How many speaker companies?

One has always been @ the mercy of those who know (or purport to know) and do (or attempt to) something you can't...*S*

I'd suspect that the number of 'builders' vaguely matches the growth of general population, but that's an offhand guesstimation....

But, as larry5729 suggests, it comes down to what one wants to hear and how.....so it's back to the hunt.

'Twas always thus...;)

If you just take the ones in the US and Europe, I'd guess it's easily over 100.  I seem to hear of a new company (to me) every third day and I'm not looking for them, just reading forums.

It is the same old consumer beware monologue. Most people have no idea what they are listening to all present excluded of course. Remember Bose sold millions of 901s. One of the worst performing speakers of all time. So, it is no surprise there are hundreds of manufacturers making sub optimal products. As long as they make them look nice they will sell. It is looks not sound that sell most loudspeakers. After all there is a healthy profit margin in them. God bless Mark Levinson and David Wilson.
Those of us who are serious know exactly what we want to hear and usually know where to look. We discount 90% of the market almost instantly. These manufacturers are making speakers for people who would rather buy a bigger TV.

About 6 years ago I read it was over 400 . Now ?

....Carl Sagan's comment comes to mind.....;)