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Loudspeaker Rating Lists

Flint

Prodigal Son
Superstar
I have been bombarded with questions about how I would compare one speaker to another lately (probably because of my recent measurements thread of the Dynaudio Focus 110 and Focus 140, and all my comments about the SVS MBS-01). So, I am inventing a new rating system, a scale system 1.0 to 10.0, which 10.0 being the best I've ever heard, whereby I can compare my opinions about speakers. The catch, however, is that I need to be able to change the level of the scale to fit what I have heard, and if a better speaker comes out that shifts the scale, then every speaker's rating needs to shift. As such, here we go. Currently, the best speakers I have ever heard are my own DIY fully active speakers, Altec's fully active and customize Altec Lansing Voice of the Theater A7s, and my best friend's all Klipschorn/La Scala surround system (though I haven't heard it since he upgraded to a fully active setup). I am completely ignoring things like size or cost. This is about my general opinions about how much Iike the speaker as it relates to other speakers on the list. This is just a preliminary list which I will add to over time and I remember other speakers I've heard and as I hear new speakers. Also, I may move things around as I think about it - opinions can change over time.



Irritateguy's Speaker Rating List

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.0 IG's DIY system / Altec's custom VOTT A7 system
9.9
9.8
9.7 Duntech Audio Sovereign
9.6
9.5
9.4 Klipschorns in the right room (and with proper crossovers)
9.3
9.2
9.1 Westlake Audio Tower SM-1 / KEF 207/2
9.0 Focal Nova Utopia Be / Infinity RS-1 / Dynaudio Confidence C4
8.9 Meridian DSP7200 / Usher BE-20
8.8 Tannoy System-215
8.7 Lipinski L-707 (need sub)
8.6 McIntosh XRT22 / Dunlavy Audio Labs SC-IV
8.5 KEF 104/2 / Genesis 1.1
8.4
8.3
8.2 IG's old DIY custom speakers
8.1 Dynaudio Confidence C1
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7 Tannoy Churchill (in good room)
7.6 Dynaudio Contour 5.4
7.5 B&W 801 / Quad ESL-63 (in proper setting)
7.4
7.3 B&W 800 / Martin Logan Monolith (in proper setting)
7.2 Seas Odin / Thor / Linn Kaber
7.1 Usher Be-718
7.0 Klipsch La Scala (in good room with proper crossovers) / Infinity IRS Beta
6.9 PSB Platinum T8 / Thiel CS2.3 / Genelec 1038A
6.8 Martin Logan Odyssey / Revel Ultima Studio 2
6.7 Genelec 8030A
6.6 B&W 800D / Wilson Audio Watt+Puppy
6.5
6.4 Thiel CS 3.7 / ATC 100asl
6.3 Meadowlark Kestrel 2
6.2 SVS MBS-01 v.1
6.1
6.0 Dynaudio Focus 140
5.9 SVS MBS-01 v.2
5.8 Mackie HR824
5.7 Klipsch Forte / Vienna Acoustics Beethoven Concert Grand
5.6 Mackie HR624 / Usher S-520
5.5 Paradigm Studio 20 v2 / JBL 4312B
5.4 Klipsch KG-4 / ESS AMT-1D
5.3 Klipsch RF-83 / Monitor Audio Gold Ref 20 / M&K S100B
5.2 JBL L-100 / B&W 803 / Dali Helicon 800 / NHT Classic 4
5.1 Paradigm Studio 100 v2 / PSB Synchrony One / NHT Super One
5.0 KEF iQ9 / Polk Audio LSi15 / Yamaha NSM-10 / Paradigm Studio 20 v.4
4.9 Paradigm Mini-Monitor v4 / Boston Acoustic VR-M90
4.8 Ascend Sierra-1 / Sonus Faber Grand Piano / JBL Hartsfield
4.7 Paradigm Studio 40 / KEF iQ1
4.6 Klipsch KG-1 / B&W 703 / Carver Amazing Loudspeaker
4.5 ACI Force + Emerald XL combo / Paradigm Monitor 90
4.4 B&W CM7 / Bose 901 with EQ
4.3 Wharfedale Diamond 8
4.2 Paradigm Atom
4.1 Behringer Truth
4.0 Klipsch RB-61 / Rocket RS850
3.9 DefTech BP7000 SC
3.8 Rocket RS250
3.7 JBL Pro-Performer
3.6 DefTech Mythos SuperTower
3.5 DefTech Mythos Tower
3.4 B&W DM 602
3.3 JBL S38
3.2
3.1
3.0 DefTech Studio Monitor 450
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.6
2.5 Martin Logan Script i
2.4 SVS SBS-01 + Sub
2.3
2.2
2.1
2.0 AV123 Stratus-Mini
1.9
1.8
1.7 Radio Shack Classic Minimus 7
1.6
1.5
1.4
1.3
1.2 Mordaunt Short MS-902 / Insignia 6.5" coaxial bookshelf
1.1 AV123 X-MTM
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1 Bose Acoustimass Cube system(s)
 
get ready for the questions.......


I"ll start them off ;)

I see Klipsch, Paradigm, and B&W aren't consistent with each other. What did you like about the Studio 20v2 over the Studio 100v2? Are the v4s that "bad" (I use that lightly) of a design compared to the v2s? The reason why I ask is you seemed to like the older Mini-Monitor over the Studio 40s.

Same with Klipsch. Some of the lower Reference line speakers seem pretty low on the list compared to the towers and flagship bookshelfs.

I'm also a bit confused you liked the Klipsch KG 1 (a tiny bookshelf) as well as B&W's 703 tower.


Have you heard the Studio v5s yet (20s and the new 10s)? What about the newer Klipsch Reference (particularly, the RB-81 II)?
 
I am always MUCH more interested in a clean, accurante, transparent midrange and natural balance than I am into deep bass or high output caability. That pretty much explains all of the things you are asking about.
 
I can understand that, but I figured even the 703 would have a better sounding midrange than the entry level KG1.5 speaker.


I used to have a pair of KG2.5 speakers. Pretty much a MTM version of the 1.5. Great sounding little speaker for the money.
 
I have never, ever, liked the way B&W voices their speakers. Too harsh and too bright.
 
Flint said:
I have never, ever, liked the way B&W voices their speakers. Too harsh and too bright.
Could one therefore deduce that, 7.5 and below on your scale, is not good?
 
Zing said:
Flint said:
I have never, ever, liked the way B&W voices their speakers. Too harsh and too bright.
Could one therefore deduce that, 7.5 and below on your scale, is not good?



I don't think so, at least I hope not. I see a lot of speakers on that list below 7.5 that's been recommended by Flint in the past. IMO, I would think it's just more like "not as good" compared to brand x speaker. Look how high the Klipsch KG1 speaker scored compared to the Studio 40 and B&W's 703. The KG 1 was probably around the $100-$150/pr range back in its day.

t450_2611a9a0deaf5b61579baa02899a7278.jpg



The 703 and Studio 40s are a much more "higher end" speaker than the KG1. Even though he mentioned cost wasn't a factor, my guess is if it were the KG1 would have scored higher.
 
Woo-hoo! I have an 8.2! :eek:bscene-buttred:
 
PaulyT said:
Woo-hoo! I have an 8.2! :eek:bscene-buttred:
Yeah, well, he hasn't heard my Swans yet. He may have to amend his scale to include an 11.25 category. :eusa-whistle:
 
I had done a cost/benefit on that original thread... I was bored and had too much time on my hands.

I tried to put in the MSRP when I could find it, which is often not the final cost. Occasionally, I would put in the street cost. Unfortunately, I failed to note those cost numbers. I also started noting which speakers are no longer available -- noted with a *.

Code:
Rating  Speaker                         Cost/pr   Notes                Cost/Pt
10.0  IG's DIY system       
10.0  Altec's custom VOTT A7 system      
9.7  Duntech Audio Sovereign            $65,000   2001 version          $6,701 
9.4  Klipschorns in the right room      $4,000    no change to xover    $426
  (and with proper crossovers)   
9.1  Westlake Audio Tower SM-1          $89,000                         $9,780 
9.1  KEF 207/2                          $20,000                         $2,198 
9.0  Focal Nova Utopia Be               $37,500                         $4,167 
9.0  Infinity RS-1                      $2,200     used price           $244 
9.0  Dynaudio Confidence C4             $16,000                         $1,778 
8.9  Meridian DSP7200                   $35,000                         $3,933 
8.9  Usher BE-20                        $21,200                         $2,382 
8.8  Tannoy System-215                  $16,000                         $1,818 
8.7  Lipinski L-707 (need sub)          $6,750                          $776 
8.6  McIntosh XRT22                     $9,100                          $1,058 
8.6  Dunlavy Audio Labs SC-IV*          $5,000                          $581 
8.5  KEF 104/2                          $2,700                          $318 
8.5  Genesis 1.1                        $145,000                        $17,059 
8.2  IG's old DIY custom speakers               
8.1  Dynaudio Confidence C1             $6,500                          $802 
7.7  Tannoy Churchill (in good room)    $14,000                         $1,818 
7.6  Dynaudio Contour 5.4               $12,500                         $1,645 
7.5  B&W 801                            $11,000                         $1,467 
7.5  Quad ESL-63 (in proper setting)    $6,000                          $800 
7.3  B&W 800                            $23,000                         $3,151 
7.3  Martin Logan Monolith              $4,850                          $664
  (in proper setting)    
7.2  Seas Odin                          $1,751     Parts only           $243 
7.2  Seas Thor                          $1,751     Parts only           $243 
7.2  Linn Kaber                         $3,775                          $524 
7.1  Usher Be-718                       $2,795                          $394 
7.0  Klipsch La Scala                   $2,999     Assuming Version II  $428 
  (in good room with proper crossovers) 
7.0  Infinity IRS Beta*                 $12,000                         $1,714 
6.9  PSB Platinum T8                    $7,000                          $1,014 
6.9  Thiel CS2.3                        $12,900                         $1,870 
6.9  Genelec 1038A                      $12,000                         $1,739 
6.8  Martin Logan Odyssey               $6,495                          $955 
6.8  Revel Ultima Studio 2              $16,000                         $2,353 
6.7  Genelec 8030A                      $1,330                          $199 
6.6  B&W 800D                           $20,000                         $3,030 
6.6  Wilson Audio Watt+Puppy            $12,000                         $1,818 
6.4  Thiel CS 3.7                       $12,900                         $2,016 
6.4  ATC 100asl                         $21,200                         $3,313 
6.3  Meadowlark Kestrel 2*              $1,295                          $206 
6.2  SVS MBS-01 v.1                     $900                            $145 
6.0  Dynaudio Focus 140                 $1,800                          $300 
5.9  SVS MBS-01 v.2                     $900                            $153 
5.8  Mackie HR824*                      $1,700     Assuming  v1         $293 
5.7  Klipsch Forte*                     $1,200                          $211 
5.7  Vienna Acoustics Beethoven         $4,500                          $789  
  Concert Grand        
5.6  Mackie HR624*                      $1,300     Assuming v1          $232 
5.6  Usher S-520                        $399                            $71 
5.5  Paradigm Studio 20 v2              $700                            $127 
5.5  JBL 4312B  *                       $500     used price             $91 
5.4  Klipsch KG-4*                      $395     used price             $73 
5.4  ESS AMT-1D                         $700                            $130 
5.3  Klipsch RF-83                      $2,798                          $528 
5.3  Monitor Audio Gold Ref 20          $2,996                          $565 
5.3  M&K S100B                          $1,295                          $244 
5.2  JBL L-100                          $500     used price             $96 
5.2  B&W 803                            $5,000                          $962 
5.2  Dali Helicon 800                   $6,000                          $1,154 
5.2  NHT Classic 4                      $1,500                          $288 
5.1  Paradigm Studio 100 v2*            $1,900                          $373 
5.1  PSB Synchrony One                  $4,500                          $882 
5.1  NHT Super One*                     $230                            $45 
5.0  KEF iQ9                            $429                            $86 
5.0  Polk Audio LSi15                   $869                            $174 
5.0  Yamaha NSM-10*                     $500                            $100 
5.0  Paradigm Studio 20 v.4*            $1,000                          $200 
4.9  Paradigm Mini-Monitor v4*          $339                            $69 
4.9  Boston Acoustic VR-M90             $2,700                          $551 
4.8  Ascend Sierra-1                    $850                            $177 
4.8  Sonus Faber Grand Piano            $3,500                          $729 
4.8  JBL Hartsfield                     $2,850                          $594 
4.7  Paradigm Studio 40*                $1,200     Assuming v2          $255 
4.7  KEF iQ1*                           $450                            $96 
4.6  Klipsch KG-1*                      $75     used price              $16 
4.6  B&W 703                            $3,000                          $652 
4.6  Carver Amazing Loudspeaker*        $500                            $109 
4.5  ACI Force + Emerald XL combo       $1,499     $799+$700            $333 
4.5  Paradigm Monitor 90                $1,550   Not sure this one right$344 
4.4  B&W CM7                            $2,000                          $455 
4.4  Bose 901 with EQ                   $1,200                          $273 
4.3  Wharfedale Diamond 8               $350     Assuming 8.2           $81 
4.2  Paradigm Atom                      $189                            $45 
4.1  Behringer Truth                    $360     B2031A                 $88 
4.0  Klipsch RB-61                      $499                            $125 
4.0  Rocket RS850                       $1,999                          $500 
3.9  DefTech BP7000 SC                  $2,500                          $641 
3.8  Rocket RS250                       $700                            $184 
3.7  JBL Pro-Performer            Could not find any price on this one      
3.6  DefTech Mythos SuperTower          $4,000                          $1,111 
3.5  DefTech Mythos Tower               $999     Assuming ver One       $285 
3.4  B&W DM 602                         $600     Assuming version S3    $176 
3.3  JBL S38                            $600                            $182 
3.0  DefTech Studio Monitor 450         $660                            $220 
2.5  Martin Logan Script i              $1,695                          $678 
2.4  SVS SBS-01 + Sub                   $625     $225 +  $500           $260 
2.0  AV123 Stratus-Mini                 $1,995                          $998 
1.7  Radio Shack Classic Minimus 7      $60                             $35 
1.2  Mordaunt Short MS-902              $200                            $167 
1.2  Insignia 6.5" coaxial bookshelf    $84                             $70 
1.1  AV123 X-MTM                        $449                            $408 
0.1  Bose Acoustimass Cube system(s)    $399     price+> 2+bass module  $3,990
 
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