The most boring $35,000 speakers ever

(Credit: Electronic House)

Considering all the interesting forms that loudspeakers can and do take, the latest pair from Snell is almost inexcusably boring. Then again, this is the same company that has deliberately tried to conceal other products, so maybe it's just not interested in appearances.

Electronic House gushes over the Reference Tower A7 Loudspeaker's "dual 5.25-inch magnesium midranges mounted over and under a silk dome tweeter, combined with twin 10-inch long-throw woofers for exceptional smoothness and dynamic range." Still, at a price of $35,000, one might expect a little more effort applied to the aesthetic factor. Instead, the speakers--the first in a new line amusingly dubbed the "Illusion Series"--reminds us of A/V equipment from our high school auditorium. But we really shouldn't complain; at least Snell didn't produce more floating eyeballs to keep us awake at nights.

[bigcitylawyer]

The Eyes Have It

I'd take the eyeballs over these things any day. I heard the Proclaim speakers at an audio show at the Grand Hyatt in NYC earlier this year, and they were--hands down--the best speakers I've ever heard. Maybe there's something to eschewing the boring rectangle, after all?

[peter.mortensen]

What is the point of this article???

This is perhapes the most meaningless article about a pair of quality speakers.

Snell is generally not aiming for fancy designs but is focusing on acoustical qualities.

Not many would like to pay US$ 35,000 for a pair of speakers but for those who would, the interesting topic is if the product delivers US$ 35,000 worth of audio quality.

For example, at this price level, does the audio quality beat the Beolab 5 speakers from Bang & Olufsen that truly are not boring and have a lot more technology inside including extremely powerful amplifiers.
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/page.asp?id=40

What is the currently best sounding speakers available in your opinion? Or do you even care?