Audio Rags
I enjoy reading audio magazines. These “reviewers” get exposed to a lot more new gear than you and I do. But let’s face it. It’s getting to where these guys are absurd.
All they see is the one cherry picked piece that lands at their door step. Or, with more influential mags like Stereophile and TAS, the gear is hand delivered to them on a silver platter and set up. All the reviewer has to do is listen to it, instead of fight with the setup.
Almost every review concludes with said product being a GREAT value and well worth your time to chase down for audition. REALLY?
That’s pretty easy to say when the guy reviewing the product never has to pay for it. Further, he doesn’t have to support it and make it work for years in the field.
As a dealer, The Audio Emporium is absolutely on the hook. We pay for products. We support them after the sale. We have the same dog in the hunt as you do.
When we endorse/carry a product, it’s for reasons well beyond a pretty face. Consequently, you can be assured our recommendation is well founded.
Let’s take a look at some of the recent reviews.
$16k per pair small tower speakers
Scanspeak drivers, 8” 3-way
“Entry level.” “Incredibly well priced.”
$13k per pair small shelf speakers
6” 2-way in a fancy enclosure
“Adorable.”
Four pairs of speakers reviewed in one month: $54k pr, $60k pr, $129k pr, $229k pr.
All are stunning performers and referred to as remarkable values at some point in the commentary.
Hey, they even reviewed a 50×2 integrated amp with 4 output transistors for $9k and called it a top contender at its price point and real competitor for much more expensive integrateds. Yep. Just what we’re looking for, a 100×2 integrated amp for $12-15k.
Real World!
We’ll let the magazines ride on their magic carpets. We’re down here in the real world, catering to people who work for a living and want a dollar’s worth of performance for a dollar spent.
Speakers
What are some examples of TRULY exceptional values?
> Magnepan MG .7, $2000 per pair
Edge of the art Quasi Ribbon technology for the mid/woof and tweeter
True, life size performance you expect from a Maggie
Exquisite detail, air and space.
> Bryston A3, $3290 per pair
This is a muscular tower that separates the men from the boys,
or more specifically, the North Americans from the Far East.
Made in Canada with 20 (!!) year warranty, A3 delivers powerful
bass that will leave the big advertisers quaking in their boots!
Two heavy 6.5” Anodized Aluminum Woofs
One Anodized Aluminum Mid
One Steinway smooth Titanium Tweet
> Bryston A2, $3990 per pair
Prodigious tower speaker with 20 year warranty!
Two massively built 6.5” Anodized Aluminum woofs
Two muscular Anodized Aluminum mids
Two smooth Titanium tweeters
Steinway true top end with subterranean low end impact!
> Bryston Middle T $8590 per pair 
Middle T is a center linebacker on steroids!
Two muscle bound 8” Anodized Aluminum woofers
One Anodized Aluminum mid
One Titanium Steinway Smooth tweeter
Middle T looks modest in your room but is an absolute
lion ready to roar!
> Magnepan MG 3.7i, $8800 per pair
With True Ribbon tweeter, 3.7i is unsurpassed in air and space presentation.
Bass is ample for most acoustic listeners
It takes some space but is well worth the effort!
> Bryston Model T, $12,000 per pair
The best value in a high octane speaker on the market!
Model T gives puts music in your room with real world dynamics, weight and scale.
Play a jazz trio and… you could believe they’re in your room!
Oh, and the warranty is 20 friggen years- from a company your can trust!
When you look at what you get for the money you pay at Audio Emporium, I’m very confident in proclaiming, you’re getting your money’s worth!
Further, we deal with solid companies who make reliable products. I’ve been in the biz since the mid 70s. I can tell you from experience that speakers (not to mention electronics!) don’t last forever. Most companies quit supporting speakers at about the ten year range. There are no such worries with Magnepan, Bryston and GE above!