Knowing what hi-fi brand to audition can be daunting, particularly if you’re new to this wonderful hobby. Sure, most of us have heard of Bowers Wilkins, Marantz, Wharfedale and KEF, and for very good reason.
Hello it's John from Peter Tyson here, you'll usually find me on our YouTube channel. This week, I’ve been chatting to our hi-fi experts here at Peter Tyson to find the most underrated brands, here are 5 names that kept popping up...
No. 5: DALI
DALI or Danish Audiophile Loudspeaker Industries have been reviewed on our YouTube channel before, they are also a firm favourite amongst the hi-fi team, you’ll always find a pair somewhere on display or in a demo room ready for action.
From my experience, the Oberon 5 is one of the best compact floor standing speakers for the money. The excellent Rubikore range is also a dream to demo here at the store. In fact, every DALI I’ve heard has just been fun to listen too, and surely that’s what it’s all about isn’t it?
That’s before you get to their really high-end stuff that I would love to have listen to at some point. I think any DALI speakers are worth your time auditioning.
No. 4: Acoustic Energy
I’ve had limited exposure to these over the last year, but whenever they pop up in the demo room I can’t help but sit down and have a listen. I’m yet to hear a pair I have not thoroughly enjoyed. The finish and build on any Acoustic Energy speakers are lovely too, they always look great in any room.
Our very own hi-fi expert Steve made me promise to mention just how good Acoustic Energy Corinium loudspeakers are… and coming from Steve, that’s high praise indeed!
No. 3: Polk Audio
Polk Audio loudspeakers are very pocket friendly indeed, that doesn’t mean they are not friendly to your ears too. For their budget price, they are outrageously good, punching well above their weight class. Some of the big floorstanders can be a bit… unruly, in smaller rooms but the stand mounters and subwoofers are incredible for the money, particularly in a surround sound setup in a home theatre.
If you’re on a limited budget spend most of it on your amplification and pop some Polk Audio on the end of it until you can save up for the speakers you’re dreaming of. I think you’ll be surprised at they can do.
No. 2: PMC
PMC loudspeakers are likely very well known to some hi-fi veterans or anyone with exposure to recording studios. If you’re quite new to hi-fi, you may never think to try them or maybe haven’t even heard of them.
PMC are one of the very few companies who have been awarded an Emmy® for their contribution to recording excellence. A new addition to our loudspeaker arsenal here at Peter Tyson is the PMC Prodigy 1 and larger Prodigy 5. They may not be the most outrageous looking speakers you ever saw, but in terms of musicality and transparency, their studio heritage shines through… and I challenge you to find more tuneful, controlled bass from such tiny loudspeakers.
This list is very loudspeaker heavy, so we need some source equipment.
No. 1: Cyrus
My number one spot goes to British manufacturer Cyrus. Those who own it totally get it, and I’m sure will happily sing its praises. I just think it’s a little misunderstood.
“But it’s small box expensive lifestyle stuff” I hear you cry… Nope! Just because it’s half size, doesn’t make it any less of a serious hi-fi, it’s all about performance! Seriously listen with your ears not a tape measure!
“I’ve heard of them, aren’t they are part of Mission?” No… That partnership began and ended in the 1980’s.
Cyrus makes consistent, incredibly well built, robust, proper hi-fi that sounds beautiful. I like the classic Cyrus design language but if you’re not a fan, the new 40 series is simply gorgeous. Plus, Cyrus is made in Britain, just like me, and I like to support what’s left of British manufacturing.
So that’s it, 5 alternative brands you may not have thought of that I think are worth your time auditioning.
That’s the nice thing about having demo rooms and lots of kit to play with here at Peter Tyson, it means you can come and compare different kit and actually listen for yourself, instead of blindly trusting online reviews and spec sheets. It also means you can use the knowledge of the hi-fi chaps; they’re a friendly bunch, they do this all day long and it’s their hobby too. They genuinely like helping people to pick their next hi-fi.
Whether you want to try out the 5 brands I’ve listed, or any of the many great quality hi-fi brands we stock at Peter Tyson, pop in to see us or arrange a demo. You can find your nearest store right here.