
Value 15
Aesthetics 17
Lust 19
Total Score 158

One of the newest players in the high end game, Magico speakers are built internally in ways that make an Audi S8 look flimsy. They are about as heavy as a Wilson Alexandria with a footprint more like a WATT Puppy. Sonically, these speakers are at the top of the heap. Their look isn’t offensive but they don’t have the sex appeal of other speakers in their category. Overall, you ears will thank you for a session with the Magico Q5s. They are one of the very best speakers money can buy today.

#: No. 12 ���Meridian DSP 8000 ���$40,000/pair

No. 12 ���Meridian DSP 8000 ���$40,000/pair:

Performance 87
Longevity/Relevance 17
Value 16
Aesthetics 19
Lust 20
Total Score 159

Talk about speakers ahead of their time – Meridian’s DSP8000s are pretty much an audiophile system inside a speaker cabinet, as they include amps, DACs and more. Custom colors to match your Ferrari, the popsicles in your freezer or anything your heart desires makes wives understand why you need $40,000 imported speakers. Integration with products like Meridian’s Sooloos music server, Meridian’s long-standing 861 preamp and other products yield a high value grade. Ask any audiophile about DSP 8000s and they will tell you that you can’t go wrong.

#: No. 11 ���Revel Ultima Salon ���$16,000 -$22,000/pair

No. 11 ���Revel Ultima Salon ���$16,000 -$22,000/pair:

Performance 88
Longevity/Relevance 17
Value 17
Aesthetics 18
Lust 20
Total Score 160

Harman’s tremendous design resources plus the passion of Kevin Voecks makes for one of the very best audiophile speakers money can by. Unlike many other audiophile brands Revel has kept their prices stable by outsourcing their cabinets to China; however their cutting edge drivers and insightful design make for one hell of a compelling loudspeaker experience.

#: No. 10 ���Bowers and Wilkins Nautilus ���$60,000/pair

No. 10 ���Bowers and Wilkins Nautilus ���$60,000/pair:

Performance 90
Longevity/Relevance 15
Value 12
Aesthetics 23
Lust 21
Total Score 161

This game-changing design set the bar for more than a decade of trickle-down speaker designs for Bowers & Wilkins, including speakers that are ranked even higher on this list. Sonically, the Nautilus makes as much of an audio statement as it does a visual one.

#: No. 9 ���MartinLogan CLS $2,490-$6,000/pair

No. 9 ���MartinLogan CLS $2,490-$6,000/pair:

Performance 80
Longevity/Relevance 19
Value 20
Aesthetics 20
Lust 23
Total Score 162

The MartinLogan CLS is the speaker that made the company back in the days when Gayle Sanders was cutting his teeth. This pure electrostatic speaker has no sissy woofer or hybrid design – this is the real deal Holyfield for pure audiophiles who can’t get enough of the electrostatic sound. While the CLS isn’t made any more, it enjoyed a long run with MartinLogan and fanboys still pay big money for nicely conditioned old pairs. MartinLogan can also restore an old pair to modern performance thus making them even more lustworthy even to this day.

#: No. 8 Canton Reference 3.2 DC $16,000/pair

No. 8 Canton Reference 3.2 DC $16,000/pair:

Performance 89
Longevity/Relevance 18
Value 17
Aesthetics 21
Lust 20
Total Score 165

Germany’s largest loudspeaker company, Canton, rocks peoples’ worlds with their Reference 3.2 DC. Like the Avalon earlier on the list, the Canton 3.2 DC is an extremely well balanced speaker and its ratings on this list show that. Excellent audio performance should be expected from a speaker coming in at number eight on the list but they do all of the little things too, including beautiful finishes, strong value and high relevancy.

#: No. 7 Paradigm Reference Signature S8 $5,400-$6,000/pair

No. 7 Paradigm Reference Signature S8 $5,400-$6,000/pair :

Performance 87
Longevity/Relevance 22
Value 24
Aesthetics 18
Lust 16
Total Score 166

When it comes to audiophile grade floorstanding loudspeakers, names like Revel, Wilson Audio and Bowers & Wilkins are often dropped – but at one third the price, the Paradigm Reference Signature S8s hang right in there with the 800s and WATT Puppies of the world. While the S8s might not pack the “audiophile mystique” of speakers costing three times the price – they have the performance. For those looking for no-holds-barred performance from a slim, gorgeous speaker that won’t ruin your IRA – take a serious look at the Paradigm S8s.

#: No. 6 Wisdom Audio Sage Series Varies

No. 6 Wisdom Audio Sage Series Varies:

Performance 91
Longevity/Relevance 18
Value 16
Aesthetics 21
Lust 20
Total Score 166

Oh yes we did. We put an in-wall speaker system on the list. Wisdom Audio deserves it as they are making a serious run at the likes of Wilson Audio, Bowers & Wilkins and others with their line of in-wall speakers. No speaker on this list is better on WAF (wife acceptance factor) than the Wisdom Audio Sage Series. We know a few dealers that would make the argument that there might not be a better sounding speaker on the list – period.

#: No. 5 Wilson Audio MAXX ��� $68,000/pair

No. 5 Wilson Audio MAXX ��� $68,000/pair:

Performance 97
Longevity/Relevance 12
Value 13
Aesthetics 22
Lust 25
Total Score 169

Wilson Audio is the darling of audiophile speakers and their MAXX speakers get special attention as they woo tube lovers with their high sensitivity. The move from MAXX 2s to MAXX 3s was an ugly one that drove the price up and ended the physical upgrade path but with that said, if you have the room and the budget, Wilson Audio MAXX speakers are a true experience. How do you do better than a WATT Puppy or Sasha W/P? The answer is easy – buy a pair of Wilson MAXX.

#: No. 4 Wilson Audio Alexandria/Grand SLAMM $158,000/pair

No. 4 Wilson Audio Alexandria/Grand SLAMM $158,000/pair :

Performance 100
Longevity/Relevance 12
Value 11
Aesthetics 22
Lust 25
Total Score 170

Wilson’s current flagship speaker is the Alexandria 2 and is a statement in every sense of the word, for no other speaker on our list scored 100 for performance. The ability to adjust and tweak these custom finished monolithic speakers makes them the ultimate goal for any audiophile (note, the 25 for lust). We would have gone higher if we could.

#: No. 3 JM Labs - Focal Grand Utopia $180,000/pair

No. 3 JM Labs - Focal Grand Utopia $180,000/pair :

Performance 95
Longevity/Relevance 18
Value 15
Aesthetics 21
Lust 22
Total Score 171

Possibly the most aesthetically pleasing speaker on the list, the French-made Grand Utopias are nothing short of breathtaking when it comes to audiophile speakers. Professional mastering labs use these reference level speakers on the best recordings made today, while audiophiles dream of the day when a speaker such as this will grace their listening rooms. These speakers are beyond good … They are truly special.

#: No. 2 Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond $24,000/pair

No. 2 Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamond $24,000/pair :

Performance 90
Longevity/Relevance 21
Value 19
Aesthetics 21
Lust 21
Total Score 172

No speaker may have done better with relevance and longevity than Bowers & Wilkins’ 800 Series. For more than two decades this speaker has been the reference for studios like Abbey Road as well as a staple for audiophile reviewers and music enthusiasts alike. We talked about balance earlier on the list but no speaker does it better than the Bowers & Wilkins 800s. Overall, you simply cannot go wrong with these speakers.

#: No. 1 Wilson Audio WATT Puppy Sasha W/P $26,950/pair

No. 1 Wilson Audio WATT Puppy Sasha W/P $26,950/pair:

Performance 91
Longevity/Relevance 21
Value 21
Aesthetics 21
Lust 21
Total Score 175

And the winner is… The Wilson Audio WATT Puppy (now called the Sasha W/P). While the price has nearly tripled since its launch in the late 1980s, this Wilson Audio icon has undoubtedly become the face of high-end loudspeakers within the audiophile community. Their custom finishes are stunning. Their compact footprint makes them as relevant in luxury homes as they are in audiophile listening rooms. They can easily and convincingly pull double duty as home theater speakers too. The biggest reason the Wilson Audio Sasha W/P (WATT Puppy) speakers came in at number one on the AudiophileReview.com list is because dollar for dollar in the world of expensive speakers – you just can’t do better even if you can spend more.

#: More

More: Continue to view the rest of the inductees.

#: No. 26 ���Vandersteen Model Five ���$16,900/pair

No. 26 ���Vandersteen Model Five ���$16,900/pair:

Performance 80
Longevity/Relevance 16
Value 14
Aesthetics 12
Lust 17
Total Score 139

The first speaker to miss the cut was the Vandersteen Model Five. If the Vandersteen Model Five looked a little more like Jessica Vandersteen and a little less like an audiophile speaker – it would have made our top 25.

#: No. 27 Aerial Acoustics Model 10T $7,000/pair

No. 27 Aerial Acoustics Model 10T $7,000/pair:

Performance 83
Longevity/Relevance 16
Value 19
Aesthetics 10
Lust 10
Total Score 138

Well-balanced, good looking and high performance are all fair descriptors of the Aerial Acoustics 10T.

#: No. 28 ���Apogee Grand $12,595 - $15,595/pair

No. 28 ���Apogee Grand $12,595 - $15,595/pair:

Performance 80
Longevity/Relevance 12
Value 13
Aesthetics 16
Lust 17
Total Score 138

Historically, one of the most fantastic speakers ever. Completely over the top in design and cost – Apogee Grands had Krell Electronics for the crossover but also needed the biggest of Krell amps to make them sing. Cost was clearly no object for Grand clients but the sound was amazing for those in the late 1980s who bought into this audiophile dream system.

#: No. 29 ���KEF Muon $140,000/pair

No. 29 ���KEF Muon $140,000/pair:

Performance 80
Longevity/Relevance 11
Value 9
Aesthetics 19
Lust 18
Total Score 137

Aesthetically, one of the most beautiful speakers ever built, the KEF Muon is a statement piece of audiophile goodness if anyone has ever seen one.

#: No. 30 ���PSB Synchrony One $5,500/pair

No. 30 ���PSB Synchrony One $5,500/pair:

Performance 79
Longevity/Relevance 16
Value 18
Aesthetics 13
Lust 10
Total Score 136

These speakers are truly a value leader as they can make stunning audiophile sound at a reasonable price point.

#: No. 31 ���YG Acoustics Anat $111,000 to 119,000

No. 31 ���YG Acoustics Anat $111,000 to 119,000:

Performance 83
Longevity/Relevance 12
Value 12
Aesthetics 13
Lust 15
Total Score 135

The YG Acoustics Anat speakers are the flavor of the day for many print magazines; however their high price and ugly grills put them just outside of our magic top 25. By no means are these speakers anything other than fantastic.

#: No. 32 ���Linn Akurate $9,495/pair

No. 32 ���Linn Akurate $9,495/pair:

Performance 75
Longevity/Relevance 14
Value 14
Aesthetics 16
Lust 15
Total Score 134

More powered speakers made this list than any other list like it and Linn’s Akurate are one of them. Polite, powerful and yes – accurate describe the speakers nicely. Linn’s whole system approach is easy to understand and makes for one killer audiophile application. Don’t forget to start with an LP12.

#: No. 33 ���Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8000

No. 33 ���Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8000:

Performance 72
Longevity/Relevance 16
Value 11
Aesthetics 18
Lust 17
Total Score 134

Audiophiles will cringe at a B&O speaker on this list but this long-standing speaker looks and sounds the part. Give B&O a fair shake as the Beolab 8000 is a pretty good loudspeaker. In fact, it’s better than pretty good – it’s pretty great and has the smallest footprint of any speaker on the list.

#: No. 34 ���Egglestonworks Andra $14,700/pair

No. 34 ���Egglestonworks Andra $14,700/pair:

Performance 70
Longevity/Relevance 14
Value 16
Aesthetics 16
Lust 16
Total Score 132

With some of the best cabinets on the market, these Wilson WATT Puppy competitors were more relevant in the late 1990s than they are today but they still belong on this lofty list as some of the more significant speakers ever built for high end audio enthusiasts.

#: No. 35 ���Goldmund Epilogue $300,000/system

No. 35 ���Goldmund Epilogue $300,000/system:

Performance 83
Longevity/Relevance 13
Value 3
Aesthetics 13
Lust 19
Total Score 131

Can you say, “Cost no object?” These boxy speakers are still sold more than 25 years after hitting the market. Their price is obnoxious but their sound is worthy of making the list. Lust factor is high even if they get the worst value mark on the list. For people who can cut the check – it doesn’t matter, because Goldmund Epilogues are really cool.

#: No. 36 Genesis APM-1 $9,500/pair

No. 36 Genesis APM-1 $9,500/pair:

Performance 87
Longevity/Relevance 12
Value 5
Aesthetics 11
Lust 15
Total Score 130

The Genesis One can rock hard even if their form factor is a legitimate reason for a wife to file for divorce.

#: No. 37 ���Dunlavy SC IV ��� $7,995/pair

No. 37 ���Dunlavy SC IV ��� $7,995/pair:

Performance 72
Longevity/Relevance 19
Value 20
Aesthetics 9
Lust 9
Total Score 129

These coffin-like speakers were all the rage in the late-1990s despite their tough-to-accept form factor. The Dunlavy SC IV could and would make a wonderful, full-bodied sound and other smaller speakers struggled to keep up with. To this day, they still pass the test of time.

#: No. 38 ���Hansen Audio Grand Master ���$239,000/pair

No. 38 ���Hansen Audio Grand Master ���$239,000/pair:

Performance 73
Longevity/Relevance 12
Value 10
Aesthetics 16
Lust 16
Total Score 127

Hansen Audio missed the memo that Mark Levinson at Cello called his flagship speakers “Grand Masters” – or perhaps they don’t care. These alien-like looking speakers are some of the more striking designs on the list but their big price tag keeps them from the top 25.

#: No. 39 Sony SS-AR1 $27,000/pair

No. 39 Sony SS-AR1 $27,000/pair:

Performance 81
Longevity/Relevance 9
Value 9
Aesthetics17
Lust 10
Total Score 126

Yes, Sony made speakers designed to beat out Bowers & Wilkins 800s, Revel Salon 2s and Wilson Audio Sasha W/Ps. Are they any good? Damn right they are. Will you buy them over the aforementioned players? Time will tell, but it’s clearly an uphill battle in the world of ultimate speakers –especially when the brand isn’t known for high-end speakers anymore.

#: No. 40 JBL Project Everest DD66000 $60,000 -$70,000/pair

No. 40 JBL Project Everest DD66000 $60,000 -$70,000/pair :

Performance 80
Longevity/Relevance 10
Value 11
Aesthetics 12
Lust 13
Total Score 126

Horn speakers made the list with the Meyer Sound X10 speakers but this JBL offering also makes the list with their Everest DD66000 speakers. These speakers paired with Mark Levinson electronics or some sweet tubes can sound pretty compelling on the right music. They aren’t for everybody but they are pretty darn good for horn speakers in the pantheon of audiophile transducers.

#: No. 41 ���Infinity IRS Beta $12,000/system

No. 41 ���Infinity IRS Beta $12,000/system:

Performance 77
Longevity/Relevance 10
Value 8
Aesthetics 12
Lust 17
Total Score 124

Arnie Nudell’s Infinity speakers made the first true high end audiophile statement at the cost-no-object level that set the bar for so many other speakers on this list with big price tags. In Japan, these speakers still rule supreme and have ultimate collector’s appeal.

#: No. 42 Klipschorn Speakers $9,000/pair

No. 42 Klipschorn Speakers $9,000/pair:

Performance 72
Longevity/Relevance 13
Value 12
Aesthetics 10
Lust 12
Total Score 119

Klipsch K-horns are an acquired taste but for those who love them – they really love them as they play loudly, accurately and with control from very little power. The SET tube guys have a soft spot in their heart for these speakers as do many who love the "live" sound from their audiophile systems.

#: No. 43 ���Avantguarde Duo $14,470 -$16,470/pair

No. 43 ���Avantguarde Duo $14,470 -$16,470/pair:

Performance 71
Longevity/Relevance 10
Value 10
Aesthetics 10
Lust 14
Total Score 115

Another darling of the single-ended tube fanatic, the Avantguarde Duo speakers look like a bunch of tubas welded together and painted in rainbow colors. They can play very loud on very little power, which is nice. These exotic speakers make the best speakers list without question.

#: No. 44 ���Duntech Sovereign $13,000 -$15,000/pair

No. 44 ���Duntech Sovereign $13,000 -$15,000/pair:

Performance 64
Longevity/Relevance 14
Value 14
Aesthetics 9
Lust 13
Total Score 114

Before Dunlavy cornered the market on coffin-sized loudspeakers, Duntech was selling huge, monolithic speakers to audiophiles in meaningful numbers. The Duntech Sovereign is likely their best and most popular design, despite needing high power output from your amps and plenty of breathing room in your listening room.

#: Restart

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