Does it make sense to spend $100,000 on a pair of loudspeakers? How about $250,000? There are high-end options that cost even more but that type of investment requires a system that could possibly cost the end user almost $1M when you factor in everything. Having listened to a rather significant number of loudspeakers over the past two decades, there are very few at that level that have really left us speechless and overwhelmed with emotion — which is what one should demand from any loudspeaker.
Creating a state-of-the-art Hi-Fi system requires very careful component matching and an understanding of room acoustics. Achieving audio nirvana isn’t guaranteed even with a bottomless pit of money. But there are select number that represent the “best” of their kind that create the basis for musical playback at the highest possible level.
These loudspeakers actually deliver on their eye-opening price tags.
Gryphon Kodo: The Icon
Conceived as The Ultimate Loudspeaker, Gryphon’s Kodo is a celebration of excess in the service of music. Weighing-in at nearly 3,000 pounds and featuring a total of 38 bespoke drivers, Kodo’s four 92” tall towers consume 110 man-hours of skilled hand labor. Each Bass Column includes eight custom-made woofers powered by a 1,000-watt Gryphon Amplifier for bass you’ll feel as well as hear. Finish options are limited only by the owner’s imagination. Starting at $379,000/system, Kodo isn’t for everyone but if you want the best…
Bowers & Wilkins 801 D4 Signature
The D4 Signature is the latest and most advanced version of the iconic Bowers & Wilkins 801 loudspeaker, which has been the preferred speaker of Abbey Road Studios since 1988, because of their precision and accuracy.
Available in California Burl Gloss or Midnight Blue Metallic.
Focal Scala Utopia Evo
As powerful as they are stylish, Focal Scala Utopia Evo high-fidelity three-way floor standing loudspeakers deliver unbelievable musicality, beautiful design and are easy to install. For 2024, the Scalas in the colored lacquer finishes are $40,000 pair, for a price decrease of $13,000 pair. The wood finishes are $53,000 pair.
Monitor Audio Hyphn
Hyphn is a peerless, definitive, uncompromising demonstration of the Monitor Audio Group’s current design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, and its future ambitions. It is the most creatively ambitious, technically advanced and powerful loudspeaker in the company’s history. It delivers a dramatically enhanced listening experience, with a visually striking presence.
DALI KORE
The DALI KORE stands on the shoulders of all DALI speakers that have come before it and is the ultimate expression of DALI’s passion for music. KORE is equipped with revolutionary technologies that break with tradition yet reflect DALI’s core acoustic principles, pushing the boundaries of loudspeaker design like none before it.
Pro Audio Technology
Tailored to the finest private screening rooms, Pro Audio Technology’s versatile line of loudspeakers and DSP amplified loudspeaker controllers offer system-based solutions from $50K to essentially an unlimited budget for reference level sonics beyond belief — exceeding 135dB! PRO’s secret sauce includes a combination of consumer and professional engineering technologies that unite lively dynamics, high maximum output level, and refined acoustic performance – satisfying even the most discerning music and home theater enthusiasts around the globe.
RBH Sound: UNRIVALED 221-SF/R
The Ultimate high performance, high fidelity subwoofer! This behemoth of a subwoofer houses two proprietary carbon fiber 21 inch 4000 watt drivers, weighs in at a lofty 465 lbs, and in most rooms will easily play flat into the single digit frequencies. The sandwiched carbon fiber cone is lightweight, yet rigid providing accurate pistonic motion with very little distortion and breakup. Contributing to the accuracy of the system, the UNRIVALED 221-SF/R houses RBH’s G.A.D.S. (patent pending) technology which acts as mass loading and acoustic damping without sacrificing precious air space. The price includes two 4000 watt DSP controlled amplifiers.
MOON by Simaudio
Ultra-luxury loudspeakers demand a high-end audio system to fully unleash their ultimate performance. Embodying the spirit of Canada, MOON’s new North Collection includes a range of amplifiers and network player/DACs that express the finest nuances in every recording. The culmination of years of research, each product reflects the company’s passion for premium audio design and exceptional sound reproduction.
From $11,000 at Simaudio
BDI Align
The Align 7479 cabinet by BDI shines as a must-have console for luxury home theater spaces. Boasting architecturally inspired louvered doors, Align’s design optimally allows sound and heat to escape while IR signals get in, offering an ideal home for your AV components and equipment.
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Disclosure: The products listed above are approved by our Editors, but may be requested by our sponsors. When links to buy are provided, we’ll direct you to the lowest price at time of publication. In doing so, eCoustics may earn a small commission from the associated retailer if purchased.
Asa
March 5, 2024 at 5:19 pm
I can confirm the value/design/functionality of the BDI cabinets. Ours is on hidden wheels tucked up under the supports and works well and blends into our decore perfectly.
I’ll never be able to afford the rest of the items highlighted above…but I do have another Gryphon…iFI xDSD Gryphon DAC. ;).
Benno Ritter
March 5, 2024 at 6:35 pm
You forgot one of the best sounding speakers I ever listen to by mbl (www.mbl.de). Great sound and even greater price.
Daniel
March 5, 2024 at 6:57 pm
I think you missed the mark by not including the Wilson Audio Master Chronosonic. At $875k it is truly a ‘cost no object’ speaker
GM
March 10, 2024 at 7:24 pm
What about what about…
Estelon Extreme Mk II $269.000.00
Sonus Faber Stradivari $50,000.00
B&W Nautilus $100,000.00
Linn 360 $105,000.00
KEF Muon $232,000.00
Stenheim Reference Ultime $150,000.00
Tidal Royale (starting at) $318,000.00
Magio M9 $750,000.00
YG Acoustics XX 3 Live (20th Anniversary release) $$TBA
Rockport Technologies Altair $90,000.00
Vivid AUdio Giya G2 $70,000.00
Elac Concentro $29,000.00
Transmission Audio Ultimate $2,000,000.00
Audio Infinite Wisdom Grande $700,000.00