Do you have a speaker that’s not a big name maker but punches above its weight? Why?


I have a Gato Fm6. My reference for last 10 years. Sounds amazing. Designer used to work for Gamut. Amazing clarity. Great open midrange and vapor like treble that’s detailed , transparent and vapor like!  What are others? 

calvinj

I also have the Gato FM6, which at it's very low used price is an incredible value....used to own Salk SongTowers and Monitors which were excellent and a great value new or used...

My Dayton Audio IO8XTWs.  They look a lot like the Bowers & Wilkins AM-1, but at less than half the price.  The Daytons have an 8" woofer, the B&Ws a 5 incher.  I've never heard the B&Ws, but I can't imagine them sounding better at twice the price of the Daytons.  They truly are spectacular, giving me that huge, awesome concert/live sound outside.  When I add a sub to the mix, the sound is phenomenal. Parts Express truly delivers value. 

My vote is an easy one for me, the Aurum Cantus V7F Rosewood finish. Absolutely stunning cabinet finish, efficient so it works with a lot of amps, really great sound with good usable bass down to 40hz (in my smaller dedicated room) and I paid $4k shipped to my house. I believe Terry London (@teajay) reviewed a set a few years ago but that's the only review I found. Jeff Dorgay reviewed a pair a couple years ago as well. 

 

https://www.aurumcantus.com/Products_details/120.html

B&W 302. From the late 90’s, it made the cover of Stereophile as Budget Speaker of the year, and for good reason.  Entry level at $300/pr new, they just happen to be a joy to listen to music to.  Maybe by pure accident, everything fell into place, any sins committed are ones of omission rather than of commission.  A little, lightweight, front-ported box, they can be placed most anywhere.  A great choice for desktop, bedroom bureau, or workbench, they can be found in good shape for around $150/pr on the usual sites.