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What companies, out of Business, did you LOVE???

I had just sold my Proceed PAV/PDSD combo, with a trio of Jeff Rowland Model 7s, and EAD Theatermaster. While I was waiting for my new system (Cal Audio CL-2500 pack) to arrive, I realized I needed some tunes and went to the yard to see what was 'laying' around. What I found was not only fun, but the idea to begin this thread. Personally, I am interested in this question from a Home Theater standpoint, but welcome 2 channel responses as well.

What is the BEST systems or pieces you have heard from companies that are no longer in business!!

I went to the garage, and pulled up a Golden Theater GTX-1 I had purchased a few years back. Solo Electronics went under about a year into these units. They received rave reviews from the magazines, but they just didn't hang around for a curtain call. I then pulled out an older 5 channel amp and here is what I gathered!

The DTS/DD Golden Theater GTX-1, which is STUNNINGLY good in 2 channel (what everyone loved about this unit!) was the start, and I paired it with a Chiro 5 channel C-500 amp.
I thought, hey, this company is also out of business too!!!
This amp was also favorably reviewed and when I put this system together, I realized how good they both were, specifically in 2 channel!! These companies both had GREAT products and when matched together, WOW! Obviously this set didn't chase the Proceed/Rowland gear out of my house, but you know, it did give it a run for its money!! Here is my thoughts on the BEST OutOfBusiness Home Theater!!

Golden Theater GTX-1 (DTS, DD)
Chiro C-500 (140 x 5, THX (for whatever that is worth)
Hales Concept 5 (owned these 250 lbs monsters some time ago) and for a center channel
the Hales Rev 1!!

This system would be stellar for music and if for music, it would kick butt for Home Theater!! The Hales are fabulous speakers, require substantial power (like the Aerials I run now) but if fed properly, even the mother of 'The Fridge' would be proud!

Put your best OutOfBusiness (OOB) companies down!!!

Dan

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bpwalsh
1,200 posts
 
Jeff, I agree the Soundwaves were pretty darn nice... Another speaker people miss are the Scientific Fidelity Teslas, a true bargain in their day.
sundaycomix
6 posts
 
Apogee Acoustics made electrostatic speakers which were so far ahead of their time. They were among the best speakers I've ever owned (i.e. the Stages; though I also owned Slant 6) and I still dream about that incomparable mating of musicality, transparancy, and immediacy. Of the competitors and/or 'survivors', Sound Labs came close, Magnepans (though not a "direct" product competitor) are much loved, but not in the same league, Martin Logans just never did it for me (cold and lacking in musicality), and Innersound...hmmm don't know, but I'm willing to bet that at best, they're 'similar' to the decades-old Apogees.

Other past greats: Threshold amps, Cal Audio Labs cd players, and Counterpoint amps/preamps. I also think of mentioning Well Tempered turntables, but am never sure if they're fully out of business or just very scarce...

Keep on living music.
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
I thought Apogees were ribbons, not 'stats.
jackv4realty
5 posts
 
Again, Dunlavy.

Incredible speakers. I regret getting rid of mine, but that may soon change, as I am looking for a used pair.

I bought my original pair used, and one of the grill fasteners was broken. Called Dunlavy for replacements, John Dunlavy himself answered the phone. He was great to talk to. Gave me equipment recommendations, talked about his speakers and audio in general, without being condescending or overbearing, and ultimately, sent me an owner's manual and a bunch of fasteners free of charge. A great guy, and a great product. I wish I had the $$ to buy the rights to his products, so that I could restore and re-manufacture his speakers.

My neighbors at the beach used to come over and say that they would normally complain about how loud I played my system, but they said that it sounded so good that they couldn't complain. It sort of became a joke around the neighborhood, they would ask what I would be playing next or if I had a CD they liked. It actually interested others in hi-fi, and that alone says a lot about Dunlavy products.

So, thank you, John Dunlavy, for making such great products. I hope there is some way they can be produced again, I would love the ability to buy new Dunlavy products.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
I, too would like mention Dunlavy. Great speakers, be it II, IV or V which I have experience of owning(just added IV bought from fellow Agoner.) I once hooked up my II's with my main system inplace of V's and the sound was exactly the same as my V's minus the some of the bass and subbass content. Just incredible. Even after all these years, every time I sit down to listen, the sound is still incredibly real,never,i say never ever fatiguing.

Few years back I too called and John Dunlavy himself picked up the phone. My question was to ask what they could do about the rattling sound coming from lower left woofer. No sweat he said. Call me back with you serial numbers and I will send you the matched pair of woofers specific to my serial numbers free of charge of course. We chated a little about the several recording labels and cables and speakers. I have to agree he definitely was opinionated. Only his way and np other way. He disliked Reference recordings because there was, per him, too much echo in the recordings and of course thru time a;ligned speakers, like Dunlavys, it is unforgiving. They even sent me letter later to check if I was happy with the woofers!!
It turned out that there was nothing wrong with that woofer, only one of felt pad was half unglued!! So Now I have matched pair just in case.
I think I am going to live with The dunlavy speakers for long long time until, god forbid, they die.....
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