Hi Fi Art Level Reference at $20,000

Entry Level Strata : Bowers + Wilkins (B&W) 805 Diamond Speaker, $5000 USD / pair

At Hi Fi Art, we think that a true reference system should cost around $20,000 USD, all inclusive. This would include speakers, corresponding amplifiers, and digital to analogue / pre-amplification conversion. Traditionally, this would be something like Duntech Sovereign ($16,000 pair) loudspeaker setup for full frequency response with a Bryston 4B amplifier ($2100) for power and Melos SHA-Gold preamplifer for control ($1995). 

Looking at the reference components we have auditioned, this is far from the situation. Take the Aston Martin branded One-77 Verandi we have used to illustrate conceptually the modus operandi of Hi Fi Art: the speaker it is modeled on costs €5,000,000, and $500,000 USD speakers are not now unknown.


Now the Shape Audio Organic Harmony speaker we mention above is the model sculpted in Gold, and weighs in at 215 kg - more than a few cold-pressed ounces. Likewise, the mention of that word, gold, in this case the Apalogue Anniversary speaker from Goldmund, will come all-in for about the weight in aluminum for 1/10th the price, and likewise include internal amplification, and active playback electronics.

We have heard very good sound at 1/2 that price, consisting of separate components which we would truly call reference level, in every sense of the word, however we still believe that a true playback system of reference level should be optionally available for a $20,000 system price.

System Component: Headphone / Speaker Interface,
WOO Audio's WEE

Possible Component: Integrated Amplifier, DAC and Wi-Fi Streamer,
Devialet's 110

Reference System Component
Stax 009 Electrostatic Headphone, $5500 USD

Two systems today come as possibilities in rising to this challenge. The first is based on the item shown above, the Stax 009 headphone: truly reference class sonic capability for almost 1/2000th the price of a luxury speaker or collector car.

Reference System - Devialet

Bowers & Wilkins B&W 805 Diamond Speakers ($5000 USD)
Stax 009 Electrostatic Headphones ($5400 USD)
Woo Audio WEE Energizer ($500 USD)
Devialet D-110 Integrated Amplifier / DAC / Streamer ($6,500 CDN)

For a limited time, the new Devialet models (110, 170) come with the complimentary wi-fi streaming capability. There is also the at $8000 which is a contender, but does not offer streaming.. The D-Premier which we have reviewed and the replacement model, 240, come with this included in the system.

System Price: $17,400.00



Without the B&W, System A comes approaching half our objective, however only one person (you) will be able to hear the wonderful sound. Adding a relatively budget pair of loudspeakers such as the B&W 805 Diamond, you will be able to move the sound of the music out into the room, however with some rather shy bass output and a limited dynamic range possibility. Accordingly, a second pair of Stax 009 headphones can rather allow another listener to enjoy this system, admittedly tethered by headphone cable.

Reference System - Audioengine

Sanders Model 10 Electrostatic Speaker System ($14,000)
Sanders Magtech Amplifier ($5500)
Audioengine W2 Wireless DAC System ($600)

System Price: $20,100.00

System B comes in