GamuT Audio D200i $13,990 GamuT M inent M5 $12,990 These elegant, narrow-front floorstanders of moderate size are optimized for presentation of soundstage, and they do the job with a convincing vanishing act and a large and deep stereo presentation. Though not quite neutrally balanced due to some midrange forwardness, they are clean and pure sounding, have excellent resolution of fine detail, and offer impressive dynamics for speakers of moderate size. This 200W solid-state amplifier has much of the liquidity, three-dimensionality, and image density of tubes as well as the expected virtues of solid-state: tonal consistency, frequency extension, and bass control. It runs relatively cool, is tonally neutral, and should be very reliable, producing a deep soundstage and enough power to drive most speakers well.
Gamut RS3i $19,900 From the moment reviewer Kirk Mitskog first connected the RS3i two-way minimonitor without much regard to optimizing its placement, and just let music play, he heard a sound that was compelling, and it only got better with time and fine-tuning. The RS3i s liveliness never proved anything less than entertaining and engaging. It offers all the advantages of a small stand-mounted speaker those of illuminating imaging and wide-open soundstaging combined with stunning dynamic presence. Capable of sounding much bigger than it looks, it is a honey that should be on anyone s short list for a small-to-medium-sized room application. IsoTek EVO3 Sigmas $3995 Pretty much guaranteed to banish any lingering hum issues you may be experiencing, The EVO3 Sigma features six outlets with the two dedicated for high-power equipment said to deliver up to 3680 watts of continuous power. The improvement in sound quality via the Sigmas is immediately audible. It lowers noise floor, improves transient response, and provides blacker backgrounds.
Magnepan MMG $599 At just under $600, it is hard to imagine a better speaker for the money than this mini-maggie, provided you have the space for it and a powerful- enough amplifier. Like all Maggie dipoles, the thing sounds open, airy, and unusually lifelike. Improved in overall coherence in its revised version, it is still not the last word in resolution, low bass, or top treble, but who cares? Magnepan Super MMG $1199 The Super MMG is a different take on the tried-and-true for Magnepan. The bundle includes a pair of MMGs specifically hot-rodded for use with an included Diplanar Woofer Module or DWM (dual DWMs are optional). The results are remarkable. The Super MMG s low distortion and faster than a speeding bullet transient attack reveal the tiniest intricacies with startling immediacy. The Super also throws wide-open windows on ambient and reverberant details. Super, indeed. TAS 2013 Entry-Level Loudspeaker of the Year.
Magnepan MG1.7i $1995 Maggie s first all-ribbon (which is to say, all-quasi-ribbon ) loudspeaker, the 1.7i, easily picks up the mantle of the MG 1.6, JV s previous choice for the best affordable loudspeaker, by improving upon the 1.6 in every area (particularly overall coherence). Though lacking the bottom octave, from the midbass up it can stand comparison to some of the stalwarts of the ultrahigh-end. A superb transducer and real bargain, provided you have enough space to house it and enough amp to drive it. Magnepan.7 $1395 The latest (and greatest) mini-maggie, this modestly sized, two-way linesource floorstander uses all quasi-ribbon drivers (as opposed to the mix of quasi-ribbon and planar-magnetic in the MMG). The result is a superior blend between tweeter and mid/bass, with much better power-andbass-range speed, low-level resolution, tone color, and extension. Though the.7 benefits on some (chiefly largescale) music from the addition of a subwoofer, reviewer JM thought that, all by its lonesome, it was shockingly realistic on acoustic instruments (and equally swell on a good deal of rock).
Magnepan MG3.7i $5995 Maggie s three-way, true-ribbon/ quasi-ribbon planar 3.7 successfully addresses three issues that have long plagued true-ribbon Maggies: the seamless integration of that ribbon; the retention of detail and dynamic range at relatively low volume levels; and the reduction of Maggie grain. The solution of these problems combined with the famous virtues of true-ribbon Magnepans produces what is, in JV s opinion, a best buy. Be aware that the 3.7i s are large, powerhungry, and limited in low bass and ultimate SPLs. Magnepan MG20.7 $13,850 These Maggies magical ability to transport listeners to a different space and time and to there realistically recreate (with lifelike scope and size) the sound of acoustic instruments and the venue they were recorded in is extraordinary. It almost goes without saying (since these are Magnepans), but the 20.7s are also incredibly good values, although you re going to have to bring a lot of highquality power to this party, and you re going to need a good deal of room to house two speakers the size and width of a couple of NFL linebackers.
Vandersteen 3A Signature $4775 Like all Vandersteens, the 3A Signature is time-and-phase accurate. Its driver complement features the patented midrange and tweeter used in the vaunted Vandersteen 5. The 3A Signature has a relaxed presentation, is musically seductive, and will appeal to those who want to forget about the sound and enjoy the music, though it does trade-off some dynamic contrast and midrange resolution for its overall ability to involve the listener. Vandersteen 2Ce Signature II $2560 This classic three-way floorstander delivers excellent top-to-bottom balance and engaging musicality. Moreover, Vandersteen s baffle-less, timeandphase-coherent design can suggest the spatial focus usually heard with planars. The 2Ce benefits from bi-wiring and should be placed away from walls.
Vandersteen Treo CT $7990 A loudspeaker of uncommon musicality and precision. Building upon the R&D that went into the flagship Model Seven, the four-driver, medium- scale Treo CT conveys a single-driver-like coherence that immerses the listener in the very moment the recording was captured. It combines uncanny image specificity, color, and texture with an enveloping sense of air and immersion. At least some credit must go to the Model Seven-derived CT (carbon tweeter), which is as transparent and open as it is extended. Basically a passive version of the Quatro Wood CT, the Treo may not have quite the serious bass slam of that model, but you hardly miss it due to its excellent pitch definition. Vandersteen 5A Carbon $29,900 This upgraded version of Vandersteen s Model 5 brings the carbon-fiber-clad balsawood midrange cones from the Model 7 to a much lower price point. Model 5 owners can upgrade to Carbon status for $8650. Featuring a self-powered 12 push-pull woofer with EQ adjustments below 100Hz, the 5A Carbon can deliver extraordinary bass extension. But the real magic is in the carbon-fiber-andbalsawood drivers, which deliver astonishingly low coloration, high resolution, and a sense of top-to-bottom seamlessness.
Vandersteen Model 7 Mk II $62,000 Based on new drivers made from carbon- fiber-clad balsawood, the Model 7 strips away a layer of coloration and artifacts, revealing an absolutely glorious purity of timbre. You simply don t hear the cones when listening to music through the Model 7, which is electrostatic-like in its clarity, transparency, and openness. The extensive bass adjustments, made possible by the powered woofer, allow the Model 7 s response below 120Hz to be tailored to your room.