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Sadly missed manufacturers

I've been an audio and music enthusiast since the 1970's. We've all seen a fair number of companies come and go. Some burned brightly for a while, some not at all, and some companies are still present but only in name as they otherwise bear no resemblance to their ancestors.

Are there any companies you are sad to have seen disappear?

l can name a few former luminaries that are now gone- Counterpoint, Apogee. Both offered very good products, but unfortunately neither offered bullet proof reliability. I am of mixed feelings of the various Carver companies. I think Carver, the man, is capable of producing some genuinely first rate products but I viewed much of the marketing as smoke and mirrors which to me detracts from a manufacturer's credibility.
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waxwaves's avatar
waxwaves
206 posts
 
there was another that was 2 initials followed by a name (x.x. smith, for example) that eludes me at the moment.

Do you mean C.J. Walker?

Didn't Will Vincent used to restore and modify those old Western Electric tube amps? Wish he was still working his magic too! I think he has retired from his work with ST-70s, etc. There are quite a few of his restored Dynaco ST-70s out there. He made quite a name for himself here on Audiogon.
dayglow
1,760 posts
 
Mrschret-I don't think most of us are reminiscing. Many of the companies mentioned were top performers at there price points. Not sure if Acoustat was mentioned but they were a top player in planar speakers, and also made a great power amp. Need to give a shout out to Clements Audio. The RT-7 was one the great forgotten(by many) speakers of the late 80's. Was very close to purchasing the RT-7 but the ribbon tweeter(ahead of it's time)was just to prominent for a Magnepan/SMG owner(lol). I'm sure I would have adjusted to all that treble resolution and had a speaker that would have given me many years of enjoyment!
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
616 posts
 
Virtual Mode, Snell, California Audio Labs...

Though it is interesting how one company will fall off the tree and new companies come along and blossom in the same field. :) Just a thought.
matjet
111 posts
 
DTC, Yes, I meant KLH, thanks.
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,555 posts
 
How about those 7ft tall panel carver ribbon speakers!, they were a flat panel plith with multiple 12 inch woofers, they had a good clarity to their sound!
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