Steve picks his all time favourites, some are still current, some are now vintage.
To be included on this list Steve either owned, lived with, or as a salesman sold these speakers for at least one year (with just a few exceptions).

- OHM WALSH 2000
- EPOS ES14
- B&W 805 D3
- TAD ME1
- WILSON AUDIO Watt/Puppy
- SNELL Type A
- KLIPSCH Forte III
- KLIPSCH Cornwall IV
- MAGNEPAN 3.6 and 3.7
- JM LAB Mini Utopia
- VANDERSTEEN 2C
- QUAD ESL63
- APOGEE Duetta
- DYNAUDIO Special 25
- KEF LS50 original/Meta

DarkLantern blog - darklanternforowen.wordpress.com

Have had Snell Type As in various incarnations for years. Had a period in the 2000’s where I had Sonus Faber Amatis. Then went back to Snells. Thinking I would like to experiment with horns. Does anyone have an opinion on the merits of switching from the Snells to the Klipsches? I like a full, musical sound as opposed to an airy, thin or analytical response. My room is large, has little echo, but is not treated. Not looking to increase brightness. Want a bit fuller sound, with special clarity on vocals and bigger impact (on rock, although I listen to all kinds of music). Want vocals completely separated from instruments and little congestion when numerous instrumental lines are going simultaneously.

I use 225 w/ch mono block tube amps which are switchable to 125w/ch triode mode, as opposed to ultralinear.


Really have not questioned the Snells for a long time. Have sounded good (and everything I could ask) with CDs. Recently, got turntable set up again (Oracle with ET2 arm and DynavectorXX-2), after having it off for 6 months or so. So, it may be a front end issue.


Analog sounds good on this system with acoustic music, industrial (techno, noise, experimental) and most jazz. Falls short with rock.

Wondering your thoughts on replacing the Snells with the Klipsch Cornwall IVs? Many thanks for your attention.