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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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dweller's avatar
dweller
3,781 posts
 
Larryi:
The thing about reviews is a person, who cares enough about audio to actually make it their career, has listened to something you want for months. They bring a huge experience base (can compare to lots of other similar functioning products) before rendering their conclusion.

Now assuming altruistic motivations (i.e. they have not been bribed by the manufacturer), they can have insight that I may not have the time or judgment to acquire.
Of course, your ears should be the final arbiter, but can you trust them after a 1 hour demo in unfamiliar surroundings with equipment you don't own?
larryi
3,973 posts
 
I have no problems with reviews and people relying on reviews to be informed about a product. I do find it a bit odd that once people hear something for themselves, they don't trust their own judgment. It is pretty simple to me, if you like something better than another thing, it IS better to YOU, and your preference is the only one that ultimately matters.

Can I "trust" my own ears after just an hour of listening on unfamiliar gear? No not really, but, I certainly trust my own ears in that circumstance more than I do any reviews. In such circumstances, I give something sounding "bad" the benefit of the doubt; if something sounds good under those circumstances, I know that the speakers are good (given the right equipment and environment).

There are FAR too many positive reviews of gear I have heard and don't like for me to trust any kind of "rave review." I at least know what I like, it comes with experience, which is not the case of everyone looking for gear.
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
619 posts
 
SNELL!
jakeman's avatar
jakeman
78 posts
 
I miss Counterpoint and E.S.S .
ebm
9,311 posts
 
None come to mind i guess ill still get buy.
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