I recently became a dealer for Vmps so I could get myself a pair of RM 40's. This is actually my third pair of their speakers in the last decade. Little known but great sound per dollar. Vmps has a forum at audiocircle.I've not heard Rick's speakers of Selah Audio, also a forum at audiocircle, but when you hear people describe how they sound it's typically on the order of incredible. In both cases these brands I feel will offer more performance by a significant margin than the latest and greatest of the audio magazines or the big advertisers.
Don't get me wrong. Priced right I like the B&W's and Thiel's. There are others that also sound very good and like you said there's no right or wrong. Also it's smart at you to look at some of the smaller companies as many small companies have been in business a long time and have made it because they offer so much value. Vmps has been in business for 28 years. Frank Van Alstine has also been around since the 70's and offers a high quality line of electronics and I think he also sells a speaker he designed. Very smart engineers that aren't trying to get rich, just make a living doing something they love. I've no doubt there's lots of them I've never heard of. Best of luck in your research!
Don't get me wrong. Priced right I like the B&W's and Thiel's. There are others that also sound very good and like you said there's no right or wrong. Also it's smart at you to look at some of the smaller companies as many small companies have been in business a long time and have made it because they offer so much value. Vmps has been in business for 28 years. Frank Van Alstine has also been around since the 70's and offers a high quality line of electronics and I think he also sells a speaker he designed. Very smart engineers that aren't trying to get rich, just make a living doing something they love. I've no doubt there's lots of them I've never heard of. Best of luck in your research!