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Era loudspeakers
Although, as noted last week, some companies falter, there are always new ones trying to establish themselves and grow. What are the brightest stars among new audio companies?
First of all, Slim Devices (as distinct from Logitech). Secondly, it's finally the realization that DACs are the way to go. We're starting to see some good ones come out now. Hopefully there will be more. Thirdly, the other players in this field: Sonos and Sooloos. Unfortunately, the hi-fi manufacturers have got it wrong again—network players from Linn, Naim, et al, are rubbish, in my opinion.
NuForce. They are a company that constantly develops and upgrades their technology, and have keen eye on where the industry is going. NuForce's pricing is also real-world, and the company stands behind its products and supports its customers.
I have three. ModWright Instruments, Daedalus Audio, and Gill Audio Design. Many are familiar with Dan Wright's tube-based modifications and his preamp and transporter, but Dan recently produced his first power amplifier, the KWA 150—an all solid-state design—and is following it up with the KWA 100. Dan's products are incredible designs, are well-built, and produce amazing music at an incredibly reasonable price point. Lou Hinkley at Daedalus Audio makes beautiful all-hardwood speakers that are the most natural sounding speakers I have heard. As a musician, Lou's goal was to build a speaker that would reproduce musical instruments to sound like they sound when you hear them live and he has succeeded in a big way. And very reasonably priced. David Gill has teamed with Joe Fratus at Art Audio. David has designed and builds an incredible line-up of a vacuum-tube preamp, amp, and DAC. I now own a ModWright amp, Daedalus speakers, and Gill's Alana preamp, replacing Bryston and Music Fidelity gear and B&W speakers. My system has never sounded better. All three companies will be at RMAF in three weeks.