Heavy-metal high-end audio (pictures)

When you're a manufacturer selling cost-no-object uber-audio, build quality is paramount. Take a look at these beauties!

Steve Guttenberg

May 26, 2012 7:36 a.m. PT

1 of 10

Wes Bender

Oracle Delphi turntable

The Oracle Delphi was originally introduced in 1979, and it's still going strong. I always thought it was the most beautiful turntable ever made.

2 of 10

Steve Guttenberg/CNET

Boulder 2060 power amplifier

The Boulder 2060 might be the poster boy for heavy-metal power amplifiers. It can deliver as much as 2,400 watts, weighs 240 pounds, and sounds amazing. It's made in Boulder, Colo.

3 of 10

Woo Audio

Woo Audio WA234 headphone amplifier

Here's the Woo Audio WA234 dual-chassis stereo headphone amplifier. Astonishing in design and sound, and it's made in New York City!

4 of 10

Burmester

Burmester 808 Mk 5 stereo preamplifier

The Burmester 808 Mk 5 stereo preamplifier has a modular design and uses plug-in circuit boards. The original 808 was introduced in 1980. It's still made in Germany.

5 of 10

Wes Bender

Viva Audio

Viva Audio components are hand-crafted in Italy; they have a unique style and fabulous sound. Custom paint finishes are available by request.

6 of 10

Theo Braakman

Philips 952A portable turntable

I love the design of this portable Philips 952A turntable, from 1942 (seen from the rear). Watch this YouTube video to see the turntable in action.

7 of 10

Steve Guttenberg/CNET

Original Reference Grado headphones

This HP-2 headphone was designed by Joe Grado, and hand-built by his nephew John Grado in the 1980s. John now owns the company and designs all of the current headphones and phono cartridges. Nearly all Grado products, with prices starting around $79, are made in Brooklyn, NY.

8 of 10

Wes Bender

Viola Labs Crescendo

The Viola Labs Crescendo sounds as good as it looks. Japanese audiophiles are among the world's most demanding perfectionists, and they account for a healthy percentage of Viola's customers. The electronics are assembled in New Haven, Conn., and the machined metal chassis parts are sourced from a firm in Colorado.

9 of 10

YG Acoustics

YG Acoustics Carmel speaker

The Carmel is the most affordable speaker from YG Acoustics. The cabinet is constructed of machined aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.

10 of 10

Devialet

Devialet D-Premier integrated amplifier

The Devialet D-Premier integrated amplifier is fashioned from a single aluminum casting, polished to a high shine. It can be positioned horizontally on a shelf or mounted on a wall. The D-Premier is made in France.