KEF - I like their LS50 + LS50 Meta, their meta variation seems a bit overpriced and hyped for what it offers above the LS50. Don't really like their tower models. Too much surface area in design for a single combination driver and basically a huge chunk of plastic. Maybe they sound great, but doubt about the need for a tower here instead of Ls50 / sub set which probably sounds the same and appears way more elegant. It is a bit of of a love / hate thing.
Klipsch - The LaScala and Heritage series are the reason I would recommend klipsch in those ranges. The La Scala's are like classical Theatre loudspeakers. Pretty amazing stuff. Every black with orange bookshelf is the reason I wouldn't recommend them. I know there are worse and better, but not such a fan of how they treat their budget range in terms of quality standard. People who want horns and buy a wave guide, because it resembles one.
B&W - It used to be more of an accessible brand, probably still fine in the lower categories, but far from their flagship models and pricing. Probably holding back on innovation and delivery in those ranges.
Quad - Used to own the 303 / 33 combination as a gift from my father, which were used in labs and advertised for being in use there (different times) , but the brand kind of got a diamond ring and I think nowadays they deliver more of a premium feel and advertising instead of the premium quality that other players also deliver for far less. Good amps, their speakers apart from the electrostatic ones are really overhyped and not mind blowing well in terms of price / quality value, but maintain a high market value because it is Quad.
I heard over 150 products in 2024 and these are my 5 hi-fi highlights
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