Price Paid:  $3100.00 from Out of business

Summary:
I too was on a speaker quest that sent my ears on a delightful path to find the "perfect sound" for my wallet. I listened to a wide variety of speakers in varying price ranges ($2,500 - $15K). I was perfectly willing to spend $10K if I was notably impressed, fortunately I didn't have to spend that much because I found a pair of Hales Design Group T-5's that out performed speakers costing nearly three times as much. The T-5's have a tremendous soundstage with a coherence and clarity of midrange that set them apart from the competition. The bass is rich, but not over powering. When I tested a variety of speakers it seemed each manufacturer had a clear strength and a very definable weakness. When I came across the Hales they instantly gave me the impression of defining the complete package. The journey had ended with the T-5's because they developed the exact sound I was looking for. I recently added a high-end CD player to my equipment list and the audiophile installer who set-up the new equipment was blown away by the imaging and sound of these speakers. When I played "Desert Rose" by Sting for this guy the goose bumps on his arms stood up like a Sherpa trekking up Mount Everest. His shop sells top of the line Revels and he said these Hales were every bit as good. Given the fact I'm under driving them with only 125 watts of power that is solid praise indeed. The T-5's are begging for a robust 2-channel amp to really deliver the sound they were designed to create.

Strengths:
A broad soundstage that is exceptionally deep and clear. The sound envelops the listener in a way that most speakers can not match.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Tannoy's, Pioneer HPM 100's, Martin Logan, B&W Nautilus 801's.

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Price Paid:  $2500.00 from Genesis Audio

Summary:
I just purchased by T-5's this past weekend, and drove
1300 miles round trip to pick them up! I heard a pair
of T-3's first, and then found out that Hales is out of
business....so I figured somebody had a left over pair
that they really, really wanted to sell. I located
Genesis Audio outside of Columbus, Ohio, and they had
a pair of T-5's in cherry at a great price. I rented a
van, made the trip this past weekend, and now own the best
sounding speakers in Wisconsin! These speakers throw up
a huge soundstage, have tremendous bass, a great midrange,
and are beautiful! These Hales make all music sound great,
from Martina McBride to Metallica...they rock! My advice to
you is this: If you're in the market for a pair of full-range, floorstanding speakers, start looking for a left-over
pair of either Hales Trancendence 3's or 5's. You will not
be disappointed. I am currently using an inexpensive NAD
amp and pre-amp to power my T-5's, and they sound great...
I can imagine what some serious electronics will do for the
sound!I have listened to NHT's, B&W's, Klipsch and many
other brands of speakers, but these are the best sound I
have ever experienced in my home!

Strengths:
Great bass, great midrange, very powerful soundstage,
excellent fit and finish.

Weaknesses:
none...well, except Hales is not currently in business!

Similar Products Used:
Klipsch, NHT, B&W

Summary:
A wonderful speaker. It is like having the artist in your room. I have had many guests in my room in the last 6 months: Glenn Gould was playing there, as was Cassandra Wilson, Marianne Faithfull, the King's Singers or the whole of the Berlin Philarmonic Orchestra. Listening to human voice is maybe the most incredible experience, the singer is just 12 ft. away. Chamber music lovers MUST hear these loudspeakers before buying anything else.
They require good (and powerful) electronics though, and must be positioned carefully.
A dream came true.

Strengths:
wonderful imaging, clear, non colored sound

Weaknesses:
must be away from the walls

Similar Products Used:
Infinity Kappa Renaissance 90, Martin Logan Request

Summary:
All thge speakers I listened to are good. The Wilsons get the nod as best but should be half the price in my opinion T
he Hales T-5's are better in some areas and 1/3 the price.
Other equipment.
Krell FPB200c
Krell HTS
SONY 7700 DVD/CD player
Rotel RB993
Hales revelation center
Signet surrounds
Jvc VCR
Echo Star sattellite
cardas neutral referece cables
transparent cables

Strengths:
I have owned the T-5's for 6 months now and I am very happy with their sound quality best sound for the price

Similar Products Used:
I listened to b&w nautilus 803-804 dunlavey3,jm-lab electra920 wilson watt puppy5 m-l requests

Summary:
You cannot find a better speakers under $10k in my opinion. They look real sexy, too, especially with the grille covers off. They require quality amplification, especially an amp that can handle low impendence loads.

Strengths:
Highs are liquid as silicon gel. Midrange is more magical than Rebecca Pidgeon singer at the dinner table. Bass is dynamic, yet the most defined I have ever heard. Goes real deep, too.

Weaknesses:
None.

Similar Products Used:
Aerial 8s, Dunlavy SC-IVs, Thiel CS2.3s, Hales Revelations Threes, Wilson Watt/Puppy