A few comments on this article:
1. Like wine, the best speakers are the ones that YOU are satisfied with - your tastes in audio, music, your environment, your budget
2. "High-end" as a term generally refers to the expertise and materials used to produce speakers, whether they are handmade or coming off a mass production line, etc. So in these terms, there certainly are high-end speakers, albeit perhaps not for everyone's particular taste.
3. To really understand what you may like, plan to attend a high-end audio show in your city. They are usually held in a hotel or similar venue, where a hotel room will be dedicated to all types of audio equipment, including high-end speakers. You can bring a favorite CD (easier) or LP to listen on their equipment. Look at what equipment they are using with their speakers, and look at the size of the space, and furniture layout, carpets, curtains, etc. The speaker size and price are also important considerations. This way you can narrow your selection options.
4. Some better audio shops will allow you to test their speakers in your home - if so, take them up on their offer.
5. Speaker selection (without going into matching amps and preamps, etc.) is a totally subjective exercise, and people's tastes change over time. Enjoy and then gradually upgrade as your budget and time listening will justify. Audio is a journey - not a destination! With discerning judgment, you will "get what you paid for."
On final vignette: One of my dearest, old, audiophile friends had just acquired a pair of Wilson Watt Puppies, but no matter what he did he hated the sound of these speakers, although he had spent an inordinate amount for these "top-end" speakers. He went in for his annual physical, and the doctors revealed that his hearing was deteriorating and that he needed hearing aids in both ears. Now with his new hearing devices, he once again a "Happy Camper".
Mainly get the audio selections out-of-the-way, and then enjoy your Music!
1. Like wine, the best speakers are the ones that YOU are satisfied with - your tastes in audio, music, your environment, your budget
2. "High-end" as a term generally refers to the expertise and materials used to produce speakers, whether they are handmade or coming off a mass production line, etc. So in these terms, there certainly are high-end speakers, albeit perhaps not for everyone's particular taste.
3. To really understand what you may like, plan to attend a high-end audio show in your city. They are usually held in a hotel or similar venue, where a hotel room will be dedicated to all types of audio equipment, including high-end speakers. You can bring a favorite CD (easier) or LP to listen on their equipment. Look at what equipment they are using with their speakers, and look at the size of the space, and furniture layout, carpets, curtains, etc. The speaker size and price are also important considerations. This way you can narrow your selection options.
4. Some better audio shops will allow you to test their speakers in your home - if so, take them up on their offer.
5. Speaker selection (without going into matching amps and preamps, etc.) is a totally subjective exercise, and people's tastes change over time. Enjoy and then gradually upgrade as your budget and time listening will justify. Audio is a journey - not a destination! With discerning judgment, you will "get what you paid for."
On final vignette: One of my dearest, old, audiophile friends had just acquired a pair of Wilson Watt Puppies, but no matter what he did he hated the sound of these speakers, although he had spent an inordinate amount for these "top-end" speakers. He went in for his annual physical, and the doctors revealed that his hearing was deteriorating and that he needed hearing aids in both ears. Now with his new hearing devices, he once again a "Happy Camper".
Mainly get the audio selections out-of-the-way, and then enjoy your Music!