Notable very small loudspeaker companies (other than Tekton!)


Let's give a shout-out to those very small speaker companies that make excellent products.  I'm thinking of true one-man operations (owner-designer-maker) as well as very small ones (owner-designer + a very few employees).

My nominees: Ryan, Prana, Philharmonic, Fritz, Watkins, Vaughn, Chapman, even Daedalus, Salk, Selah.

Who else belongs in this list?

How do they manage to compete with the "big boys", in quality if not in quantity?


128x128twoleftears
@kennythekey 

I get what you’re saying about service.  Dennis Murphy of Philharmonic Audio posts extensively and is always happy to answer questions from owners and potential buyers over at AVS.  

Jim Salk may use off-the-shelf drivers, but his custom cabinets are beautiful, and the way he integrates everything into a finished product turns it into more than the sum of its parts. 

Ar the same time, I can’t  help but profess my love for the sound of Revel speakers.  They’re part of the largest audio company in the world, but those resources allow them to develop, design, and test products at a level that one man shops just can’t.  With their anechoic chamber, listening lab, blind tests during development and science-forward philosophy they’re doing something special.  

Any more comments on Tyler?

From the outside, they remind me strongly of the Duntech/Dunlavy lines.

Fritz. Last show I went to he had among the best sound, was praised by musicians associated with Blue Coast Records. Very high quality parts at reasonable price points.

http://www.fritzspeakers.com/

He will basically whip something up or change it to your particular tastes. Bespoke speakers are not really something you can find at Best Buy prices anywhere else.

Two others I like:

Selah Audio: Top shelf drivers, carefully optimized over time with top shelf crossover parts. 
http://www.selahaudio.com/

Taylor Acoustics - If you like a kit but dont' actually want to build anything, or need a high quality cabinet:
http://www.taylorspeakers.com/

Best,

E