Reference Speakers

For Audiophiles who have built their systems up to a significant level – there is no more important component in their system than their audiophile reference level loudspeakers. These (often) large format loudspeakers can be dynamic, powered, electrostatic, hybrid electrostatic, D’apolito array or any number of other configurations that yield fantastic sound.

To read hundreds of other audiophile-grade loudspeaker reviews, check out this resource page.

We also have a section dedicated to affordable speakers.

Oligarch Audio

Reference Speakers

Steven Stone explains why he isn’t interested in reviewing hyper-expensive audio gear…

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It’s All About The Design

Reference Speakers

Paul Wilson looks at some of the most radical speaker designs......

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It’s All About The Design

Reference Speakers

Paul Wilson looks at some of the most radical speaker designs......

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Setting Up Two Systems In One Day

Reference Speakers

Steven Stone does double audiophile duty…

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What am I really listening to?

Reference Speakers

Roger Skoff looks at the problem of isolating the sound of a single component in the signal chain....

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Adventures in Gangland – How Another American Picking Style Expedition Landed Me in One of LA’s Most Notorious Gang Neighborhoods

Reference Speakers

Andrew Robinson is back with another adventure. This time Andrew's quest for audio led him out of his home and into one of Los Angeles's...

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How Many Pairs of Speakers Have You Owned?

Reference Speakers

Steven Stone takes a trip down memory lane as he racks his brain to remember the speakers he’s owned….

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On Imaging and Loudspeakers

Reference Speakers

How should speakers image? And what is imaging anyway? J.Gordon Holt gave us a succinct definition, so why does imaging cause so much...

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The Dedicated Two-Channel Listening Room – R.I.P.

Reference Speakers

Gazing into his Crystal ball, Steven Stone tries his hand at a little bit of fortune-telling. He thinks the idea of a listening room with...

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Crossovers Are Evil

Reference Speakers • 5 Comments

In physics there’s no such thing as a free lunch. As necessary as crossovers are to modern speaker design, doesn’t mean they are sonically transparent or even particularly friendly…

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Is High End Audio Exclusionary and Elitist?

Reference Speakers

So, you want a great-sounding audio system. Be prepared to ante up. Or plan on spending lots of time building your own......

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Magico, Wilson, and YG Merge

Reference Speakers

A merger of epic proportions shocks the high-end audio universe. Three major speaker manufacturers join forces to create a true 500 lb....

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A Tale of Two Speakers – How Bi-Amping Unlocked My Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamonds

Reference Speakers

Some Audiophiles think speaker cable doesn’t matter. Andrew Robinson is a big fan of Bi-wiring. he explains why here.

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A Tale of Two Speakers – How Bi-Amping Unlocked My Bowers & Wilkins 800 Series Diamonds

Reference Speakers

Some Audiophiles think speaker cable doesn't matter. Andrew Robinson is a big fan of Bi-wiring. he explains why here....

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Why Great-Sounding Speakers Will Never Be Cheap

Reference Speakers

Why do top-tier speakers cost so much? Steven Stone looks at some of the economic realities that make it difficult to manufacture a...

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Five Rules for Buying Big Speakers

Reference Speakers

Who doesn’t love big speakers? Big speakers means big sound. But there are definitely things to take into account when picking up a pair of towering loudspeakers. Here are five of them.

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Five Rules for Buying Big Speakers

Reference Speakers

Who doesn't love big speakers? Big speakers means big sound. But there are definitely things to take into account when picking up a pair...

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Dirt Roads and Diamonds-Why Being a Reviewer isn’t Always Glamorous

Reference Speakers

The life of the reviewer is pretty cool. Listening to excellent gear for free is never a bad thing. However, it can be a complicated...

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Choice Cello Stash Lands in Dealer’s Lap

Reference Speakers

John Barnes, owner of Denver’s Audio Unlimited, called me the other day with some exciting news; He had bought and sold 26 pieces of Cello equipment in less than a week. It had all come from one source, and was…

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How I Went American Picking for an Audiophile Classic

Reference Speakers

Everyone has that one special product. One they have an unconditional love for. This is the story of how Andrew Robinson journeyed far...

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