Perhaps the most impressive experience after hearing b&w loudspeakers for the 1st time was hearing SF Extremas for the 1st time. I could not pick myself up from the center chair at the audio show, but a line had formed waiting on me. I smiled as i got up and nodded at the next person in line, and told the rep i would hopefully return later for some more tunes. I searched for months for a used pair (there was one but it already had a deposit on it). not a great looking speaker (described as the audio version of a Saab), but gorgeous sounding, almost intoxicatingly natural, self-effacing non-hi-fi but totally high-end.
another room had the Electra-Amators hooked up to a nothing-special set of components, and THEY sounding great, too (even though they were pointed at my knees). I wondered WHAT was going on here with this manufacturer anyway, or could it just be me? Playboy magazine even came out with a glowing review of the E.Amators to the tune of "don't miss out on the opportunity to hear these speakers for yourself". Great product, great company, what else can i say? VERY sad to get this sort of news. at least IMHO, this guy made a lot of musicphiles very happy.