Why Ellisaudio

There are a number of other kit manufacturers that make very good products.  I cite them because I do recommend their products.  Here is my brief take on what they offer.

North Creek Music 

The best “reading” kit page on the web.  George Short has a good knowledge base.  He also has an impeccable reputation, and you will pay for it.  His kits aren’t cheap, but they get results.  If you don’t want to learn much about this hobby, and you are willing to pay for time commensurate with his resume’, buy George’s kits.  I am not “sold” on the mega-huge low tension wound coils.  There is already so much headroom in a standard 14ga coil when considering their operating voltage.   BTW, George does make a very good argument for them.  

Salk Sound

Jim Salk is a fine gentlemen with a killer ear for sound and profound woodworking skills.  For those seeking excellent sound in a phenomenal cabinet, the Veracity is a winner.  Recently Jim introduced a 3 way speaker called the Veractiy HT3.  This speaker is slightly better than the Joseph Audio Pearl – my previous favorite high-end speaker.

BESL

Phil Bamberg seems to fall just a scosh behind George Short in terms of apparent credibility, but this bias exists only in rhetoric.  Phil has an amazing knowledge base, but doesn’t have the Masters Degree in Applied Physics “tattooed” liberally throughout his page.  Phil’s rhetoric is subdued, but his design ability is on-par with the very best in the business. BESL has several very good speakers and extremely good quality control. 

Newform Research

They appear to be a major boon for manufacturer direct speakers. I haven’t heard them but suspect that they are indeed extremely good.  The factory cabinet appears slightly weak due to lack of internal bracing, but this can easily be fixed with some Black Hole 5. Jeff Glowacki guided a customer through a detailed upgrade here. I have used these crossover components and found them to be as described by the listener

Murphy Blaster 

I have a pair of the SPCA’s in my living room intermittently.  They are amazing for the $ !  Dennis Murphy does have the coveted Ph.D., but it is in Economics.  He is an accomplished musician, and designer.  Dennis has golden talent, and golden ears.  During my trip to CES I learned that Dennis can design a crossover equal to the very best in the business.  There were a couple crossovers I thought Dennis could easily improve upon.