Just saw the Absolute Sounds 50 Greatest Bargins in Audio

Test, not one of their better efforts. I fully agree.  I have owned some of them and feel that they are a cut above in their price ranges.  It's funny as I always felt I got more out of my Treo's than the other speakers I auditioned under 12k.  I have spent countless hours with a lot of gear.  they are catering to all our different tastes, which is important.  the other thing to keep in mind is that they don't audition everyone's gear anymore either.  I notice that my Ayre gear is not on the list.  Even a few dealers I'm friends with who don't sell Ayre (as others in their area do) feel that it's of the best in it's price ranges.  

We all have our favorites and I must say that mine change often as I get to hear more stuff.  I do have some constants though.  Vandersteen, Ayre and Aurender (saving up for the N10 as it's the best music server I've ever heard and I've heard most of the ultra high end ones as I'm in the market).  

Thought this would be a fun thread for us to post on.  

What a lame list.  Really.  By far the best value in audio are the tube amps from VTA (http://tubes4hifi.com).  Not even close.  You could build a ST-120 kit for less than $1200 or drop nearly $5000 on a Mac 275 that isn't as good.  Exceptional value

And then there are the Linkwitz LX521 and LXmini designs.  The LX521 will go up against anything at any price.  Extraordinary and you can build them for about $3000 with the active crossover.  If you're not a woodworker, hire a local cabinet maker to make 'em up for you.  Won't cost much and you get them built the way you want them.

The LXmini images better than monkey coffins I've heard at $30,000/pair.

That's value.

Thanks for that great positive input Russ.  Seems like you have it all figured out for us all.  No need to look at anything else.  I've never heard a monkey coffin, so I guess I can't comment on those, but for MY ears in MY system, the Vandersteen Quatro's are incredible and to me a great value for high end audio.  Other's may not like them as they like a different flavor. Same with your tube amp and everything else you posted about.  

This isn't a DIY list so why would you call it lame?  Just because you like to make gear (which is very cool by the way as I used to do the same and I am a woodworker), doesn't mean any one else on these threads want to.  I've heard a lot of DIY stuff and honestly, most of it isn't to my ears as good as so many similarly priced pieced available. One reason is economy of scale as well as no having the ability to get custom made drivers etc.. 

To make absolute statements like you do make no sense as none of it's true.  there is no best in a subjective hobby like this. You feel that the DIY gear is best for YOU and that's awesome.  Very happy that you love your gear like we all love ours.  

Seems that this pastime is now subject to the same social media crowd who, without a shred of knowledge, criticizes olympic athletes and comments on politics. This forum was a place where people shared their enjoyment and enthusiasm for excellence. This pastime is about enjoyment not hyper criticism of components, recordings and performances. 

A list is just that compiled by people with exposure to certain products.

What I find as a seasoned dealer is how limited this list is and there are glaring omissions.

One of the most notable is the missing KEF LS 50 which is now priced at $1,299 a pair. This has been one of the best selling monitors of the last ten years and they have received tons of accolades.

Other missing products are things like the Naim Uniti line which is a fantastic product which makes audiophile and non audiophiles alike totally happy, integrated streamer, great app, an entire echo system or streaming products like Sonos and a starting price of $3k totally affordable.

As per expensive speakers the new Persona line is easily a competitor with the Magico at $4k less expensive with greater transparency in a nicer cabinet. and why no Legacy Aeris which is a $25k speaker with room correction, a dac and a preamp for again less money than the Magico, they received a rave review in the Absolute Sound and with their advanced room correction were considered a game changer.

Also missing is Tekton which for $3k are insanely good loudspeakers as well as the more expensive Golden Ear Triton 1 or the new Triton Reference
s which a lot of people love.

In 50 greatest doesn't value, styling, and ease of use and simplicity count for something as well as performance?

I do agree with some of the items on the list and we sell a large number of the products on this list, the Nuprime Ida 8 is shockingly good and the T+A electronics are unbelievable in both sound quality, design and technology.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ