What are some smaller names that compete with the big names in Audio?

Most all "BIG" names in High End audio are small companies, i.e. less than 100 employees.

And yes, a lot of newer audio companies do not last even 5 years, leaving customers in need of repairs.

I also didn't want my system to be duplicated by 39 different people. 

So you don't want people buying products from the small manufacturers that need support...?

Check out Classic Audio Loudspeakers. I've had many high end speaks through the years but these things blow me away

Some of these can be bought as kits. In no particular order ----

Selah Audio, Tyler Speakers, Odyssey Audio among others.

Sanders makes great speakers, with limitations. I haven't heard his latest electronics but in the distant past the preamps, made by Coda I think, were meh. :) Coda I believe was started by some ex Threshold engineers.

There's Linkwitz open baffle speakers, of course.

For those who don't mind getting their hands dirty there are kits from Meniscus and Madisound, as well as some great small kits from First Watt (Nelson Pass) you can build.

All the best,


Erik