If there was Nobel prize in audio...

David, I've met many folks involved in quality audio, and some certainly stand out. I've sold semiconductors to most of these companies over the years, so I got to know their design philosophy and how/why/at what cost they do what they do. Dave Reich (a true gentleman and a designer I continue to admire for his ability to bring products to market that compete with other manufacturers at a fraction of the price), Ed Meitner (a leading-edge designer willing to push the envelope, tremendous imagination and ear), Jacques Riendeau (one of the more passionate audio enthusiasts), and Gilbert from Blue Circle (low key, polite, and very knowledgable), Victor Sima (focused gent, quite concerned about the relative quality of the parts used in his products). All good people. There is one gent who refused to answer my queries, but I do admire his speakers all the same. I'll leave that for another time and thread. I'm convinced no one in high end audio does this to become a millionaire, they get involved because they are passionate about advancing the cause.

Steve McCormack's name belongs here

I'd recognize John Marovskis, designer of the Janis subwoofer, for bringing audiophile quality (by the standards of the day) to low frequency music.

Why, Doctor Bose, of course. How could you exclude him? Without him, no 901s, no WaveRadio,no...Wait, did you say "Nobel Prize Nominee" or "Great Satan"? Sorry, disregard my nomination...

Harry Pearson. While some may disagree, and many others may be turned off by his pompous or grandiose attitude, I firmly believe that High End audio would not be at the level of sophistication that it is if not for this man.

His contribution to the language of audio is unique and the guy has EARS. Most importantly, he has relentlessly promoted the use of the best standard that there is for gauging the success of audio products: Does it serve the music?

(His photography sucks however)

Happy listening.