Tim From Audiogo.com
Having spent more than forty years listening to and owning a wide variety of loudspeakers, I've encountered only a handful that truly left a lasting impression. After hearing Charney Audio at Capital Audiofest, I was intrigued enough to visit Brian Charney's workshop and experience the Companion Excalibur for myself.
The speaker immediately distinguished itself with an expansive and immersive soundstage that extended not only from side to side, but also deep into the room. The presentation possessed a remarkable sense of realism and musical presence, creating that elusive feeling of being genuinely connected to the performance. Equally impressive was its ability to maintain this character at virtually any listening level, delivering dynamics and engagement without requiring excessive volume.
During my visit, I spent several hours listening to some of my favorite recordings and intentionally challenged the system across a wide range of musical styles and demands. The Companion Excalibur excelled in every category that matters: delicacy, bass response, speed, clarity, instrument separation, and that special midrange realism that brings music to life.
No matter what material I selected, the speakers consistently delivered an impressive and emotionally engaging performance. What made the experience even more remarkable was that it was achieved with a relatively simple system built around quality electronics, including a 300b amplifier and a modestly priced CD player.
Over the years, I have listened extensively to many highly regarded loudspeaker brands paired with some of the most expensive electronics available. Yet the Charney designs delivered a level of musical satisfaction that rivals systems costing substantially more.
Perhaps most importantly, these speakers simply make you want to keep listening. They combine realism, dynamics, and musicality in a way that feels natural and effortless.
I have no affiliation with Charney Audio beyond being an enthusiastic listener and hobbyist. In fact, I currently own a pair of Musical Affairs Grand Crescendos, which I hold in very high regard. Even so, I wish I had discovered Charney Audio sooner.
Beyond their sonic performance, the speakers are beautifully crafted. The fit, finish, and overall build quality are exceptional, making them as visually impressive as they are musically rewarding.
For anyone interested in experiencing what a truly well-executed single-driver loudspeaker can achieve, I highly recommend taking the time to hear a pair for yourself.